The Being Formed Podcast

In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord (Founder of LifePoint Resources) is joined by author and ministry leader, Angie Day Peters, for a reflective conversation about spiritual freedom and transformation. Centered on Angie’s book, Rooted Revolution: Embracing the Mess and the Mystery, this episode explores what happens when Jesus returns to the center of our lives—and how that re-centering opens the way for freedom in our relationship with Christ, within ourselves, and with others. Special Bonus: At the 24:20 mark of the conversation, Adam shares his own prayer called “Somewhere in the Middle.” Be sure to listen to this part of the episode as a gentle reminder to return to what matters most. We reflect on: Why Jesus must be at the center of our churches and our formation How freedom flows from a rooted life in Christ Returning to love, presence, and wholeness The mess and the mystery of relational community Rooted Revolution: Embracing the Mess and the Mystery by Angie Day Peters (Purchase on Amazon) Learn more and connect with Angie at Unedited Life. #BeingFormedPodcast #LifePointResources #SpiritualFormation #SoulCare #RootedRevolution #UneditedLife #AngieDayPeters #SomewhereInTheMiddle #AdamOrmord The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Episode Summary In this episode, Adam sits down with Stephen W. Smith, author and founder of The Potter’s Inn and a long-time voice in the world of soul care. Steve shares about his new book of poetry, Greening, and the inner awakening he’s been experiencing in recent years. Together, Adam and Steve explore the role of poetry in spiritual formation, the journey of discovering one’s true self, and the ongoing invitation to live from a deep heart. About Stephen W. Smith Author of many books on spiritual formation, soul care, and leadership health Founder (with his wife Gwen) of The Potter’s Inn, a ministry that profoundly influenced Adam’s own life and the formation of LifePoint Resources Longtime retreat leader and spiritual guide Writes regularly on Substack Resources Mentioned Greening: Poems in the Unfolding of Our Lives Stephen W. Smith (Purchase Hardcover and Kindle on Amazon) Potter's Inn (PottersInn.com) Steve’s Substack (Read and engage with Steve's latest work) Key Themes How poetry opens the heart to God in unique ways Navigating seasons of transition and inner resurgence The spiritual symbolism of pilgrimage The urgent need for slowness in our chaotic world The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

In this special Advent episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord sits down with two fellow spiritual directors — Niecy LoCricchio and Lynn Biskner — to explore how we can enter this Advent season with greater attentiveness, creativity, and openness to God’s presence. Conversation with Niecy LoCricchio Adam first welcomes author and spiritual director, Niecy LoCricchio, whose new book—The Journey of Christmas Love: A Coloring Nativity Adventure and Advent Calendar for Families—invites children and adults alike into a creative, contemplative journey through the story of Jesus’ birth. CLICK HERE to purchase The Journey of Christmas Love on Amazon. Bonus Conversation with Lynn Biskner (plus FREE Resource) Adam and Lynn Biskner (Spiritual Direction Coordinator and Volunteer Writer for LifePoint Resources) reflect on what it means to wait with hopeful anticipation during Advent and how this season can be a gentle invitation to slow down and listen more deeply. The subject of our conversation is the FREE Advent Retreat, written by Lynn Biskner, called “Advent: The Dawn of New Creation.” CLICK HERE to download LifePoint's FREE Advent Retreat. Connect With Us Subscribe to The Being Formed Podcast wherever you listen. Learn more about LifePoint Resources and opportunities for soul care. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Adam Ormord (Podcast Host, Co-founder of LifePoint Resources) invites Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw to the Being Formed Podcast to discuss their latest book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. Cyd Holsclaw & Geoff Holsclaw, PhD, are coauthors of Does God Really Like Me? and codirectors of the doctor of ministry in spiritual formation and relational neuroscience at Western Theological Seminary. They are the cofounders of the Center for Embodied Faith and cohosts of the Attaching to God podcast. Cyd is a coach, pastor, and spiritual director, integrating embodied neuroscience and spiritual practices. Dr. Geoff Holsclaw is a pastor and a visiting professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary. What We Cover The intersection of attachment theory, neuroscience, and spiritual formation — how our relational wiring (to God, self, others) shows up in our faith life. Their new book Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection (2025) — key themes: the four “landscapes” (jungle, desert, war zone, pasture) as metaphors for how we live spiritually and relationally How to discern where we are (habits, patterns, unconscious strategies) and how to move toward secure attachment with God. Listener Application Pause and ask: Where do I feel emotionally/spiritually – in a pasture, jungle, desert or war zone? Reflect: What survival strategy (anxious, avoidant, fearful) is at work in me? Consider: How might God be inviting a new “terrain” of secure attachment — what embodied practice (breathing, contemplative silence, relational prayer) might help shift me? Read the Holsclaws’ book and explore their podcast for deeper integration. Resources & Links Book: Landscapes of the Soul - Amazon Website / Center: The Center for Embodied Faith (Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw) — Center for Embodied Faith Podcast: Attaching to God: Neuroscience‑informed Spiritual Formation — https://www.embodiedfaith.life/podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Educator, pastor, spiritual director, and author Afrika Afeni Mills joins me to talk about her upcoming book Sowing the Seeds of Shalom. Afrika is the author of Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students, and her TED-Ed talk Four Ways to Have Healthy Conversations About Race has reached hundreds of thousands of viewers. Her widely shared essay, A Letter to White Teachers of My Black Children, continues to inspire and challenge educators around the world. Afrika’s ministry and writing invite us into healing and flourishing through the way of Jesus and the practice of shalom. We explore how racial healing and spiritual formation belong together, and what it looks like to live into wholeness, reconciliation, and flourishing in our everyday lives. Connect with Afrika: Website: afrikaafenimills.com Missio Alliance: An Invitation to Racial Healing as Spiritual Formation TED-Ed Talk: Four Ways to Have Healthy Conversations About Race Book: Open Windows, Open Minds Substack: Shalom Seeds If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and subscribe to The Being Formed Podcast for more conversations about spiritual formation and flourishing. Chapter Markers — Ep38: Sowing the Seeds of Shalom (with Afrika Afeni Mills) Total length: ~1:02:07 00:00:00 — Welcome & Introduction 00:04:35 — Afrika’s Story and Early Inspirations 00:12:42 — Defining Shalom: More Than Just Peace 00:21:18 — Education, Justice, and Planting Seeds of Change 00:34:05 — The Power of Community and Collective Work 00:46:11 — Challenges Along the Way: Resistance and Hope 00:55:27 — Practical Ways to Sow Seeds of Shalom Today 01:00:15 — Closing Reflections & Blessing The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.