The Sacred Thread Podcast

13 Episodes
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By: Winston

The Sacred Thread Podcast explores the contemplative path that is rooted in the Christian tradition, while also drawing from many sources (such as Buddhist wisdom and modern psychology) to illuminate this path. Hosted by Winston Janusz — a meditation teacher, licensed therapist, and ordained pastor — this show is for seekers who long for peace, presence, and meaning in a restless world. Through reflections and conversations, we trace the sacred thread woven through everyday life, awakening to the Spirit in all things and cultivating compassion, connection, and resilience.

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The Non-Dual Heart of Christianity with Jory Pryor
12/12/2025

In this episode, Winston is joined by Jory Pryor author of Becoming All Light: The Nondual Heart of Christianity and host of the Methods podcast.

Together they explore the rich terrain of non-duality, Advaita Vedanta, and Christian mysticism, asking what it means to speak of God, self, and reality in a way that goes beyond the familiar dualities of Western thought. Jory shares how his book emerged as both a teaching and a spiritual practice, written in the lineage of “teach what you most want to learn.”

They...


The Future of Church with Cathie Caimano
11/28/2025

In this episode, Winston is joined by Rev. Cathie Caimano — Episcopal priest, writer, runner, and founder of Free Range Priest, Trexo: A Gym for Your Soul, and Substack Seminary, a new 12-month program helping clergy reclaim their ministry identity and build sustainable models of spiritual leadership.

Winston and Cathie explore:

her 25-year journey from traditional parish ministry into “free-range” ministrywhy churches must evolve from institutional maintenance to spiritual connectionhow digital tools can strengthen real-life communitythe growing need for clergy to develop clear ministry identities and sustainable income streamsthe future of faith communities in a w...


Rethinking God with Thomas Jay Oord
11/14/2025

In this episode, Winston sits down with theologian and philosopher Thomas Jay Oord to explore the heart of open and relational theology — a vision of God as inherently uncontrolling love, whose life unfolds in real relationship with creation, and whose influence is mutual rather than unilateral.

The conversation dives into eternal creation, the nature of intrinsic value, what it means for God and creation to be “entangled,” and how unity and individuality coexist without collapsing into either pantheism or separation.

You can follow Thomas’ work here: 

https://thomasjayoord759927.substack.com/?utm_campaign...


The Shape of Time: A Conversation with Diana Butler Bass
11/07/2025

What if time itself could become a doorway into the sacred? In this conversation, writer, historian, and theologian Diana Butler Bass joins Winston Janusz to explore how the Christian calendar offers an alternative rhythm to our hurried, secular world. Drawing from her brand new book A Beautiful Year, Diana reimagines the shape of time as something non-linear—more like a spiral or labyrinth—inviting us to live with courage, gratitude, and hope in the midst of change.

Together they reflect on how sacred time can ground us in love, resist empire, and help us r...


An Evolving Faith with Brian McLaren
10/31/2025

Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian whose voice has helped shape the conversation around faith in the modern world. In this episode, we talk about his book The Great Spiritual Migration, the future of the church, and how our religious institutions can become powerful forces for transformation and healing in society.

This episode was originally recorded around 2020. 



The Art of Authenticity: Dharma, Jazz, and the Spiritual Journey with Thomas Davis IV
10/17/2025

In this episode, Winston speaks with contemplative artist and meditation teacher Thomas Davis IV about his journey through Christianity, Buddhism, and the creative life. Together they explore how mindfulness, art, and authenticity intersect — from jazz improvisation and emotional expression to the humility required in service and leadership. Thomas shares insights from his work at InsightLA and Avant-Dharma, reflecting on the spiritual path as one of continual renewal, courage, and liberation. A soulful, expansive dialogue on faith, creativity, and the freedom found in embracing who we truly are. 

You can find more of Thomas' work at: htt...


Bridging Science and Spirit: A Conversation with Linnea Butler
10/03/2025

In this episode, Winston is joined by Linnea Butler, MS, LMFT — a former research scientist turned trauma therapist and writer who weaves spirituality into her work. Their conversation explores Linnea’s own spiritual journey, her experience with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and how neuroscience and consciousness studies intersect with soul wisdom. They discuss trauma healing and the search for awe, the role of kindness and community in mental health, and the possibility of personal and collective transformation.

If you would like to follow Linnea's work, you can find her on Substack at:

https://linneabutler.substack.com/


Barbara Brown Taylor on Finding God in the Faith of Others
09/19/2025

Barbara Brown Taylor is a best-selling author, teacher, and Episcopal priest. Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, she has inspired readers with her thoughtful reflections on faith and life. In this conversation, we discuss her book Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others and explore how engaging with other religions can deepen and enrich our own spiritual journeys. 

This episode was originally recorded around 2019. 



Trusting Your Path—A Christian Take on Human Design with Dave Roper
09/05/2025

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with my good friend Dave Roper — a Human Design coach and follower of Christ — to explore what it means to truly trust the path God has laid before us. We talk about learning to wait for the right opportunities, letting go of the constant grind, and embracing the joy of rest, play, and alignment with who we were created to be.

Dave shares the science behind Human Design, how to approach it from a Christian perspective, and what to say to skeptics. We discuss breaking free from a “slavery mindset,” releasin...


Guided Meditation for When You’re Feeling Stressed and Rushed
08/15/2025

In this 10-minute guided meditation, you’re invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and return to yourself. Perfect for those moments when life feels overwhelming or rushed, this practice gently encourages you to release the pressure and reconnect with your own inner rhythm. Whether you’re new to meditation or returning to your practice after a busy season, this session is a quiet reminder: It's okay to slow down.



Making Mindfulness Your Own: A Conversation with Jimmy Warden
08/01/2025

In this episode of The Sacred Thread Podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend, mindfulness teacher and writer Jimmy Warden for a practical and heartfelt conversation about what mindfulness looks like in real life. We explore the messiness and beauty of practice—how it evolves over time, how it meets us in our anxiety and overwhelm, and how it doesn’t have to be rigid or perfect to be transformative.

Jimmy shares stories from his own journey, including his experience with MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), the role of habit energy in our constant rushing, and how mindfu...


Coming Home: A Short Meditation to Reconnect with Inner Stillness
07/09/2025

In this short guided meditation, Winston invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and come home to yourself.

Through gentle body awareness and a centering visualization, you’ll reconnect with your inner stillness—that quiet sanctuary within you that’s always present, no matter what’s happening in the world around you.

Drawing on both Christian and Buddhist imagery, this practice is here to help you return to your breath, your body, and your sacred inner light.

Perfect for moments of overwhelm, anxiety, or when you simply need to rest and reset.

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Introducing The Sacred Thread
06/12/2025

Welcome to the first episode of The Sacred Thread Podcast. In this intro, I share my personal story, the vision behind the show, and the deeper questions we’ll explore together—around spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, and meaning.

Follow me on Substack: winstonjanusz.substack.com
Instagram: @sacred_thread87