Radical Sacred

We had the loveliest of chats with Seryn founding members Nathan James Allen and Trenton Wheeler! We talk creativity, flow, letting our questions guide us, their beginnings as a band in Denton, TX, their pause from creating music together, the pathway back to one another, and their newest songs. Join us for this winding, interesting, music and hope filled conversation. Fun fact: our new intro and outro music is a gorgeous tune called Beach Song by Seryn. This song means a lot to us and we hope that you enjoy it as well!

Show Notes:
Seryn 
Seryn on Instagram
Youtube
Playing March 21 - Thinline Filmfest - Denton, TX
Transcendental Reunion - Mary Chapin Carpenter
A Chance to Cut is a Chance to Cure - Matmos
App - Bednight Sleep Music
The Birds Wrote Me a Poem by: Andrea Gibson

Chapters
00:00 The Poetic Prelude
04:04 Introducing Seryn: Origins and Name
07:06 The Hiatus: Conflict and Growth
11:40 Reunion and Healing Through Music
19:45 Serendipitous Connections and Band Dynamics
25:30 Nature's Influence on Music
30:45 The Creative Process Behind 'River Song'
32:31 The Significance of 'Beach Song'
43:14 Faith and Doubt in Our Music
55:26 The Importance of Questioning Beliefs
57:00 Artists as Voices of the Oppressed
57:43 Finding Inspiration in Turbulent Times
01:00:24 The Role of Family in Creativity
01:03:31 Navigating Anxiety and Creativity
01:09:50 The Urgency of Time and Connection
01:19:21 NEWCHAPTER

Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim joins us today to talk about her book Earthbound: God at the Intersection of Climate and Justice. In Earthbound, Grace instills a sense of urgency around taking care of our earth and each other. She calls us to be the image of God and to approach the holy work of reciprocity in a spirit of love, creativity, aliveness, forgiveness, and beauty. Grace’s work empowers, invites, and ignites us into action as we work together to build a future that is hopeful for all beings. We are grateful for Grace, her witness, and her wisdom. 

Show Notes:
Earthbound - Book
Making Peace with the Earth - Book
Planetary Solidarity - Book
Chi and the Transformative Spirit of Love - Book
Intersectional Theology - Book
When God Became White - Book
Hope in Disarray - Book
Grace Ji-Sun Kim Substack
Grace on Instagram
Madang Podcast 

Chapters
00:00 Opening Poem and Introduction
01:55 Introducing Grace Ji-Sun Kim
02:35 The Need for Earthbound
05:16 The White Male God Concept
10:38 Theological Implications of Climate Justice
15:41 Dualism in Evangelical Theology
19:49 Experiential Theology and Creation Care
25:20 A Theology of Verbs
29:44 Finding Hope in Action

We loved getting the opportunity to speak with Patty Krawec, author of Becoming Kin and Bad Indians Book Club, speaker, activist, and co-founder of the Nii'kinaaganaa Foundation. Patty talks to us about the importance of remembering our history honestly so that we can reimagine a future that is reciprocal for all people and for the land. Patty’s work is invitational and reminds us that we are all relatives. Show Notes:
Patty Krawec
Becoming Kin
payyourrent.ca
Taté Walker poem - Land Back
Once the World was Perfect by Joy Harjo

Chapters
00:00 The Perfect World and Its Downfall
02:21 Introducing Patti Krowick: Activism and Literature
05:38 Unforgetting the Past: A Path to Reimagining the Future
10:31 The Journey of Returning to Oneself
18:46 The Eighth Fire: Collective Responsibility and Future Visions
25:31 Listening to the Land: Environmental and Spiritual Connections
30:16 The Seventh and Eighth Fires: Prophecies and Responsibilities
34:42 Understanding Historical Contexts
35:57 The Concept of Displacement and Community
39:32 Roots and Responsibilities
43:31 Activism and Hope
46:30 Connecting Through Knowledge and Action

How we Love a Forest is how we Love Everything with Ethan Tapper. Join us for this transformative and hopeful chat with forrester, author of How We Love a Forest, and digital storyteller Ethan Tapper!  Ethan walks us through what it looks like to love and give your life over to whatever is calling to you from the depths of your heart. We visit about his 175 acres called Bear Island and the restorative and sometimes heartbreaking work it takes to love well. Ethan’s knowledge of trees, foxes, birds and wild things that roam Bear Island is delightful and invitational. Our hearts were changed by his deep commitment to the land and to the future. 
Show Notes:
Ethan Tapper
How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World
Willow and the Storm - Children’s Book
Ethan’s Instagram
What the Robin Knows by John Young
Dr. Lyla June
EO Wilson
In Blackwater Woods by: Mary Oliver
Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Nature and Loss
01:25 Introducing Ethan Tapper: A Forester's Journey
04:48 Bear Island: A Symbol of Hope and Responsibility
09:46 Wildlife and Ecosystem Relationships
15:48 Human Nature and Ecological Responsibility
21:14 The Complexity of Ecosystems and Love for Nature
26:52 The Unexpected Joy of Public Speaking
27:17 Emerging Themes of Hope
28:11 Engaging the Younger Generation
29:29 The Power of Hope in Action
30:15 Mythologizing Forests and Emotional Connections
31:05 The Role of Emotion in Environmental Advocacy
33:49 Balancing Science and Spirituality
37:48 Delight in Nature's Wonders
38:24 The Complexity of Life and Death
48:06 Understanding Death in Ecosystems
52:55 The Beauty of Forests and Their Lessons

Cheers to a New Year from Radical Sacred! This year has been a bit of a shit sandwich for us so if you’re feeling less than holly jolly this one's for you. We chat about where we are and our hopes for 2026. We choose a few words that will be our guiding light for the year to come and remember our favorite episodes from this season. Thanks for being on this journey with us! “May the nourishment of the earth be yours,may the clarity of light be yours,may the fluency of the ocean be yours, may the protection of the ancestors be yours.” - John O’Donohue

Show Notes:
Beannacht by: John O’Donohue
Ted Radio Hour - Finding Your Bliss with Krista Tippett of On Being 
The Case for Making Art When the World is on Fire Aime McNee
Living the Questions by Rilke
Yes, That’s When by: Rosemary Wahtola Trommer

Chapters
00:00 New Year's Reflections and Technical Challenges
02:12 Personal Introductions and Life Updates
09:11 Memorable Conversations and Insights from the Year
14:43 Creativity, Vulnerability, and the Importance of Expression
21:30 Living with Questions and Embracing Uncertainty
26:14 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth
28:50 Navigating New Year's Emotions
30:31 Leaving Behind and Embracing for the New Year
33:37 Personal Reflections on Avoidance and Authenticity
37:22 Words of Intention for 2026
40:50 Reciprocity and Creativity in Relationships
44:25 Words for 2026: Unfold, Return, and Holistic
50:16 Expansion and Blooming into the New Year