Raw Faith Radio, hosted by the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell, was designed for all those who interested in spiritual growth and curious about matters of the spirit. Between September of 2011 and March of 2012, Marilyn recorded 24 segments of Raw Faith Radio, which are available for listening below. If you prefer downloading the show onto your mp3 player, go to Raw Faith Radio’s iTunes page.
March 30, 2012 – Ep. 24. Floyd Skloot: A Writer’s Journey Toward Wholeness. Marilyn continues the theme around writing, poetry and the spirit with writer Floyd Skloot, whose seventeen books have won wide acclaim and numerous awards. He speaks of his painful early family life and goes on to tell about the brain injury that has made him a more sensitive writer.
March 23, 2012 – Ep. 23. Poetry and Spirituality. Marilyn interviews Oregon Poet Laureate Paulann Petersen, who eloquently makes the connection between spirituality and poetry. A profound and moving interview.
March 16, 2012 – Ep22. Fear of the Sublime. Why do we so often reject the highest and the best that is within us? In this program Marilyn weaves story and personal experience to reflect on our fear of the sublime.
March 9, 2012 – Ep21. Yoga and Spirituality. Julie Lawrence,
long-time Portland yoga teacher, clarifies the connection between yoga
and spirituality in this fascinating interview. Marilyn and Julie discuss the powerful and ancient practice of yoga and the benefits beyond the physical to something deeper. Learn about the purpose of yoga and how it helps bring inner peace.
February 24, 2012 – Ep20. Interpretations on Faith. Marilyn interviews Dr. Paul Metzger, of Multnomah Biblical Institute, an evangelical seminary, challenging him about fundamentalists’ literal interpretation of the scripture, salvation, heaven and hell, and the freedom to marry for gays and lesbians. See what you make of his answers.
February 17, 2012 – Ep19. Follow Your Desire. Continuing on the theme of finding real joy and contentment, Marilyn talks about following your desire and becoming the unique person you were meant to become.
February 10, 2012 – Ep18. Finding your true spiritual guidance. Marilyn interviewed spiritual activist/environmentalist Barbara Ford on moving from despair to empowerment and on the relationship of community to resilience. Don’t miss this one!
February 3, 2012 - Ep17. How do I find happiness? This is the big question for all of us. Marilyn says it has to do with how we bring meaning and purpose to our life. But how do we do that? Ever wanted resources to help you attain happiness? They are right here waiting for you.
January 27, 2012 - Ep16. Why do so many people shy away from Grief? This show treats all the various faces of grief–why it’s important to grieve and why we must respect the different ways people have of grieving. Marilyn also comments on Foxconn’s disgraceful treatment of the Chinese workers that make Apple products.
January 20, 2012 - Ep15. Living in the Moment. Marilyn Sewell talks about how Buddhism has helped her understand about impermanence and living in the moment, then goes on to interview the Rev. Bob Schaibly, a Buddhist practitioner who has studied with Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh. Schaibly reflects on his close calls with death and how Buddhism keeps him keenly alive.
Eps12-14. Who is Portland’s next Mayor? Marilyn Sewell sits down with each candidate individually and talks to them for 30 minutes about their values, what makes them tick, what and who inspires them, and the stories that have shaped their lives. Want more than a 10 second soundbite from your potential next mayor? Hear the real story and decide for yourself who you should vote for.
December 16th, 2011 – Who is Charlie Hales?
December 23rd, 2011 – Who is Jefferson Smith?
January 6, 2012 – Who is Eileen Brady?
December 9th, 2011 – Ep11. Occupy Wall Street, a Spiritual Movement? Rev. Bill Sinkford, minister of First Unitarian Church, is this week’s guest on Raw Faith Radio. Marilyn and Bill discuss the spiritual impetus and issues that surround the Occupy Movement and the ecumenical response in Portland, OR.
November 18, 2011 – Ep10. Dark Night of the Soul. This week’s episode gives us an insight into this spiritual condition where our old assumptions about how life works utterly break down causing us to transform. Marilyn talks about the acceptance, trust, and courage that emerge when we suffer through and surrender to the darkness.
November 11, 2011 – Ep9. Is Anyone Out There Listening to Your Prayers? Have you ever tried bargaining with God in a prayer? Did it work? How about praying for someone you’re mad at? Marilyn talks about her own early experiences with prayer around the family table and takes us through her journey of how prayer has evolved over her lifetime and the role it played in deepening her relationship with herself and the Holy.
November 4, 2011 – Ep8. Is Your Life in Transition? Are you going through a life transition right now: lost a job, met some one new, have you relocated? Marilyn examines change and the uneasiness and anger that sometimes comes with it. Marilyn helps make sense of why change is so hard- even when the change is good- and offers a new perspective that may leave you welcoming the inevitable transitions of life.
October 28, 2011 – Ep7. The Silence of God How do you know you’ve been heard when all you hear is silence? Marilyn explores the meaning behind the silence, and the gift that it is. If you’ve tried to pray and feel like your prayers are falling into a silent abyss this episode will give you another perspective on prayer; one that may change your mind about prayer all together.
October 21, 2011 – Ep6: The Desire of the Soul. Marilyn explores the desire of the soul in this episode and gives real life stories about people discovering and pursuing their deepest desire. Some call it a “following your joy” or a “calling” while others see it as being true to yourself. Whatever you call it, find out how to recognize it from other sorts of human desires, what the differences are, and the role that fear plays.
October 14, 2011 – Ep5. Do you Have Spiritual Courage? In this episode, we will be talking about courage. So many of us live in fear. How we can live like spiritual warriors? Listen and find out.
October 7, 2011 – Ep4. Religion and Sports: A Conversation with Tom Krattenmaker, author of Onward Christian Athletes.
What’s the deal with religion and sports? Krattenmaker writes regularly
for USA Today’s “On Religion” commentary page as a member of the
newspaper’s editorial Board of Contributors.
September 30, 2011 – Ep3. The Blessings of Imperfection Are you an overachiever? Are you unsatisfied with yourself or with others?
September 23, 2011 – Ep2. Dealing with Anger. In this episode, Marilyn talks about anger — what happens when we hold it in and tips on how to release it.
September 16, 2011 – Ep1. Learning How to Forgive. It seems so easy, yet one of the things we all struggle with everyday is learning how to do this. Marilyn unveils the struggles behind this stubborn yet simple task.
September 14, 2011 - Marilyn introduces Raw Faith Radio on the Being in Light show.