Listening for Clues

Discovering Balance and Healing: A Journey with Trish Lott

In this episode of Good News!, Lynn Shematek and Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch welcome Trish Lott, who shares her fascinating career evolution from a health educator in reproductive health to a licensed acupuncturist deeply involved in international outreach. Trish recounts her transformative experiences in the Peace Corps, living in rural Paraguay, and how these shaped her approach to acupuncture. She explains the philosophy behind acupuncture, its roots in nature, and her unique practice model in Towson, Maryland. Additionally, Trish discusses her work with midwives in Guatemala...

The Art and Power of Preaching with David Schlafer

In this episode of Good News, Lynn Shematek and co-hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch speak with Reverend Dr. David Schlafer—a philosopher, priest, preacher, and teacher. Dr. Schlafer shares his journey from a background in philosophy and Southern Baptist roots to becoming an influential Episcopal priest and educator in homiletics. He delves into his philosophy of preaching, the significance of developing one's unique voice, and the preaching role of deacons and laypersons in the church. The discussion is rich with insights on the importance of careful, re...

Finding Your "Purpose Power" with Markiesha E. Wilson

In this episode of Good News, Lynn Shematek and co-hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch interview Markiesha E. Wilson, a change consultant, executive coach, and bestselling author. They discuss her journey since her last appearance in 2023, including her contributions to the bestselling book 'Cracking the Rich Code' and her own 'The Climb: Eight Audacious Actions to Overcome Life and Climb the Corporate Ladder with Joy.' Markiesha shares insights into finding your 'purpose power,' dealing with life's challenges, and the importance of generosity. She talks about her...

Connections That Count: Unleashing the Spirit of Volunteerism in Baltimore County

In this podcast, co-hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch meet Alison Vogrin and Chanell Abdul-Muhaimin to learn about the important volunteer work coordinated through the Baltimore County Volunteer Center. Both Alison and Chanell share their personal journeys in volunteerism and their current roles; Alison as the Program Manager and Chanell as the Program Coordinator. They explain that the Volunteer Center serves as a clearing house connecting volunteers of all ages in the Baltimore area with opportunities to help various non-profit organizations. Highlighting the center's key...

Empowering Gifts: Deacons Bridging Church and World

Join the Good News team: Lynn Shematek and co-hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch as they speak with Denise Schiavone, Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. This episode dives into the role of deacons as bridges between the church and the world, focusing on how they empower others to use their gifts. Denise shares her journey and insights into the diaconate, innovative programs like the Deacon Engagement and Evangelism Program (DEEP), and the importance of courageous action and collaboration across faiths. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about...

Uncommon Paths: The Rev. Julia Fritts on Music, Acupuncture, and Ministry

Welcome Reverend Julia A. Fritz to our podcast! In this heartfelt episode, Reverend Fritz shares her unique journey, from a career in music and physical therapy to becoming a classical and neuro acupuncturist and an associate priest at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. Discover how her diverse experiences and passions integrate into her current roles, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Learn about her formative years, her motivations, and the profound impact of her work on her patients and church community...

In this inspiring episode of Good News, meet James Woody, the Executive Director of Sutton Scholars, a high school enrichment program sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, as he shares his journey from the corporate world to nonprofit service. Alongside hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, James discusses the importance of spirituality, leadership, and life skills in transforming the lives of underserved youth in Baltimore. Learn about the unique focus of Sutton Scholars and how the program fosters personal and community growth. Discover how you can support this vital initiative and make a difference.

00:00 Introduction...

In this inaugural episode of the second season of Good News, hosts Deacons Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch sit down with the Right Reverend Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, the fifteenth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and the first woman to hold that role. Bishop Carrie shares highlights of her first year as bishop, including the privilege of ordaining others, and the joy of hearing transformative stories from congregants across the diocese. She discusses the importance of inclusion, intentionality in leadership, and how the Episcopal Church nurtures real conversations across differences. The episode concludes with reflections on her recent pilgrimage...

This episode explores the final Beatitude, 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' The discussion delves into the complexity and difficulty of this teaching, examining what Jesus might have meant by persecution leading to happiness and blessedness. The hosts discuss the difference between unjust persecution and persecution for righteous causes, highlighting examples from history and contemporary life. They emphasize the role of change, peacemaking, and striving for justice in a Christian's life, acknowledging that these pursuits often lead to societal resistance. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners...

Inner Peace, World Peace: Blessed Are the Peacemakers

n this enlightening episode, the Good News team - Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek - discuss Jesus' beatitude about peacemakers, highlighting the significance of achieving internal peace and extending it to our relationships and communities. They explore the complexities and labor involved in being a peacemaker, emphasizing self-reflection, listening, and spiritual alignment with God. The conversation delves into the importance of fostering peace within oneself before effectively spreading it to others, painting a hopeful picture of a world where everyone recognizes each other as Children of God...

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: Understanding True Love and Divinity

Join Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek from the Good News team as they explore the beatitude 'Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God.' This thought-provoking episode delves into the concept of purity of heart, aligning with the heart of God, and embodying love in everyday acts of kindness. Through heartfelt discussions, the speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing the divine within ourselves and others, highlighting the motivation behind our actions and the profound impact of love on our lives and...

The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Exploring the 5th Beatitude

Join the Good News team, Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek, as they delve into the 5th Beatitude from Matthew's Gospel: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall have mercy shown to them.' In this insightful conversation, they discuss the essence of mercy, sharing personal anecdotes and examples from the scriptures. They explore how small acts of kindness can create ripples of compassion, the difficulties of showing mercy to those we dislike or don't understand, and practical steps to cultivate a merciful heart. Tune in for...

Have you ever found yourself in trouble? Not just any trouble, but the kind of "good trouble" that drives change and justice in the world? This concept, famously championed by civil rights leaders like John Lewis, stems from a powerful notion that aligns with Jesus’ Beatitude about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. In this enlightening discussion featuring Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek, we explore what it means to seek justice and the transformative power of passion and perseverance.

00:00 Introduction: The Concept of Good Trouble

00:23 Exploring Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

...

The Power of Meekness: Redefining Strength through Humility

Is meekness a weakness or a kind of superpower? Join the Good News team, Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek, as they delve into the third Beatitude, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' The discussion redefines meekness, not as passivity or weakness but as a form of self-awareness and humility. The team explores how true meekness involves recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses and seeking God's help. They also ponder what inheriting the earth means in a modern context. This insightful conversation offers a...

Exploring the Beatitudes: Blessed are those who mourn | Good News Podcast Ep. 2

Join the Good News team—Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek—as they delve into the second Beatitude: 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.' In this episode, they share personal insights and reflections on mourning, grieving, and finding comfort. They discuss how loss impacts our lives, the different ways people experience mourning, and the significance of comfort from community and faith. This episode aims to provide another understanding of the Beatitudes as a blueprint for living a Christian life.

Understanding the First Beatitude: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Join the Good News team: Lynn Shematek, Lauren Welch, and Jon Shematek as they launch their eight-part video and audio podcast series on the Beatitudes, starting in January 2025. In this first episode, they discuss the meaning of 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' by exploring personal interpretations and the importance of acknowledging the divine presence in our lives. They emphasize prayer and awareness of God as key components to enrich one's spiritual life. The episode ends by inviting the audience...

Discover Advent in Everyday Moments: LOVE

This video includes prayers, discussions and interviews focusing on spirituality, love, and faith. The main speaker introduces Bishop Robert W. Ihloff of the Episcopal Church, who stresses the importance of living the faith and accepting others regardless of their beliefs. Father Jeff Hual explains his meaningful involvement in the Syrian refugee crisis initiated out of love and friendship, which included providing wheelchairs and education materials. The video also features Dr. Dorothy Adamson Holley, a Developmental Psychologist who integrates psychology and spirituality in her work, shares her philosophy that love plus forgiveness...

Discover Advent in Everyday Moments: Joy

In this video, we interact with some inspirational figures - Dr. Sharon Runge, Executive Director of Kenya Connect (USA), Reverend Henrietta Wiley, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson, Maryland, and Markiesha E. Wilson, a human capital consultant. Dr. Runge speaks about the work her organization is doing in rural Kenya and her personal journey of embracing opportunities. Reverend Henrietta Wiley, shares her view on joy as a divine gift and expresses how her priesthood opened a 'floodgate of joy' for her. Finally, Markiesha E. Wilson emphasizes the role of faith...

Discover Advent in Everyday Moments: PEACE

In this three-part video, orchestra teacher Pat Aaron discusses her musicianship at her church, where she performs either solo, with a pianist friend, or as part of a quartet or trios. She reflects on how performing music provides a deeply spiritual and emotional experience, not just for her, but for those who are listening. The video highlights the beauty of connecting with people through music and the sense of calm and unity it brings within the community.

The conversation takes a deep turn as the priest, the Rev. Dr...

Discover Advent in Everyday Moments: Finding HOPE

Advent One: Three Stories of Hope

In the face of adversity, it is often our resilience that shines through, guiding us towards hope and strength. St. Peter's Church in Ellicott City is a prime example of this unwavering resilience. As a church that has experienced its fair share of trauma and tragedy, it has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. In this excerpt from a Good News! podcast, we invite you to reflect on the profound lessons of resilience, hope, and faith.

The second excerpt...

Good News 2023 Season Closing

The Listening for Clues team, Co-hosts Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, and Director Lynn Shematek, gather to reflect on creating twenty-one "Good News!" podcasts published since June 2023. They are humbled and grateful to have heard and shared the stories of remarkable individuals who are making a difference in the world, be it large or small. Even as the 2023 season draws to a close, plans are underway for even more to come in 2024. In this final episode of the year, they express thanks to their guests as well as their viewers and listeners. Watch or...

In the Climb with Markiesha E. Wilson

We are honored to have Markiesha E. Wilson, a human capital consultant, leadership coach, and author of "In the Climb." Markiesha talks about how her vocation came to be, the power of forgiveness and her amazing book.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Markiesha's book "In the Climb" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Climb-Audacious-Actions-Overcome-Corporate/dp/1737622300

Markiesha's website: https://wilson-chapman.com/

Markiesha's email address: pursuejoy@wilson-chapman.com

Markiesha's Instagram address:https://www.instagram.com/wilsonchapmancoaches/?hl=en

The TEDX...

Engaging Our LIteral Neighbors

We are honored to have the Rev. Derek Miller, Rector of St. Peter's Church in Ellicott City, MD with us. Derek talks with us about what it means to be a "co-vocational" priest, and the work he is doing with the Ellicott City Partnership. He encourages us to re-engage with our literal neighbors, people outside the walls of our churches.

00:00 Engaging Our LIteral Neighbors

00:22 Introduction

01:34 The Ellicott City Partnership

03:49 About Ellicott City and the People

06:56 Co-Vocational: What Does It Mean?

11:47 Surprises...

A Deacon's Heart with Anne Reed

We are honored to have the Rev. Anne Reed, Episcopal Deacon, who speaks with us about her varied ministries following her retirement from her secular work. In this conversation, Anne embodies what many of us call a "deacon's heart," demonstrating the joy that comes from seeking and serving Christ in others, and connecting the church and the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 A Deacon's Heart with Anne Reed

00:20 Introduction

01:21 Anne's Many Ministries as a Deacon

03:19 Serving in Multiple Churches

06:54 Habitat for Humanity<...

Guardian Angel: A Place for Everyone

We are honored to have the Rev. Steve Holt, Rector of the Church of the Guardian Angel, Baltimore City with us today. Steve speaks about the many ministries this church offers to the community and how it has responded to the needs of the Spanish-speaking residents of the neighborhood. Steve also speaks about his new role in the Diocese of Maryland as the Associate for MIssion.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Steve's email address: rectoratguardianangelremington. org

Steve's Website

Steve's Facebook page

...

Feeling Beings Who Think

We are honored to have the Rev. Arianne Rice, Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Towson, MD. Arianne speaks with us about podcasting, leadership coaching and mission work at St. Luke's Youth Center.

Highlights:

00:00 Feeling Beings Who Think

00:00 Introduction

02:12 How Did You Get Involved in Podcasting and Leadership Development?

04:04 Becoming a Priest

07:47 Personal Tragedies

10:44 A New Beginning

14:32 Executive Coaching

19:21 Arianne's Podcast: "Feeling Beings Who Think"

26:46 Surprises Along the Way

Gen Z and the Future of the Church

We are honored to have Brother Christian Ventura, O.P. who speaks about his co-vocational call to the Dominican monastic order and the Episcopal diaconate. Christian talks about the future of the church, especially as related to the "diaconal hearts" of Gen Z.

Highlights

00:00 Gen Z and the Future of the Church

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Being a Dominican Friar

03:20 Working in Emergency Medicine

04:45 Symbolism of the Habit

06:57 Why a Deacon

08:08 The Future of the Church<...

Becoming Community with Music

We are honored to have Pat Aaron, who has been teaching music to children in public schools in Western Maryland for several decades, as she talks about the power of music to create relationships and community.

00:00 Becoming Community with Music

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Inspired by a Teacher

02:13 It's All About the Students

03:52 Favorite Interactions with Students

04:59 How Is Music Life-Changing?

07:55 Relationships

08:31 Personal Growth

09:57 Community Symphony

11:30 Connection with Spiritual Life

14:31 Final Words of Wisdom<...

Opening the Gates with Rhetta Wiley

We are honored to have the Rev. Dr. Henrietta Wiley, PhD, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Towson, MD. Rhetta speaks with us about "opening the gates" of the church to new ways of thinking and new partnerships.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Rhetta's email address: hlwiley@trinitychurchtowson.org

Highlights:

00:00 Opening the Gates with Rhetta Wiley

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Introduction

01:29 Integrating Community

03:57 Partnership with Unity Fellowship Church

09:24 Initial Reactions...

Spirituality & Social Justice with Bishop Bob Ihloff

We are honored to have the Rt. Reverend Robert W. Ihloff, recently retired after serving 28 years as a bishop of the Episcopal Church. Bob speaks about how his spirituality has inspired and maintained his decades-long passion for social justice issues.

Highlights:

00:00 Spirituality & Social Justice with Bishop Bob Ihloff

00:18 Introduction

01:31 Social Justice & Spirituality: The Common Thread of Bishop Bob's Ordained LIfe

03:44 Challenges of Prophetic Preaching

07:16 Differences in Being a Parish Priest and Diocesan Bishop

09:44 What has surprised...

Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community

We are honored to have the Rev. Gloria Carpeneto, a Roman Catholic Womanpriest, who talks about the Living Waters Inclusive Catholic Community, a prophetic voice of inclusion, worship and ministry. Gloria isYou have my bio, right?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Highlights:

00:00 Living Water Inclusive Catholic Community

00:00 Introduction

01:33 Roman Catholic Womenpriests

05:12 A Roman Catholic Prophetic Movement

08:56 The Living Water Inclusive Community

On Volunteering with Kathy Lochary

We are honored to have Kathy Lochary from Baltimore, MD. Kathy speaks about how a personal tragedy helped her find a way to give to others. She is a humble, generous person who has worked for years to connect people with others in need.

Highlights:

00:00 On Volunteering with Kathy Lochary

00:21 Introduction

01:10 How Kathy Got Involved

06:46 Making a Difference

07:59 Any Surprises?

09:21 Being a Worker Bee

10:33 Obstacles Lead to Adaptation

12:49 Advice for Others Who Want to...

Grace in the Rearview Mirror

We are honored to have the Reverend Mary Luck Stanley, Episcopal priest and newly-published co-author of "Grace in the Rearview Mirror," which offers perspectives on finding God in the everyday, from four women Episcopal priests who are married to Episcopal priests.

Highlights

00:00 Grace in the Rearview Mirror

00:00 Intro

01:13 How the Book Came into Being

02:53 Theme of the Book

05:46 What Have You Learned from this Experience?

11:32 How It Felt to Recall Painful Memories

14:50 Deeper Understanding of God<...

A Journey to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging

We are honored to have the Rev. Dr. Brandt Montgomery speak with us about his call to ministry and experiences as a school chaplain, and his key role in bringing to life a program that promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging at Saint James School, an Episcopal boarding school in western Maryland.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] INTRO 

[00:01:41] Being the Chaplain at St. James School 

[00:04:16] Relationships 

[00:06:10] Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging 

[00:11:08] Surprises Along the Way 

[00:15:51] Call to Priesthood 

[00...

Project Linus: Blankets for Children in Crisis

We are honored to have Kay Belzner , a volunteer with Project LInus, here with us today. Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Intro  

[00:01:07] How Kay got started with Project Linus 

[00:02:15] How does Project LInus work? 

[00:04:00] Stories 

[00:06:54] Personal Relationship with God 

[00:09:25] Obstacles 

[00:10:44] A Community

[00:11:43] What skills are needed to do this?  

[00:16:03] How to get more informa...

Well for the Journey

In this episode, Greg talks about Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, MD. The various programs offered in different formats and settings are focused on spiritual well-being, and center on the sacred conversation between the Spirit and a person's spirit, with the aim of bringing transformation and healing to the world. Changing the world, one person at a time, one heart at a time.

We are honored to have Greg Cochran as our guest on this episode. Greg Cochran is Executive Director at a spiritual wellness center...

Healing Through Music with Drum Dr. Dot

We are honored to have Dr. Dorothy Adamson Holley (aka Drum Dr. Dot) as our guest today. In this episode, Drum Dr. Dot talks about Drumetry, her creation in which she merges poetry with African drumming. Her story highlights the healing, transformative, unifying power of all music, and particularly the rhythmic music of the African drum. We are especially treated to a performance of her original Drumetry piece, "Enough."

Dr. Dorothy Adamson Holley, aka Drum Dr. Dot, is a Developmental Psychologist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who...

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Making a Difference for Syrian Refugees in Southeastern Turkey

We are honored to have Jeff Hual as our guest for this episode, a story of friendship and collaboration between two faithful persons, one a Muslim and...

SLYC: St. Luke's Youth Center

SLYC is a collaborative of West Baltimore families working together to provide youth with critical resources, life-enriching experiences, and a safety-net of support.

We are honored to welcome our guest, Amanda Talbot . Amanda Gardner Talbot serves as director of St. Luke's Youth Center (SLYC), a nonprofit organization in West Baltimore. SLYC empowers and employs local residents to develop programs that address the specific needs of their community. SLYC fosters civic engagement, advances education, creates economic opportunities and nurtures individuals' self-direction. Amanda, a Baltimore City native, has a strong connection to...

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Kenya Connect: Support for Education in Rural Kenya

We are honored to have Sharon Runge as our guest in this episode. Dr. Sharon Runge is Executive of Kenya Connect (USA) a non-profit working in rural Kenya...