The Sacred Everywhere Podcast

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks again with Josh Foster, a therapist, writer, and fellow lover of the Ted Lasso television series. In this third conversation, they explore episodes five through seven of Season 4, focusing on what it means to let ourselves be seen, to move beyond shame and fear, and to discover our inherent worth.The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Committed members of the Ted Lasso universe will especially enjoy this episode, but the psychological and spiritual themes they explore will resonate even if you’ve never watched the show.This is part 1 of this conversation. The full episode is available to paid Substack subscribers here.Spoiler Alert! In the first half, Sheri and Josh consider how these episodes reflect the deeper stages of the hero’s journey, when familiar identities are challenged and characters must confront what they’ve been hiding from themselves and others. They explore the themes of shame, vulnerability, and the masks we wear, particularly as they emerge in episode five, Riches of Embarrassment. What does it take to let someone behind the curtain of our carefully constructed personas? And does our worth depend on what we accomplish and how others perceive us, or is there something sacred and irrevocable about who we are?In the second half, available to paid Substack subscribers, Sheri and Josh dive into episodes six and seven, Don’t Jump Around Much Anymore and Yes, And Baby. They explore Ted’s sense of being adrift, the unexpected expressions of love and friendship among the characters, and the importance of learning to see ourselves and others more fully. From Roy’s growing emotional honesty to the trickster-like chaos surrounding Zelda, these episodes invite reflection on the limits of perfection, the possibilities of saying “yes, and” to life, and the difference between truly seeing another person and seeing only what we want to see.Throughout the conversation, Sheri and Josh return to a central question: What might become possible when we risk being real, allow ourselves to be known, and recognize the inherent worth in ourselves and others?* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Josh Foster is a licensed mental health therapist, writer, and creator of The Unlearning Journey. His work focuses on religious trauma, unlearning, and human flourishing. He is especially fascinated by the Hero’s Journey and the way it helps us understand the stories we love and the stories we are living. He often explores those ideas through Ted Lasso, Marvel, and Star Wars, with the hope of helping people discover and build a life that is truly their own.**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * *Previous Conversations with Josh about Ted Lasso:For the Love of Ted Lasso with Josh Foster, Pt. 1Curiouser About Ourselves with Josh Foster, Pt. 1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

Watch the full episode at https://sherikling.substack.com/p/curiouser-about-ourselvesSPOILER ALERT: In this second conversation about Ted Lasso, Dr. Sheri Kling and Josh Foster dive into Season 4, Episodes 2–4. If you haven’t watched them yet, you may want to save this episode for later!What happens when the person who’s always encouraged everyone else to be curious rather than judgmental has to turn that same curiosity toward himself?In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri continues her conversation with therapist and writer Josh Foster, exploring the psychological and spiritual wisdom woven throughout the newest season of Ted Lasso. Picking up where their first conversation left off, they follow the next stages of the hero’s journey through Episodes 2–4: “Curiouser and Curiouser,” “Richmond’s Got Talent,” and “Greyhounds Day Off.”In Part 1, Sheri and Josh explore how Ted’s journey into the unfamiliar world of women’s football challenges old assumptions and invites new perspectives. They consider what happens when the villain isn’t a person but an entire system, how the hero’s journey calls us into unfamiliar territory, and why Ted may now need to turn his famous curiosity toward himself.In Part 2, available to paid Substack subscribers at https://sherikling.substack.com/p/curiouser-about-ourselves, the conversation goes deeper into specific scenes and characters, exploring their psychological and spiritual significance through the lenses of Jungian psychology and process theology. What can Ted’s curiosity about Coach Alice teach us about seeing beyond the stories we tell about others? How do we recognize—and begin to heal—the harmful beliefs and patterns we’ve inherited from the systems that shaped us? And what does Ted’s discomfort in the women’s locker room reveal about his own unfinished journey of self-discovery?The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Together, these conversations raise some fascinating questions about our own lives. How much of who we are is shaped by what came before? How do we find compassion for ourselves and others as we recognize the wounds and assumptions we carry? And how can curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be uncomfortable help us discover new possibilities?Whether you’re a committed member of the Ted Lasso universe or simply someone interested in personal growth, healing, and the possibility of change, this conversation offers plenty to think about.Because maybe the most important question isn’t just how we can become more curious about others—but how we can become curiouser about ourselves.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Josh Foster is a licensed mental health therapist, writer, and creator of The Unlearning Journey. His work focuses on religious trauma, unlearning, and human flourishing. He is especially fascinated by the Hero’s Journey and the way it helps us understand the stories we love and the stories we are living. He often explores those ideas through Ted Lasso, Marvel, and Star Wars, with the hope of helping people discover and build a life that is truly their own.The podcast Sheri mentioned in this episode, “Richmond Till We Die,” seems to have ended in 2023, but it’s episodes can be found here: .**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.Watch More Episodes about Ted LassoFor the Love of Ted Lasso with Josh Foster, Pt. 1Ted Lasso: Letting Ourselves be Seen with Josh Foster, Pt. 1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks with Josh Foster, a therapist, writer, and lover of the Ted Lasso television series. An essay Josh posted on season 4, episode 1 and elements of the hero’s journey reflected there prompted this conversation and, most likely, more to come.Other committed members of the Ted Lasso universe will especially enjoy this episode, but there are themes here that you’ll appreciate even if you’ve never seen the program.In the first half, they talk about Ted Lasso as a cultural phenomenon, its major themes, and how it has seemed to impact people on deep levels. They also talk about our psychological and spiritual journeys and aspects of process theology that are reflected in Ted Lasso.***Spoiler Alert*** In the second half (available for paid Substack subscribers at https://sherikling.substack.com/p/for-the-love-of-ted-lasso-with-josh), they take a deep dive into season 4, episode 1 and the ways in which elements of the first several stages of the hero’s journey show up there.The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Josh Foster is a licensed mental health therapist, writer, and creator of The Unlearning Journey. His work focuses on religious trauma, unlearning, and human flourishing. He is especially fascinated by the Hero’s Journey and the way it helps us understand the stories we love and the stories we are living. He often explores those ideas through Ted Lasso, Marvel, and Star Wars, with the hope of helping people discover and build a life that is truly their own.**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * *Watch More Episodes on Ted LassoCuriouser About Ourselves with Josh Foster, Pt. 1Ted Lasso: Letting Ourselves be Seen with Josh Foster, Pt. 1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

I was thrilled to have this fun and wide-ranging conversation with Jonathan Foster and Tori Owens on their Off Canon podcast. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks with Bob Walter, editor and friend of Joseph Campbell and one of the founders of the Joseph Campbell Foundation.In this first part, they talk about Bob’s zig zag life of opening pathways and synchronicities that eventually led him to meet and work with Joseph Campbell.In the second half (available for paid Substack subscribers here: https://sherikling.substack.com/p/bob-walter-full), they dig into their shared experience of organizing two Mythic Journeys conferences in Atlanta, GA in 2004 and 2006 as well as the work that Bob is doing now. In the end, they conclude, life is a call to adventure.The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Robert “Bob” Walter was Joseph Campbell’s editor for a decade, and previous president of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, an organization he helped found in 1990 with choreographer Jean Erdman, Joseph Campbell’s wife.Bob is also a poet/playwright with several decades of experience as group leader, teacher, publisher and theatrical producer/director/designer. He can be found online at https://www.bobwalter.life/.**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * * This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks with Dr. Patrick J. Mahaffey, author and professor emeritus in the mythological studies program for Pacifica Graduate Institute. His latest book is entitled Individuation and Beyond: World Views, God Images, and Self-Realization. Full episode is here: https://sherikling.substack.com/p/patrick-mahaffey-fullIn this first part, they talk about Patrick’s fascinating spiritual journey from his childhood in Michigan raised in the Lutheran Church to his current practices in Hinduism and study of myth. They start digging into the five worldviews that Patrick writes about in his newest book, including process philosophy/theology and Jungian depth psychology.The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In the second half (available for paid Substack subscribers here: https://sherikling.substack.com/p/patrick-mahaffey-full), they dig more into the Diamond Approach, contemplative yoga, and integral metatheory and practice, and finally explore Patrick’s own integrative spirituality and ways to encounter the Sacred.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Dr. Patrick Mahaffey is Professor Emeritus in the Mythological Studies Program at Pacifica Graduate Institute. His areas of expertise include Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Comparative Philosophy of Religion, and Contemplative Yoga. His Ph.D. in Religious Studies is from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of Integrative Spirituality: Religious Pluralism, Individuation, and Awakening, the editor of Evolving God-Images: Essays on Religion, Individuation, and Postmodern Spirituality and his latest book, Individuation and Beyond: World Views, God-Images, and Self-Realization. He has also published essays on Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and Self-inquiry in Jung’s Depth Psychology and Yoga.Dr. Mahaffey and his writing can be found online at:https://pacifica.academia.edu/PatrickMahaffeyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/PatrickMahaffey**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * * This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks with James Hazelwood about his new YouTube series, “Everyday Spirituality,” found at https://www.youtube.com/@jameshazelwoodphoto/videos. In part 1, they discuss spirituality, Carl Jung, wholeness, transformation, and sacred vs. secular and whether there is such a distinction. And in part 2, they talk about Jim’s journey to becoming a bishop in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) as well as religious pluralism and more. Listen to the full episode here: https://sherikling.substack.com/p/james-hazelwood-full.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFDThe Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Dr. Sheri Kling is an interdisciplinary scholar of spiritual formation and human flourishing whose work integrates relational theology, depth psychology, neuroscience, and empirical research on meaning and transformation. Her work can be found online at www.sherikling.com.Her work explores how human beings move from fragmentation toward belonging by integrating a Jungian understanding of the soul with a relational understanding of reality. She is interested in how individuals and communities cultivate the innate human capacities for meaning, self-transcendence, relationship, and transformation through practices that foster deep belonging. Bringing theology, depth psychology, neuroscience, and empirical research into conversation, her work seeks to understand and nurture the conditions under which human flourishing naturally emerges.* * * * * * *James Hazelwood is an author and photographer focused on telling stories about meaning, culture and politics, though mostly he’s just trying to figure out how the toaster oven works in the broil mode. A former bishop in the Lutheran Church, he now writes and produces video on the topic of everyday spirituality. His works can be found at www.jameshazelwood.com**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * * This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri shares how snake dreams and new revelations can heal lifelong struggles that stem from early childhood trauma.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Dr. Sheri Kling is an interdisciplinary scholar of spiritual formation and human flourishing whose work integrates relational theology, depth psychology, neuroscience, and empirical research on meaning and transformation. Her work can be found online at www.sherikling.com.Her work explores how human beings move from fragmentation toward belonging by integrating a Jungian understanding of the soul with a relational understanding of reality. She is interested in how individuals and communities cultivate the innate human capacities for meaning, self-transcendence, relationship, and transformation through practices that foster deep belonging. Bringing theology, depth psychology, neuroscience, and empirical research into conversation, her work seeks to understand and nurture the conditions under which human flourishing naturally emerges.**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * * This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, an open and relational theologian, author, public speaker, and nature photographer. Listen to the full episode here: https://sherikling.substack.com/p/tom-oord-fullIn the first half, they talk about Tom’s recent book, A Systematic Theology of Love, Tom’s journey to becoming a process and open & relational theologian, and what it means to center our theological perspectives on God on love as essential.In the second half of the full episode (available to paid subscribers on Substack), Sheri and Tom talk about God’s power when it comes to evil and suffering as well as Tom’s costly advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people.The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD* * * * * * *Thomas Jay Oord, Ph.D., is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology and doctoral students at Northwind Theological Seminary.He is an award-winning author and has written or edited more than fifty books. A gifted speaker, Oord lectures at universities, conferences, churches, and institutions. He is known for his contributions to research on love, science and religion, open and relational theology, the problem of suffering, and advocacy for the full inclusion of queer people.Books:A Systematic Theology of Love: Volume 1: God and Creation https://www.amazon.com/dp/1968136509God Can’t: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils https://www.amazon.com/God-Cant-Believe-after-Tragedy/dp/1948609126/Website: thomasjayoord.comCenter for Open & Relational Theology: https://c4ort.com/ Northwind Seminar Doctor of Theology specializing in open & relational theology: https://www.northwindseminary.org/cort-2024ORTCON https://c4ort.com/ortcon/**NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals.* * * * * * * This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe

This is the video and audio version of the article “Reminders of Another Time and Place.”The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe