At Sea with Justin McRoberts

The false promise of “instant clarity” and “quick fixes.”Why bypassing struggle stunts real growth.How to use AI and psilocybin responsibly—without losing your humanity.The value of failure, pain, and disillusionment.Reflections from In the Low by Justin McRoberts & Scott Erickson on living fully in difficult seasons.  Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Encouraging imagination in children: why participation beats restriction.Work transitions: how to discern whether to push harder where you are or look for something new.Why Justin doesn’t comment on celebrity-centered current events, and what’s at stake when we confuse spectacle with real importance.Closing with a prayer from In the Low (October 2025 release with Scott Erickson).  Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Justin shares gratitude for support after a recent car accident.Listener questions addressed:- How to reconnect during seasons of rejection and disconnection. - Managing the overwhelm of life’s constant demands. - Practicing transparency without sharing every detail.Insights from the Ignatian spiritual tradition on consolation and desolation.The importance of paying attention to your own needs and desires.Learning to say no to external demands and focus on what matters most.Setting healthy boundaries in relationships and public life.Actionable advice: Spend time with a coach or spiritual director, learn to disappoint unhealthy systems, and discern appropriate levels of transparency. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Justin shares personal stories about his kids starting a new school year and the emotions that come with it.The myth of “creative block” and what it’s really about.How the Sabbath helps process endings and prepare for new seasons.Distinguishing between wisdom and fear when making choices.Why calling is more about who you’re becoming than choosing perfectly.Closing with an excerpt from Justin’s upcoming book with Scott Erickson. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Main Question: How to explain your need for a day of silence to family and friendsResistance: Often comes from good people and deserves thoughtful communicationMaking a Plan: Plans stick; impulses fadeCalendar as a Tool: Helps visualize trade-offs and negotiate responsiblyLife Built by Consent: Recognizing past choices and agreements as part of transformationCoaching and Investment: Why hiring a coach signals seriousness about changeInvitation to Others: Change can become a witness to more life for everyone Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Episode Notes:Authenticity in Art: You're a real artist if you’re doing the work—regardless of metrics or recognition.Internal Metrics for Growth: Choose your own measures of progress and satisfaction.Emotional Expression: Not every feeling needs to be shared online. Say less. Process more.Derek Sivers Insight: Sometimes saying your plans out loud gives you the reward without doing the work.New Book Preview: Reading from In the Low, a prayer book for seasons of depression (releasing Oct 7, 2025). Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Handling Change: Embracing unpredictability through the lens of the welcoming prayerPrayer and Action: Why a true prayer life leads to action, and how activism should drive us back to prayerIdentity and Memory: The myth of hyper-individuality and why our identity is held collectively—by others and by GodResources Recommended:Contemplation in a World of Action by Thomas MertonThe Active Life by Parker PalmerClosing Poem: A meditation on friendship as one of life’s most valuable treasures Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Episode Notes:Legalism vs. Values: Legalism is a rigid, unchanging posture; values evolve with evidence and relationship.Processing Group Hurt: Don’t rush past collective wounds; learn to carry them together.Contemplative Prayer: Prayer as receptivity and openness, not productivity.Caring for a Terminally Ill Friend: Let them teach you; honor their humanity without rushing to fix or control.Closing: A reading from Justin’s forthcoming book with Scott Erickson. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Episode Notes:Fostering unity in politically split churches:Use group-based creative projects and shared reflection (like Lectio Divina).Staying motivated:You don’t have to feel motivated—learn to work without it.Breaking conflict cycles:Let go of the need to win. Signal that the relationship means more than the argument.Navigating hard conversations:Only have them with people you trust. Be honest about why it's hard.Sticking to creative/spiritual routines:Go small and consistent. Add complexity only after habits feel natural. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Listener Question: How do I stay engaged with a broken or compromised system?Coaching Insight: The answer depends on context—but it starts with deciding if you want to engageHero’s Journey Framework: Crisis, the low point, perspective, and the invitation to re-enterTemptation of Distance: Why staying detached can feel safe but keeps us isolatedThe Cost of Return: Re-engaging means risking hurt again—but also invites growthCycle of Life: We never “arrive”—we grow through constant cycles of disappointment and resolveThe Low Show: A creative collaboration with Scott Erickson rooted in this rhythm Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Introduction: The evolution of At Sea into a listener-driven Q&A formatPublic vs. Private Religion: Addressing a critique on public fasting and faith practicesPerfectionism in Faith: How the demand for purity can lead to isolationLessons from Leadership: Reflections on pastoral life and the struggles of maintaining a communityWhy Public Faith Matters: Creating shared spaces for growth, support, and imperfectionThe Role of Imperfection: How embracing our limitations opens the door for community and transformationClosing Thoughts: Inviting people to share in faith practices without the pressure of perfection Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Introduction: The shift in the podcast’s format and answering listener questionsADHD & Spirituality: Exploring how neurodivergence intersects with faith and spiritual formationReframing ADHD: Why ADHD isn’t a disorder but a different way of interacting with the worldHyperactivity & Masculinity: How society misinterprets hyperactivity, especially in menAttention Deficit Myth: ADHD isn’t a lack of attention—it’s the challenge of directing itInstitutional Challenges: Why modern systems don’t always support neurodivergent peopleResources for Further Learning: Books Stolen Focus (Johann Hari) and Driven to DistractionFinal Thoughts: The need to rethink how we define ADHD and its role in a flourishing life Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Introduction: Overview of podcast shift to directly answering listener questionsIs All Art Spiritual? Understanding art as a tool for connectionArt, Spirituality, and Religion: The connection between creating, spirituality, and divine connectionSeth Godin's Definition of Art: Art as a way to foster connection between peopleSpirituality: Spirituality as recognizing the divine in all aspects of lifeReligion: The difference between bad religion (selling access to the divine) and good religion (recognizing existing divine connection)Hope: The decision to hope, not based on external circumstances but on the work we continue to doChoosing Hope: Hope as a practice of engaging with the world and staying connected to meaningful workClosing: Call to support the podcast via Patreon Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Introduction: The widespread struggle with overwhelmWhy We Feel Overwhelmed: Taking in too much informationEmotional Impact: The humbling and frustrating nature of feeling overwhelmedPersonal Stories: Examples of individuals struggling with prioritizationPractical Advice: How to focus on what's within your controlBuilding Patterns of Care: Creating sustainable habits to combat overwhelmEncouragement: Why your unique contribution to the world mattersClosing Thoughts: Developing a life where overwhelm doesn’t derail progress👉 Interested in diving deeper? Reach out to Justin for one-on-one coaching opportunities. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Podcast Show Notes:Introduction: Justin McRoberts introduces the episode, its themes, and his approach to answering listener questions.Question 1: How to create spiritual practices after leaving a hurtful church environment:Importance of spiritual direction and coaching.Rebuilding trust in community and relinquishing control in spiritual growth.The role of forgiveness in healing and moving forward.Question 2: Maintaining healthy boundaries in nonprofit and religious work:Reframing the meaning of work as an internal and relational experience.Practical tips for setting boundaries and balancing expectations.Question 3: Why evangelicals are converting to Catholicism:Exploring the desire for deeper, less experience-driven spiritual practices.The maturation process in faith and the appeal of liturgical traditions.Closing: Justin invites listeners to submit future questions and reflects on the ongoing value of this conversational format. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Show Notes:Introduction to the episode and the season’s Q&A formatBackground on Justin’s previous online engagement in political conversationsEmotional and financial costs of discussing divisive topics on social mediaReflection on the neutrality (or lack thereof) of social media platformsReference to Johann Hari's book Stolen Focus and its insights on attentionThe impact of online platforms on our ability to empathize and listenJustin’s journey with the decision to step back from digital political discussionsEncouragement to shift political conversations to small, in-person settingsJustin's view on the limitations of online platforms for fostering meaningful discourseFinal thoughts on reclaiming human-centered dialogue in an increasingly digital world Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Show Notes:0:02 – Introduction to the Jubilee conversation series1:21 – Chaz Smith’s journey from the East Coast to Los Angeles3:43 – Discovering a love for storytelling and film5:56 – Transitioning from social media comedy to a Bible-based animated web series7:12 – Navigating comparison on social media platforms9:30 – The challenge of content creation vs. finding rest and balance13:58 – Wrestling with calling and creative freedom as a Christian15:11 – Misconceptions about talents, gifts, and biblical interpretation21:07 – The importance of rest and establishing healthy rhythms23:30 – Avoiding burnout and learning to say yes to wholeness25:55 – Letting go of unfinished work and embracing grace26:26 – Closing thoughts on redefining success and finding joy in the process Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Show Notes:00:02 – Introduction to the episode by Justin McRoberts01:24 – Claude discusses his background in literature and how he uses it to engage faith communities04:50 – The balance between writing for oneself and writing for an audience06:45 – Influence of early conversations and figures in Claude’s life on his perspective of black history10:00 – The importance of African American literature and Toni Morrison’s Beloved14:20 – The power of literature to create empathy and broaden perspectives19:30 – Why black stories matter beyond the merit system23:45 – The concept of hope in black narratives and the role of progress27:00 – Endurance versus healing: A reflection on Christian hope30:00 – How Paul’s endurance in ministry serves as an example of hope for believers32:00 – Books Claude is currently reading: Silence by Shusaku Endo and Underworld by Don DeLillo33:00 – Closing thoughts and reflections on the transformative power of literature and faith Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Show Notes:[00:02] Introduction by Justin McRoberts – The importance of the Jubilee Conference and its connection to faith, art, and wisdom.[02:29] Elissa Weichbrodt’s background in art and faith – Growing up with a passion for art and balancing that with her Christian faith.[03:45] Discovering theology that embraces both art and faith – Introduction to Calvin Seerveld and Hearts and Minds.[04:49] Encountering discomfort in contemporary art – The role of art in challenging us and making us confront our own blind spots.[06:00] The importance of slowing down in art and life – How art teaches us patience and attentiveness in all areas.[10:43] The risk and beauty of interpretation – Why it’s essential to allow room for personal interpretation of art and how it exposes our inner selves.[13:54] What makes art “good”? – A discussion on what defines “good” art and how it can evoke deep responses.[19:57] Engaging with complex cultural narratives through art – How Elissa navigates the intersection of art, culture, and spirituality.[21:44] Final thoughts – Encouraging deeper engagement with art as a practice that builds relationships with oneself, others, and God. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Episode Notes:Introduction by Justin McRoberts:Overview of the podcast's shift towards deeper, direct conversations with key voices from the Jubilee Conference.The value of gaining wisdom and perspective from experienced speakers and leaders.Balancing Ministry and Personal Life:Discussion of being an introverted leader while balancing public speaking, pastoral responsibilities, and personal time.Navigating 25+ years of pastoral ministry and the reevaluation of what ministry should look like beyond the upfront work.Defining Home and Navigating Cultural Identity:Speaker shares his experience growing up in various places, moving often, and the sense of finding "home" in New York City.Reflects on the diversity of the city and raising children in an urban environment, with discussions on how cultural background shapes experiences.Justice and Reconciliation:The distinction between different types of justice—retributive and righteousness (relational).The complexity of justice beyond legalities, emphasizing Shalom (peace) and interconnected relationships.The challenge of genuine reconciliation, not just forgiveness, and the need for restorative practices that involve truth-telling, power-sharing, and repair.Importance of Cities in the Context of Faith:Exploration of why cities play a unique and crucial role in the Christian mission.The influence of global migration and how cities foster diversity and connection, presenting opportunities for spiritual renewal.Reflection on how city-based ministry influences global movements and can serve as a model for smaller communities.Challenges and Opportunities for the Western Church:The post-Christian context of the West and how it differs from pre-Christian societies.The idea that resources and insights needed for the American church may come from learning from the global church and marginalized communities.Closing Reflections:Encouragement to see the kingdom of God through the margins and to recognize the value in learning from diverse perspectives. Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble