This Undivided Life
This Undivided Life

This Undivided Life

Troy McLaughlin

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Episodes

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This Undivided Life Podcast will give you real advice to help make life whole again. Join Troy Mclaughlin, co-host Scott Perkins and guests as we talk real life. We bypass simple platitudes and the generic "just love yourself" gibberish, and dive headlong into the challenges pulling us a million different directions. Life is fractured; from your calendars chocked full of commitments, to the black hole of entertainment in the palm of your hand, and the constant buzz of iPhone alerts. For most of us, the hum of anxiety is always present. You struggle to keep up with life's frenetic pace, social media's comparison game, or the far-fetched promises of our consumer culture. You feel divided, out of sorts, maybe even broken because of past experiences. Here's the good news, we'll talk about ways to combat those feelings; things you can do, habits to break or create, and practices to put in place. If you're looking for gurus, quick fixes, or hacks, this is not the show for you. If you're looking for fellow sojourners, people on a similar journey, you've found your show.

Recent Episodes

You Can Trust a God with Scars: Jared Ayers #229
DEC 24, 2025
You Can Trust a God with Scars: Jared Ayers #229
I interview Jared Ayers, head pastor at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, and author of You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul. We discuss the profound impact of shared meals, the significance of the incarnation in understanding human suffering, and the importance of honesty within Christian communities. We explore themes of hope, the illusion of control, the reality of sin, and the necessity of dignity in relationships. Ayers also emphasizes the need for vulnerability and authenticity in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles and foster inclusive communities. Takeaways Meals are a reflection of our shared stories. The incarnation shows God's deep understanding of human suffering. Hope comes from knowing we are not alone in our pain. Navigating loss requires community support and understanding. We often live under the illusion of control in our lives. Christianity addresses the reality of sin and human condition. Honesty about our struggles fosters a healthier community. Dignifying others is essential for building inclusive spaces. Wrestling with faith and doubt is a normal part of life. Living an integrated life means embracing all aspects of our experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Jared Ayers 02:36 The Significance of Meals and Shared Experiences 05:28 The Incarnation and Its Implications 11:24 Understanding Suffering Through the Life of Jesus 17:16 Finding Hope in Shared Pain 23:15 Navigating Life's Challenges with Receptivity 24:14 Letting Go of Control 26:00 Understanding Sin and Its Impact 28:57 The Importance of Honesty in Faith 32:06 The Power of Grace in Community 34:53 Leading with Vulnerability 37:42 Dignifying Others in a Divided World 40:49 Wrestling with Faith and Doubt 45:31 Living an Integrated Life
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58 MIN
I'm Sorry I Cremated You:Jaclyn Michelle Smith #228
DEC 11, 2025
I'm Sorry I Cremated You:Jaclyn Michelle Smith #228
Jaclyn Michelle Smith is the author of I'm Sorry I Cremated You: Finding the Funny in Life and Loss. It is a memior that quickly and intuitively cuts to the heart of our universal experience with grief and demonstrates how laughing at the irony of our human condition can provide the space to breathe and create meaning from the absurdity of it all. In my convesation with Jaclyn Michelle Smith she shares her journey through grief, the importance of friendships, and how humor can be a powerful tool for healing. She discusses her experiences with food, community, and the role of improv in enhancing her communication skills. Jaclyn emphasizes the beauty found in pain and the significance of being present in our lives. Through her memoir, she aims to inspire others to cherish their relationships and find joy amidst life's challenges. Takeaways Friendship is essential for navigating life's challenges. Humor can be a powerful tool for healing and coping with grief. Improv teaches valuable lessons about listening and presence. Finding beauty in pain can lead to personal growth. Community support is crucial during difficult times. Cherishing memories and mementos can help in the grieving process. A positive mindset can transform our experiences. Life is a duality of joy and sorrow, and both can coexist. Being present allows us to appreciate the magic in everyday moments. We should strive to see the good in every situation and person. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jaclyn Michelle Smith 02:59 The Impact of Food and Community 05:45 The Importance of Friendships 08:49 Navigating Life's Challenges 11:36 The Role of Community in Difficult Times 14:31 Finding Humor in Grief 17:42 The Journey of Writing a Memoir 20:42 Finding Beauty in Difficult Situations 23:33 The Duality of Life's Experiences 27:18 The Impact of Hoarding on Family Dynamics 28:37 Navigating Difficult Relationships with Parents 30:54 Finding the Good in Difficult People 33:58 The Art of Listening and Communication 37:14 Embracing the Unknown through Improv 39:27 Cultivating Childlike Wonder and Positivity 43:20 Living in the Present Moment 46:22 Growth Through Grief and Loss 49:04 Cherishing Life's Small Moments 55:32 Navigating Heartbreak and Memory 58:46 The Power of Kindness and Perspective 59:38 The Impact of a Poem and Family Legacy 01:01:46 Reflections on the Interview Process and Writing Journey 01:09:35 Exploring Faith and Curiosity in Relationships
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65 MIN
Beautiful Together: Julian S Newman Interview: Ep. #227
DEC 2, 2025
Beautiful Together: Julian S Newman Interview: Ep. #227
How do we become more beautiful together? I speak with Julian Newman about just that. Julian is the author of Beautiful Together: How to Become a Better Leader & Bridge Builder. He's the founder, and CEO of Culture Creative and The FutureCast Foundation. He is an altMBA graduate and inaugural Anthem Award-winning Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year, along with Trevor Noah. His thought leadership has been featured in a range of media outlets including Forbes Magazine, Fox News, NPR and PBS affiliates. We discuss the importance of leadership, empathy, and vulnerability in building connections and fostering personal growth. We explore the transformative power of shared experiences, the necessity of stepping out of comfort zones, and the role of curiosity and competence in effective leadership. Julian shares personal anecdotes and insights on navigating emotions, the significance of real conversations, and the journey of self-discovery. Our discussion emphasizes the need for meaningful interactions and the courage to be vulnerable in order to create a more beautiful and connected world. Takeaways Listening is crucial for meaningful interactions. Stepping out of comfort zones leads to personal growth. Shared meals can create transformative experiences. Curiosity and competence are essential for leadership. Investing small efforts can lead to significant outcomes. Finding meaning in our actions is vital for fulfillment. Vulnerability fosters deeper connections with others. Real conversations are necessary for resolving conflicts. Empathy can bridge divides and foster understanding. Reuniting with our true selves is a journey worth taking. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Julian Newman and His Work 02:57 The Importance of Presence and Listening 06:03 Experiencing Culinary Adventures and Comfort Zones 08:59 The Role of Collaboration in Leadership 11:38 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth 14:46 The Hero's Journey and Embracing the Unknown 17:44 Curiosity and Competence in Adventure 20:43 Investing in Small Steps Towards Goals 23:45 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Actions 26:36 Rekindling Wonder and Curiosity 29:46 Building Bridges Through Conversation 32:42 The Power of Connection and Understanding 38:04 The Importance of Face-to-Face Conversations 38:59 Digital Disconnection and Polarization 41:55 Empathy Through Understanding 44:43 Reunion with Our True Selves 50:34 Vulnerability as a Bridge 56:03 The Courage to Apologize 59:49 Finding the Essential in the Immediate
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70 MIN
#226: Pace Randolph:Choir Imperfect
NOV 26, 2025
#226: Pace Randolph:Choir Imperfect
In my conversation, with Pace Randolph he shares his journey as a musician, discussing how he embraced creativity during the pandemic by writing a song every day. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, and how embracing imperfection can lead to deeper connections through music. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of modern distractions, the joy of road trips, and the significance of community and belonging in our lives. Pace introduces his project, the Choir Imperfect, which aims to bring together 100k voices from around the world to create a collaborative album, highlighting the power of music to foster connection and self-discovery. Takeaways Creativity can flourish during challenging times. Embracing imperfection is key to artistic growth. Music serves as a powerful form of emotional communication. Finding balance in life is essential for well-being. Road trips can provide a sense of freedom and joy. Being present enhances our experiences and connections. Modern distractions can hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others. Structure and discipline are crucial for creative success. Community and belonging are vital for mental health. Self-discovery is a journey that leads to deeper connections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:08 Creativity During the Pandemic 05:51 Embracing Imperfection in Art 08:54 The Power of Music and Connection 11:20 Finding Gratitude and Balance 14:20 The Importance of Disconnecting 17:01 Navigating Modern Distractions 20:11 The Pursuit of Effectiveness Over Efficiency 28:29 The Importance of Presence 37:08 Belonging and Connection 45:14 The Choir Imperfect Project 53:35 The Art of Showing Up
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56 MIN