GrippingReality: Recent Episodes
Myke & Mike
Myke and Mike deal with issues pertaining to emotional well being, hope, spirituality in current life dealings. We have written several books together, do training with any group all over the US from our work, "Why do people act that way?" Mostly Myke and Mike enjoy people, life and a long standing friendship in having people navigate life.
Narcissism! Myke and Mike take on a tough subject today as we explore how narcissism has crept into chrisitians' lives and church life. We examine what dynamics take place in a narcissistic climate that leads to spiritual abuse. We encouarge you to carefully think this one through with us as we continue to explore what is happening currently in the American evangelical church.
Part 6 Really? Well there seems to be a bit of interest about this discussion as Myke and Mike wrestle with the issue of power and spiritual abuse in the church and what can be done about it. We start with a bit of a question Myke poses if God is love (agapē) 1 John 4:8 AND God thus loved (agapaō) the world that he sent his son... and did not send him to condemn the world, but to save (or heal) the world (John 3:16-17); AND Love (agapē) does not keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5) then why do we spend so much time being obsessed with pointing out each other's sins and wrongs? Could it be we are missing the mark of what Jesus intended for His followers? Hope you enjoy the discussion.
We continue, how power in organizations work, particularly in the church in America for the common good. What is the common good, who gets to set what that really means for a group of people, how does it get there in the first place. Myke and Mike continue this important discussion today in Part 5 of What does it mean to be the church, and how come so many people are abused. Hope you enjoy it.
Myke and Mike continue the discussion of spiritual abuse and power. We continued the discussion about the usage of need, should, ought and must and how that drives our thinking on a day to day basis. Hope you enjoy this discussion.Myke and Mike continue the discussion of spiritual abuse and power. We continued the discussion about the usage of need, should, ought and must and how that drives our thinking on a day to day basis. Hope you enjoy this discussion.
Myke & Mike continue th conversation about power structures in the church and generally in life organizations. Can an organization run on anything other than "poweer" as the world and culture know it? Is there a difference between power and authority? What would happen if we eliminated the power words of "need, should, ought and must" on a daily basis? How would that effect relationships and working organizations? Just a few light questions and responses for today. Hope you have fun listening.
So Myke and Mike are back at it again. This time probably stepping into it more than they should but oh well, when you have an audience of 6 people we figure we might as well go for it. The issue of power and abuse of power is as old as mankind. The question we are wrestling with has to do with that infiltration of power and abuse inside the church and religion in general. Hope this gets you to read more and think critically as we journey through this subject.
Myke and Mike take off into the world of the church/religion. Yes, we are well aware that the polite don't talk about politics and religion over T-day dinner but since it isn't Thanksgiving we thought we'd be safe. Well we know that not to be true. So church abuse, or spiritual abuse seems to be a catch phrase in our country. What does it really mean? Is it really a problem? Are we really seeing what is happening in the church around our country. We hope you will join us and interact as we will be sharing our thoughts over the next several weeks!
Myke and Mike are off on their Part 2 of their series, this time we're not too sure how stable these two guys are in their thinking, Pick your Nos???? Any 3 year old can do that, oh, not NOSE but NoS, what? Give it a listen. We think it will help you live life just a little bit better today!
Over the next 3 weeks, Myke and Mike will be sharing some practical tools for living life. Sometimes as we are busily running around we sense something is just "off" but we don't know how to figure it out. Today Myke and Mike are going to share ways to figure this "off-ness" out. Enjoy.
Once again Myke and Mike go off script to share with you some of the material we present. In this podcast Myke is sharing with you a recent workshop he did on Anxiety. The material he is using comes from "Why Do People Act That Way", our book (Myke wrote, I edited so you could understand it:} We think you will enjoy it. Over the next few weeks we will be bringing a few more training topics we have used that people found to be helpful in their work and lives. Enjoy
Myke and Mike are taking a little detour into some subjects that are near and dear to them. One of the areas that continues to confuse people is their understanding of how the bible and the concepts that are taught to help people in their lives seem terribly confusing. So we decided to talk about a few from a biblical context. These are open for discussion, big time, from our perspective but we hope we can bring some clarity to seemly tons of confusion and misunderstanding of biblical text. As always we welcome discussion as we endeavor to learn together. Enjoy.
Myke and Mike continue to wake up from their summer slumber as they deal with the issue of anxiety. Do you struggle with anxiety or have people around you that struggle with being overly anxious about life? We like to suggest a very practical approach to dealing with being anxious. Enjoy!!Myke and Mike continue to wake up from their summer slumber as they deal with the issue of anxiety. Do you struggle with anxiety or have people around you that struggle with being overly anxious about life? We like to suggest a very practical approach to dealing with being anxious. Enjoy!!
We are back. Myke and I have taken a bit of a break but are now back to share with you how to grip reality. Life is changing rapidly in our country and we decided to take on some. of the current type issues. Hope you enjoy listening/watching. Our goal will be to produce a podcast each week, mostly on Wednesdays for now.
Myke and Mike take a little time to reflect why they got into this project. It is easy to understand the "why" from them as they explain the journey they have been on for the past 10 years for this project. We launch Tuesday, May 17, 18, 19 2022.
Let's let Jesus speak for Himself too! Myke and Mike share their journey of how they came to the place of writing and producing "Experiencing Revelation" as a dramatic play to the elites in Ephesus. You'll want to hear this one. Our true launch date is Tuesday May 3rd. We are really looking forward to sharing the entire project with you.
Myke and Mike continue their discussion of Experiencing Revelation tackling the issue of who or what or where is Gog and Magog in Revelation 20:7-10. And once again they take another turn in explaining their focus of Revelation deals with the revelation of who Jesus is so the world will find Him. Have fun, we look forward to hearing from you.
Myke and Mike take you on a tour through some of the theaters in the region built for the elites of that time. This will help explain some our reasoning of why we believe John wrote this as a play revealing the person of Jesus Christ. Enjoy listening. More to come soon.
Myke and Mike share the "Why" of their 5th interpretation of the book of Revelation, an entirely new perspective. Rather than a document to be analyzed word by word, we are presenting that the apostle John wrote it as a theatrical drama, in an apocalyptic genre, to be performed on the immense stages of the cities of Asia Minor. It was meant to be experienced, not analyzed. It is written as a three-act play, with a prologue opening and an epilogue closing. It is what the first three words title it: Revealing (or A Revelation of) Jesus Christ. John tells the story of Jesus to an elite generation of young, entitled citizens in a format they had already accepted: theater. John builds the first act to the human birth of Jesus in chapter 12, the second act to his human death in chapter 16 and the obliteration of the city that colluded to slaughter him, and the third act beginning with his resurrection and climaxing with his promised return with the Father in the Spirit to dwell in and with his living community. In the epilogue, Jesus, John and the Mighty Messenger appeal to the audience, "Come!" We are releasing portions of the project as the final engineering of the book form and audio performance are being completed and published. You are welcome to download a copy of the translation of the Koiné Greek text into readable English, and attached glossary of 82 terms and phrases that will help you understand. Click on this link to view and/or download the file. EXPERIENCING REVELATION TRANSLATION AND GLOSSARY PDF https://t.ly/1iAB
Launched today! Due to circumstances beyond our control, the final layout files and the audio recordings of the professional performance are not completed yet… hopefully just a few more days. Parts 2 and 3 of the project area available below: the translation from Koiné Greek and the glossary of 82 vital words and phrases. Part 1 is the dramatic script itself, which is the main substance of this project will be up soon for sale. The translation portion is accessible to anyone and will always be a free download. Thank you for your interest in our project. As soon as the products are available on Amazon or Audible, we will promote the access links widely. Please use this link to access the file EXPERIENCING REVELATION TRANSLATION AND GLOSSARY PDF t.ly/1iAB "Experiencing Revelation,"! Myke and Mike step into the world of cultural theater of the first century time period, and do a short explanation of what the "wedding feast" in Revelation 19 actually represents. Stay tuned to our launch process as we share the project with you.
We are almost there!! Ever really wondered, "why was Revelation really written, when it seems so so confusing, dark and mysterious, thinking, whats the deal John, your first book was so clear." Well today we’re looking at Revelation 17:17. “God put it in their hearts to accomplish His purpose.” Hmm, what did God put in their hearts? Who is the "they", what was His purpose. Give it a listen and find out. February 1 is our launch date. See you next week.
Ever been desperately looking for something, like your car keys, then it dawns on you where you left them, you run to that place and "Eureka", you found them!! What a sweet feeling. “Eureka” means “I found it!” Myke and Mike examine one key word that changes how we understand the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Twenty-two chapters, 404 verses, 11,952 words… and "Eureka" here it is, one little word that packs a punch that has changed the world.
The great theological question, does God REALLY have a sense of humor? Plain old laughing-out-loud situations or illustrations to teach a serious point? Some versions of modern Christianity are so dead-pan serious about everything that what is in the Bible is always taken without an ounce of delight or humor.
We happen to think that God has incredible sense of humor, to be honest, all we have to do is look in the mirror to get that one
Revelation is always taken in an absolutely humorless way. But we see something happen three times in the book –the first time, it is very serious, and the next two times are just plain funny! Watch this video and see what we are thinking about.
Ok, this one might just make you want to really read the book/play we are calling “Experiencing Revelation” on February 1, 2022. Today Myke and Mike take on some more language issues that seem to be missed, possibly, in the interpretations. So before you start going, “no way” give us a listen, and put some critical thought into the discussion today, could Greek word “ekkelsia” have been misinterpreted in Revelation? Have fun, because we are enjoying sharing with you.
Ok, here's a great way to end the year, or begin the next one, Armageddon!!! Just an easy, soft subject to relax with, actually maybe all that fear, hype of death, dying and destruction is just that, hype, not biblical but... you get the picture, sort of. Well Myke and Mike want to make the picture clearer. One of hope! One that transforms! One that we all need. Coming soon, the true launch of Experiencing Revelation, February 1, 2022. Happy New Year!!
Well we have finally done it:) This one will get your motor running and hopefully your brain engaged in actually reading through Revelation in one sitting. Ever done it. We challenge you to take the time to read it, in it's entirety, in one sitting. Go for it! We believe, and quite frankly know, context is pretty much the ball game in correctly understanding the Bible. So Myke and Mike wade into some pretty deep waters on this one. Enjoy and by the way, Merry Christmas.
The journey continues in "Experiencing Revelation"! Today Myke and Mike talk about the phrase, "Please Come". In our world it can be spoken in a variety of emphasis but in the context of Revelation it is connected to specific Greek words. We hope you will find this one fun and a challenge to keep going in understanding Revelation in maybe a new and fresh light. Our book releases February 1,
The Dragon is a huge character in Revelation, but is it really a dragon as we think of them. Fire breathing, flying, scaley, huge reptilian body, sharp claws, huge nasty needle like teeth and a nasty disposition. Once again Myke and Mike wander into an area shall we say that might have a bit of controversy but give a listen and you might find we are on to something. February 1, 2022 “Experiencing Revelation” the book, will be out. Until next week.
Words matter. Mystery is one of those words in Revelation. Myke and Mike unpack the translation or shall we say the non translation of this very important word in Revelation. Hope you enjoy it. As always we welcome your thoughts. February 1, 2022 the book will be out!
666 is probably one of the best known numbers from the Bible out there. Yes, we have a very different take on what that number means or doesn’t mean. So before you totally write us off as nut cases, give it a listen with an open mind and see what you think. Let us now, in a loving friendly type of way;). Until next time.
So what was John really doing on the island of Patmos? Myke and Mike continue the discussion of some very different possibilities of what John was actually doing during his time on Patmos. We invite you to think with us of the very real possibility that John was continuing his life long theme of revealing who Jesus Christ is as we think together on what Revelation is all about. Enjoy!
We are sharing a new way to look a the book of Revelation. There is a scene in Revelation 7:13-17 that really never made much sense unless you put it a theatrical form. Give it a listen and tell us what you think!!
Myke and Mike are launching a new project February 1, 2022. We would like to invite you to join us in this discussion. Please feel free to share your thoughts as well as the podcast with your friends. Enjoy.
Liz, Myke and Mike take on the issue of giving yourself permission in life. This is a fascinating discussion that we hope will help you as you move through life. Enjoy your time viewing.
Liz, Myke and Mike continue their discussion for what it takes to parent in the COVD era. What happens when you mess up in your dealing with your kids. This is part 2 of the Emotional transitioning during COVID
Liz, Myke and Mike are back for a discussion that is pretty much plaguing us all, (no pun intended;) how do we transition back into some type if normalcy while still dealing with the current pandemic of COVID. How do we help our kids? Great discussion and ideas to help you navigate life. Enjoy, this is part 1.
We are back. Sorry for the long vacation. To all our 6 fans out there we hope you survived without us. We welcome Liz Hargreaves sharing with us on this podcast. Liz is lives in England so you will enjoy a change in fun and someone with great insights.
Ok, this one is probably the most interesting podcast we have produced. The issue of grooming has become so distorted that it is destroying relationships at the same time it is a truly real phenomena that has life long effect. Join us in the lively discussion and tell us what you think.
Myke and Mike into a current very very hot topic across our nation. CRT! What is it? Well, give it a listen and find out in a very different way in which you could possible approach the current issue. Tell us what you think!
Myke and Mike have joined forces with Liz Hargreaves from Astera Global Limited in developing a series of courses for mid management corporate leadership. We are excited about this project and thought you might enjoy our introductory discussion.
The commercial church is dying out, but it doesn't really matter! Once again, Myke and Mike step into it! You want to know what "it" is, you will have to listen. This is a beginning of a fascinating discussion which we are assured will lose half of our 12 listeners:) Please consider what we believe is happening around the globe
Myke and Mike take on the issue of bullying. In this podcast you will hear a new approach to the issue of bullying and where it comes from in relationships. They give some ways to deal with it and most importantly how to understand what is truly happening when one in a bullying relationship.
Ever wondered how power happens in relationships and organizations. Mike and Myke start podcasts on how does power work in our lives, or not work in our lives. This is a lively discussion regarding the power in our lives. Give it a listen, we believe you will find it informative and entertaining.
If you thought the first one on Sex and Church was nuts, try this one. Actually Myke and Mike go much deeper in to the reality of what goes into some of our current views particularly the evangelical church. Let us know what you think.
Myke and Mike take on a tough issue that quite frankly very few people will even talk about in an open forum or even a closed one for that fact. Pornography, Gays, Transgender, same sex marriage, divorce and the likes. Myke and Mike talk about how you can begin to navigate some issues that are considered "taboo" in the evangelical church but desperately cry out for action. You might not agree but we ask you to consider maybe a different approach that could change your life. Let us know what you think.
Myke and Mike continue with their discussion of Victimhood and what it is doing to you. They give real tools to move out of a victimhood life style. You will find this to be an intriguing discussion that will give you ways to move forward in your life.
This one you will want to view. Myke and Mike take on an issue that virtually no one wants to address. Victimhood. How some people live a life of being the victim to get their identity. It's worth you time. Give it a listen and tell us what you think
The last episode Myke and Mike began the discussion of dealing with chaos in your life. Chaos which leads to stress, which leads to all kinds of difficulties. Today they further define two different types of chaos: Chronic & Crisis. Which one are you living in, and what are you going to about it.
Chaos!! Ever find yourself with your seemingly your life is out of control? Today, Myke and Mike lead you through some personal experiences of how they dealt and deal with chaos in life. We're not talking about I lost my car keys or my wallet but issues that are life changing. We will give you steps to meet the opportunity head on in your life. Enjoy!
We have been talking about "Healing the Rift". Today we are going to continue the discussion on Politics, Money and Religion, the 3 forbidden T-day discussion topics. Why is that? We seriously can't have a conversation regarding these 3 topics without it splitting the room. Myke and Mike dive head long into the 3 biggies. Enjoy their discussion as they explain how you can maintain relationships and have great conversation even on these: Politics,, Money and Religion.
Myke and Mike continue the discussion of division vs diversity and why is there such a terrible rift between people in our country. We think you will enjoy this conversation as we tackle the tough stuff of living in our world of Why do People Act That Way, and What can I do about it?
Figure it out!Myke and Mike begin a discussion regarding division vs diversity, They continue to ask the two diagnostic questions of what is this doing to me, and what can I do about it. It follows in line with Why do People Act that Way. Enjoy, it is the 1st of 2 podcasts on this particular subject.
Myke and Mike continue the journey through their book, "Why Do People Act That Way? (And What Can I Do About It?)" This is the last complex (The B of PEMB) in understanding your reality. In human behavior, trillions to the exponent of trillions of behaviors are possible. We reduce the concept to just TWO aspects! We hope you enjoy it.
Myke and Mike continue their explanation of PEMB: Perceptions, Emotions, Motivations and Behaviors from their book, "Why Do People Act That Way? (And What Can I Do About It?)" This episode focuses on the M of PEMB: Motivations. What is the fluidity factor in Motivations? What's fluid and what's solid, and why? Why don't I do what I say I will do? Why do I keep doing what I say I won't do - at least, I tell myself and others I won't keep doing it...? Enjoy!
Myke and Mike continue to explain their work out of their book, "Why Do People Act That Way? (And What Can I Do About It?)" as they explain The 5 Basic Emotions: Acceptance, Exposure, Empowerment, Depletion & Celebration. This is part of the PEMB system, Perceptions, Emotions, Motivations and Behaviors. Can't you just call these five emotions Love, Fear, Anger, Sadness and Happiness? The system is greater than just one example in it, so we created some "bigger" language to talk about the concepts and then work with the specifics within each one. You'll get a lot out of this episode, and may have lots of questions.
Why Do People Act That Way? In the next 4 podcasts, Myke and Mike discuss the 4 main complexes known as PEMB: Perceptions, Emotions, Motivations and Behaviors. We can talk about them as independent concepts, but they really are interactive in each person's experience of reality. These 4 complexes are in their book, and key to their training of "Why Do People Act That Way? (And What Can I Do About It?)" (The book is available on Amazon as a print-on-demand, e-book or audiobook.)
Life can be emotionally tough. You can choose to be grumpy, unthankful, angry and/or ungrateful but wait, maybe there is a better way to deal with life. Myke and Mike have some great suggestions on how to Grip your Reality during the tough time. Enjoy learning new ways to face difficult times in living out your reality.
Myke and Mike take on the the 4 dreaded "curse" words: need, should, ought and must. Take a listen to learn why we believe these four words are some of the most dangerous curse words uttered in today's world. Hope you enjoy it.
Myke & Mike talk about why they chose the title "Gripping Reality." They explain where this has taken them in sharing life with people to give them hope and purpose. They explain why they are doing what they do and where we will be going in the coming weeks, months and hopefully years with our friends listening. Enjoy.
Feeling exhausted right now from 2020? And now the elections! Gah! Even worse! East Coast Myke and West Coast Mike take on the issue of being exhausted: emotionally, physically and socially. How did we get so depleted? Have fun listening to some hopefully helpful ways to navigate by Gripping Reality.
Welcome back to Gripping Reality. We decided to take on parenting today. Not an easy time to raise kids, but we hope this will give you a few tools and hope in raising yours. And, we summarize the ENTIRE ROLE of parenting into one simple purpose, easily said, not easily done. How do you define your role as a parent, relative to your child(ren) who are growing up in your home? This podcast could change your entire life... and theirs!
Myke and Mike (East Coast Myke Merrill and West Coast Mike Wilson) grab hold of the insanity of the current election stress. This incredibly practical and entertaining podcast will provide you with some real tools to think in a new way and resolve some pretty tough emotions... and you don't need your check book or insurance card! You'll really love these two guys, OR YOUR MONEY BACK! GUARANTEED!