Holding It Lightly

Welcome to ”Holding It Lightly,” where comedians and spiritual seekers Brad Stuart and Lauren Douglass share their transformative journey through life’s darkest depths to the light. Drawing inspiration from wisdom teachers like Richard Rohr, Liz Gilbert, and Jack Kornfield, the hosts discuss how these teachers have helped them release attachments and discover their own inner ‘Enoughness’. This isn’t a Christian podcast; it’s a candid exploration of what most holds us back from happiness, a discussion beyond traditional religious structures that invites the listener to find their own pathway to true joy. With a unique blend of comedy and spirituality, Brad and Lauren delve into personal experiences, offering transformative practices that helped them rise from their lowest points. If you’ve ever felt the weight of holding on too tightly, ”Holding It Lightly” invites you to loosen your grip and explore the freedom that comes with embracing life with an open heart.

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Episodes

Thursday Apr 18, 2024

Welcome to Holding It Lightly! This week, we're thrilled to introduce our very first guest, Florence Friebe. Florence wears many hats as an improviser, healer, and spiritual seeker, too. Join us as Florence shares her journey of confronting mortality head-on and experiencing a powerful rebirth through plant medicine.
In this episode, Lauren Douglass, Brad Stuart, and Florence Friebe delve into themes of love, spirituality, and Florence's upbringing in an evangelical environment. She opens up about her process of deconstructing and reconstructing her spiritual beliefs to align with her present self.
Expect a delightful blend of light-hearted banter and deep, thought-provoking conversation as we explore the intricacies of life, death, and personal transformation. Tune in for a captivating discussion - one that's both fun and profound. Don't forget to hold it lightly!

9. What The Hell?

Wednesday Apr 10, 2024

Wednesday Apr 10, 2024

Join hosts Lauren and Brad as they fearlessly dive into one of the most provocative concepts: hell. In this episode of Holding It Lightly, they embark on a thought-provoking journey to unravel the layers of meaning behind this age-old notion. Delving into the origins of the concept, they examine its historical roots and how it has evolved over time.
From its early religious significance to its present-day connotations, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart explore why the idea of hell remains a trigger word for so many. They investigate how our current understanding of hell has been shaped by cultural, religious, and literary influences, challenging listeners to consider alternative perspectives.
Through engaging discussions and insightful analysis, Holding It Lightly offers a nuanced exploration of what hell represents to different individuals and societies. Tune in as Lauren and Brad navigate this complex topic with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to hold it lightly.
Subscribe now to Holding It Lightly on Apple Podcasts and never miss an episode!

8. Enoughness Part 2

Tuesday Apr 02, 2024

Tuesday Apr 02, 2024

Even more enough!
Tune in to this week's episode of "Holding It Lightly" as hosts Lauren and Brad dive into insightful discussions sparked by the second episode of "Enoughness." Delve into the complexities of dating and the pursuit of feeling "enough" even when seeking a partner with differing desires. Explore the theme of travel and the profound realization that wherever you go, there you are. Uncover the roots of feeling inadequate, whether from societal pressures or childhood experiences, and discover how trust serves as a potent antidote to these sentiments. The conversation extends to financial "enoughness," exploring topics like overspending, debt, and the perpetual cycle of feeling insufficient. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking exploration of the human experience with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart.

Wednesday Mar 27, 2024

Join us as we explore why society constantly bombards us with messages that we're not enough, and how these beliefs shape our lives. In this week's episode, Brad and Lauren take a deep dive into the pervasive feelings of inadequacy that plague so many of us.
We turn the spotlight on the root causes of our collective struggle with self-worth. From societal standards to the influence of social media, we dissect the factors contributing to our feelings of insufficiency.
Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, we uncover strategies for cultivating self-acceptance and finding peace in our imperfections.
Tune in this week with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart as we hold it lightly and embark on a journey towards embracing our worthiness in a world that often tells us otherwise.

6. It's the Enneagram! Part 2

Tuesday Mar 19, 2024

Tuesday Mar 19, 2024


In this Enneagram part two episode, we talk through enneagram numbers 6, 7, and 8. Join us as we navigate the unique traits and tendencies of the Enneagram types, discussing how individuals belonging to these numbers can embark on a journey towards healthier living. Through embracing acceptance and self-awareness, we explore how individuals can come to realize their intrinsic worth and sufficiency.
Whether you're familiar with the Enneagram or just beginning to explore its intricacies, this episode offers valuable insights into understanding yourself and others better. Tune in as we uncover the paths to personal growth and fulfillment for types 6, 7, and 8.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover more about yourself and your Enneagram type. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to unpack more in this week's episode.  
Resources:
Enneagram Test that I reco: The Enneagram Personality Test
Enneagram books:
Beatrice Chestnut & Uranio Paes: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self
 

5. It's the Enneagram! (Part 1)

Wednesday Mar 13, 2024

Wednesday Mar 13, 2024

The Enneagram can be one of the most difficult and transformative things you’ll ever learn about yourself……..so let’s at least have a fun time with it, right?! In this episode, Lauren guides us through her introductory course, tapping into the wisdom of Beatrice Chestnut, Richard Rohr, and Andreas Ebert among others, while keeping it lighthearted and fun. Come explore all the things that are preventing you from being your best self and share real “aha!” moments with us as we figure out what your most difficult and rewarding assignment in this life will be. We are workin’ 9-5 here, as we cover the Enneagram types 9, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in this first episode. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to unpack how the Enneagram has completely changed their lives. This is the best way to kick off your own Enneagram journey!
 
Resources:
The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective
The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self
The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge
 

Wednesday Mar 06, 2024

In Episode 4, Lauren and Brad dive into the liberating concept of Holy Goallessness. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between goal attainment and spirituality, advocating for nonattachment, finding flow, and the joy of living life without fixating on outcomes. 
We delve into the challenging conversation of setting boundaries with family, acknowledging that this journey is and must be a solo pilgrimage. We reflect on how Christianity has been weaponized to exclude rather than embrace, and reexamine the Prodigal Son story as Jesus intended—a punk rock tale of redemption. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart in another thought-provoking episode. 
Resources:
Falling Upward, Revised and Updated
Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers

Tuesday Feb 27, 2024

Lauren & Brad explore continue our journey and wrap up our overview of Spiral Dynamics and why we are being called to change our minds. If you heard part 1 and want to know more about advanced levels of Spiral Dynamics (Yellow to Turquoise), tune in!
Is it long and rambling? Always! But will you learn something new about the pathway to transformation? Yes!
Tune in with Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart to shine a light on the path to healing and transformation. Because no matter how dark the journey may seem, there's always a way to hold it lightly and find your way back.
Resources:
Ken Wilber, No Boundary: Eastern and Western Approaches to Personal Growth
Rob Bell: Me, We, Everybody
Leo Gura: Leo Gura Explains Spiral Dynamics
 

Monday Feb 19, 2024

Welcome back to Holding It Lightly with your hosts, Lauren and Brad! Today, we're excited to delve deeper into the captivating world of Spiral Dynamics in part 2 of our exploration.
We are also tackling why we think manifestation culture can put you on the wrong path, and that deeper love relationships can exist when you let go of the things you want and sit with the beauty of what you have and what you can give. 
Join your hosts, Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart, as we journey through the intricate layers of human development and consciousness, uncovering insights that shed light on our quest for joy and fulfillment. But that's not all – in this episode, we also delve into the intriguing dynamics of dating, mating, and relationships.
From exploring the subject/subject and subject/object perspectives to discussing the balance of light and dark, good and bad within relationships, we offer thought-provoking insights and practical advice for cultivating healthier and more fulfilling connections.
 
Resources: 
Bell Hooks: All About Love: New Visions
Martin Buber: I and Thou
Richard Rohr: Knowing with Our Whole Being
 

Holding It Lightly Trailer

Monday Feb 12, 2024

Monday Feb 12, 2024

Why should you listen to Holding It Lightly? This trailer explains who we are and what we will talk about that will hopefully help us all keep walking each other home. Join Lauren Douglass and Brad Stuart on an exciting new podcast adventure packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of ‘aha!’ moments!

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Holding It Lightly

Welcome to "Holding It Lightly," where we share our transformative journey through life’s darkest depths to the light. 

So holding it lightly podcast. Two comedians and spiritual seekers (don’t be alarmed, this is not a christian podcast) in New York decided that they were going to have a podcast. This podcast is an exploration of spirituality, letting things go, connecting to truth in a way that explores the downside of religion and the beauty that we might have missed in it. 

Come hang out and join the conversation

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