Join Tara as she discusses the intersection of faith, pride, and visibility with special guest Reverend Serena Gideon Rice, an ally and LGBTQIA+ community member. Reverend Serena shares her profound theological insights on seeing and valuing each person as a creation of God, her personal journey within the church, and powerful stories of advocacy and acceptance. We also hear about her family’s touching experience supporting their trans son and her own journey of self-discovery as part of the que...
Jun 24, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 18
In this episode, we celebrate the season of Pentecost and Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate Marla Taviano. Marla, a writer, poet, and artist, shares her journey of embracing joy and creativity through poetry and mixed media art. She discusses her books, including ' Please Cut Up My Poems ,' and highlights the importance of accessible and inclusive art. We also dive into the impact of her teachers, her deconstruction process, and the power of joy as an act of resistance. Join us as we e...
Jun 10, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 17
Tara\delves into the profound impact of good words in our lives. In this episode, she shares a favorite quote from Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go and explores inspirational words from various sources including scriptures like John 14 and Acts 16. Tara recounts personal stories and reflections, discussing the importance of words in offering encouragement, direction, and hope. Join her for a spiritual adventure that is always sacred but never stuffy. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show...
May 27, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 16
Join Tara as she reflects on the origins of Mother's Day as a day of peace and gratitude. She shares personal stories and insights from Good Shepherd Sunday, encouraging listeners to become good shepherds and shepherdesses in their own lives through acts of love, care, and nurture. Tara highlights the importance of extending gratitude and kindness beyond one day, drawing inspiration from the 23rd Psalm and influential figures in her life. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamon...
May 13, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 15
Tara is joined by Christina Gordon to discuss the 2025 Festival of Homiletics. They explore themes of connection, spiritual centering, and healing through faith and community. Christina shares her journey and insights about promoting faith narratives through the festival. They also discuss the importance of renewal for faith leaders and some actionable tips for church workers looking to participate in the event. The episode features a Celtic Daily Prayer meditation, personal stories, and an upli...
Apr 29, 2025•28 min•Season 6Ep. 14
Tara shares a touching story of an early Easter morning prayer service. Discover the profound connections between humanity and nature, and listen to author Steven Case discuss his work and inspirations in youth ministry and writing. This episode highlights the power of prayer, the importance of nurturing our environment, and the beautiful moments that connect us all. Listen for an enriching conversation filled with spiritual insights and reflections. Steven Case's author page on Amazon . Send Ta...
Apr 15, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 13
Join Tara as she welcomes special guest Tim Kerr, Sponsor Relations Director of the Wild Goose Festival . They discuss the festival's new Labor Day weekend schedule, the variety of activities and workshops available, and the importance of creating an inclusive and engaging community. Tim and Tara share personal stories of spiritual journeys, the power of conversations, and the significance of deconstruction and healing in today's world. Tune in for an unpredictable spiritual adventure that is sa...
Apr 01, 2025•19 min•Season 6Ep. 12
In this crossover episode with Created Creative , hosts Dawn Trautman, Ruth Hetland, and Tara engage in a delightful conversation about the intersection of creativity and spirituality, the value of live and in-person experiences, and strategies for effective social media use. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visua...
Mar 18, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Tara explores the significance of the Lenten season starting with Ash Wednesday. She encourages listeners to incorporate new spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, and giving, rather than just giving up something. Drawing from Isaiah 55, Sister Joan Chittister, and the 'Stop, Look, Go' gratitude technique, Tara discusses how Lent can be a transformative period. She also introduces a free Lenten guidebook and shares a litany for Transfiguration Sunday. Tara invites you to join her in this sacr...
Mar 04, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Join host Tara Lamont Eastman as she reflects on Valentine's Day and its origins, sharing a delightful story about her encounter with St. Valentine's legacy. Discover the creative journey of Reverend Evon Lloyd, a retired Presbyterian clergywoman who embraced art therapy and created Shama Beata, a character symbolizing healing and blessing. Learn about Evon's crocheted doll creations and their meaningful impact on recipients. This episode encourages embracing creativity, love, and new life, invi...
Feb 18, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Delve into the rich history, legends, and influence of Saint Brigid, a pivotal figure in Celtic tradition known for her generosity, hospitality, and miraculous acts. From receiving a Saint Brigid medal created by the artist Hank Schlau to encountering Brigid in unexpected places, Tara shares personal anecdotes and historical accounts that highlight Brigid's impact on Irish art, education, and spirituality. This episode features excerpts from the Celtic Daily Prayer, stories of Brigid's legendary...
Feb 04, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Tara ponders the sacred art of imagination and innovation in everyday life. Reflecting on her new pastoral role and Jesus's teachings, Tara highlights the importance of encouragement and community partnerships, drawing parallels to historical figures like Ada Lovelace, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This episode emphasizes the transformative power of imagination and encourages listeners to undertake new ventures with creativity and love. Concluding with a poem from Rumi, Tara invites...
Jan 21, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Join Tara as she explores the significance of Epiphany and the journey of the Magi. In this episode, Tara discusses traditions like chalking the door and the importance of choosing a "star word" to guide you through the new year with courage, wisdom, and grace. Learn how small actions of good can light up your path in 2025. To try "Chalking the Door" at home, you can use this liturgy from Sundays and Seasons: Greeting May peace be to this house and to all who enter here. By wisdom a house is bui...
Jan 07, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this special Christmastide episode, Tara reflects on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love that have been unwrapped throughout Advent, and shares how the message of Christmas continues to inspire daily life. She is joined for an insightful conversation with Reverend Dr. Lisa Cressman, founder of Backstory Preaching. This episode delves into the transformative power of connecting spirituality with preaching. Additionally, the episode includes heartwarming holiday greetings from various gues...
Dec 24, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Tara reflects on the theme of love, sharing personal stories and encouraging listeners to connect meaningfully with others through acts of kindness. Discover how a childhood memory of olives on a relish tray transformed into enduring acts of love and friendship. Delve into the Gospel of Luke, embrace your love language, and learn how to spread love through simple, heartfelt actions this holiday season. Listen to our Advent Playlist HERE Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont ...
Dec 17, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Tara delves into the theme of joy for the third week of Advent. She reflects on the life and legacy of her family friend, Pat, known for his exuberant joy even amidst personal struggles like his MS diagnosis. Tara shares personal anecdotes, encouraging listeners to embrace joy in everyday life, and offers practical steps to invite joy throughout the holiday season. The episode concludes with evocative questions, a poem personifying joy, and actionable suggestions to spread joy and reconnect with...
Dec 10, 2024•10 min•Season 6Ep. 3
This week Tara reflects on peace through stories, reflections, and practical tips. Learn about the significance of Advent, discover inspiring anecdotes, and explore ways to cultivate peace in your everyday life. This episode includes a special Advent poem and a list of actionable steps to help you embrace peace this season. Check out this week's sister article for Peace here at: Chautauqua Gazettee Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host...
Dec 03, 2024•9 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Welcome to this first episode of the 6th season of Holy Shenanigans. Advent is a time for reflection and new beginnings. This festive season, Tara invites you to slow down and embrace hope. Download a new episode every Tuesday in December for uplifting stories and spiritual insights. A sister article to this podcast episode at the Chautauqua Gazette HOPE Edition. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September...
Nov 26, 2024•11 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Pastor Tara welcomes authors Rebecca & Steven Grabill to discuss their new book, The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas . Explore how this resource helps families find deeper meaning and joy during the Advent season. Learn about the inspiration behind the book, practical tips for creating family traditions, and the importance of nurturing faith in the home. Plus, enjoy a special prayer and blessing for the season adapted from Saint Augustine. Send Tara...
Nov 12, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 27
Pastor Tara invites you to reflect on the seasons of Halloween & All Saints Day as a time for soul-searching and new beginnings. She reminisces about her childhood love for Wonder Woman, drawing parallels between superheroes in comics and everyday acts of love and service inspired by Jesus' teachings. Tara shares spiritual practices and reflective questions for the week, encouraging us to be agents of love and change in our daily lives. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lam...
Oct 29, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 26
In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to connect spiritually while staying grounded in our daily lives is crucial. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, host Tara Lamont Eastman and Pastor Kyle Delhagen have an impromptu conversation about the evolving landscape of digital ministry. They highlight the unexpected nature of ministry work and how the pandemic has reshaped their roles. Tara explains the inception of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, designed to make theology engaging and accessible t...
Oct 15, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 25
Tara has a heartfelt conversation with Dawn Trautman & Ruth Hetland of the Created Creative podcast , as they explore creativity during tumultuous times. They discuss their unique practices, such as car poems and morning pages, and share insights on processing emotions and encouraging creative expression. The dialogue delves into societal challenges, including the undervaluation of women's voices and the need for supportive, nurturing communities. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful re...
Oct 01, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Tara Lamont Eastman interviews life coach, podcaster, theologian, and author Dawn Trautman about her new book, Parables of a Resilient Nomad . The episode explores themes of spiritual and physical nomadism, community, creativity, and the importance of courageous conversations. Dawn shares personal stories of her nomadic experiences, outlines critical components of community, and discusses practical ways to build resilience and navigate transitions. The conversation also touches on the current ep...
Sep 17, 2024•29 min•Season 5Ep. 23
In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman offers encouragement and strategies for transitioning from summer to fall. She presents a 'Top 10 Back to School' list and introduces the story of Pelagius, an influential but controversial Celtic theologian. Tara explores the themes of peace, love, and harmony through Pelagius' teachings and concludes with an original poem 'It's Only Just the Dawn,' emphasizing the importance of hope and resilience during times of change. The episo...
Sep 03, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 22
In this episode recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2024, Tara interviews Jennie Lea, the creator of Dudes in Cute Shirts. They discuss the importance of forming connections through simple joys and shared moments, such as complimenting bright shirts or dancing in the rain. They also touch on the challenges of isolation, especially during the pandemic, and the significance of community and authentic self-expression. Jennie Lea shares her personal experiences of building connections and how small ...
Aug 20, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 21
In this episode of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, host Tara Lamott Eastman speaks from the Wild Goose Festival 2024. She introduces Chantal McKinney, a practitioner focused on reawakening and repairing the awareness of divine love within individuals and communities. Chantal discusses the decline of traditional church structures and the importance of shifting towards a decentralized, community-oriented model. Through sharing her personal journey and work, Chantal emphasizes the need for compassion...
Aug 06, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 20
In this special episode of Holy Shenanigans, recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2024, host Tara Lamont Eastman delves into connection, community, and the divine dance of the Holy Spirit. Joined by guests Frances Cutshaw, Joy Celeste Crawford, Deborah Roof and Rebecca Daugherty Kaye, the episode features heartfelt stories and an interactive discussion with the audience about the sacred moments, or "holy shenanigans" that connect and transform us. Thanks to Charlie Bretan for recording this episo...
Jul 23, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Tara revisits conversations with two friends from the Wild Goose Festival. First Frances Cutshaw talks about her journey with self-love and the Order of St. Hildegard. She shares her struggle and dedication to caring for herself spiritually and physically, inspired by divine calling and sources like Brene Brown and Enneagram studies. She speaks about the founding principles and goals of the Order of St. Hildegard which seeks to empower and heal individuals through a new, inclusive form of chapla...
Jul 09, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 18
In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Tara reflects on finding the sacred in daily life. Using the biblical story from Mark 4 where Jesus calms a storm, Tara discusses the metaphorical storms of life and how we can navigate them. She shares her experiences and emphasizes the importance of a 'rule of life'—a personal guide crafted through prayer and discernment. Tara recounts her baccalaureate address for Jamestown High School's Class of 2024, encouraging graduates to develop their own rules of li...
Jun 25, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 17
In this episode, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman discusses the theme of 'wild love' and draws parallels between the protective nature of wild geese and the Holy Spirit, often symbolized as a wild goose in Celtic Christianity. Through a relatable story of encountering a protective goose family and the Gospel account of Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission despite opposition, Tara emphasizes the unpredictable and bold nature of divine love. The message calls for an inclusive celebration of all p...
Jun 11, 2024•12 min•Season 5Ep. 16
