Episodes

  • E171 | Dr. Margaret Nagib | Healing from the Inside Out: Trauma, Faith, and the Nervous System

    E171 | Dr. Margaret Nagib | Healing from the Inside Out: Trauma, Faith, and the Nervous System
    Aug 19 2025

    Join us for a powerful episode of the Face to Face Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Margaret Nagib, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to explore the integration of faith, psychology, and nervous system healing. Discover how trauma responses shape our lives, why nervous system regulation is foundational for emotional and spiritual health, and practical steps for moving from survival to wholeness.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
    00:29 – Broadcasting from Lake Tahoe & Upcoming Courses
    02:38 – Introducing Dr. Margaret Nagib
    03:22 – Dr. Margaret’s Background: Integrating Faith & Psychology
    05:42 – The Evolution of Christian Psychology & Inner Healing
    09:35 – Mind, Body, Spirit Integration Explained
    13:22 – The Role of the Nervous System in Healing
    18:23 – Why Nervous System Work is Trending
    21:14 – Understanding Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn
    24:11 – Real-Life Examples: People-Pleasing & Fawn Response
    27:00 – How to Recognize and Shift Out of Trauma Responses
    31:00 – Practical Tools for Regulation & Completing the Stress Cycle
    35:00 – Recognizing Long-Term Patterns & Building Capacity
    39:00 – The Foundation of Nervous System Work

    Key Topics:

    • The integration of faith and psychology in healing
    • How trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) show up in daily life
    • The importance of nervous system regulation for lasting change
    • Practical tools for recognizing and shifting out of survival states
    • Dr. Margaret’s personal journey and resources

    Connect with Dr. Margaret Nagib:
    Instagram: @margaretnagib
    Website: thedunamisproject.org

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review and visit facetofacenetwork.com for more resources!
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    45 mins
  • E170 | Suhail Stephen - Part 2 | The Enneagram & Spiritual Formation

    E170 | Suhail Stephen - Part 2 | The Enneagram & Spiritual Formation
    Aug 5 2025

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Suhail Stephen, exploring how the Enneagram can deepen spiritual formation and self-understanding. We discuss the Enneagram’s origins, its nine personality types, and how it helps us recognize both our strengths and areas for growth.

    Suhail shares personal insights and practical ways the Enneagram can foster compassion, freedom, and more authentic relationships—with God, others, and ourselves.

    Learn More at: writingisprayer.com

    00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
    00:29 - Show Begins, Guest Introduction
    00:55 - Announcements: Dash Away & Trauma Course
    01:41 - Transition to Enneagram Topic
    01:52 - Suhail on Spirituality & Enneagram
    02:14 - Cathy’s Enneagram Story
    02:58 - Suhail: Enneagram’s Impact & History
    05:19 - Christian Perspective on Enneagram
    08:00 - Suhail’s Personal Enneagram Experience
    10:32 - Triads & Undercurrents Explained
    13:37 - Cathy & Melinda Discuss Their Types
    15:13 - Suhail: What the Numbers Mean
    16:58 - Triads: Shame, Anxiety, Frustration
    18:45 - Compulsions & Avoidances
    19:41 - Melinda: Resistance to Labels
    21:47 - Suhail: Why Use “Undercurrent” & “Compulsion”
    23:28 - Melinda & Cathy’s Types Explored
    24:39 - Cathy’s Leadership & Independence
    27:50 - Why Self-Awareness Matters
    29:03 - Enneagram for Relationships
    31:56 - Final Thoughts & Resources
    34:15 - Where to Find Suhail
    34:58 - Enneagram: Affirming the Good
    35:54 - Closing Remarks
    36:07 - Outro & Call to Action
    36:27 - End
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    37 mins
  • E169 | Suhail Stephen - Part 1 | Exploring Spiritual Direction

    E169 | Suhail Stephen - Part 1 | Exploring Spiritual Direction
    Jul 22 2025

    In this episode of the Face to Face podcast, we engage in a profound conversation with Suhail Stephen, a spiritual director from Manitoba, Canada. We delve into Suhail's multicultural upbringing, his journey into spiritual direction, and the significance of the contemplative Christian tradition. We also discuss practical steps like the Daily Examen and the role of a spiritual director in deepening one's spiritual experience. Suhail shares his personal experiences and insights, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone interested in authentic spiritual growth and connection with God.

    00:28 Exciting Announcements and Upcoming Events

    01:50 Meet Our Special Guest: Suhail Stephen

    06:30 Suhail's Journey and Cultural Experiences

    12:54 Exploring Spirituality Across Cultures

    22:45 The Path to Spiritual Direction

    24:49 Understanding Spiritual Direction

    26:02 Personal Journey with God

    27:52 First Encounter with Spiritual Direction

    28:52 Discovering the Call to Spiritual Direction

    30:39 Training and Becoming a Spiritual Director

    37:02 The Contemplative Tradition

    46:40 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

    50:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    51 mins
  • E168 | Jessie Cruickshank - Part 2 | Understanding Identity & Faith Development

    E168 | Jessie Cruickshank - Part 2 | Understanding Identity & Faith Development
    Jul 8 2025


    In Part 2 with Jessie Cruickshank, we discuss deeper connections and meaningful relationships through the lens of Identity Formation Theory. Our conversation covers various phases of human and spiritual development from infancy to adulthood, highlighting how our understanding of ourselves and God evolves.

    You will be invited to explore phases of growth, the importance of autobiographical memory, and the concept of deconstruction in faith. This rich discussion provides insights for anyone interested in emotional and spiritual maturity.

    Learn more at whoology.co.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:28 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    01:03 Immanuel Institute Programs

    01:35 Understanding Trauma Course

    02:28 Identity Formation Theory: Phases 0 to 1

    04:13 Identity Formation Theory: Phase 2

    08:57 Identity Formation Theory: Phase 3

    13:08 Deconstruction and Faith Transitions

    20:15 Phase 4: Owning Your Faith

    23:18 Organizational Dynamics and Faith

    30:15 Phase 5: The Dark Night of the Soul

    40:08 Petty Doctrinal Issues in Modern Faith

    40:31 Understanding Phase Five in Spiritual Growth

    42:27 The Role of Community in Faith Transitions

    43:20 Elder Stage and Teaching Teenagers

    44:40 Navigating Spiritual Direction Schools

    46:26 Fear and Control in Religion

    48:22 Creating Safe Spaces for Questions

    50:51 The Journey of Identity Formation

    59:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    01:04:54 Autobiographical vs. Semantic Memory
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • E167 - Jessie Cruickshank - Part 1 | Understanding Identity & Faith Development

    E167 - Jessie Cruickshank - Part 1 | Understanding Identity & Faith Development
    Jun 24 2025

    E167 - Jessie Cruickshank - Part 1 | Understanding Identity & Faith Development

    In this episode, we introduce Jessie Cruickshank, a neuro-ecclesiologist with a background from Harvard. We discuss the concept of identity formation, delving into various phases of human development based on a theory Jessie evolved from Fowler's stages of faith development. The episode covers infancy and toddler stages, emphasizing the importance of naming and identity in the early years. Jessie shares insights on how our experiences shape our perception of self and God. We have compelling conversation on the significance of naming children and how it impacts their identity and faith journey. 00:28 California Vibes and Upcoming Events 01:25 Dash Away and Immanuel Institute Announcements 04:24 Introducing Jessie Cruickshank 05:13 Jessie Cruickshank's Background and Journey 14:32 Neuro Ecclesiology and Organizational Psychology 19:08 The Art of Connection: Sales Techniques and Attunement 21:01 Exploring Identity Formation Theory 22:44 The Journey of Faith Development 24:41 Introducing Identity Formation Theory 27:06 The Role of Caregivers in Spiritual Development 34:13 The Importance of Naming and Identity 37:52 Helping Others Discover Their True Identity 42:31 Conclusion and Next Steps
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    44 mins
  • E166 - David Tensen - Part 2 | Decenter Everything: A New Approach to Eldering

    E166 - David Tensen - Part 2 | Decenter Everything: A New Approach to Eldering
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode, we continue our deep conversation with Australian guest David Tensen. David shares a provocative viewpoint on decentering God from one's life and discusses the symbolic concept of the Trinity as a non-centralized entity. We explore notions of deep spiritual maturity, deconstruction of religious belief systems, and the importance of eldership. The episode further discusses how to experience personal transformation through retreats like Dash Away Weekends and closes with a reflective poem by David. The overarching theme emphasizes the importance of embracing unity with Christ, letting go of dogmatic constructs, and finding freedom in spiritual growth.
    00:28 Episode 166: Part Two with David Tensen 01:15 Upcoming Dash Away Weekends Retreat 02:32 David Tensen on Decentering God 04:37 Understanding Union with God 11:31 The Concept of Panentheism 14:07 Deconstruction and Decentering in Faith 19:12 Maturity and Letting Go of Constructs 22:58 Navigating Personal Beliefs and Open-Mindedness 24:47 The Role of Love and Guidance in Healing 25:18 Decentering the Need for Change 26:40 The Impact of Social Media on Judgment and Arguments 29:37 Companioning and Grieving 32:58 Embracing Mystery and Uncertainty in Faith 35:45 The Value of Diverse Perspectives 37:41 Closing Reflections and Poetry 39:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell To learn more about David’s work: https://davidtensen.com/
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    42 mins
  • E165 - David Tensen | Decenter Everything: A New Approach to Eldering

    E165 - David Tensen | Decenter Everything: A New Approach to Eldering
    May 27 2025
    In this episode, we discuss important shifts, including the transition from 'Face to Face Ministries' to 'Face to Face Network'. We had an excellent conversation with David Tensen, an Australian philosopher, teacher, chaplain, and poet, known for his profound insights into eldering and inner healing. David shares his journey through advanced pastoral care, internal healing methods, and his new book, 'Decenter Everything'. The conversation delves into why decentering is essential, especially the critical distinction between centering God versus our construct of God. David also touches on the Life Model's stages of human development, and the urgent need to embrace eldering in a world stuck in adolescent and early adulthood stages. Tune in for part two to explore deeper into the concept of decentering God. 00:32 Exciting Changes and New Beginnings 01:15 Rebranding to Face-to-Face Network 02:05 The Vision and Philosophy Behind the Network 04:16 Challenges with the Term 'Ministries' 06:48 Upcoming Events and Website Changes 07:29 Introducing Our Guest: David Tenson 10:37 David Tenson's Background and Work 22:53 Reflecting on Ministry and Personal Challenges 23:48 Discovering the Life Model 24:35 Experiencing Burnout and Transitioning to Academia 26:55 Writing and Publishing 'The Wrestle' 27:42 Introducing 'Decenter Everything' 28:29 Exploring the Life Model Stages 32:39 The Concept of Eldering 37:57 The Call to Decenter Everything 40:41 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions
    To learn more about David’s work: https://davidtensen.com/
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    48 mins
  • E164 - Hannah Ploegstra | Bridging Generations: Understanding Gen Z's Unique Needs

    E164 - Hannah Ploegstra | Bridging Generations: Understanding Gen Z's Unique Needs
    May 13 2025
    Joni us as our conversation takes a deep dive with guest Hannah Ploegstra, an expert on Gen Z, discussing the unique challenges and strengths of this generation. Hannah shares her personal journey of raising four Gen Z children and explains the generational need for deeper relational skills and connection. Emphasizing compassion and the importance of presence, she articulates ways older generations can support and understand Gen Z, highlighting their potential to bring healing and leadership to the world. The episode concludes with a hopeful message for Gen Z about their essential role and the healing they can bring to society. 00:00 Introduction to the Face-to-Face Podcast 00:28 Episode 164 Kickoff and Updates 00:38 Dash Away Retreat Recap 01:29 Upcoming Events and Trainings 03:02 Introducing Hannah Ploegstra 03:47 Hannah's Journey with Gen Z 06:40 Challenges and Insights on Gen Z 18:08 Gen Z's Struggles with Technology and Connection 25:27 The Role of Maturity in Guiding Gen Z 25:53 Challenges Faced by Gen Z 27:20 Building Relational Experiences 28:45 The Importance of Presence and Support 29:55 Understanding and Connecting with Gen Z 31:30 Practical Steps to Engage with Gen Z 32:51 The Unique Traits of Gen Z 41:54 A Message to Gen Z 45:07 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes For more information: https://www.brineknit.com/
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    46 mins