In this powerful episode of our Rupture and Repair series, we explore how resilience is formed—not by avoiding conflict or stress—but through our intentional engagement with rupture and our commitment to healing. Moreover, what if the work of repairing relational ruptures is not just for now—but actually preparing us for the kind of life we’ll live in the new heaven and new earth? We consider how repair, though often difficult and humbling, is a sacred act that reshapes us—personally, relational...
May 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 57
What does it really mean to forgive “seventy times seven”? It’s a command that sounds both beautiful and impossible—until we begin to understand what forgiveness actually is. Forgiveness isn’t a moment—it’s a movement of the heart over time. Forgiveness often feels like giving something to the person who hurt us—but what if it’s actually something we do to set ourselves free? In this episode, we unpack the liberating nature of forgiveness: how it can release us from the cycle of resentment, even...
Apr 30, 2025•40 min•Ep. 56
What happens when the fabric of our shared life begins to unravel — not just politically or culturally, but spiritually and relationally? In this episode, we explore the quiet violence of our age: the kind that doesn’t wield weapons but erodes connection through shame, contempt, and indifference. From echo chambers to avoidance, we examine how disconnection shapes our communities, our faith, and even our inner lives. Drawing from both Scripture and neuroscience, we unpack the psychological comfo...
Apr 23, 2025•25 min•Ep. 55
We often shy away from conversations about race, caste, and power because of discomfort or fear of making mistakes—but this episode is an invitation to get in the game. Join us as we step into the complex and often unseen world of caste systems--which are more than race alone--as they manifest within American culture, exploring how deeply entrenched social structures and inherited hierarchies shape our interactions, identities, and sense of belonging. Building on themes from our previous convers...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, we trace the journey of repair from the biblical story of Eden to the present-day church. We begin by looking at the rupture in Eden, the first human failure, which sets the stage for the entire narrative of repair in the Bible. The church, we argue, serves as the modern-day extension of God's original plan for renewal, where heaven and earth collide, and where God's work of restoration continues. Yet, this place of healing is also where significant ruptures can occur, often lea...
Apr 09, 2025•42 min•Ep. 53
What does it mean to be human in a world where disconnection is not only common, but often woven into the very systems we live in? This episode opens the first of two episodes on rupture and repair in community, drawing deeply from Christian theology, neuroscience, and lived pastoral experience. Grounded in the biblical assertion that we are made in the image of a communal God, the conversation reframes human identity as inherently relational—our sense of self does not exist in isolation but is ...
Apr 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 52
This week is part 2 of our series on Timing, Tempo, and Time where we step into the nuanced terrain of what it actually takes to begin the work of repair. Whether we're the ones who caused harm, were impacted by it, or are caught in a mutual fracture, repair requires initiative—and initiative often requires courage. We explore how clarity about our role, our responsibility, and our relational context shapes how we move first (or why we hesitate to). But repair isn’t just about the decision to st...
Mar 26, 2025•38 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, Curt and Pepper dive deep into the crucial first steps of becoming effective repairers in times of relational rupture. We begin with Genesis 3:15 and explore how we can anticipate, prepare, and engage in repair work before the storm hits. It's not about reacting to conflict—it's about preparing in advance to become proactive, mindful, and compassionate repairers of relationships. Through this reflective practice, we explore the timing, tempo, and deep awareness required to antic...
Mar 19, 2025•39 min•Ep. 50
Healing is not just about what happens to us, but also about how we choose to communicate our experiences, both to ourselves and to others. The stories we tell ourselves—about past pain, trauma, or failures—are powerful, and they shape our reality. But have you ever considered how the way we communicate these stories to ourselves can affect our ability to heal? When we rely on certain mediums, like self-talk or journaling, the way we present the message to ourselves can either block or facilitat...
Mar 12, 2025•42 min•Ep. 49
Toxic ruptures don’t just happen in a single moment of conflict—they are built over time through miscommunication, emotional wounds, and the silent grip of shame. Whether it’s an argument that lingers long after words have been spoken, a past hurt that keeps replaying in our minds, or a pattern of avoidance that slowly erodes trust, these ruptures are reinforced by both our interactions and our inner world. In this episode, we dive deep into how toxic ruptures are created, not just between peopl...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min•Ep. 48
Saying "no" can feel uncomfortable, but it is a crucial part of growth, both for ourselves and in our relationships. In this episode, we explore the concept of limit-setting ruptures—those moments where boundaries create tension, discomfort, and even distance, but ultimately lead to maturity and deeper connection. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and biblical narratives, we discuss how setting limits helps shape our character, why it's necessary for personal and spiritual development, and ...
Feb 26, 2025•29 min•Ep. 47
Human connection is at the core of our well-being, but what happens in our brains when we bond, experience conflict, or work to repair a relationship? In this episode, Curt and Pepper unpack the fascinating neuroscience behind our need for connection, explaining how our brains are wired for relationships and why moments of rupture—whether small misunderstandings or significant emotional breaks—can feel so distressing. By exploring the science of attachment, listeners will learn how early childho...
Feb 19, 2025•27 min•Ep. 46
Growth is often born from disruption, and in this episode, we explore how ruptures—whether in relationships, routines, or neural pathways—create opportunities for expansion and integration. We examine the physiological parallels of growth, from bone density to neuroplasticity, and dive deep into the critical role of repair in relationships. Drawing on longitudinal studies of shy children and the biblical perspective on stress, we illustrate how intentional engagement and attunement pave the way ...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min•Ep. 45
Trauma is more than a single event—it is the accumulation of unrepaired ruptures that we carry in our bodies and souls. In this episode, we explore how these ruptures—whether from minor conflicts or deeply wounding experiences—shape our lives and relationships. Drawing from biblical stories and contemporary examples, we discuss the ways our unresolved pain influences our decisions, interactions, and sense of self. From the silent grief of barrenness in the lives of the matriarchs to modern chall...
Feb 05, 2025•38 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of The Being Known Podcast, Curt Thompson, MD and Pepper Sweeney explore the increasing societal fragility and its impact on our ability to repair relational ruptures. They discuss how diminished resilience and imagination hinder our capacity to connect, drawing insights from biblical narratives and interpersonal neurobiology. This conversation addresses the challenges posed by social divisions, the concept of "othering," and the importance of community in fostering healing and r...
Jan 29, 2025•41 min•Ep. 43
In this powerful live episode of the Being Known Podcast, Dr. Curt Thompson, Amy Cella, and Pepper Sweeney dive into the theme of "rupture and repair." This entire season we are exploring how brokenness impacts our relationships, imagination, and sense of self. Through stories, neuroscience, and biblical reflections, we'll discuss how repairing even small ruptures can lead to greater resilience, beauty, and connection. Join the conversation on naming our longings, addressing unresolved pain, and...
Jan 22, 2025•48 min•Ep. 42
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Sep 04, 2024•35 min•Ep. 41
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Aug 28, 2024•37 min•Ep. 40
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Aug 21, 2024•30 min•Ep. 39
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Aug 14, 2024•44 min•Ep. 38
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Aug 07, 2024•46 min•Ep. 37
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Jul 31, 2024•50 min•Ep. 36
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Jul 24, 2024•48 min•Ep. 35
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 34
Welcome to season 10 of Being Known Podcast. This season we are taking a look back at where we have come over the last couple of years, to determine where we are headed in the future, and as a way to continue bringing you the best content for how to live a life being fully known. Each week we are spotlighting one episode from a previous season (the best of the best, so to speak). This is just a sample of what that entire season was all about. We hope you have, or will, take the time to listen to...
Jul 10, 2024•38 min•Ep. 33
Welcome to Being Known Podcast. This season we are discussing Curt's latest book, The Deepest Place as we carefully cover each chapter to deepen your understanding of suffering and the formation of hope. Today we are addressing your questions about suffering and the formation of hope. We hope you have enjoyed this season. . . . . Episode Links and References The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope Connections Conference 2024 - Oct. 24-25, 2024 Use code KNOWN to save $25 off confer...
Jun 05, 2024•34 min•Season 9Ep. 11
Welcome to Being Known Podcast. This season we are discussing Curt's latest book, The Deepest Place as we carefully cover each chapter to deepen your understanding of suffering and the formation of hope. We started this season on suffering with what necessarily must precede it if hope is what we want. And now that we are near the season’s conclusion, we find ourselves where we started. Come hang out with us to discover how what we first thought would only be painful—our suffering—ultimately, bec...
May 29, 2024•40 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Welcome to Being Known Podcast. This season we are discussing Curt's latest book, The Deepest Place as we carefully cover each chapter to deepen your understanding of suffering and the formation of hope. Hope is one thing. Durable hope—that’s something different altogether. What is hope, after all? Is it something that merely happens to fall in our laps? Something that we can only hope to have? The world of interpersonal neurobiology has some things to say about hope that are, well, very, very h...
May 22, 2024•30 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Welcome to Being Known Podcast. This season we are discussing Curt's latest book, The Deepest Place as we carefully cover each chapter to deepen your understanding of suffering and the formation of hope. We deeply long to be persons of character; we would much rather not, however, have to persevere through suffering to get there. But it turns out that that is exactly how character is formed. Moreover, the formation of character is the necessary prerequisite for hope that lasts, not the flimsy ki...
May 15, 2024•46 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Welcome to Being Known Podcast. This season we are discussing Curt's latest book, The Deepest Place as we carefully cover each chapter to deepen your understanding of suffering and the formation of hope. Who hasn’t felt like giving up when the going got, not only tough, but tough for a really long time. We love the idea of what perseverance can ultimately lead to; we would often rather arrive at what we want without having to persevere. Because to be sure: perseverance is not easy. But as we hav...
May 08, 2024•38 min•Season 9Ep. 7
