Best Sophia Shepherd Podcasts (2025)

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Friends, Betrayers, and Breakfast on the Beach 59:32

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15d ago59:32

59:32

What if the triumphant entry wasn't triumphant at all? Rather, it was Jesus staging a powerful protest against the empire. While Rome paraded through Jerusalem's main gates with war horses and soldiers, Jesus deliberately chose a different path—riding a borrowed colt through the back entrance, surrounded not by military might but by ordinary people…

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I Have Seen The Lord! Easters Witness 44:14

17d ago44:14

44:14

Mary Magdalene's simple yet powerful testimony, "I have seen the Lord," forms the foundation of Christian witness throughout history. Like a neighbor pointing out crocuses blooming beneath Chicago snow, Mary shows us where to look for hope when our circumstances feel frozen in grief. Her commission as the first resurrection witness reminds us that …

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When Christ Calls Your Name: Resurrection's Personal Promise 50:34

17d ago50:34

50:34

The power of resurrection isn't merely a future promise—it's an invitation to awakening right now. When we hear the Easter story, we often focus solely on Christ conquering physical death and securing our eternal future. But this powerful message from First Love Church reveals how resurrection transforms our present reality, too. Death's dominion h…

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Beyond the Campfire with Cara Meredith 38:24

17d ago38:24

38:24

Send us a text What happens when the sacred spaces of our childhood reveal themselves to be breeding grounds for exclusion? Cara Meredith joins us to unpack her three-decade journey through evangelical church camp culture and the awakening that led to her powerful new book. From her first experience as a 9-year-old camper in 1988 to her final speak…

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Finding Peace in the Arms of a Loving Shepherd 43:22

22d ago43:22

43:22

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me." These words from Jesus in John's Gospel offer profound comfort in a world where we often feel like strangers, orphans, or forgotten souls. What story are you telling yourself? It might be limiting what you can see. Like the pastor who couldn't find his guitar because he was convinced s…

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Extravagant Devotion- Make What's Beautiful The Story 55:50

27d ago55:50

55:50

What story are you telling yourself? In this powerful exploration of Mary's extravagant worship, we discover the transformative practice of "making the beautiful the story" in our lives and relationships. When Mary broke open her alabaster jar containing perfume worth an entire year's wages to anoint Jesus' feet, she was immediately criticized. Jud…

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The Prodigal Path Home 45:01

27d ago45:01

45:01

What happens when we shift from being the grateful recipient of grace to becoming its gatekeeper? In this profound exploration of Jesus' parable of the father with two sons, we discover that this isn't simply a story about a prodigal returning home—it's about two different ways we can miss the heart of God. The religious leaders criticized Jesus fo…

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The Samaritan's Compassion: Rethinking Who Deserves Our Help 1:04:19

27d ago1:04:19

1:04:19

A religious scholar asks Jesus what must be done to inherit eternal life, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on compassion. When the scholar tries to limit his obligations by asking "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan—a story that continues to challenge our assumptions about who dese…

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Eve Reimagined: Mary Magdalene as the New Hope 36:01

29d ago36:01

36:01

Send us a text Imagine stepping into a story that has been told for generations, only to discover there's another way of seeing it entirely. Shelley and Heather invite us to reconsider the foundation stories that have shaped women's spiritual identity for centuries. Beginning with a delightful childhood tale of "stealing" Mary Magdalene from the Su…

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Unveiling Divine Connections 32:06

1M ago32:06

32:06

Send us a text What if the cosmic significance and divine orchestration of our lives were revealed in an ancient text? Together, we'll unravel the profound connection between the vast universe and our everyday experiences. Focusing on Mary 6:1-2, we'll discuss Peter's acknowledgment of Jesus' extraordinary love for Mary Magdalene and her unique spi…

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The Mystics Would Like A Word:Shannon Evans Joins Us. 38:42

2M ago38:42

38:42

Send us a text Its a great, great day here and we are just thrilled to share the mic with Shannon Evans. In her latest book, "The Mystics Would Like A Word," Shannon highlights the profound legacy of women mystics like Marjorie Kemp, Catherine of Siena, and Teresa of Avila who trusted their own souls despite living in deeply patriarchal contexts. T…

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Sin? 49:36

2M ago49:36

49:36

Send us a text What if everything you thought you knew about sin was actually keeping you from experiencing true joy? In this thought-provoking episode, Shelley and Heather challenge conventional religious narratives around sin, offering a liberating perspective that centers on love rather than separation. The conversation begins with a simple yet …

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Vulnerability as a Path to Divine Love - Mary and Martha have something to say 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Imagine a world where love and hope challenge the very foundations of societal norms. In this episode, we journey through the Advent season, exploring the profound impact of these themes in our lives. We revisit the powerful narrative of Mary and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke, revealing how their courage and acceptance of divine will set an exa…

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When Women Speak: Breaking Silence and Challenging Patriarchal Interpretations with Laurie Beth Jones 35:52

3M ago35:52

35:52

Send us a text What happens when we put down the stories that have limited us and pick up a pen to write our own? In this illuminating conversation with renowned author Laurie Beth Jones, we journey through the liberating practice of questioning inherited narratives and crafting something more authentic. Laurie Beth challenges us to recognize Jesus…

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A Widening Embrace - with Dr. Matte Downey 41:21

4M ago41:21

41:21

Send us a text What happens when you challenge traditional beliefs and set out on a path of expansive theology? Dr. Matte Downey joins us to unravel the mysteries of faith in a world hungry for diverse narratives. Her book, "Go Wide," serves as a beacon, guiding us through the transformative power of storytelling, from biblical parables to the ench…

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Peace and Repentance 52:28

4M ago52:28

52:28

Have you ever wondered how peace can emerge from the midst of chaos? In our latest episode, as we follow the journey through Advent, exploring the profound lessons from the story of John the Baptist and Zechariah's transformative song. We promise you’ll discover the significance of doubt, silence, and eventual redemption, as we reflect on the start…

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Celebrating Feminine Joy 31:25

4M ago31:25

31:25

Send us a text Imagine if your ordinary morning coffee could serve as a conduit for divine joy. Shelley Shepard and Heather Drake invite you to explore this notion as we celebrate the Advent season by discovering joy amidst the ordinary. Through Mary's extraordinary story, we learn how everyday rituals, like savoring a cup of coffee, can become hol…

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Exploring Advent: Hope, Love, and Transformation 41:55

4M ago41:55

41:55

What if the season of Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas? Join us on this enriching journey through hope, love, peace, and joy, as we explore how these profound themes can transform us. Through our discussions, we'll unpack the beauty of waiting and uncover the quiet miracles that unfold around us every day. Discover the sacredness o…

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Peace as a Maternal Force: Reimagining Tranquility in Advent 31:55

6M ago31:55

31:55

Send us a text What does true peace mean in a world fraught with noise and chaos? Join us as we journey into the heart of Advent, a time rich with themes of hope, peace, love, and joy. We offer our gratitude for a year of the Expansionist Podcast by exploring the Hebrew and Greek concepts of peace—"shalom" and "irene"—which invite us to rethink pea…

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The Mystical Nature of Hope 43:17

6M ago43:17

43:17

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how hope can be both a gentle feather and a gritty sewer rat? That's exactly what we explore in this thought-provoking episode of the Expansionist Podcast. We start with two powerful poems: Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the Thing with Feathers" and Caitlin Sudea's contemporary reimagining, "Hope is Not a Bird, Emi…

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Embracing Gratitude: Transforming Life with Love and Peace 49:40

6M ago49:40

49:40

Can gratitude transform your life into one of peace and joy? Join us as we explore this profound question As Thanksgiving approaches, we celebrate the power of living a life guided by love and gratitude, inspired. Together, we reflect on the importance of being instruments of peace and bridge builders, much like the Prayer of St. Francis encourages…

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Finding Peace, Joy, and Love Through Gratitude and Kindness 57:43

6M ago57:43

57:43

What if finding peace amidst chaos is as simple as embracing faith? Journey with us on the First Love Church Podcast as we recount a transformative vacation experience in Arizona that taught us to find serenity in God's unwavering presence. Through personal stories and reflections on the beloved hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness," we explore how unit…

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The Power of Love: Lessons from the Gospel of Mark 47:53

6M ago47:53

47:53

What if the most transformative power in your life was as simple as love? Join us on the First Love Church podcast as we explore the radical teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, where love and compassion hold the keys to a fulfilling and peaceful existence. We dive into the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, reflectin…

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Embracing Abundance: The Transformative Power of Gratitude 36:59

6M ago36:59

36:59

Send us a text What if a simple shift in perspective could turn your life from scarcity to abundance? Join us as we uncover the incredible power of gratitude with insights from our guests, Shelley Shepard and Heather Drake. Through spiritual texts, studies, and poetry, we explore how gratitude not only aligns us with promises of abundance but also …

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Darkness to Light in Spiritual Discovery 24:45

7M ago24:45

24:45

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to see the world through God's eyes? In our latest episode, we explore the powerful narrative of Bartimaeus from Mark 10, uncovering the profound impact of simple, heartfelt prayer. Discover how Bartimaeus' cry for mercy parallels our own struggles with spiritual blindness and urges us to re-examine our de…

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Trusting the Divine Plan 43:21

7M ago43:21

43:21

Have you ever wondered why our expectations of divine intervention often clash with a greater purpose? Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we unpack the beautiful complexity of trusting a divine plan that transcends our understanding. Drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus and his disciples, we explore how our desires for worldly assuranc…

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Finding Love In Doubt 54:15

7M ago54:15

54:15

This episode of the First Love Church podcast invites you to discover the sacredness in ordinary moments. Through biblical narratives and reflections on the natural world, we explore how faith can illuminate the divine in the mundane, and how stories like that of Job remind us of God's omnipotence and enduring love. The wisdom from Hebrews provides…

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Salt and Light 44:55

8M ago44:55

44:55

Salt and Light and what Jesus says his followers are. Through engaging narratives and personal stories, we challenge you to embody the essence of a neighbor in need, moving beyond superficial acts of kindness to genuine, impactful connections. Hear about a moment of unexpected compassion that transformed a simple task into a profound lesson in love…

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Wisdom That Comes From Above (James 3) 55:15

8M ago55:15

55:15

What if reorienting your soul could start with a simple Sunday gathering? On this spiritually enriching episode of the First Love Church Podcast, we explore the sacred significance of these gatherings as a time to remember our true identity as beloved children of God. Journey with us through the teachings of Jesus, the Beatitudes, and the book of P…

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Compassionate Leadership and Everyday Spirituality: a conversation with LaurieBeth Jones 50:27

9M ago50:27

50:27

Send us a text Discover the profound lessons of faith and leadership with the insightful Laurie Beth Jones, celebrated author of "Jesus CEO," "The Path," and "Jesus in Blue Jeans." Join us as we explore Laurie Beth's innovative perspectives on Jesus, moving beyond traditional portrayals to uncover his compassionate and revolutionary nature. Through…

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Equal Mercy: Bridging Divides with Love (James 1) 48:07

9M ago48:07

48:07

What does it mean to truly live out your faith? This episode of our podcast takes a deep dive into the Book of James, inviting you to explore the dynamic relationship between belief and action; highlighting the vital role of community in spiritual growth. Through reflections on nature, we uncover profound lessons about hope and renewal, emphasizing…

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Generous Listening, Emotional Peace, and Transformative Love (James 1:16-17) 1:05:42

9M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Discover the profound beauty of finding God in the everyday as we journey through ordinary moments together. Have you ever wondered what it means to see God's presence in the mundane aspects of life? Join us as we explore how ordinary time in the liturgical calendar can transform our daily experiences into sacred encounters. We'll also introduce ou…

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Women's Leadership and Divine Generosity with Dr. Froswa Booker- Drew 40:13

9M ago40:13

40:13

Send us a text What if the biblical stories we've known all our lives missed crucial voices—particularly those of women? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew to uncover the forgotten female leaders of the Bible and discover how reinterpreting these stories can empower the next generation of women in leadership. Heather Drake also weig…

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LOVE That Transforms Us 51:27

9M ago51:27

51:27

Can love truly transform our lives and communities? Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we explore the deep metaphor of Jesus as the bread of life, reflecting on how His teachings on love resonate across cultures. We delve into the Apostle Paul's wisdom on maturity being marked by love and discuss the profound obligations we have in loving…

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Rituals, Feasts, and the Gospel of Mary 30:57

9M ago30:57

30:57

Send us a text Could Mary's gospel offer a more profound understanding of love and faith? On this thought-provoking episode of the Expansionist Podcast, embark on an exploration of Mary Magdalene's life and her unique relationship with Jesus. By reflecting on her actions, like anointing Jesus and proclaiming his resurrection, we invite you to consi…

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Mystical Poetry Inspiring Sacred Expressions: Featuring Chelan Harkin 44:19

10M ago44:19

44:19

Send us a text What if your words could break free from societal norms and connect souls on a deeper level? Together, we are exploring how renaming sorrow can become a direct path to divine connection. In our latest episode, we explore this and more with the extraordinary poet Chelan Harkin, whose upcoming book, "The Prophetess," is already making …

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Becoming Your Own Compassionate Witness 39:00

12M ago39:00

39:00

Send us a text Can you truly understand the essence of compassion and how to seamlessly incorporate it into your everyday life? Join us as we explore the profound depths of compassion, distinguishing it from emotions that often masquerade as its kin. Have you ever considered the question, "Who told you that?" as a compassionate invitation rather th…

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Following Our Souls Deepest Longings 41:27

1y ago41:27

41:27

Send us a text This stirring episode join a continuing conversation exploring longings and how they shape, our human experience and our divine connections, and have the potential to illuminate our life's true calling. Personal narratives that resonate with anyone who's ever sought something just out of reach, Heather Drake shares how a childhood lo…

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A Diamond in the Rough 49:36

1y ago49:36

49:36

It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for. Ellie Lebenthal Diamond is on the podcast and, boy, is this one a banger. Yes, her mom’s a socialite. Yes, she’s a DJ with moxie. No, she doesn’t know German…yet. Welcome to this season’s second episode and also its season finale (we’re sorry). This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @the…

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Mutual Flourishing: Gender and Spirituality with Liz Cooledge Jenkins 43:22

1y ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text Have you ever felt the echo of ancient patriarchal structures within your faith experience? Liz Cooledge Jenkins joins us with a treasure trove of insights from her book "Nice Churchy, Patriarchy," guiding us through the labyrinth of tradition to spotlight the Divine Feminine. The conversation takes an enlightening turn as we explore…

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Mysticism That Leads To Transcendence 30:38

1y ago30:38

30:38

Send us a text Have you ever wondered if there's more to spirituality than traditional practices? Join Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake on a personal and historical journey, where we unearth the divine in the unexpected — from the beauty of a desert drive to the peak of a mountain hike. We weave tales of Joan of Arc, Jesus, and childhood mysticism…

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The Wisdom Of Silence 31:27

1y ago31:27

31:27

Send us a text Embark on a transformative exploration of spirituality with us, as we uncover the untold stories of women mystics who defied the confines of patriarchal traditions to connect with the divine. Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake delve into the teachings of Mary Magdalene's gospel, revealing the presence of the divine within each of us. …

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Learning To Hear The Voice Of Spirit 29:29

1y ago29:29

29:29

Send us a text Awakening to a vast inner realm, we invite you to listen to our conversation where we discuss the interplay of wisdom, spirit, and love as the bedrock of our faith journey. Throughout our dialogue, we reflect on how the spirit has been accessible to us in every season of life, emphasizing the vital role of hope in rekindling a connec…

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Love Is Stronger Than The Grave 1:00:00

1y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Join us as we journey through the transformative power of love and resurrection, drawing inspiration from the Easter narrative. Mary Magdalene's unwavering love and her poignant vigil during Holy Saturday serve as our backdrop for a conversation about enduring hope and love's capacity to transcend even the grave. Imagine standing before an empty to…

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Multiple Personalities 53:27

1y ago53:27

53:27

Today on the podcast, we chop it up with Tyler Wilson, a gentleman who grew up in the streets of Greenwich, Connecticut. We talk freckles, frats, family, film, and Fuzzy Dice. We’re also joined (bothered) by various guests. Back? We are so that. This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at thebechdelt…

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Living In Our Belovedness: How The Feminine Voice Shapes Our Understanding Of God 37:26

1y ago37:26

37:26

Send us a text Have you ever wondered about the power of the stories you tell yourself? Our latest episode guides you through a tapestry of narratives, love, and the spiritual journey of rewriting our life stories. Bathed in the themes of belovedness and innocence, we tap into the wellspring of love and worthiness that can transform our personal ta…

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What if LOVE gets the last word? 46:19

1y ago46:19

46:19

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, faced with the choice between retaliation or forgiveness, anger or love? Our Lenten journey takes us through these very human experiences, weaving a tapestry of stories that illustrate the transformative power of choosing love, even in the most trying of times. As we navigate the complexities of life, w…

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Claiming Our Belovedness: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Sacred Feminine Wisdom 33:02

1y ago33:02

33:02

Send us a text Have you ever felt a tug at your heart, gently reminding you of a truth long forgotten—that you are inherently beloved? We warmly invite you into a heartfelt conversation that explores this very idea, revealing how embracing our belovedness can profoundly enrich our self-perception and divine connection. We unravel the tangled narrat…

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Thriving in Divine Love: Sacred Acts, Radical Compassion, and the Path to Resurrection 55:04

1+ y ago55:04

55:04

Imagine uncovering the profound truth that you were not only created out of love but also designed to thrive in it—this revelation is what we unpack at First Love Church. As we navigate heartfelt discussions on divine love, our congregation's spirit radiates warmth and acceptance, reinforcing the belief in our inherent worth. Join us in reflecting …

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Transfiguration Sunday: How Belovedness shapes us 54:10

1+ y ago54:10

54:10

As the veil thins between the divine and the everyday, we find ourselves on the cusp of Lent, a season ripe with potential for transformation. Imagine shedding the weight of shame and negativity, the way one might peel away layers of old paint, to reveal the original masterpiece beneath—that is the invitation of this episode. Through a tapestry of …