Searching Inward: Recent Episodes
Restore Small Groups
A podcast from Restore Small Groups about discovering the path of personal transformation in mind, body and spirit and finding inner peace on our life's journey.
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Matt Jefferson about his experience with Restore Small Groups. Even though he has participated in several group as he become a facilitator, Matt takes us back to his first group and how it felt liberating and organic to share about himself. He also shares how participating in a small group of functional strangers helped him get into a stronger, more stable place.
“A verbal processor if I ever saw one.” -Anna[10:26]
“I don’t think Group fixes the problems. I think it gives you a chance to figure out what needs focus and attention and how to do it in an appropriate way to make your life more fulfilled.” -Matt [21:55]
“It’s hard to see or access certain parts of yourself without other people.” -Seth [22:24]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:19] About this week’s guest
[04:08] Connecting with Restore Small Groups
[08:00] Recalling that first group
[13:44] In a stronger, more stable place
[18:27] How the group helped his process
[23:34] A secret in plain sight
[28:33] Rapid fire questions
[33:27] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant talk about the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and how understanding these ideas can impact your personal growth, your capacity for resilience and influence your overall well being. They draw insights from the founder of these ideas, psychologist Carol Dweck and her groundbreaking research, to discuss how shifting your mindset opens up new possibilities for you life and why they’re so crucial for personal growth.
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant start exploring Scott’s book, “Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing,” that they used for their flagship eight-week process. Each week, they discuss what you can expect from the eight-week process in a Small Group and what’s at the heart of Journey to Freedom. This week, they start with how to step out of contemplating change of who you want to become and move into real action by taking an honest look at your life.
“Because it doesn’t matter what stage of life we go through or if things are going well, eventually there will be struggles. Or there’s parts of our life that if they got better, we would live better. So Journey to Freedom would really benefit anyone, but what it does, I think, its greatest gift, is it really does move people out of contemplation.” -Scott [06:43]
“I think that’s one of the huge values of the process that we’re offering is we’re creating this space and normalizing, it's ok to say anything that is happening in your interior world and relating it to what’s happening on the outside, right? It’s that process of integration.” -Anna[10:10]
“This is a support group, but it’s also a group process. We’re leading people through the process to a new place as they’re unpacking their story. And we talk about how we focus on a solution versus focusing on a problem.” -Seth [16:17]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:28] The heart of Journey to Freedom
[08:48] The value of the eight-week process
[11:23] The importance of welcome and safety
[15:40] Our foundations for change
[20:27] Emotion is always present
[24:02] Our process of transformation
[29:45] Personal stories of transformation
[37:06] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
Today, we celebrate a monumental milestone: our hundredth episode of Searching Inward! This achievement reflects the dedication and consistency of our team and the unwavering support of our listeners over the years. Thank you for being part of this journey with us as we look forward to many more episodes to come!
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Karen Lopez about her journey with Restore Small Groups. Karen shares how joining a small group helped her navigate a transitional point in life with a new job, a new career in a new city.
“I really resonated and what you were saying, I felt emotional listening to you, because it was really beautiful. You said you were committed to being honest, and you absolutely were.” -Seth [14:03]
“You’re articulating so beautifully, I feel like, just the magic and the miracle of what happens in Small Group. There’s obviously a huge shift between when you walk in first night and when you walk out Week Eight.” -Anna[17:23]
“I still think of myself as ill-equipped and underprepared and unable, and at a certain point, if I’m going to make an impact in the places that I am and I want to be in, that doesn’t serve me going forward, like those feelings of doubt and insecurity.” -Karen [20:17]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:05] This week's guest
[05:25] A transitional point in life
[09:46] The experience in a small group
[17:21] Getting past the invisible wall
[22:53] Examples of newfound confidence
[27:33] A communal experience of growth and healing
[30:02] Dealing with pandora’s box
[34:35] Rapid fire questions
[38:37] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant talk about the concept of radical hospitality, a theme inspired by Henri Nouwen’s book, “Reaching Out.” They discuss how this idea of creating a safe and non-judgemental space plays out in Restore Small Groups’ process.
“The things that are shared within the group are to remain within the group. Things like it is not a place to give and receive advice. It is simply a place to share, which makes it so safe because you know that whatever you put out there is not going to be corrected. It’s not going to be even really commented on in any kind of way, except for like ‘Thank you for sharing that,’ and I can’t tell you the power of how safe that feels.” -Anna[03:58]
“I think that the key to our groups is just always forward thinking. What would be different if you could grow out of this space? And that’s what it really comes down to is growth and the hope that comes from I can grow out of this.” -Scott [24:00]
“Our neurobiology is affected and shaped most by others. Or you could just say, we are hurt in community, and we are healed in community.” -Seth [35:48]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:17] The inspiration of Henri Nouwen
[03:18] Ensuring groups remain a safe & non-judgemental space
[05:24] The power of compassionate presence
[13:52] Personal stories in a group
[19:35] Inviting people to change from within
[24:25] Transforming isolation into meaningful connection
[27:38] The impact of feeling seen
[29:14] Embracing vulnerability and authenticity
[31:57] Radical hospitality is a two-way street
[36:53] The spiritual dimension of radical hospitality
[40:36] Final thoughts
[41:49] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Resources:
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen
How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving by David Richo
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Dori Gorman, a chaplain for the YMCA in Nashville, about mental health and spirituality. Dori discusses her proactive approach to educate and destigmatize mental health through her role. She also shares her path towards becoming a chaplain and the people who influenced her along the way. Content warnings: Mentions of death and suicide
TIMESTAMPS
[00:06] Intro
[01:22] About this week’s guest
[05:13] Being a chaplain for the YMCA
[11:03] Spiritual and mental health
[14:53] A typical day of a YMCA chaplain
[22:15] Dori’s influences
[31:49] Challenges in her role as chaplain
[37:10] The role of inclusivity
[41:34] The role of spirituality and mental health
[45:01] A takeaway from Dori
[47:31] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Jeremy Jennings about his experience with Restore Small Groups. Jeremy shares how the communal experience helped him during his mental health journey, making him feel seen and heard.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:06] Intro
[01:24] Discovering Restore Small Groups
[05:05] Jeremy’s experience
[12:52] It feels good to be seen and heard
[14:42] Rapid fire questions
[19:08] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant continue their discussions on Scott’s book, “Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment.” They talk about Chapter 6 which is on the grief stage of acceptance, when a person comes to terms with the reality of their loss.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:35] Defining acceptance
[06:41] Examples of reaching acceptance
[15:24] Lack of acceptance keeps us from growing
[22:35] The concept of powerlessness
[27:52] The next steps towards acceptance
[33:20] Acceptance is not a linear process
[36:19] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Adam Buzard, Director of United4Pastors, which brings pastors together in the Greater Nashville community. Adam talks about his listening tour where he sat down with over 200 pastors in Nashville to discuss how they’re doing and the two major themes that emerged from those discussions. He also shares what he learned through The State of Nashville study and its impact in helping the organization's understanding of the world.
“I think one of the challenges and opportunities we have is–again–listen. Listen first.” -Adam [14:51]
“I really believe that a part of being a healthy, well-rounded leader is to provide safe spaces for vulnerability and healing.” -Seth [29:01]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:13] About this week’s guest
[03:21] His work with United4Pastors
[08:11] The State of Nashville
[14:11] Addressing the challenges
[18:24] Strategies to build trust
[28:59] The impact in Nashville
[34:16] Advice for Pastors
[36:54] How to contact Andrew
[38:26] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Operation Andrew Group: operationandrew.org
The State of Nashville: stateofnashville.com
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Marcel Patillo about his experience with Restore Small Group. Initially joining to strengthen himself on an emotional level, Marcel shares how the eight-week program with an initial group of strangers helped him gain a new perspective and a new clarity of who he is and why he is the way he is.
“One of our primary things for going through our groups is you cultivate self-awareness. You can’t really travel a map without locating where you are on the map.” -Seth [06:52]
“I love the articulation of like eight weeks is not going to change your life. You’re not going to walk out completely different in circumstantially your life looks brand new, but it’s like the start.”-Anna [07:3525]
“By identifying where you’ve been and why you might have the feelings that you have, it can unlock new paths to process in your life that you may have never imagined really.” -Marcel [19:00]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:47] This week’s guest, Marcel
[01:38] What drew Marcel to Restore Small Groups
[02:47] Marcel’s experience with Restore Small Groups
[07:25] Putting tools in your tool chest
[10:28] Identifying who he is
[12:35] The collaborative effort
[18:33] Why recommend Restore Small Groups
[21:07] Rapid fire questions
[24:30] Outro
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant talk about cultivating life-giving practices, which are healthy habits that nurtures your mental, emotional or spiritual well being. They share examples of practices to integrate into your daily life as well as what practices have shaped them personally to stir some ideas to cultivate well being.
“We need life-giving practices because we need to attend to our well-being, and that doesn’t just happen naturally, right? It requires intentionality.” -Seth [05:18]
“Cultivating relationships with people that are also emotionally available in your life, so whether that’s friendships or family or whatever kind of relationships that you find yourself in. They’re not all going to be your best friends, but finding safe places where you can really be your real self and connect deeply and authenticity with others is crucial in maintaining emotional well-being.” -Anna [16:16]
“I believe that God—is my understanding–is my friend, and so I look at spending time with my friend, and building my friendship with God is a very spiritual process for me.” -Scott [17:49]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:04] Intro
[02:02] What is a life-giving practice & why we need them
[05:49] Defining well being
[08:43] What life-giving practices are not
[09:51] Mental practices
[13:30] Cultivating for emotional well being
[16:41] Spiritual well being practices
[19:50] What practices shape the hosts personally
[25:43] How to integrate these practices into daily life
[27:45] Helpful tips to manage obstacle and setbacks
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant discuss Chapter Six in Scott’s book, Journey to a New Beginning after Loss, which is about forgiveness. They draw from personal experiences to discuss three stages around forgiveness–the forgiveness of others, the forgiveness of God and the forgiveness of ourselves–as well as debunk the misconceptions around this process.
“You can forgive someone without reestablishing a relationship. Forgiveness does not mean that you are obliterating your boundaries.” -Anna [07:43]
“I think forgiveness is just so, so powerful in that it’s for me. It’s for me. It has nothing to do with the other person. It doesn’t have anything to do with the events. It’s for me.” -Scott [10:52]
“What moves us to acceptance and peace ultimately is forgiveness, because it is feeling the emotion so that we can move through it and process it and metabolize it so that it can stop being stuck and we can keep moving as the process that we are.” -Seth [29:08]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:27] Intro
[01:56] Definition of forgiveness
[05:20] Misconceptions around forgiveness
[19:50] Hard to forgive
[25:31] The value of forgiveness
[29:29] The practice of forgiveness
[37:35] Forgiving God
[46:26] Forgiving yourself
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Sarah Ruccio Huffman, the Healing Arts Coordinator at Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. Sarah has worked as a clinical chaplain and an expressive therapist in a variety of environments, and she discusses the value of therapy. She shares the pivotal moment that inspired her to help other people learn how to live fully in an ordinary life. She also talks about her experience with Restore Small Groups and the direct correlation between her expressive therapy groups and Restore Small Groups.
“It’s so impressive that you are able to get to that point to realize like I do need help. I do need to talk about these things. And then when you do normalize helping yourself, how that in turn helps others that are watching your story unfold.” -Anna [10:04]
“The underlying message there is that asking for help is a sign of weakness, and so I have learned along the way that asking for help is a sign of strength.” -Sarah [10:42]
“Spirituality assists and supports an expansion of our identity.” -Seth [20:59]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:50] This week’s guest, Sarah
[01:52] Becoming an expressive therapist
[06:16] A pivotal moment
[11:06] The value of art therapy
[13:51] Current therapy trends
[21:33] Helping military veterans
[27:30] Her experience with Restore Small Groups
[32:12] Primary issues in therapy community
[35:45] The Journey to Freedom process
[41:24] Listen to yourself and respond
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Tamara Lankford about her experience with Restore Small Groups. Tamara shares what inspired her to sign up, how she overcame her shyness and why she would recommend others to join a small group.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:42] This week’s guest, Tamara
[02:13] How she came to Restore Small Groups
[04:10] Week 1 vs Week 8
[08:09] Moving though the river
[10:15] The communal experience
[13:03] Rapid fire questions
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant talk about the concept of authenticity, the key components and why it’s important to their stories.
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant discuss the fourth chapter in Scott’s book, Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment, about depression and sadness. They discuss the grief stages through personal examples and how to distinguish between feeling depressed from feeling sad.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:27] Last live music experience
[02:20] Depression and sadness
[08:49] More specific definitions
[12:12] Depression as a form of self-suppression
[16:55] Feeling depressed vs living with depression
[19:15] Characteristics of depression
[22:21] Defining sadness
[30:01] Living from a false self
[32:17] More personal examples
[43:56] Practical thoughts to move through sadness
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Beth Joseph about her experience with Restore Small Groups. Beth shares how her first small group made her feel seen, which allowed her to be the fullest version of herself. She also discusses how this inspires her to return and participate in multiple groups.
“From week one to week eight, I feel like those people, even to this day–I don’t know, a year and a half later since we had that first group–like they know me better than people who have known me for 10 years.” -Beth [10:08]
“I remember you walking in that first day and just being a little frazzled and late and being brave to just walk into a room of people, and then to come back again, just slowly let your story unfold with these people. Man, what a gift. What a gift.” -Anna [10:49]
“That is some of the magic of the process. We create this safe environment where you can name the painful parts of your life, the struggles, the issues, and you’re still accepted like you’re alluded to earlier. You’re still ok in the eyes of everyone. There’s non-judgement that fills the room.” -Seth [19:16]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:54] This week’s guest, Beth
[04:28] What drew Beth to join a Restore Small Group
[06:05] Her experience with Restore
[11:10] The contrast between Week 1 and Week 8
[21:28] What Beth uncovered about herself
[26:27] A pitch for Restore Small Group
[28:00] Rapid fire questions
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Rianne McCulloch about her experience with Restore Small Groups. Rianne shares how small groups taught her to be vulnerable to help her move forward in her process as well as help a group of strangers become friends during the eight week program.
“And I think that’s one of the big things that I learned from Week 1 to Week 8 was you get out of it what you put into it.” -Rianne [04:06]
“There’s a lot of different things that happen within those eight weeks. You go from–like you mentioned–stranger to an interesting community real quick, because of the vulnerability that the experience lends itself to.” -Seth [05:09]
“There’s something about that year nine at the end of the decade that really propels you into a new direction.” -Anna [07:11]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:55] This week’s guest, Rianne
[01:53] Why join a Restore Small Group
[03:12] Her experience in a small group
[09:09] Why she recommends Restore
[11:18] Rapid fire questions
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant have a conversation about intrinsic hope. Hope is dynamic and a powerful force that is essential in the human experience. The three hosts discuss this feeling as it relates to growth and change and how it can help keep us forward. They share what hope means to them and how to practical ways to cultivate it.
“One of the ways that I think I view hope is it’s the ground that I stand on that is unchanging, no matter what the weather is.” -Seth [12:51]
“We can’t obviously control what is happening externally, but the ways that we experience what is happening externally has everything to do with our mental framework, whether we are looking at it from a growth mindset or a fixed mindset.” -Anna [25:29]
“To me, the greatest motivator in all of life is hope.” -Scott [38:11]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:21] How hopeful are you feeling?
[04:21] What does hope mean to you?
[13:04] How threatening it can be to hope
[19:00] Qualities of hope
[25:59] Link between hope and trust
[32:03] Hope and identity
[39:16] Growth and transformation
[43:45] How to cultivate hope
[56:17] The Welcoming Prayer
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Janele Nelson, Mission Director at YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Scott and Janele have known each other for almost 20 years after her job sent her to Restore Small Groups in Nashville. Janele discusses her work at the YMCA and how the organization continues to provide a great place to help people reach their full potential during this time of divisiveness. She also talks about her experience with Small Groups and its impact.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:23] This week’s guest, Janele
[04:31] YMCA’s current work worldwide
[08:13] Janele’s role as Mission Director
[13:18] Primary issues in her community
[18:11] The value of Restore Small Groups
[22:27] Janele’s mission and purpose in life
[27:02] Restore’s impact in non-Christian environment
[30:53] What’s on Janele’s heart to share
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant talk about the bargaining stage of grief. This stage is a refusal to accept a reality from a loss, but goes beyond denial as it’s trying to create an alternative reality mentally. The three hosts discuss how this stage can show up and give practical tips on how to work through it.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:07] Reflect on a loss in your life
[02:30] Writing the chapter on bargaining
[07:22] Unresolved grief
[09:25] What is bargaining
[13:10] How religion can interfere with grief
[17:54] People don’t always need answers, just presence
[21:43] Complete the grief
[27:56] Blaming ourselves
[30:53] Working through the bargaining stage
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram speaks with Taylor Grice of Nashville about her experience with Restore Small Groups. Taylor shares what she uncovered about herself as she unpacked her story in the eight-week program. As she started to see pieces of herself in others, she developed special bonds with the peer group, and she describes how the community helped her move forward with some growth in her life.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:22] This week’s guest, Taylor
[03:25] Joining Restore Small Groups
[04:59] Walking to the first group with strangers
[10:46] What she discovered sharing her story
[14:46] A group of strangers become friends
[18:16] One of the most formational thing
[19:57] Lighting round
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant have a conversation around loneliness, belonging and community and the relationship between the three. In this vulnerable conversation, the three hosts discuss how these deeply connected elements play a significant role in mental and emotional well-being and share practical takeaways to deal with loneliness in a healthy way and build a more meaningful community.
“I also think that the chronic epidemic of loneliness is deadly. I don’t think we can talk enough about how important it is that a person finds true connection.” -Scott [09:40]
“I’m just thinking about how the fine line between loneliness and belonging is largely around disclosure, how much of yourself you’re willing to disclose to truly find belonging and connect with people or not.” -Seth [14:46]
“Community is the antidote to loneliness and belonging, but just to remember that community is the people. It’s not person.” -Anna [42:29]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:58] Loneliness: the pain of being alone
[06:27] The biggest loneliness pandemic
[14:12] Belonging: security and support
[22:35] Community: mutual support and belonging
[33:42] Bringing these three terms together
[43:04] Self-esteem vs self-worth
[50:54] Practical takeaways
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant continue to explore one of Scott’s books, “Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment,” and focus on the second chapter about anger–one of the stages of grief. They discuss our relationship with anger, the benefits of it during this stage and how to work through it.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:20] Stages of grief
[05:02] Benefits of anger
[09:25] Reality hits
[15:10] Wrong expectations
[19:58] Resentment and regret
[23:53] The role of forgiveness
[27:43] How to work through anger
[33:35] Final thoughts
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall and George Stull speak with Heather Lefebvre, a licensed psychotherapist who focuses on marriage and family therapy. Heather previously worked for Restore Small Groups over a decade ago, where her and her husband, Steven, were essential in the development and growth of the organization. She shares her journey with Small Groups and how it inspired her to transition into the mental health field.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:19] This week’s guest, Heather
[05:05] How Heather came to love Restore Small Groups
[11:30] Transitioning to the mental health field
[12:48] The value of individual therapy and small groups
[17:26] Vulnerability is healthy to our growth
[21:19] Why Small Groups are beneficial
[25:21] How neurobiology influences her therapy approach
[33:46] Recommended helpful practices
[37:36] We are good enough
[41:17] Heather’s website and final words
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Heather’s Website: mytherapistheather.com
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Mike “L.A. Mike” Rada about his experience with Restore Small Groups. Mike shares how feeling lost mentally, physically and spiritually after a pretty bad case of COVID-19 inspired him to join a Small Group. He takes the host through his journey that quickly evolved into sharing vulnerably.
“It allowed me to let myself be vulnerable for once, and it was a very welcoming group of people. It was strange for me, but then it also felt great. It gave me a chance to let my guard down.” -Mike [09:11]
“I think it’s a really great description of some of the magic of what happens in a group. Where we meet one another is in our humanity first.” -Seth [11:06]
“I think you articulated well though. Like it was a catalyst for you to maybe connect your inner world and your outer world in a more honest way with the people in your life.” -Anna [15:52]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:28] Today’s guest, Mike
[01:54] What drew him to Restore Small Groups
[05:43] His first and last days
[11:36] Sharing vulnerably
[14:50] Something that had an impact on Mike
[18:32] Why recommend Small Groups to others?
[20:46] Lighting round
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Scott Reall, George Stull, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant talk about vulnerability. They explore what this means in the context of mental and emotional well-being and break down the myths about it. Listen as they share strategies for leaning into our vulnerability and embracing authenticity.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:19] Defining vulnerability
[03:21] Myths about vulnerability
[09:12] “I don’t do vulnerability”
[14:34] Can’t go it alone
[16:48] What is vulnerability
[22:09] Within the framework of relationships
[32:46] Takeaways and strategies
[38:30] Four feeling questions
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Seth Abram and Anna Bryant speak with Jason Adam Miller, a pastor at South Bend City Church and author of the book, When The World Breaks: The Surprising Hope and Subversive Promises in the Teachings of Jesus. Jason is a helpful voice in bringing mental, well-being and faith together in such a meaningful way, so he discusses how to find hope where there’s suffering and struggle. He shares his church’s mantras and recommended practices when the hard stuff happens such as welcoming emptiness.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:03] Intro
[00:24] This week’s guest, Jason Adam Miller
[02:30] What opens Jason’s heart to faith and mental health
[07:31] Letting grieve consume and losing your faith
[13:16] His church’s mantras
[19:36] Recommended practices
[25:06] Misconceptions of mental health and faith
[27:27] Welcoming emptiness
[33:48] How to contact Jason
[36:02] One final message from Jason
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Jason Adam Miller
Web: jasonadammiller.com
IG: @jasonadammiller
Pod: South Bend City Church Podcast
Book: When The World Breaks: The Surprising Hope and Subversive Promises in the Teachings of Jesus
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Seth Abram, Scott Reall and Anna Bryant do implement the third of their four styles of episodes in this new season by talking about curriculum. They explore one of Scott’s books, “Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment,” and talk about grief and loss. Scott explains how our whole life is nothing but a journey of losing things, and nothing stays the same. The three hosts discuss how people interpret grief and loss and the different types of grief and loss as there are more than death or divorce.
“Unless we’re taught how to deal with loss, most of us aren’t going to move into processing it, which is the grief, which is allowing ourselves to feel the loss.” -Seth [09:13]
“We need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, and normalize that life isn’t always comfortable. And be ok with that.” -Anna [13:24]
“We cannot make a new beginning if I’m still holding on and stuck in the past.” -Scott [33:48]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:04] Intro
[01:11] The inspiration for the book
[03:33] Cultural misconceptions
[06:39] To complete communications
[08:06] The difference between loss and grief
[15:07] Different types of losses we grapple with
[32:23] Final words from the hosts
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram hear from Jim Clement, a participant of Restore Small Group from Franklin, Tennessee. Jim talks about his experience in a small group, how it brought him relief during a period of grief and isolation and what the overall experience means to him.
“When I heard those stories, it was the first thing that brought me any sort of relief at all. Was just to hear that there are fellow travelers out there. I’m not alone. There are other people that are experiencing what I am.” -Jim [06:24]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:06] Intro
[00:54] About Jim Clements
[02:05] Joining a Restore Small Group
[08:11] First and last nights of group
[13:14] The group’s impact
[14:44] Would Jim recommend a small group?
[16:42] A quick lighting round
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram start a new series format with a topical episode about awareness. The more aware a person is, the more cognizant they are of how they show up in the world. The hosts discuss how we see and understand this concept and how we can start by aiming the awareness towards ourselves so that we can begin to grow.
“I think you can’t find change, real meaningful change and lasting change in your life or growth in your life without cultivating some capacity for awareness, self-awareness, awareness of yourself.” -Seth [01:49]
“There’s two parts to awareness for me. There’s awareness of how I got here, but there’s also an awareness of where am I resisting? Where is it that I don’t want to be aware?” -Scott [06:58]
“Sometimes we protect ourselves and don’t want to be self-aware because there’s some greatness or some responsibility that we have to show up in the world in some way, right? And there’s some gift we are to the world. So sometimes, it can be protecting ourselves from, we don’t want to fail.” -George [09:20]
“Everybody has limitations. Everybody struggles. Everyone also has strengths. And so, the sum of your strengths doesn’t make you more superhuman. And the sum of your limitations doesn’t make you less than human. We are all human. And having an understanding of that and holding the tension between that is critical for self-acceptance, and you have to have that in order to grow.” -Anna [11:47]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:04] Intro
[01:06] An intimate look at our lives
[02:53] How we see and understand this concept
[05:30] We see what we believe
[10:51] Non-judgemental presence
[14:54] Looking from a place of shame, doubt and fear
[17:45] Moments of unawareness
[26:11] It doesn’t matter old how you are
[29:02] A couple of takeaways
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
After exploring The Journey of Transformation over 36 episodes, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram preview what’s to come on the Searching Inward Podcast. The new format will start in the next episode. Stay tuned!
“...We’re going to have the wonderful opportunity to invite you in to meet some of the people that we dearly know and love, who have been a part of our groups, who have experienced significant life change and are going to come and just share a little part of their story and what has been so impactful for them through the group process.” -Anna [01:04]
“Stories. That’s what we all love, and especially stories of healing and hope.” -George [01:28]
“It’s one thing to hear somebody trying to describe what Restore Small Groups is. It’s another thing entirely to hear the impact going through a group has had on someone.” -Seth [01:35]
“Things like awareness and community and loneliness and hope and vulnerability, gratitude, and growth and just topics like that. Things we can really wrap our hearts around that will encourage us to stay on the path.” -Scott [02:08]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:40] The new format
[01:51] Different topics to discuss
[03:03] How it will work
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Scott Reall’s Books:
Journey to Freedom: Your Start to a Lifetime of Hope, Health, and Healing
Journey to a New Beginning after Loss: Freedom from the Pain of Grief and Disappointment
Journey to Living with Courage: Freedom from Fear
Journey to Healthy Living: Freedom from Body Image and Food Issues
Journey to a Life of Significance: Freedom from Low Self-Esteem
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram wrap up their series on the journey of transformation by talking about WOOP it, an acronym that helps us turn our wishes and dreams into a concrete plan. They discuss what keeps us motivated, where motivation comes from and what are some of the factors that shape intrinsic motivation in our lives.
“Having a goal without a plan is just wishes, so how do we move from wishes and dreams into a concrete plan or process that I can implement on a daily basis?” -Scott [04:45]
“This practice is one of the best ways to sum up this book, because it’s basically you use this WOOP practice as a way to co-create a new life for yourself through the process of contemplation and action.” -Seth [17:19]
“And it does a huge comfort to the rest of us to see that you are a fellow traveler. You don’t have it all figured out, because man, how can you trust someone that hasn’t struggled? So we love that you lead by example in all areas and that includes the struggle.” -Anna [25:03]
“I think the message of this whole journey of transformation is that it is a process that we’re always on.” -George [25:44]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[03:30] Willpower vs motivation
[09:28] Positive thoughts won’t transform us
[12:14] The WOOP method
[18:22] What challenges the hosts
[27:08] What is the Enneagram
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall and Anna Bryant talk about getting out of the shadows and into the light. There is only one way there – through vulnerability – so they explore this central question: Do we run from vulnerability? Or do we embrace it?
“But the true relationships I can be honest and vulnerable with, and their input is received as helpful and life-giving and affirming and it gives me life. One gives me life. The other one pulls me down.” -Scott [07:52]
“A much more helpful way that light works is that it just kind of shines the next step, the next place to move towards… Light can be helpful or it can be blinding in a condemning way.” -George [08:57]
“It is so important to remember, yall. Shadows don't exist without bright light. So in order to embrace those things about you that are less than perfect, you also have to reconcile the fact that that means there’s really something bright inside of you casting that shadow.” -Anna [13:49]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:48] The voice of condemnation
[03:01] How shadow and light play out in life
[09:14] Believing we are enough
[12:28] Ego wants to keep us in the shadows
[19:05] How we protect ourselves
[26:03] Where hope breaks in
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall and Anna Bryant talk about finding your North Star, keeping your eyes focused on a goal and not just your obstacles. Scott explains how to access this North Star through cognitive reframing and the tool he’s devised called STAR.
“If we have a North Star and we do get lost and we will get lost, disoriented in a fog of our shames and our struggles, I can get redirected.” -George [04:10]
“When you think about a star, in some way, it’s not just an outward guide, but it’s a light that shines inward, that shines into us in some way that reminds us and shines a bright light into who we authentically are.” -Scott [09:26]
“I think it’s so important to have really clear goals about who we want to be internally, the kind of being that we are, not the kind of doing that we achieve.” -Anna [11:30]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:19] What is STAR
[06:14] An exemplary cause
[13:02] The hosts’ North Stars
[15:59] The acronym of STAR
[20:15] Final words from the hosts
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about deliberate practice, a growth mindset that puts in the work when success isn’t on the horizon. As we prepare for something that has yet to arrive, we are doing the work so that when it gets here, we can enjoy it. Listen as we discuss how deliberate practice changes our brains as well as the four hosts are practicing themselves.
“I think when we live with intention, that’s when we’re at our best.” -Scott [05:10]
“We know perfection does not exist, and I think sometimes we put so much pressure to try and to try and to try and to practice so that we are perfect. And I love that no, the goal isn't perfection. The goal is growth. Practice makes progress.” -Anna [07:30]
“Progress is so much more enjoyable when you’re doing it with others.” -George [13:34]
“I can’t just talk about wanting to grow in this massive idea. I have to get specific and deliberate with the areas in which I need to grow and focus my intentionality in that space.” -Seth [14:50]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:59] Preparing and doing the work
[02:52] Deliberate practice changes the brain
[06:33] Practice makes progress
[09:17] Creatively and deliberate practice working together
[11:48] Movement propels intrinsic motivation
[13:57] Focus on the area
[17:53] What the hosts are practicing today
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about the secret ingredient to happiness. We explore how we can rethink our purpose outside our work in our pursuit for inner happiness so that we can find a deeper meaning in our lives. We discuss the role fear and shame play into our happiness, but also share what makes each of us happy.
“The end goal is finding meaning, finding purpose. It doesn’t have to be done a specific way or in a specific place.” -Anna [06:22]
“Sometimes I think we come into a point in life where we need to make our own personal meaning because the previously held understanding no longer makes sense for us.” -Seth [08:34]
“We’re not talking about denying fear in our life. In fact, the more that we can hold it and understand it, the more that we can move through it and grow and move towards more creativity that’s bringing greater happiness.” -George [18:40]
“Facing fear to me is one of the greatest challenges to live from a creative life, to keep growing.” -Scott [19:33]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:56] Intro
[01:35] How to start living fuller and happier lives
[04:23] Finding a deeper meaning
[07:08] Challenge to make new meanings for ourselves
[11:28] The role that fears plays in happiness
[19:05] Shame is a big part of fear
[21:30] What makes us happy?
[30:35] Happiness is what makes you feel alive
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about the freedom to let go, starting with the word – sobriety. Many times, we’re not aware that we’re not emotionally sober. Where do you run or escape to when you don’t want to experience reality during difficult times? To find the freedom to let go, we first need to become aware of where we are so we can get on the path.
“If we don’t know where we are, it’s really hard to get on the path to freedom.” -Scott [02:46]
“We have the constant need to be entertained so that we don’t have to feel, so that we don’t have to think, so that we don’t have to really take a hard look at what’s going on in our inner worlds.” -Anna [04:22]
“It’s hard to really become our more authentic self if we don’t love ourselves.” -George [16:57]
“I think the separate self is unaware thoughts.” -Seth [21:07]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:43] Define our sobriety
[05:35] Sobriety is an emotional process
[11:11] Knowing what you need freedom from
[14:57] Are you really free?
[17:30] What sobriety actually looks like
[21:20] True inner freedom
[26:17] Final thoughts
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about managing our expectations. Understanding our expectations or the lack of them can lead us to a lot of conflict with ourselves and our relationships. Listen as the four hosts discuss why understanding what we expect from our lives and others, managing disappointment and facing risks will be helpful for our journey.
“Here’s what I’m hearing you say, you have to be able to risk disappointment and risk failure to grow in this, right?” -George [08:34]
“Sometimes in our pain, we look and we see and focus in on what hurts, which tends to be something more negative. And in the midst of that, we can tend to overlook what is positive in our life.” -Anna [11:07]
“I really believe that everything that has been a blessing in my life has come through the mistakes I’ve made when I learn how to respond to it in a better way. That’s how I developed wisdom.” -Scott [16:42]
“People are definitely afraid to make mistakes and like I said from my perspective earlier, I think people are also afraid of disappointments too, feeling the disappointment. But I think another way to flip this on its head is to say that people are afraid of growing, because that includes resilience.” -Seth [17:42]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:12] Why managing expectations is important
[04:59] Managing disappointment
[09:08] Open ended expectations
[10:58] Disqualify the positives
[13:59] Facing risks is healthy
[18:59] Rise up and keep rising up
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about kenosis, which means to let go. This act of making room by letting go of something tired and empty starts with the hope of change. If we’re still clinging to other attachments, how can we ever be free for something new and better to come in? Listen as we discuss how to give yourself grace and the space to pause to start the process of kenosis.
“I just think that part of this is like if we don’t pause and make space to have a different option than the regular paradigm, then we can’t really expect ourselves to make any changes than our normal response.” -Seth [10:38]
“That’s why I think we need grace. Grace is the most powerful force here where it helps me become aware in a very loving way.” -Scott [15:25]
“Our paradigm sometimes of a growth mindset would be that we have to try harder, right? We have to put in more effort. We have to strive more, which is the actual opposite of what this kenosis process is. It’s opening up. It’s letting go. It’s trying softer. It’s not trying harder.” -Anna [17:10]
“The ultimate letting go is falling into this mystery of love at the center of the human experience and reality.” -George [28:17]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:34] The meaning of kenosis
[05:15] Changing fixed mindsets
[09:25] Revisiting our narratives
[13:56] Kenosis sets up the process
[21:22] Anxiety reveals where the trust is
[24:17] Preempted work to let go
[26:12] Final words to ponder
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about finding hope in the midst of suffering through the story of Etty Hillesum, a Dutch Jewish writer who died at Auschwitz in 1943. The four hosts discuss how to create space for joy and hope when we’re surrounded by confining things.
“So she found freedom from within, although outwardly, she was surrounded by barbed wire.” -George [03:56]
“Only you have agency and authority over what thoughts you think and the feelings that you feel, and you can choose what to think and believe and feel.” -Anna [12:17]
“Within suffering, there’s always an obstacle or an invitation.” -Seth [24:08]
“From stimulus to response, we have this ability, this power of freedom, to make our choice.” -Scott [25:21]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:03] A story about a woman named Etty
[06:13] A new paradigm to exist in something we can't change
[09:03] How to move out of the paradigm
[13:47] Hope does not put us to shame
[18:01] Suffering to hope
[25:07] Possibility for every human
[28:23] Existence is not living
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram start the new year by talking about the idealized self – an inflated ego that flatters us with unmatched beauty, power, intelligence, fame, etc – which makes us arrogant and addicted to outside affirmations and recognition. They share how a healthy sense of self helps free us from this and why it’s important not to conflate our roles with our identities.
“The idealized self image is actually holding us back from that kind of change that happens within. It’s because we’re just pursuing affirmations on the outside and not really changing inwardly.” -George [04:38]
“My whole self worth is not grounded and rooted in how I perform at this one task in this one relationship. I am so much more than that.” -Anna [09:17]
“It sounds like when you conflate the role and identity together, you don’t have the capacity for making boundaries.” -Seth [11:39]
“For me being really transparent, what has been the most motivational, influential force in my life has been shame.” -Scott [17:08]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:38] A vicious cycle
[04:30] An idealized self image as a mother
[10:44] Role vs identity
[12:51] A healthy sense of self
[16:39] The underbelly of shame
[23:20] The rejection of myself
[26:51] The hands of unconditional love
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
To celebrate the New Year, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram give the gift of laughter in this special bonus episode of the Searching Inward Podcast. Enjoy this compilation of outtakes!
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:58] A complication of outtakes
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about toxic shame as an identity. Shame can take control by creating a false self, which demands a cover up. This is a significant topic to listen to as we discuss how powerful the false self can be detrimental to our mental, physical and emotional well-being.
“I think this is one of the most significant topics for our listeners. It’s just how powerful the allure is of the false self and just how detrimental that is to our mental and physical and our emotional well-being.” -Scott [05:25]
“I have learned to live out of the false self and I’ve been doing that for nearly 50 years. And I can say like I am utterly exhausted. I cannot continue to pour out of an empty cup, and to have needs is to be human. So learning to embrace that giving and giving and giving is not a virtue.” -Anna [18:36]
“That shame, that toxic shame was so heavy, I was almost ready and willing to just walk off the stage and never come back on. And I just remember I had to make a conscious choice. Like this is not who I am. I made a mistake, but I am not this mistake.” -Seth [24:19]
“But I just remember the shame I felt that day, and it lingered. And you would think, people were just going ‘Oh gosh, you made a mistake, George. It’s ok.’ But how deep that can go to our identity.” -George [26:32]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:00] Toxic shame as identity
[05:55] The false self and social media
[12:08] Shame is dualistic
[15:37] What it looks like to live it out
[24:51] Places of vulnerability
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
Merry Christmas from the Searching Inward Podcast! George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram celebrate and reflect the holiday season in this special bonus episode.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:52] The Christmas song in Scott’s heart
[02:12] A quick word on this Christmas Day
Follow and Contact
Facebook: Restore Small Groups
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about letting go of your attachments. Sometimes we can get trapped by an idea or hang on to things that are detrimental to our souls. We discuss why our desires get captured and how letting go is a process, even if it’s difficult.
“Letting go is a process that some of us may be involved in for the rest of our lives, but there can be freedom.” -Scott [05:10]
“What we have seen in group and what we see over and over again is like it is the unimpressiveness, it is the failures and shortcomings and the limitations and humanity that we witness in one another that really does draw people to each other.” -Anna [13:47]
“To really free ourselves, you guys, we really do need the help of other people.” -George [21:03]
“I think in my mind, this is what healing is: being able to receive love for all of our parts, whether they feel acceptable or not, and I think this is why we have to be vulnerable.” -Seth [28:51]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:26] Why is letting go so difficult?
[03:31] What is an attachment
[07:58] Letting go of an attachment
[12:52] Examples of false attachments
[17:13] Community to help us free ourselves
[25:12] We must feel secure in God’s love
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about beliefs and expectations and their impact on our brains. Using the placebo effect as our example, we discuss how beliefs and expectations create hope. We may not always have a choice in our circumstances, but we always have a choice with our response to these circumstances, which is crucial to maintain a hopeful mindset. We share how broadening our understanding of choice is helpful in moving us forward.
“We may not have a choice in what our circumstances are, but we undoubtedly always have a choice in how we choose to respond to the circumstances we find ourselves in.” -Anna [01:28]
“The quantity of the time I have is not what I have any control over really, but the quality of the time, I do have the ability to respond to.” -Scott [13:10]
“I'll be clear, sometimes it’s really important to have a no, right? There are areas that we close ourselves off to in allowing ourselves to grow in. Those are the areas in which you want to challenge and disconfirm that previous no, because there is potential. There’s other potential.” -Seth [17:50]
“So in a sense, we’re being invited to say yes to the waiting with the expectation and belief that something’s good is coming up.” -George [24:02]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:14] We always have a choice
[05:37] Hope and choice are connected
[09:52] Provisional existence
[14:40] Is there a no in your heart?
[22:04] Heading to Advent season
[24:41] Can I wait and believe?
[27:54] Final words from the hosts
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about destination postcards, which are vivid pictures from the near future that show us what’s possible. We must envision what we want to become, so we discuss the role hope plays into this and why we must do something in the present to allow us to participate in the future of God.
“But I do know this, George. It takes effort to work from vision.” -Scott [03:33]
“I was just thinking like being able to expand our window of tolerance, being able to process our pain, helps us to maybe to circumvent that self-sabotage cycle.” -Anna [12:45]
“I would imagine gripping so tightly does not lead to any kind of serenity that is helpful at all in getting through, but open handed trust is what we’re aiming at.” -George [23:45]
“I’m just reminded that we’ve all been conditioned in the process of growing up to react in a patterned habitual way, and unless we work with that patterning, we’re not going to start showing up in the world in a different way. It doesn’t just happen. We have to work with that.” -Seth [25:52]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:01] Hope and vision are intertwined
[04:28] Visualization for cultivating resilience
[10:22] What some resistance might be
[17:16] Anticipation vs expectation
[23:56] Final words and takeaways
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about small wins. A small win can make all the difference in how we feel and perform, and they discuss why focusing on progress, rather than perfection, is so important. They also share how setbacks are part of the process and how to overcome them.
“Just remembering that continued efforts, steady consistent effort over time, is what brings about the change that we’re looking for.” -Anna [04:42]
“I think progress isn’t only making the right choice every day to do this, to wake up again and go for it, but it’s also realizing that it includes also my attitude towards the mistakes that are going to be made along the way. That’s also progress.” -Seth [06:23]
“How we put up our sails is really how we respond to the storms or the wind around us and how that helps us go forward.” -George [20:44]
“I can’t control circumstances, but I can control how I respond to my circumstances.” -Scott [23:13]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:04] Intro
[00:33] Focusing on progress, not perfection
[02:54] Begin on a personal level
[04:51] Progress of change over time
[09:49] The Progress Principle
[14:21] Overcoming setbacks
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We are so grateful for you! We are taking a much needed break! We'll see you here next week with a full episode!
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about nostalgia and its healing properties. Looking back on your life can either bring rich memories or a longing to go back and do things differently, sometimes both. We discuss how nostalgia can motivate us and how to use it to propel us to move forward.
“I think sometimes when we think about nostalgia,... we look back at it, maybe at a time when we were particularly connected and happy and feeling secure in those connections. And I think that too contributes to the feelings of nostalgia, especially when relationships change through either just time, distance, lost, development.” -Anna [12:23]
“If nostalgia is looking back while looking forward, then the other question is how do we want our stories to end?” -George [13:54]
“I think the nostalgia actually helps us in so many ways. It gives me a positive memory and I’m sad that it’s gone, but the strength of it is that it brings a positive memory and I have the ability to make those memories new now and I move forward.” -Scott [19:58]
“I think it’s just, for one, a good thing to keep in mind – Whenever there's a rumination of thought, it means something needs felt.” -Seth [23:26]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:01] Intro
[00:34] Looking back to move forward
[05:26] How the hosts experience nostalgia
[16:26] How nostalgia motivates us
[20:50] Can you avoid nostalgia?
[24:48] Use our paths to move us forward
[26:33] Groups for the upcoming year
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram discuss the bad days and negativity bias. All of us have bad days, but it can get really bad if we don’t get help. Without it, the negativity bias we hold about ourselves can make us addicted to safety and focused on averting obvious danger that keeps us from growing. Listen as we share how to get out of this negativity bias and come back to ourselves.
“I think we need to hear that when we do something that is meaningful or mattering or bringing good in the world to be intentional in people in our realm to call that out and to speak life into people, really.” -Anna [14:28]
“I think part of why this stuff can be so difficult is we all want to be seen but it’s really difficult to be seen too.” -Seth [14:45]
“The negative bias and the messages and the narrative and ultimately the paradigm is so deeply entrenched in us that we’re going to set ourselves up for failure if we think that I’m not still going to struggle with these things.” -Scott [17:30]
“Affirmation is not denying the struggle. It’s acknowledging and taking the risk to share that to ourselves and with others.” -George [24:47]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:07] How to get out of negativity bias
[04:33] Coming back to yourself
[10:24] What we heard growing up
[15:58] Perseverance and resistance
[25:12] The Nine-Enders
[30:29] Final thoughts
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram discuss how we remember our past and how it helps us tell our story. We remember our experiences in story form, and we share how the two selves - the experiencing self and the remembering self - work together, and how they don’t always agree.
“Going back to your old narratives is really important.” -George [09:12]
“When you’re working with the reality of that emotion, then you can begin to change how you’re actually experiencing it.” -Seth [11:49]
“So, that’s me being conscious of what emotion is telling the story and trying to rewrite the narrative in a more positive direction.” -Anna [15:48]
“It doesn’t matter what has happened, where I’ve been, what have I struggled with, God and I can create a new beginning and write a new ending.” -Scott [27:18]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:13] Remembering self needs attention
[05:34] What emotion is telling the story?
[09:16] How to listen to the story
[17:17] Examples of small victories
[21:16] Final thoughts
[26:29] A final word of hope
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall and Seth Abram discuss how to change our factory settings. As we get older, we can get stuck in our ways, but the factory settings of our minds can be changed. Today we share how we can do that by creating a new response by transforming our paradigms.
“It takes concentration. It takes self-discipline. It takes effort. It takes a supportive community. It’s going to take time.” -Scott [04:33]
“I think when people are able to allow into their hearts their community, then they can be informed by it.” -Seth [22:25]
“A negative is like velcro, and a positive is like Teflon. It slips off more quickly.” -George [22:52]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[02:30] Central point of the book
[08:07] The polyvagal theory
[15:02] Motivated by value
[19:32] Unconscious habit of overconfidence
[24:26] How long will we keep punishing ourselves?
[28:11] Final thoughts
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Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram discuss the moments in our lives when we believe things that aren’t true. Thoughts based on flawed beliefs can create problems for us, and what one sees depends on what one looks for and expects. Listen as we talk about how self-awareness is one step in helping us interpret the reality in our lives and why community is also important for this.
“The beginning of self-awareness is something that can begin by ourselves, but the work of that goes way beyond just something that we do in our own heads and in our own hearts.” -George [03:00]
“Sharing our truths, sharing our stories from a place of humility can free us from denial, help us see what is really true and right, but there’s such dignity in all human beings when they tell the truth. You know what, this is what I struggle with. This is it. This is the truth.” -Scott [12:37]
“Humility is what Scott was saying, I think is what actually allows you to be here right now. Because it’s not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” -Seth [18:33]
“If I’m always looking for what’s good,… and not acknowledging what is actually causing injury to me and not processing my negative emotions, that is confirmation bias that can work in a favorable direction, but can also be hindering if it’s not balanced properly with realistic views of who I am and what I need.” -Anna [21:36]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:52] Why self-awareness so important
[02:54] Realizing we don’t have to do it alone
[08:29] Two biases: over-confidence & insecurity
[12:53] Which biases the hosts tend to lean to
[17:30] Healthy shame vs toxic shame
[20:05] How to live more free from biases
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Website: restoresmallgroups.org
In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about the seeds of possibility and learning how to grow beyond past failures and present crisis. Rethinking our identity and sowing the right seeds can help us shape the kind of harvest we desire.
“The most purest form of love that I’ve ever experienced in my life is Christ.” -Scott [04:43]
“Wholeness doesn’t mean perfection. Grace helps you realize that mistakes are integral to life, to being a whole person, to being a healthy person.” -Seth [07:35]
“The notion of thinking about seeds of possibility when things aren’t exactly like we hoped them to be, to believe that that’s possible would be a wonderful gift, because I think we wear ourselves out sometimes trying to work ourselves out of things.” -George [16:36]
“I think it’s a good reminder that there are ways that we can show up, but we can’t ultimately control every aspect of how life goes.” -Anna [25:22]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[00:59] Sowing the right seeds
[05:21] The practicality of grace
[12:18] Free ourselves in world of measurements
[19:24] Start with surrender of circumstances
[27:14] Identifying the new seeds to plant
[30:28] Yielding to the love of God
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram discuss the science of God. The moment we encounter God or the idea of God, our brain begins to change.
“So with that frame of reference in mind, understanding that there is more to know about God than we currently have in our limited frame of reference.” -Anna [03:05]
“I think we all believe that a more loving, gracious experience of God leads to a more loving and gracious healing and growth of human beings in the world that we live in.” -George [13:41]
“I don’t know how we can work on a process of transformation. I don’t know how we can even live with a hope that is not tied to the belief that that’s the God who will love me no matter what I’ve done, where I’ve been, what I’ve struggled with and is always, always going to be there to help me fight my way out of that place, not from judgment, but from love.” -Scott [16:16]
“You know I tell my kids, I’m trying to teach them now that, you know, associate love with God. God with love. Those two things are synonymous. So you are not separate from God. You are a part of God and when you are embodying love to someone, you’re showing them God.” -Seth [21:57]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:43] A new picture of God
[09:03] How to live more free
[14:06] It matters how we think about God
[17:49] A text out of Romans
[24:10] Why was this important for Day 15
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about the process of rerouting our thoughts towards where we want to go. The mind is the most powerful instrument in our lives. The four hosts discuss how our thoughts can transform our lives and create a whole new beginning.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:13] Intro
[00:55] About Scott’s upcoming book
[03:26] Think about excellence
[06:40] Rerouting our thoughts
[13:45] The anticipation molecule
[18:09] The chemical of possibility
[22:30] We need community
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram discuss how to silence your inner critic. What we consistently tell ourselves about ourselves is what forms us. We discuss how our inner critic can affect the quality of our mental health and our relationship with that.
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about the great and precious promises of God. They discuss how we change habits by changing the cues that activate behavior and looking at the context behind our habits.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:16] Celebration of Hope
[05:30] Habit formation
[12:37] Sustain motivation
[18:07] Kenosis and theosis
[22:21] Final thoughts
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about habits and how to change our mindsets towards them by adding friction. We also discuss that to work with this transformation, we need to realize that this is also a matter of the heart.
“Bad habits are like comfortable beds. Easy to get into, but hard to get out of.” -George [01:46]
“God’s will is all about indwelling goodness and being fully ourselves, who he created us to be. It’s not so much figuring out is this the thing that God wants me specifically to be doing.” -Anna [11:23]
“I think what God’s will is more about human flourishing. What does it look like for us to flourish wherever we are doing whatever it is that we feel is our vocation.” -Seth [14:46]
“Freedom comes with a great cost and it takes courage to face this journey. And that’s why you cannot do it alone. You need a healing community.” -Scott [20:22]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:43] A matter of the heart
[04:57] Work with transformation
[07:17] God’s will
[12:33] The connection between God’s will and bad habits
[18:10] What will satisfy my soul?
[27:03] Final thoughts
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram explore the question “What’s going on here?” As we face adversaries, that question can create openings for new discoveries to help us no longer feel helpless or hopeless. We talk about how this transforms our consciousness and leads to change and perspective to help us get unstuck.
“Is the way I’m thinking about this part of the problem? Yeah, that’s a tough reality to face, but when you’re really willing to go there, something opens up. New possibilities open up.” -George [03:02]
“Letting go of control and letting go of old patterns, even when they’re dysfunctional, it’s almost systemic, I think, in the human condition. That’s the hardest thing for our journey, I think, is that transition to a new place, to a new consciousness.” -Scott [11:18]
“I think often the words “ego” and “false self” get conflated, because there will always be value on some level to having ego.” -Seth [22:50]
“The world doesn’t have to look exactly like how I imagine it might or my life doesn’t have to look exactly as I imagine it might for it to be good.” -Anna [29:16]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[01:05] Transform your consciousness
[05:02] A place of exploring and curiosity
[09:46] Our inability to let go
[17:30] Facing adversity
[21:35] Detaching from the ego
[24:39] How George is being surprised
[26:43] Final thoughts
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Every paradigm shift includes an observer effect, which is the proven ability of observation to influence outcomes. In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, George Stull, Scott Reall, Anna Bryant and Seth Abram talk about the observer effect and how to stop and observe, and sustain attention.
“I realized that it’s really difficult to be patient without hope.” -Scott [03:22]
“To me, the observer effect has to do with the sustaining of our attention for longer periods of time, practiced periods of times, which is super important so we can stay with the rising and the falling of our automatic thoughts, emotions and sensations.” -Seth [07:13]
“I think that it cannot be overstated, the importance of paying attention in life.” -Anna [25:24]
“How we see is what we see, and to see rightly is to be able to be fully present.” -George [29:02]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:05] Intro
[02:51] The importance of patience
[06:24] Sustain attention
[09:28] Stop and observe
[12:33] Listening beyond ourselves
[18:04] Where the divine dwells
[23:12] Final words to take away
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In this episode of the Searching Inward Podcast, hosts Scott Reall and George Stull are joined by Seth Abram, Director of Outreach at Restore Small Groups, to discuss how to become our own choice architects. Everywhere we go, the world is designed to aim our thoughts or influence our decisions. What if we made the choice to be our own choice architects for our lives? We discuss how to design a system of our lives to become our choice architects for making wise decisions, getting us to more thriving and joy in living.
“Grace is what invites me to build awareness of who I really am, but also sees where have you been going.” -Scott [12:18]
“I would say that grace is the practice of opening to receive who we are.” -Seth [16:50]
“Co-create. That’s an important landing spot for this chapter, because choice architect isn’t putting our finger up in the air and seeing which way the wind’s blowing. We have a pretty good guide.” -George [29:16]
TIMESTAMPS
[00:06] Intro
[00:29] Introducing Seth Abram
[04:28] Becoming choice architects
[05:57] Create a system of grace
[16:27] Defining of grace
[19:53] Reward of a new system
[28:15] Co-create today
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Seth Abram:
IG: @integratedenneagram
Music: sethabram.bandcamp.com
Pod: Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast
Willpower is not what you think it is. In order for true transformations to happen in our lives, we need so much more than willpower. We must disengage from our autonomic responses and move toward reflexive ones until new neural pathways are established and the new healthy responses become unconscious. Listen in and learn something new!
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
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Today’s show tackles the concept of reframing our viewpoint. Moving from habitual responses to conscious decision-making takes practice and effort. We discuss the patterns of the world and how to put off the old dysfunctional responses we automatically tend towards in order to make space for something new and healthy to grow.
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
Follow and Contact Facebook and Instagram: @restoresmallgroups.org YouTube: Searching Inward
Podcast Website: www.restoresmallgroups.org
Today’s show tackles the concept of reframing our viewpoint. Moving from habitual responses to conscious decision-making takes practice and effort. We discuss the patterns of the world and how to put off the old dysfunctional responses we automatically tend towards in order to make space for something new and healthy to grow.
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
Follow and Contact
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: www.restoresmallgroups.org
Today we chatted about mindfulness and paying attention. It sounds so simple yet our failure to do so can have a profound impact on our habits and ultimately our circumstances. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most challenging. What are you paying attention to?
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
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Episode 5
“Our Expectations Shape Our Outcomes”
Today we discuss why having a growth mindset is a perquisite for transformation. Our
perceptions create our reality therefore it is crucial to be able to shift our focus from the problem
at hand to potential solutions. This is how we begin to create change.
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
Follow and Contact
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: www.restoresmallgroups.org
Show Music: Hopes and Dreams by Evert Z
Special Thanks to the Hitlab Creative Team
Episode 5
“Our Expectations Shape Our Outcomes”
Today we discuss why having a growth mindset is a perquisite for transformation. Our
perceptions create our reality therefore it is crucial to be able to shift our focus from the problem
at hand to potential solutions. This is how we begin to create change.
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
Follow and Contact
Facebook and Instagram: @restoresmallgroups.org
YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: www.restoresmallgroups.org
Show Music: Hopes and Dreams by Evert Z
Special Thanks to the Hitlab Creative Team
In this episode, we discuss the power of making integrated choices. We learn to practice mindfulness in recognizing whether our choices match who we want to become. We challenge the listeners to recognize the power of choices over conditions and circumstances in which we find ourselves.
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
Website: www.restoresmallgroups.org
Show Music: Hopes and Dreams by Evert Z Special Thanks to the Hitlab Creative Team
In this episode, we tackle the idea of living in a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset. We
discuss how belief is an extended state of being. We see that what we give the most energy and
focus to will ultimately grow into our reality and why it is crucial to know what we believe about
ourselves, the world, and ultimately God.
This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
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YouTube: Searching Inward Podcast
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Show Music: Hopes and Dreams by Evert ZSpecial Thanks to the Hitlab Creative Team
In this episode we discuss Chapter 1 of Journey to Transformation. It looks at how what we think becomes what we look for. We introduce the idea of paradigms and how to evaluate the paradigms we are using to view the worldUntil we establish a core paradigm of love and acceptance, we will never think differently or see the world differently. We have a choice about what we are willing to see and do. This show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant Follow and Contactwww.restoresmallgroups.orgInstagram & Facebook: @restoresmallgroups Show Music: Hopes and Dreams by Evert ZSpecial Thanks to the Hitlab Creative Team
In the first episode of Season Two of the Searching Inward podcast, we join you from a new location to dive into Scott Reall's book, Journey of Transformation.
Tune in as we discuss an overview of the series, changing our paradigm, and being transformed.
The show is hosted by Scott Reall, George Stull, and Anna Bryant.
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www.restoresmallgroups.org
Instagram: @restoresmallgroups
Show Music: Hopes and Dreams by Evert Z
Special Thanks to the Hitlab Creative Team
In this Episode, George asks some important questions about Grief, and its purpose in our lives, while Anna and Scott seek to answer those and ultimately help listeners establish why grief might not be such a bad thing after all.
In this weeks Episode, George, Anna and Scott talk about what it means to live through a vision of what you'd like your life to become, and "co-creating" a better You.
In this episode we discuss week 4’s material in Journey to Freedom. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are…
-
Getting Free From a Shameful Life
-
The Pursuit of God
- A Case of Mistaken Identity
- Courage Is Our Greatness
- The Promise of Hope
This may be one of our best discussions yet! Listen and Learn something along the way
In this episode we discuss how to begin creating change in our lives and how a small group is crucial to success in this process. Concepts covered in this episode include…
- Universality
- Relationships on the Journey
- The Power of Small Groups
- Icebergs: Hitting Our Problems Head-On
- Doing It Now: Living the Dash
In this episode, Scott, Anna and George discuss some of the subject matter covered in week 2 of a Journey to Freedom group. Some of the Topics they discuss are
- Breaking the Chain of Negative Thoughts
- Overcoming a State of Fear
- Denial, Procrastination, and Perfectionism
- Silencing the Inner Critic
Listen in and learn something new!
What is this Journey to Freedom book all about? Why should I join a small group instead of just reading the book on my own? In this episode we discuss some of the introductory material covered in a Journey to Freedom group. We talk about the importance of a healing community and how it can be a powerful catalyst for change. Consider this an abbreviated crash course of Journey to Freedom, week one. We hope it will encourage you to think through your story and find your people.
What do we do when we bump up against the inevitable difficulties of life? Do we despair, or do we grow from it and cultivate hope?
Many, if not most, people today are living in a state of fear, shame, and perpetual despair. They are stuck in a state of Provisional Existence. We’ll discuss what this means and explore the antidote… Cultivating Hope! Listen in and learn how to grow more hope in your own life.
Today we discuss how being broken can actually be a gift to us. Brokenness is the beginning of transformation.
Society tends to look at brokenness as a weakness or negative. We have found it to be the beginning of compassion, empathy, and wisdom. It is from our failures that we grow, not our perfection or success.
Humility is the foundation for goodness. Grandiosity keeps us stuck in our False Self. Humility is certainly counter-cultural as a way of life. Yet, it is a great gift that opens us up to Grace, the most powerful force in the universe.
Today we discuss 3 key components of healthy sexuality. Physical connection, Emotional connection, and Spiritual connection. Sexuality has been largely presented to us as merely physical. We need to be taught a healthier way of thinking about our sexuality. Today’s society is sexually saturated, yet we are largely dysfunctional at intimacy.
How did we each learn to define sex? Was it good? Was it shameful?
We are designed to desire. Attraction is part of our God-designed wiring.
Healthy sexuality is a mutually satisfying experience. It is characterized by desire, but free of lust and shame. It communicates openly.
Self-love is critical to experience healthy and mutually satisfying sexuality. You can not be fully intimate with another in a complete way unless you have fully embraced who you are. All of you. Another person can not fill this in you, only enhance it.
Hope can be cultivated in this area! Self-discovery. Self-love, and healthy relational intimacy can all begin in a relationally healthy small group.
What does true intimacy look like? When we think of intimacy we often go straight to the thought of romantic relationships. In reality, it is outside of romantic relationships that we first lean how relationships work. Healthy relationships have 6 hallmarks distinguishing them as open to true intimacy.
If we break intimacy down into component parts, we can then compare what is healthy and what is dysfunctional and can better understand how being a part of a healing community can contribute to overall relational health.
The Six Hallmarks: Initiative, Presence, Completion, Vulnerability, Nurturing, and Honesty come directly from Dr. Patrick Carnes work in his book Don’t Call it Love.
In this episode Scott and Anna discuss the difference between 2 basic motivation factors, Extrinsic and Intrinsic. They will discuss the value that each type of motivation possesses and the kind of motivation that drives us to transformational and sustainable life change. They also discuss the invaluable contribution of being a part of a healing community to promote change. To learn more about Restore Small Groups and how to engage with us, please visit www.restoresmallgroups.org
Telling your story—while being witnessed with loving attention by others who care—may be the most powerful medicine on earth. In this episode, Scott talks about the healing power of sharing your story, and Anna shares some of her personal story through childhood pain, struggle, grief, hope, and healing. Anna’s story reminds us that we are all capable of healing and restored hope, no matter what life has dealt us. And no one has to do that alone. Visit us at www.restoresmallgroups.org to learn more about online and in-person groups.
At Restore Small Groups we focus on sustained personal transformation through opportunities for spiritual and emotional growth in small groups and one-on-one change coaching. We create experiences that expand personal perspective and point people toward the sacred center to find creative, healthier responses to the world. In this way we cultivate hope.
Everyone is struggling with something. You are not alone! In small group, we extend love, empathy, and respect to each other in our shared humanity. Check out our in- person and virtual group offerings at www.restoresmallgroups.org .
Welcome back to Searching Inward A podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups In this episode we discuss what it means to live our lives in a way that is fully alive. We explore the importance of recognizing and engaging with our feelings as we allow them to become our teacher. We also discuss why the empathic experience and cultivating intrinsic hope are so imperative to living a life that is fully alive. To find out more about upcoming small groups and ways to support Restore, find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Hello and welcome back to Searching Inward.
In this episode, we talk about getting past your past.
We discuss why it's important to express our regrets and move through our grief so that we can both learn from our past and create a new future by making better decisions now.
We hope you enjoy this episode.
to find out more visit us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward.
In this episode, we talk about boundaries.
Why we need them, how to set them and why they’re so vital for not only our personal growth but the growth of our most important relationships as well.
We hope you enjoy this episode.
To find out more about upcoming small group registration visit us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
You are never alone and you are loved.
Welcome back to Searching Inward.
In this episode, we talk about The Myth of Forgiveness.
How do we actually forgive and why does it seem so hard?
Forgiving others. Forgiving Ourselves. Forgiving God.
All of these areas require forgiveness, but how?
We learn how understanding and practicing forgiveness can bring us more grace to ourselves and others in our lives. We hope you enjoy this episode.
Welcome back to Searching Inward. In this episode, we talk about how to change.
Every year we have things we want to change in our lives, be it jobs, relationships, or our physical health. But how does change actually work? We walk through a proven method of change and one that is engrained in all of our small groups here at Restore.
If you are looking for a small group to finally make the change you've been wanting to make, you can find all upcoming schedules on our website at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward.
In this episode, we talk about Grief and how it shows up in all of our lives.
We also discuss the stages of grief and why going through these stages and process with others who are on a healing journey help so much to bring about healing so you can move forward into the future with hope and love.
We hope you enjoy this episode. To find out more about upcoming small groups and how to help support Restore Small Groups through donation, you can find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.net
You are loved and you are never, ever alone.
Welcome back to Searching Inward.
Pastor George Stull is back with us in this episode as we talk about the wounding of men and how to heal. Whether you are a man yourself or have a man in your life, we hope you find this episode inspiring and hopeful and know that you are never alone in your healing journey no matter where you start.
A great place to start is a Journey to Freedom group where you will be safe to be yourself and take your time moving through your own healing journey.
To find out more about our upcoming small groups, or more on our organization you can visit us at www.restoresmallgroups.org
BOOKS MENTIONED "I Don't Want To Talk About It" by Terrence Real
Hello and welcome to searching inward a podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this episode, we sit down with the local Nashville pastor of Vue church George Stull to discuss the power of transformational spirituality.
We also discuss what the difference is between transformational versus transactional spirituality and why it matters in the way our small groups are designed to heal and truly change people's lives for the better.
Here's information on George's church located in the Bellevue area of Nashville, TN. They meet every Sunday at 10 am at Gower Elementary.
www.vuechurch.org
To find out more about upcoming small groups and ways to support Restore Small Groups, please find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward. A podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups. In this episode we talk about the power creativity has in our ability to create real change in our lives. When most of us think about creativity we immediately think about art, yet creativity is about creating a vision for your own life. It allows us to shift from the feeling of a victim to the feeling of a being co-creator with God. We hope you enjoy this episode.
Here are the books listed as resources mentioned in this episode. To find out more about Restore Small Groups and see upcoming classes, please visit us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Books Mentioned:
Julia Cameron - The Artist Way
Brene Brown - Daring Greatly
Welcome back to Searching Inward, a podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this episode, we talk about how empathetic groups are where our paradigms and perceptions are shifted from toxic shame patterns to being fully known.
We also discuss the power of vulnerability and how to use it safely for your growth.
We hope you enjoy.
To find out more about Restore Small Groups and see upcoming classes visit us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward a podcast brought to you by, Restore Small Groups
In this episode, we have a conversation around Toxic Shame.
We talk about what toxic shame is, how it shows up in our lives and limits our true potential. And as we build awareness around it we can learn how to loosen its power over our hearts and minds.
To find out more about Restore Small Groups or to find an upcoming online class please find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward.
In this episode, we talk about Desire, Our Story, and how our paradigms are formed.
Our paradigms are formed at an early age and are often unconscious filters for the way we view reality and how we view ourselves.
As we begin to heal we start to see how our paradigms are holding us back, and start to experience the hope of what living with a new paradigm would look like.
We also unpack how being in a small group shifts us from being isolated in toxic shame, to being known and having our true Self mirrored to us so a new paradigm can be formed.
True hope and healing are possible and we hope you consider how joining a small group can assist you in changing your life from the inside out.
To find out more about Restore Small Groups, or to see upcoming classes please visit online at
www.restoresmallgroups.org
Hello and welcome to Searching Inward
A podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this episode, we sit down and talk about attachments.
How they often the biggest roadblocks to our spiritual journey, and how being a part of a healing community such as a small group, can help you navigate releasing them and experiencing the freedom your heart desires.
To find out how to sign up for a small group to begin your journey to freedom, find us online here
www.restoresmallgroups.org
For Gerland May's Addiction & Grace referenced in this Podcast, click the link HERE
Hello and welcome back to Searching Inward. A Podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this episode, we sit down and talk about true transformation.
How it not based in will power, but actually found in powerlessness
And as we learn to live our lives in this state of freedom, true transformation unfolds.
To experience this transformation for yourself, consider signing up for an upcoming small group.
You can find upcoming groups as well as any additional information on our website at www.restoresmallgroups.com
Welcome Back to Searching Inward
A podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups
In this episode, we have a very important conversation around Hope.
We discuss why hope is essential to change and how is it often misunderstood
And the truth is that without it, we can never experience the change we are deeply desiring in our life.
To find out more about upcoming small groups and ways to support Restore, find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward, a podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups
In this episode, we have a conversation around Who Is Small Group For?
If you’ve ever wondered, "Is a small group right for me?"
Or if what you are facing in your own personal life can be healed and transformed through small group, this episode is for you.
We hope you enjoy and know that you are loved and are never, ever alone.
Find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward. A podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this episode, we take an inside look at how the small groups are set up with a structure of safety and care that leads to true connection and transformation.
If you've ever wondered exactly how small groups work at Restore, this episode is for you.
You are not alone. We are here for you and know there is always resistance to change.
There is healing on the other side of whatever you may be facing. Consider joining a small group to experience this life-changing healing for yourself.
Find out more online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome back to Searching Inward. A podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this episode, we sit down with Sara Hamill, Executive Director of Restore Small Groups.
She opens up about her own life’s story and the healing that occurred through the power of small groups and how it all unknowingly lead to her being such an integral part of this ministry.
To find out more about Restore Small Groups find us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org
Welcome to Searching Inward, a podcast brought to you by Restore Small Groups.
In this first episode, we sit down and have a conversation with the founder of Restore Small Groups, Scott Reall.
Scott talks about his own personal journey of pain, hope, healing, and everything in between.
We hope you enjoy this episode. To find out more about Restore Small Groups and to see how to get involved visit us online at www.restoresmallgroups.org