Why do monster stories never go out of style? From Gilgamesh to Jaws, Harry Potter to Stranger Things, humanity has always told stories of heroes facing overwhelming threats.

In this first episode of our Narratology series, Brad and Grace unpack why the “Overcoming the Monster” storyline is so universal—and so personal. What monsters are we really fighting today? Fear, shame, addiction, cynicism? And what happens when we mistake people for monsters instead of naming the real forces that threaten us?

Blending theology, psychology, and pop culture, this conversation explores why these stories matter, how the Bible itself is filled with them, and why naming our own monsters might just be the first step toward freedom.

What’s your story—and how do you tell it? In the opening episode of our new season of Narratology: The Stories We Live By, Grace and Brad explore the idea of the narrative self—that inner storyline that helps us make sense of life. ✨

Together, they unpack why it’s so hard to pin down a plotline, how conflict shapes who we are, and why reframing struggle as part of a story can bring both meaning 📖 and risk ⚡️. From grief and therapy to theology and the seven basic plots, this conversation invites you to see your life not as “one damn thing after another” but as a story worth telling. 💫

In the season finale of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace turn down the volume of the world to tune into the subtle voices that shape our lives. 🛋️👂

From marketing messages to childhood wounds, social scripts to the spiritual realm, they explore the quiet “whispers” that influence how we think, feel, and live.

Are your thoughts truly your own—or are they echoes from culture, trauma, or something deeper?

Through candid conversation, therapeutic insight, and spiritual reflection, they ask:

💭 How can we tell the difference between the voice of love and the voice of shame? ✨ What does divine guidance sound like in a world full of noise? 🌿 And how do we tune our hearts to hear something sacred in the static?

🎧 Whether you’re on a faith journey, a healing path, or just navigating your own thoughts, this episode invites you to listen more deeply—and discover what’s truly worth hearing.

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace welcome back Karla Drader for a thoughtful exploration of prayer as a path through illusion and into truth. 🙏🛋️

Together, they reflect on how prayer can help us unravel the false narratives we carry—about ourselves, others, and God—and gently guide us toward greater clarity, surrender, and connection.

They also share their own unique approaches to prayer, offering a glimpse into the many shapes and forms this sacred practice can take. Whether you’re a longtime pray-er or just beginning to explore spiritual practices, this conversation offers both insight and invitation.

🎧 Tune in for a grounded, honest, and hope-filled episode about the role of prayer in the spiritual journey.

This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace are joined by Karla Drader—pastor, spiritual director, and returning guest—for a deep and honest conversation about the illusions we carry through life. 🛋️✨

Together, they explore two major illusions that often shape how we see ourselves, others, and God—and how letting go of these illusions can move us toward greater truth, clarity, and freedom.

With warmth, wisdom, and practical insight, the trio invites us to examine:

🔍 What illusions might be keeping us stuck? 💔 What does it take to release them? 🌱 And what opens up when we step into reality with humility and hope?

🎧 Join us for a meaningful conversation about spiritual growth, disillusionment, and the sacred journey toward truth.

After mapping the terrain of our loneliness, this week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace take the next step: identifying the barriers that keep us from true intimacy. 🛋️💔

Why do we still feel lonely—even when we’re not alone?

In this episode, they unpack some of the most common roadblocks to connection: 😐 Boredom that dulls our sense of engagement 🤐 Unspoken and unrealistic expectations that go unmet 😠 Irritation with difference that pushes us apart

Through thoughtful conversation and compassionate insight, Grace and Brad explore how these subtle dynamics can quietly keep us stuck in loneliness, and what it might take to move toward authentic intimacy.

🎧 Listen in and reflect on what might be getting in the way of the connection you long for.

The Sacred Sofa is back! 🛋️

In this episode, Brad & Grace dive into one of the most deeply felt but often misunderstood human experiences: loneliness. 💭💔

Together, they explore five distinct expressions of loneliness—

1️⃣ Alienation 2️⃣ Restlessness 3️⃣ Fantasy 4️⃣ Rootlessness 5️⃣ Depression

By mapping these layers, Grace & Brad offer a gentle, reflective framework to better understand where loneliness shows up in our lives—and how we might begin to navigate it with awareness, compassion, and hope. 🌿

🎧 Tune in to feel seen, heard, and a little less alone.

In this next mini-series, Brad & Grace will gently unpack one of the most universal—and often unspoken—human experiences: loneliness. 💭💔

Together, they’ll explore where it shows up in our lives, why it matters, and how we can navigate it with honesty, compassion, and connection.

✨ Tune in for thoughtful conversations that meet you right where you are.

#TheSacredSofa #Loneliness #FaithAndConnection #FlourishingLife