Podcast
Curious Living
Hosted by Rev. Monica Humpal · EN
Albert Einstein is quoted saying, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."
In this podcast we will explore our curious questions as we unpack these curiosities through the lens of Scripture and our Christian faith. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews with neighbors, pastors, and experts, we will walk through some common, and even challenging, questions while valuing individual perspectives along the way. Perhaps these curious conversations will spark the same holy curiosity in you.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 79: Why do good things have to come to an end?
Dec 100:58:11Tap to summarizeIt has been such an honor to take this journey of curiosity with you. Thank you for listening and for providing great curious questions for us to tackle. Remember friends, never lose your holy curiosity! Monica
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Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing?
Nov 100:37:37Tap to summarizeWe all have a story. Even if we believe our story to be unworthy of sharing, it could be the inspiration, empathy, or comfort that someone needs. Our guest on this episode was delightful and has an incredible story herself! Take a listen and think about how you can share your story! Guest Info After nearly 20 years in business and finance, I had what I can only describe as a divine interruption. God placed it on my heart to write my own book—not just to tell my story, but to leave a spiritual legacy. That single act of obedience unlocked a greater calling: to help others do the same. I founded The 1 and Only Publishing to serve aspiring authors—especially those who feel called to write but don't know where to begin or how to afford it. We help everyday people turn their God-given messages, expertise, and experiences into powerful, professionally published books. And we don't just offer services—we offer support, clarity, and belief when others have said "not yet." My story resonates with faith-based audiences, entrepreneurs, creatives, and purpose-driven people who've been sitting on a message for too long. I can speak to: Finding purpose in a season of transition or loss Building a mission-led business from scratch The practical and spiritual journey of writing a book How ordinary people can create extraordinary impact through publishing My mission is bold—555,000 books in 10 years, in 10 different languages. But it's not about me. It's about equipping others to leave a legacy, reach those they're called to, and fulfill their God-given assignment through the written word. Called & Courageous Podcast Podcast Hub (Buzzsprout): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526364 Latest Episode: Obedience Is the New Success Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podcast Index | RSS Feed The 1 and Only Publishing – Official Links Website: https://the1andonlypublishing.com Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com Phone: 301-798-7685 Social Media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/the1andonlypublishing Instagram: https://instagram.com/the1andonlypublishing YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the1andonlypublishing LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the1andonlypublishing
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77: Can our faith heal our trauma?
Oct 100:36:43Tap to summarizeMore and more adults are realizing that they have experienced trauma in their lives. We may not have realized it at the time. But, now, as adults, we are working through issues, emotions, and struggles and coming to terms wtih the fact that we've carried the burden of trauma for years. Or, perhaps we are very aware that we experienced trauma in our past and are trying to work our way through it while wondering if our faith in God could help us. It's an intriguing question and one that our guest knows all too well. If you have been wrestling with trauma and seeking God in your healing, this is the podcast episode for you. Guest Info: Calvin Bagley was raised in a home where education was withheld, modern medicine was forbidden, and extreme religious beliefs replaced love with fear. He was injected with horse medicine instead of being taken to the doctor. His meals were rationed,and his joy was policed. His education consisted of being taught to read by his older sister afteraccidentally learning the alphabet backwards. His world was one of poverty, abuse, neglect, and secrecy. And yet, he broke free. Today, Calvin Bagley is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and the founder of Nuvo Health, a Medicare-focused company that's helped over 60 thousand people navigate health insurance with honesty and heart. His companies, including The Medicare Store, Medicare Hub, and PlanFit, are transforming the healthcare industry (often known for predatory tactics) by putting people before profits and ethics before compensation. Calvin is the author of Hiding from the School Bus, a memoir that chronicles his journey from hiding in the sagebrush to avoid the school bus to standing tall and building multimillion-dollar businesses, traveling to all 50 states and all seven continents, and thriving with his family grounded in love and faith. Calvin was the seventh of nine children. As an infant, his mother handed him to his teenage sister, saying, "This one's yours."; His sister cared for him as if she were his mother until the age of three, when his father forcibly took him from her arms, shouting, "You are not his mother!"; She was never allowed to touch him again. He was a perpetual outsider, even facing incredible pain at scout camp, when a group of boys attacked him, wielding cactus-covered sticks. At 19, he left home to serve a mission in Brazil for the LDS Church. This changed the trajectory of his life forever. He returned home determined to change his fate. He self-studied and earned a GED at 21. After bombing a college placement exam, his college applications were all denied, but he talked a college admissions counselor into giving him a trial run as a non-admitted student. He later became the most unlikely college graduate, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His story includes pain and trauma, but also many small triumphs that cumulatively shape his life and personality and have led to his resilient nature. He learned to swim at 22, traveled the world as a flight attendant, rose through the ranks at Bank of America from a teller to a Consumer Market Manager, and married the woman he now calls his saving grace. Calvin doesn't just share a story-he opens a door. On the other side of the door is what's possible when you refuse to let your past define your future.
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76: How Can Young Adults Find Their Purpose?
Sep 100:47:56Tap to summarizeAs a parent of a young adult, I've been a witness to this void of purpose my kids seem to have. They have floundered through so many things - aimless and frustrated. As a parent I want to help them, but it's hard to help and honor boundaries all at the same time. We, as a community, want to help the young adults around us find their purpose, but we simply don't know where to start. Brittany was a fantastic and wise resource to help us tackle this curious question. Take a listen! Guest Info: Brittany Sawrey-Coulson is the Director of Content at Trueface and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in working with young adults exploring their identity, purpose, and trauma, and her passion is to help people experience more authentic and deep relationships with God and each other. Trueface.org is her primary website Amazon link to The Path: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Different-Contemporary-Allegory-Identity/dp/B0DQR5JD9V Amazon link to The Path Experience (her small group guide): https://www.amazon.com/Path-Experience-Eight-Session-Small-Discover/dp/B0DSLYVBQY Link to the animations that go with each chapter: https://www.trueface.org/thepath-videos Instagram
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75: Are churches greedy because they ask for money?
Aug 100:45:12Tap to summarizeFinancial generosity is vital to our mission as followers of Christ to transform the world in His name. Yet, when churches talk about giving, some people hear "greed" instead of "grace." In this episode of Curious Living, we dig beneath the surface of the church's "ask" and explore why generosity matters, what it really supports, and how we can reframe the conversation. Heather was an incredible guest—so insightful and wise. I walked away with new clarity, and I know you will too. Guest Info: Heather M. Day is an author and communication specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of marketing, communications, and nonprofit ministry. She is the author of Money and Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit. Heather has spent the bulk of her career in the nonprofit arena, including in her current role as Director of Marketing for Barnabas Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and an Executive MBA from Olivet Nazarene University. Money & Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit
Transcribe →74: How can we cure the loneliness epidemic?
Jul 100:43:47Tap to summarizeOur church participated in a demographic survey last year and we were astonished at how many people shared that they feel incredibly lonely. And what surprised us the most was that the largest demographic experiencing loneliness was young adults. So we were excited to talk with Dr. Jake Thurston to get his perspective. He is a young adult and works with young adults so he can speak directly to our curious question. Guest Info Dr. Jake Thurston is the lead pastor and church planter of Resilient Church, a growing ministry that serves a large number of students and young adults in the college town of Vermillion, South Dakota. He is an adjunct professor of Bible, Theology, and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University, Wesley Seminary, and the University of South Dakota. He is married to his wife, Kasey, and has two daughters and one son. https://www.youneedfriends.com/ https://a.co/d/5J6M4Ai
Transcribe →73: How can I get my spouse to change for the better?
Jun 100:32:27Tap to summarizeWhen we get married or enter into a long-term relationship, we soon realize the stark differences between ourselves and our mate. The flaws that were invisible to us at the beginning are now, perhaps, all we see. This goes both ways because our significant other sees those flaws in us as well. Couples tend to spend a great deal of energy looking for ways to "change" their mate, when, in fact, they don't have the power to create change in others. So, what do you do? How can you encourage your partner to make positive changes? Our guest on this episode has written two amazing devotional books that help us answer that question. She is a lovely person who is wise and so incredibly insightful. You will want to listen and take notes! Guest Info Amanda Hayhurst is a Christian author and speaker with a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has been featured in Guidepost, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Focus on the Family. She is the author of the best-selling devotionals Pray for Him and Pray for Her, which have helped thousands move from fix and control to surrender and prayer. She has a passion for encouraging others and considers herself a hype woman for other women. She has been married to her husband, Marcus, for fifteen years and gives God all the glory. They cherish every moment spent with their two young boys and adult bonus daughter. You can purchase Amanda's Devotions from Amazon through these links: Pray For Him: https://a.co/d/he3Wcsm Pray for Her: https://a.co/d/3AcIS0q Visit her website here: https://www.amandahayhurstwrites.com/
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72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences?
May 1, 202500:47:27Tap to summarizeIn today's world, clear communication feels increasingly challenging. With so many differences and divides among us, it's harder to express ourselves honestly and lovingly while being understood as we intend. This challenge is especially visible on social media, where misunderstandings often deepen the divisions between us. Scripture speaks profoundly to this struggle, particularly in the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to communicate across divides. In the Christian tradition, we call this moment "Pentecost." This year, we celebrate Pentecost on June 8, 2025. It's a time to reflect on what the Holy Spirit accomplished then—and what the Spirit is calling us to do now to bridge the vast divides in our world. If you'd like to explore the Scripture passages mentioned in this episode, here's the list: Acts 2:1-12 Philippians 2:3-4 1 Corinthians 13:1 James 1:19 Luke 12:12 Galatians 3:28 John 13:35 We concluded the episode with this prayer: Holy Spirit, give us the words to bridge our divides, the patience to listen, and the love to unite us as your people. Amen. Guest Information Rev. Monica Humpal is the host of the Curious Living Podcast, an Associate Pastor at Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church, and a master-certified life coach. Passionate about exploring life's curious questions, she seeks deeper wisdom and understanding in all she does. Monica resides in Davidson, North Carolina, and cherishes the beauty of the outdoors and Scotland's landscapes.
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71: Where can we find God in Classic Rock?
Apr 1, 202501:12:10Tap to summarizeThis episode guest hosts, Rev. Wesley Smith and Kevin Ward, dicuss the curious question; Where can we find God in Classic Rock? Our two guests this week are both avid rock enthusiasts and musicians, playing guitar in their spare time. Let's here them dive into our latest curious topic on how God relates to rock and roll greats.
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70: What are the blessings and challenges that come with adopting a child?
Mar 1, 202500:36:37Tap to summarizeOur guest host, Mary Ana Smith, sits down with Rev. Carrie Wright to discuss her journey as an adoptive mom. Adoption seems to many as more of a challenge than a blessing, but Carrie feels the opposite having not only adopted two children, but also having fostered many. If you have considered fostering or adopting then this episode is a must listen! Guest Info What gives Carrie life is spending her days with people of all ages learning to give praise to God. We are all on this journey in different stages but each of us are called to praise in one way or another. The arts are the ways that she hears God the best and she loves it when others are bringing their "song" as well. Carrie fell in love with making music at 8 years old and that love continues to weave through her especially in the midst of worship. She is an ordained Deacon in The United Methodist Church and the Associate of Music and Worship Arts at Williamson's Chapel UMC. Carrie is married to Clay, a tech guru working for Coca Cola Consolidated and stays busy chasing after their 4 kids ages 9 to 18.
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