Episode 121

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Published on:

16th Feb 2023

ICYMI: Experiments with truth with Parker Palmer

Today we share a wide-ranging conversation with Parker Palmer. From acts of rebellion to the hidden wholeness of the world to the integration of the inner and outer life, as well as teaching and leadership, this conversation is rich in wisdom and hope.

We have followed Parker Palmer’s work for literally decades, and are both thrilled and honored to have him on our podcast. This opportunity to get a chance to meet him and reflect with him on the condition of the world right now was a real gift. We are grateful for his work and will continue beating the drum of joining "soul and role" in discovering our hidden wholeness in this corner of the world.

Check out The Center for Courage and Renewal or just a few of Parker Palmer's books here:

The Center for Courage and Renewal

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation

A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life

Time Stamps:

3:32--Shelley shares with Parker how his work mentored her when she went through a dark time

6:13--Parker begins his story as to how he started on his academic career, but felt like it wasn't enough

11:35--Shelley asks Parker about the idea of the unfolding of calling

20:20--Walking in the woods is a contemplative exercise

24:39--The idea that it's an act of rebellion to try to show up in the world as a whole person

30:00--The idea that for perspective, the world really does go on without us

35:57--Parker's truer calling was in writing and sharing his ideas rather than activism and what he felt he "ought" to do

39:03--Failure hurts, so it's not easy to separate ourselves from it

46:20--The other thread that runs through this is that you have maintain your inner life

51:29--What's the smallest thing we can do today to move us in our purpose

56:02--Life on the Mobius Strip

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About the Podcast

The Humanist
Lead yourself. Lead others. Live creative. No one said this would be easy.
Live your values. Find sanctuary. Discover and embrace your authentic self. Embark on your path of self-discovery and purposeful living.

With thought leaders, visionaries, and everyday citizens from Chattanooga and beyond, Dr. Chad explores the question: Who are you, and what does it mean to be human now?

Join Dr. Chad Prevost on this transformative journey as he seeks radical new ways to understand and practice what is real. Whether you're seeking to reignite your passion, discover your true calling, or simply live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Subscribe now and embark on a path of self-discovery, creativity, and purposeful living.

About your host

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Chad Prevost

Dr. Chad has advanced degrees in creative writing, literature, and theology. Being married to a psychotherapist has been another education. A workshop leader and entrepreneur, he has started and participated in writing and literary arts communities in New York, Austin, Atlanta and Chattanooga. He also has experience writing as a journalist for startups in tech and logistics. He is the author of several books of poetry, as well as interactive-fiction for youth. Over the years, he has innovated writing processes to foster reflection and insight, narrative strength, and authentic voice.