25 JUN 2024 · Words have the power to form us. And that has indeed been the case for author, youth pastor, and podcaster, https://www.michaboyett.com/. In today’s conversation with Micha, she explains how living with the beatitudes, while raising her son with Down syndrome and autism, has deeply formed her. In our time together, she talks about the Dream of God, a reality in which everything is defined by the love of God, and how that concept has shaped her. She also talks about a renewed understanding of what ‘blessing’ means and how we hold the tension of longing for the Dream of God, while living in a very broken world. In Micha’s latest book,https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542825, she was invited into a new way of living in the world, a way of wholeness and flourishing that Jesus taught about. And in today’s conversation, she invites into that same way of living. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

10 JUN 2024 · In today’s conversation, I was blown away by how a popular therapy model demonstrates the image of God in each of us. More specifically, author and marriage and family therapist, https://mollylacroix.com/helps us see the relevance of the Internal Family Systems therapy model on the journey to healing and wholeness.   In our time together, we talk about her latest book,https://www.amazon.com/stores/Molly-LaCroix/author/B08KHP4RBY?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=truehttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Molly-LaCroix/author/B08KHP4RBY?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true. Molly helps us see the relevance of Biblical stories in our own lives, how our personal healing brings more wholeness in our relationships, and the God-given resources for resilience and healing that are innate in all of us. What I love about this episode is that it speaks to each person’s inherent beauty. I can’t wait for you to listen. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

27 MAY 2024 · So often diet culture disconnects us from our bodies and from having a peaceful relationship with food. In today’s episode, I talk with registered dietitian and therapist, https://alicelbaker.com/, MSRD CEDS-C LMHC LPC LDN, about shedding unhelpful beliefs from diet culture.   Alice Baker has over 27 years’ experience in the field of eating disorders. She currently sees clients in private practice as a dietitian and/or therapist, facilitates support groups, presents locally and nationally, and supervises new dietitians in the eating disorder field. In my time with Alice, we talk about the normalization of disordered eating in our culture, the infiltration of diet culture in the church, and how a non-diet approach is compatible with health. Thankfully, Alice also gives us some practical ideas on how we can move toward wholeness in our relationship with food and our bodies amidst diet culture.   Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

14 MAY 2024 · Dr. Jason Nagata is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, and is an expert in eating disorders, particularly in boys and men. He has published over 300 articles in academic journals and serves as Senior Editor for the Journal of Eating Disorders, on the International Advisory Board of The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, and the Editorial Board of the Journal of Adolescent Health.   In my time with time with Dr. Nagata, we consider the damaging effects of societal body image ideals among boys and men. We also discuss the lack of research and awareness regarding eating disorders in males, the increasing prevalence of eating disorders in general, the normalization of disordered food and exercise-related behaviors in athletics, and how social media plays into body image struggles and eating behaviors. According to Dr. Nagata, 2/3 of American teenagers want to change their bodies. In today’s episode, he helps us better understand food and body image-related struggles among boys and men. This is such an important episode; I’m so glad you’re here. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

29 APR 2024 · https://joyclarkson.substack.com/#details has learned the art of seeing goodness, truth, and beauty in our midst and she helps us do the same.   In case you are new to Joy, she holds a PhD in theology from the University of St. Andrews and is the author of two books, https://www.amazon.com/Aggressively-Happy-Realists-Believing-Goodness/dp/0764238248 and, most recently, https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542727. She is also a research associate in theology and literature at King's College London and the books editor for Plough Quarterly.   In our time together, Joy shares about how teaching a course on the idea of beauty in Western Theology has shaped her views on topic, as well as her study of how art can prepare us for death. Joy also explains the power of the metaphors we use and how those metaphors shape us and our experience. In our discussion, and in her latest book, You Are a Tree, she helps us move away from impersonal, productivity-oriented metaphors to help us live into more life-giving and generative ways of being human. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

16 APR 2024 · Heather Creekmore is a podcaster, mom of four, body image coach, and author. In our time together, Heather describes what inspired her to write her latest book, https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian, as well as why she’s so passionate about guiding women out of diet culture and into truth. Heather also describes what has helped her improve her own relationship with her body, she exposes lies associated with diet culture, and helps us reframe aging in a helpful way. If you have ever struggled with body image or beauty ideals, my hope is that Heather’s story and authentic reflections will help you feel less alone and bring you greater freedom. *This episode mentions eating disorder-related thoughts, behaviors, and symptoms. Please use your discretion when listening and speak with your support system as needed. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

1 APR 2024 · In today’s episode I talk with https://markey.camden.rutgers.edu/ about body image pressures impacting us and the next generation. Dr. Markey is a body image expert, professor of psychology and director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers University-Camden. She has authored several books, including https://www.amazon.com/Body-Image-Book-Girls-Yourself/dp/1108718779/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=%22The+Body+Image+Book+for+Girls%22+Charlotte+Markey&qid=1575121491&sr=8-2,https://www.amazon.com/Being-You-Body-Image-Book/dp/1108949371/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=being+you+body+image+boys+markey&qid=1634296755&sr=8-1, and the forthcoming https://www.amazon.com/Adultish-Body-Image-Book-Life/dp/100922896X  Dr. Markey also writes monthly for U.S. News and World Report, Psychology Today, as well as other publications, focusing on individuals’ eating behaviors, body image, and health. She has also been featured in and interviewed by The New York Times, The Economist, The Today Show, ABC News, Time Magazine, and Men's Health, among others. In our time together, we talk about recent trends related to social media use and body image, how to build body confidence in ourselves and the next generation, as well as what’s behind the increasing rates of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among males. Dr. Markey’s wisdom is a needed voice in our increasingly image-focused society. May we become thoughtful observers of these trends, so we can opt out of the messages and beliefs that don’t bring life.   Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

12 MAR 2024 · http://www.johnvansloten.com/ is a Calgary-based writer, teacher, and pastor who is passionate about helping people engage God everywhere. Over the past ten years he has preached dozens of creation and Bible-based sermons on topics like radiation therapy, river hydrology, chemical catalysts, tree branches, human knees, and DNA repair mechanisms. John is a regular columnist with the Calgary Herald and his books include The Day Metallica Came to Church and Every Job a Parable. Over the past ten years, he has been awarded three John Templeton Foundation subgrants for preaching science, has been part of an Ambrose Seminary Science for Seminaries, and has been a Sinai and Synapses fellow.  In my time with John, we talk about his latest book, https://www.moodypublishers.com/god-speaks-science/ John teaches that we can not only learn about God through the Bible, but through creation as well. He shows us that God’s love and character can be known more deeply as we marvel at the complexities of His amazing creation. John also shares how his conversion to following God caused him to change his vocation, as well as about the new journey God is leading Him on. John’s heart for God and his ability to see him in all things is inspiring. My hope is that this conversation may awaken us all to experience God’s presence and work everywhere. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

26 FEB 2024 · Diane Summers, MS, RDN, CD is the founder of https://hopenutritiontherapy.com/diane-summers/ and a nationally registered and state certified dietitian. Diane has treated the full spectrum of eating disorders and concerns since 2004, has been supervising eating disorder dietitians since 2009, and works with clients and consultees around the world. She is also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and a Narrative Focused Trauma Care practitioner. In my time with Diane, we talk about what diet culture is and how it impacts our relationship with our bodies, how diet culture impacts societal beauty ideals, and the prevalence of disordered eating. Diane also helps us unpack the topic of religious fasting during this season of Lent, including disentangling some unhelpful ideas often surrounding this practice. She also reminds us of the redemption and healing present in story work, as well as the richness that can come from growing older. Perhaps most importantly, Diane calls us back to the wild beauty that is innate in all of humanity, including you. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/

12 FEB 2024 · In today’s episode, we consider how looking heavenward can breathe new life into the present. This consideration is not a practice of escapism, but an opportunity to take a step back to see the larger story of humanity, where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Thankfully, today’s guest is a gracious and thoughtful guide. Amy Baik Lee is the author of https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/this-homeward-ache/, a literary member of the Anselm Society https://www.anselmsociety.org/artsguild/, and a contributing writer at https://cultivatingoakspress.com/ Magazine and the https://rabbitroom.com/ In our time together, Amy unpacks what she calls our homeward ache, those moments of beauty or peace that cause us to long for a world we haven’t yet experienced. In Amy’s view, these moments are piercing hints of heaven that reveal “the great promise of a coming restoration.” Amy helps us understand why this homeward ache matters, how it has altered every area of her life, and how it helps her live more fully in the present. As Amy explains it, Beauty is breaking into this world and someday (to paraphrase J.R.R. Tolkien) everything sad will come untrue; here and now we are invited to be a part of that work of restoration. Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Deep-Beauty-Fighting-Demanding-Flawless/dp/0764242032/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Learn more about https://www.impossible-beauty.com/ and join the community https://www.impossible-beauty.com/