[158] From vinyl rituals to sacred community with Bishop Andrew Doyle

Join Bishop C. Andrew Doyle—Episcopal Bishop, author, and passionate vinyl record collector—and explore the sacred within the ordinary and the power of embodied spiritual practice. Bishop Doyle opens up about his latest book, “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World,” and shares practical wisdom on carving out sacred spaces, reclaiming rest in a hyper-connected world and finding spirituality beyond institutional boundaries.

Together, Ryan Dunn and Bishop Doyle discuss what it means to experience faith in a so-called post-religious society, the importance of ritual and physical connection in spiritual life, and how practices like unplugging from technology or cherishing community moments can be deeply transformative. Whether it’s the ritual of dropping the needle on a record or gathering for a simple meal, Bishop Doyle encourages us to see all of life as an invitation into deeper belonging and pilgrimage.

If you’re a spiritual seeker, exploring faith outside traditional religious settings, or simply curious about finding meaning in everyday moments, this episode will inspire you to embrace embodied contemplation and sacred connection right where you are.

Guest Bio:
Bishop Andrew Doyle is the ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and a thoughtful voice in contemporary spirituality. Author of several books—including “Unabashed Faith: Resisting Spiritual Forces in the Modern World”—Bishop Doyle is known for his practical insights on faith, community, and the embodied life. He lives in Houston, Texas, where he continues his journey of spiritual exploration—on pilgrimage, and still walking.

In this episode:
[00:00] Spirituality and Connection with Bishop Doyle
[04:54] Embodied Rituals in Post-Religious Society
[09:20] Spiritual Seeking Beyond Religion
[11:06] Balancing Thought and Spirituality
[13:56] Sacred Spaces and Routines
[17:46] Modern Captivity and Worship
[21:06] Digital Economy and Social Disconnection
[26:05] “The Art of Being Present”
[29:51] “Embracing Sacrifice and Connection”
[32:46] Communal Sacramental Experiences
[36:42] Freedom in Faith: A Pilgrim’s Journey
[39:39] Phone Addiction and Life Rules
[42:11] We Need Each Other

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. For more episodes and notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

Social Principles and Mental Health: A summons to action

Few, if any, people are untouched by mental health challenges either for themselves or loved ones. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how our Social Principles call us  as United Methodists to support and care for those living with mental health challenges, as well as how we are to care for our own body, soul and spirit.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

Coming out in faith: Bishop Karen Oliveto’s journey

“Following Jesus is costly,” says The UMC’s (Ret.) Bishop Karen Oliveto. “And for me, that price was being closeted. And I was willing to pay that price.” Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes the denomination’s first openly gay bishop to “Un-Tied Methodism” as Bishop Oliveto shares her story of burden, scrutiny, oppression and how knowing that “Perfect love casts out all fear” propelled her along her ministry path.

Bishop Oliveto’s oral history is part of the 2025 Heritage Sunday resources in support of the theme, “Sacred Stories: LGBTQ+ United Methodist Ministries.” Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/HS2025theme.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

[157] Soulful practices for healing and belonging

How do we find spiritual belonging and healing in a world filled with loneliness, uncertainty, and division? In this special episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, host Ryan Dunn is joined by Dori Grinenko Baker and Anna Del Castillo for a heartfelt conversation about tapping into the “deep wells” of soulful practice, community connection, and personal ritual.

Explore practical and inspiring ways to nurture your spirit—whether through grounding in nature, joyful body movement, morning meditation, or holy listening circles. Learn how simple practices can support mental health, combat isolation, and create bridges across divides. Dori and Anna share research-backed insights, accessible spiritual tools, and moving stories from their work with the intergenerational collective Our Own Deep Wells, empowering you to find meaning and belonging wherever you are on your spiritual journey.

In this episode:
[00:00] “Exploring Everyday Spiritual Practices”
[04:23] Soulful Practices for Well-Being
[07:58] Grounding Meditation and Ancestral Reflection
[10:31] “Creating Inclusive Well-being Practices”
[15:11] College Proctor’s Unexpected Ministry Journey
[18:10] Soulful Practices: Reflection and Connection
[20:42] “Infusing Soulful Practices in Workplaces”
[25:53] “Activism for Peace: A Personal Journey”
[27:36] Creating Spaces for Unity
[31:10] Empowering Community Through Connection

For episode notes and more on Compass: www.umc.org/compass

Covering a worldwide church: Journalism with integrity and heart

To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, two United Methodist News journalists share what it means to tell the church’s story — with integrity, faith, and heart – and why independent journalism within a faith-based organization is more vital than ever.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.