The Wonder of It All: Recent Episodes
Ben Brewster
Ben, along with special guests, shares thoughts on relationships, parenting, mental illness, faith, trauma, history, and how to live in the sacredness of wonder.
An exciting announcement about a new podcast that Ben and co-host, Darren Shavers, are launching: The Brew & Shavers Sports Podcast! If you are interested in stories and personalities from the world of sports then check out this new show! The Wonder of It All will continue to add episodes throughout the year, so check back often! Thanks for listening! Blessings!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Season 4 is here! Big changes have arrived, most notably with the addition of Darren Shavers as co-host. On this first episode of our new season we talk about the upcoming college football season, and players who are defined first by their faith.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
On this final episode of season three, Ben shares his thoughts on summer music, the lyrics of Bob Marley, and a love that doesn't let us go when we feel unlovable.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Jennifer McMullen comes back on the show to discuss all things music. From musical collaboration to lyrics, Jennifer brings her unique perspective as a musician and songwriter.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Our special guest today, Andrew Brewster (I call him Dad), joins us to share reflections on his 50+ years in full-time ministry around the United States. He also talks about reasons to be optimistic for the future of the church.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Have you ever thought: "this is not where I imagined my life would be?" Have you ever felt unfilled, or left believing that your best life is always going to be out of your reach? On today's episode, Ben talks about what a fulfilled life really means, and the first step to making a change in order to live such a life.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
With family roots in northwest Louisiana, Tom Edwards grew up in a Christian home. By his teen years, however, Tom began walking away from his childhood faith. Then a series of tragedies happened in his life which set him in a different direction. Through the pain and the loss, Tom found his faith again. He shares his story on this episode.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Do you ever feel like God made a mistake in calling you to a specific mission? On today's episode, we take a look at a man named Moses, who gives God all kinds of reasons why he is not the person for the mission.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Howie Brownell, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Northwest Louisiana (and a guest from Season One), returns to share how his life has changed since being diagnosed with prostate cancer. When this episode was recorded, Howie was still in the process of radiation treatments.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
In the third and final part of "Growing Up in the Churches of Christ," Darren Shavers shares more of his spiritual journey, including when he stepped away from his religious heritage, and what brought him back.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
My conversation with Darren Shavers continues as he shares more about his background in the Churches of Christ, and what he learned when he went away to college.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Welcome to the first episode of Season Three! Today we are joined by Darren Shavers who shares some of his story about his faith background and how that has impacted his life. Note: this is the first of a two-part series.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
On this final episode of season two, we conclude our history segment by looking at one of the most important and influential people connected to the American Restoration Movement: Alexander Campbell.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Thomas Campbell, influenced by a variety of religious experiences in his formative years, spurns the division he sees among so many Christians and launches a path to what he termed "union in truth." On this episode we look at why Campbell is so very important to the history of Christianity in the United States of America.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Having made a bold stand for a return to simply Christianity, Barton Stone is faced with a new threat: the arrival of Shaker missionaries who believe that the leader was the second incarnation of Christ. In this episode, we look at the American Restoration Movement hanging in the balance, and how Stone's bold stand helped the Movement survive and grow.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
It was a time of western expansion. Liberty was cherished, and freedom was proclaimed not only in political circles, but among the churches in America. In this landscape arose a humble preacher in Kentucky named Barton W. Stone, whose commitment to biblical authority and the unity of all Christians helped bolster the largest indigenous religious Movement in America.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
James O'Kelly began a quest to reconnect with Christianity as first practiced thousands of years ago. His journey led him to rebel against his own religious tribes and leaders. Driven by a passion to only follow the Bible, and use the Bible to unite all Christians, O'Kelly soon came to learn how difficult it is to maintain (or even recognize) unity among Christians. It was a painful lesson for him, and a sobering reminder to us.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
T.B. Larimore, a prolific preacher throughout the American South, had an unquenchable passion for unity among followers of Jesus. This passion led him to not speak out on controversial issues that divided fellow Christians. Larimore's commitment brought a flurry of criticism throughout his life, as some tried to force him to take a stand on the divisive controversies. Larimore refused. His response to his critics are words we still need to hear today.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Jeff Tacker helps run his family's business, Tacker's Shake Shack (started by his parents in 1977). Located in Marion, Arkansas, this must-stop is a fixture in the local community. On today's episode, Jeff shares some keys to running a successful business that positively impacts the community (hint: it begins and ends with people).
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
On this episode: singer, songwriter and musician, Jennifer McMullen, reflects on how music has transformed her life. She also discusses her favorite opening line to a song, why music programs are so important to schools, which songwriters have been the most influential in her life, and how her faith inspires her music.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
On this snowy Tuesday in February we talk about the beauty of freshly fallen snow, and how the Bible describes an amazing thing that God continues to do in our lives.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Mendy is back to help share "Five Critical Parenting Tips" (from personal experience). Parenting is an honor, yet can be incredibly stressful. In this episode, we share some practical tips in an encouraging way (because we are all learning, and we all need encouragement).
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Some of the stresses of 2020 have followed us into 2021. How are people of faith, particularly the Christian faith, responding? On this episode we look at some new data about faith in a pandemic, and discuss what this research shows.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
The universe is mind-boggling, how the human body works is amazing, but the power of kindness is an unparalleled wonder! On this episode, Ben shares some fascinating facts about what we know about the universe, the human body, and how kindness can alter the future.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Ben shares some thoughts on the upcoming inauguration, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and how to live out peace and reconciliation in a climate that profits off division and selfish agendas.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Landa Lawrence, along with her daughter, Sierra, share their family's journey through recognizing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. In this candid interview they share the pain as well as the joy of a family leaning on each other through unexpected changes.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Drew joins his Dad, Ben, to discuss how Christmas brings wonder and joy! It's our final show of Season One! Thank you so much to our listeners for joining us on this journey as we try to live in wonder!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Kendric and Tammie Ellerbe know about keeping a marriage strong, and parenting children while serving active duty in the United States Air Force. Tammie (retired 2018) and Kendric (still active duty), share what they've learned through their USAF careers about marriage and keeping the family bonds strong.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Randall Pape, retired USAF, and current PA-C, offers critical information about PTSD among veterans. He details the struggle, the help available, and the hope for those fighting PTSD.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Marc Patience, a clinical health psychologist, shares how even when the catalyst for change is painful, there is opportunity for growth. In this candid episode, Marc talks compassionately about suffering, what we can learn from it, and how we can grow through such experiences.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Mendy is back for a special Thanksgiving episode where she talks about what it's like teaching during a pandemic, and why even in 2020 there is so much to be thankful for.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Special guest, Hannah Pape, candidly shares the pain of battling an eating disorder, and how what started out as a seemingly healthy habit turned into a devastating illness.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Psychology expert, Brenda Patience, talks about the connection between social media and mental health in adolescents, and shares her thoughts about "compassion-fatigue" in this informative and hopeful episode.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
On this episode Ben gives some practical advice about how to survive yet another stressful event in 2020.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Jennifer Angelo, a Certified Physician's Assistant and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of PAs, joins the show to discuss what is currently happening regarding mental health disorders. Along with her education and experience, Jennifer also is a person of deep faith. She shares how that faith impacts the way she treats patients, and practices medicine.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Special guest, Ben Montgomery, shares what it is like to live with Tourette's Syndrome and OCD. His courageous story both informs and inspires! Take a listen today to what this courageous college student has to say!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
Howie Brownell, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has been in practice for 22 years, is our special guest for this episode. Howie shares his insight on the importance of caring for self, and the huge benefit that doing the little things can bring.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
She was a foster child for several years before adoption. On this episode, Angela shares her story about her experiences before and during foster care, as well as the wonder of adoption.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
On this episode special guest, Mendy, shares her story about her battle with depression, and how she has actually grown in her faith through this painful struggle.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message
First podcast alert. Join the journey to getting lost in wonder and living in amazement.
Today we talk about the concept of wonder in the intersection of faith and experience.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ben-brewster/message