Van invites Drew Marshall to explore the world of Islam through the lens of architecture as a living expression of belief, migration, conflict, humility, community behavior, and identity. Drew, an Islamic Studies expert and community advocate, guides us through the evolution of mosque design from Abraham and early Mecca to its global adaptations across the centuries.

The conversation delves into the lived experience of entering a mosque, exploring transitional spaces, ritual washing (wudu), light, pattern, sound, and spatial choreography that prepare a person emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.

The episode then pivots into the “modern identity crisis” of Muslims in America. Drew speaks candidly about colonialism, wars in Muslim countries, the challenge of loving a land whose government harms your homeland, and the spiritual obligation to contribute positively anyway. He frames gratitude not as passivity, but as civic responsibility: promoting a better parking culture, cleaner roads, community contributions, and service as a form of worship.

The episode closes with a challenge: that contemporary Muslims, like all faith groups, must examine themselves through tradition without abandoning it — the concept of the mujaddid, someone who renews the faith for the times. Sacred design, in this frame, isn’t about buildings. It’s about behavior, belonging, and the everyday rituals that shape how a community is perceived and how it perceives itself.

Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!

We envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.

Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/

Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

This episode brings together Rev. Dr. Pamela Adams, Van, and Pastor Nate for a deep, candid conversation about what actually happens at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, accountability, and human struggle. What emerges is a picture of healing that is warm and joyful, but also grounded, gritty, and human.

Pam begins by breaking down why therapy scares people: not because therapy is dramatic, but because sitting in a room and talking about yourself is uncomfortable. And she doesn’t sugarcoat it: real healing requires letting those doors open, doing the work, facing consequences instead of blaming “God’s will,” and refusing the fantasy of a one-and-done deliverance.

One of her strongest themes: spiritual healing without maintenance collapses. Biblical stories of Jesus healing people don’t include the “follow-up appointments” — the Tuesday-after-the-miracle part. Today, professionals fill that gap. Prayer and therapy don’t compete; they stabilize each other. She urges people to pray on Sunday and see their therapist on Tuesday.

The through-line:

Healing is work. Faith and therapy are partners. You must deal with yourself before you can deal with anyone else. And the people who look the healthiest are often the ones doing the most unseen work.

Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!

We envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.

Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/

Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/

In this thought-provoking episode, Van Sedita and retired Presbyterian pastor Phil Jones speak with Mark Friedman, author of Come Now, Let Us Reason Together. The conversation explores what authentic Judaism means beyond stereotypes of rigid law and ritual. Friedman recounts his journey from Reform Judaism through years among Chabad communities, describing how neither liberal editing nor strict orthodoxy fully capture Judaism’s heart.

He argues that after the Second Temple’s destruction, the rabbis “reinvented” Judaism—replacing sacrifice with study and prayer, grounding faith in debate and moral reasoning. The Talmud, he explains, reveals a religion built on adaptation: rabbis altered harsh or outdated laws as moral understanding evolved. Examples include nullifying ancient punishments and reinterpreting economic laws to preserve fairness and social stability.

Phil connects this to Christianity’s own struggle with scriptural authority, asking whether reformation means faithfulness or rebellion. Together, they wrestle with questions of permission, authority, and innovation: who decides when a law no longer serves its purpose? Van draws out the shared tension between divine command and human conscience—how both faiths hold space for doubt, reinterpretation, and renewal.

The episode closes on a hopeful note. Friedman insists that ritual matters only if it deepens ethical living. Jones adds that true innovation in religion comes from returning to the core covenant—to love God and neighbor. Across traditions, they agree: sacred texts endure not because they freeze time, but because they invite each generation to reason together.

(Summary by Chat GPT)

Send us a text message letting us know what you think of this episode!

We envision a world where design and religion work together to spread love, empathy, and charity faster than divisiveness, selfishness, and hate. To achieve this, we aim to bring the stories of those driving this change—both big and small—into the spotlight, allowing ideas for positive transformation to spread quickly and reach those who need them most.

Nate is the Head Pastor at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church https://rccpc.org/

Van is a Service Designer and Illustrator, and his work can be found at https://www.vansheacreative.com/