The WizeGuys

Into the Mystic: Navigating Life’s Spiritual Back Alleys Part 2

You want some of that? This episode dives deep into the idea that finding the divine isn't just reserved for the mountaintop mystics or the sacred texts—it's happening right in your backyard! We chat about how the extraordinary often hides in the mundane, and how a true mystic sees the divine in the everyday moments: at the grocery store, during dinner, or even at a wrestling match. It’s all about embracing the mystery and being open to transformation, which can lead to some pretty profound realizations about ourselves and the world around us. So, buckle up as we explore how we can become more in tune with our inner mystics and experience life in technicolor!Takeaways: The mystic's journey often reveals the extraordinary in the most mundane moments of life. Embracing uncertainty and the unknown is crucial for personal growth and transformation. Finding God can happen anywhere, from your backyard to the grocery store and beyond. To truly see and experience life, one must cultivate an awareness of the present moment.

Into the Mystic: Navigating Life’s Spiritual Back Alleys Part 1

Let's dive into the mystical world, shall we? This episode is all about how we’re all a bit more mystical than we think, and it’s not just for the tarot card readers and the crystal-huggers. We kick things off by chatting about what it means to truly experience the 'mystic' side of life—it's like taking a spiritual road trip with your best pals, where the destination is a whole lot of inner peace and connection to something way bigger than ourselves. We share some witty banter about the importance of compassion and being loved by friends and neighbors, because, spoiler alert: that’s what true mystics do! Plus, we throw in some fun examples, like how being a mystic is less about the robes and rituals and way more about embracing the magic in everyday moments. So grab your favorite cozy drink, settle in, and let's explore the enchanting realm of mysticism together!Takeaways: Everyone has that inner mystic, and it's all about recognizing it within ourselves. Mysticism isn't about dogma; it's a fluid experience that transcends traditional beliefs. Navigating life with a mystical mindset opens up new paths and possibilities for everyone. Compassion and love are trademarks of a true mystic, showing how interconnected we really are. Experiencing mysticism enhances our senses and deepens our understanding of reality. Embracing a childlike curiosity can lead to profound insights and a richer life experience. Links referenced in this episode:gorogue lifeCompanies mentioned in this episode: Van Morrison Pope Francis Ralph Lewis

Heaven, Hell, And Cosmic Consequences

We're diving right into a pretty juicy topic today: the whole heaven and hell situation, and trust me, it’s not as straightforward as you might think! We're here to stir the pot and challenge some of those old-school beliefs that might be holding you back. Love is the name of the game, and we’re asking the big question: does love really win? Spoiler alert: we’re leaning toward a resounding yes, but we’re also navigating through some of the touchy stuff surrounding the concept of hell. So grab your headphones and get comfy—let’s explore how our perceptions of God and love can reshape our understanding of these big concepts. Who knows? We might just spark some "aha" moments along the way!Takeaways: In this episode, we dove deep into the controversial topics of heaven and hell, challenging traditional beliefs while keeping the conversation light and engaging. We emphasized the importance of viewing uncomfortable topics as opportunities for growth, and how discomfort can lead to deeper understanding. The guys discussed how love ultimately wins in the grand scheme of things, and how that perspective can reshape our understanding of faith and spirituality. One key takeaway is that our perceptions of God can greatly affect our views on heaven and hell, sparking a discussion on whether God is capricious or inherently loving. We explored the idea that Jesus did not come to save us from God, but rather from ourselves, inviting us to rethink how we view divine love and grace. Throughout the chat, we laughed and joked, proving that even deep, meaningful conversations can be fun and enlightening, encouraging listeners to share their thoughts with us. Links referenced in this episode:wiseguys.comrobbell.comlovewins.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Rob Bell C.S. Lewis

Leadership Lessons: Courage, Humility, and a Little Fun Part 2

Ready to roll? We're diving deep into the world of courageous leadership, where we tackle everything from the nitty-gritty of personal growth to the art of being present for those we lead. Today, we’re all about the importance of rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty—because, let’s face it, it’s hard work that brings results. We also explore the gift of availability; that’s right, giving your time is one of the most valuable things you can offer. Plus, we dig into the idea that sometimes, you gotta embrace a little suffering to really grow. So, buckle up, because we’re shattering the norms and flipping the script on what it means to lead effectively!Takeaways: Engaging in courageous leadership requires you to actively participate and roll up your sleeves. Understanding your 'why' is crucial, as it shapes your leadership approach and inspires others. A good leader is available to their team, showing that they prioritize their needs and well-being. Courageous leaders often face suffering, whether it's second-guessing themselves or dealing with team dynamics. Effective leadership involves focusing on what's truly important while learning to say 'no' to distractions. Personal growth and emotional intelligence are vital for anyone in a leadership role to thrive. Links referenced in this episode:Gorogue Life-The Wizeguys homepageStart with why-Simon SinekTyranny of the Urgent

Leadership Lessons: Courage, Humility, and a Little Fun Part 1

Leadership isn’t just about the title on your business card—it’s an inner journey as much as it is an outward one. In this chat, we dive into the nitty-gritty of what it means to lead courageously, drawing from our collective scars and triumphs. We’ve got decades of experience between us, and as we've experienced, there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for this calling. We’ll explore the balance between external leadership and the internal work we need to do to truly be effective. So, whether you’re leading a team or just trying to steer your own ship, come along for some wisdom, a few laughs, and maybe even a new perspective on this whole leadership thing. Takeaways: Great leaders continuously learn and grow; nobody ever truly arrives at leadership mastery. Courage in leadership means being willing to follow others and learn from their strengths. Effective leadership is about lifting others up and fostering a collaborative environment. Leadership is an ongoing journey, marked by self-reflection and the courage to lead yourself.

The Great Mind Shift: Updating Romans 12:2

Let’s kick things off with a real gem from Romans 12:2, which says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This episode is all about embracing new thoughts and ideas that help us break free from the mundane and into something extraordinary. We’ll dive into how to process and resolve those “new thoughts” that come our way, whether they’re inspired by ancient wisdom or just everyday life experiences. Think of it like a mental refresh button – we’re here to chat about how to hit that button and discover what God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will looks like in our lives. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s get ready to expand our minds together!Takeaways: Transforming your mind is not just a one-time deal; it's a daily adventure of digging deeper and thinking differently! Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold; embrace the beauty of renewal and be the butterfly in your life! Cultivating a willingness to think differently opens the door to new possibilities and amazing transformations. Testing God's will means checking in with your heart and mind, not challenging God, but discovering what aligns with love and goodness.

Shattering Norms with Jon Paul Sydnor: The Great Open Dance

Get ready to shake up your perspective because today we’re diving deep into the wild world of progressive Christian theology with the one and only Jon Paul Sydnor, author of “The Great Open Dance.” Right off the bat, Jon Paul challenges us to rethink our understanding of God, the Trinity, and what it means to live in loving community. He’s all about breaking the mold and shaking up those old, tired norms that often box us in. Throughout our chat, we’ll explore how embracing love and unity can transform our lives and the world around us. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s get ready to dance through some thought-provoking ideas that might just shatter your expectations!Links referenced in this episode:substack.com/progressive-christian-theologybarnesandnoble.com -Link to the book.The Jon Paul Sydnor Exotic Cocktail-Courtesy of mixologist Coach StuTrinity's Embrace1.5oz Aged Rum0.75oz Coconut Creme0.5oz Honey Syrup0.5oz ChartreuseDash of orange bittersCombine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into a highball glassGarnish with an edible flowerTakeaways: In this episode, we dive deep into Jon Paul's revolutionary ideas about progressive Christian theology, showcasing how he challenges traditional norms and invites us to think differently. Jon Paul emphasizes the importance of agape love, arguing that our inherited traditions often hinder the true expression of God's unconditional love for everyone. We learn that progressive theology is not a static tradition but a dynamic movement that encourages continuous growth and transformation in our understanding of faith. John Paul shares powerful examples from his life, emphasizing how community and cooperation can lead to profound spiritual experiences, akin to the unity of the Trinity. The discussion highlights the need for Christians to embrace discomfort in order to grow spiritually and collectively, illustrating that true growth often arises from challenging situations. Ultimately, we explore how Jon Paul’s insights can help us move towards a more inclusive and loving faith, bridging gaps between diverse communities and perspectives.

What If Life’s Not a Script? Rethinking God’s Plan

What if life isn’t about following a strict plan, but rather about dancing with God in a creative partnership? This episode dives deep into that intriguing idea, suggesting that instead of a rigid blueprint, God invites us to co-create our lives, playing along with the choices we bring to the table. Picture it: even when we mess up—like when I accidentally wore mismatched socks to a meeting—there's potential for something beautiful to emerge from our blunders. We’ll explore how this perspective can reshape our understanding of life's ups and downs, and how God works through our experiences, weaving good out of even the messiest situations. So, grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s chat about how to embrace the chaos and craft a life that’s living, useful, and downright good!Questions from the episode:- Is God still creating?- How can bad things happen to good people?- Are we part of His new creation?- Did he just wind it up and leave it to run? Deism.- Is he still involved? To what extent?- Is there an extent to His love?- How you answer these questions determines, to a large extent, your worldview.- Plan of salvation through sacrifice and reconciliation.Takeaways: Life isn't about having a strict plan; it's about co-creating with God through our choices. God can make something beautiful even from our worst mistakes and ignorant blunders. We might feel like we're separated from God, but the truth is, we can't be separated from love itself. Asking the right questions about God's involvement can lead to a deeper understanding of our life journey.