Episode 279: Focus and … er… something else

·45 min·4 clips

Joe reveals the silent, numb shock in a room after a 20-year-old's suicide funeral.

The episode begins with hosts Nick Page and Joe Davis exchanging Easter greetings and church notices, including an upcoming Zoom event with Dr. Dave Steele about leadership and changing theology. Joe opens up about his difficult week as a funeral celebrant, detailing emotionally draining services for a murder victim and a suicide, which leads to a discussion on grief and personal struggles. Nick shares his Easter experience, including a walk with friends and a frustrating church service where he argued with a priest over historical inaccuracies about the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. They read listener feedback from Chris, who feels conflicted after watching a Christian broadcast, prompting a conversation on evolving faith and gratitude for past spiritual experiences. The hosts then review their yearly themes from previous years, such as 'year of well-being' during COVID and 'year of hope,' reflecting on how these themes have shaped their lives. Nick announces his theme for the current year as 'focus,' inspired by a course on digital minimalism and deep work, aiming to reduce distractions and engage more in meaningful activities. Joe discusses his less-defined themes, focusing on community changes post-COVID and developing healthier eating rhythms, while acknowledging the fluid nature of church and personal growth. They emphasize that themes are directional guidelines rather than strict resolutions, encouraging listeners to share their own themes. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message to those experiencing grief and a teaser for a potential weekend recording.

As heard by us

An annual themes ritual becomes a funny, reflective record of change and unfinished resolutions.

Annual themes give Mid-Faith Crisis an easy frame for talking about change, hope, and the stubborn afterlife of personal resolutions. Nick Page and Joe Davis begin with church notices, from plans to meet in Worthing to a Thursday night Zoom with Dr Dave Steele, before circling…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a yearly reset with enough self-mockery to survive the phrase "sort it out."

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Mid-faith Crisis