Dr. Lucinda Sykes drops a bombshell on The Tilted Halo podcast, revealing research that might forever change how you think about sleep medication. As a retired physician who has helped over 6,000 patients with stress reduction, her mission now focuses on sharing critical information about sleeping pills that many doctors simply aren't discussing with their patients. The conversation uncovers startling research showing how common sleeping medications like Ambien actually suppress your brain's ability to clean itself at night. This natural cleansing process, called glymphatic flow, helps remove protein wastes that accumulate during waking hours—proteins linked directly to Alzheimer's disease development. Dr. Sykes calls this February 2023 finding the "smoking gun" that helps explain why sleeping pill users face higher dementia risks. Most alarming are the studies showing significantly shortened lifespans among sleeping pill users. Landmark research comparing medical records found people taking sleeping pills had 3.5 times higher death rates over just a 2.5-year period, while Korean studies suggest users may live five years less than non-users who sleep the same duration. Despite these risks, many physicians continue prescribing these medications long-term, even though medical authorities recommend limiting use to just 1-4 weeks. The fundamental misunderstanding, Dr. Sykes explains, is that these medications don't actually promote natural sleep—they sedate the brain, interfering with critical nighttime functions like memory processing, immune system boosting, and cardiovascular regulation. Whether you currently take sleeping pills or know someone who does, this episode provides essential information to have an informed conversation with healthcare providers about safer alternatives for better sleep. Part 2 is coming next Monday! Learn more about Dr. Lucinda Sykes and her teachings at lucindagift.com…

Deedra Mager and Megan Hall bring 40 years of combined ministry experience to this powerful conversation about inner healing, authentic leadership, and the freedom that comes through vulnerability. As directors of Dauntless Grace, they've made it their mission to help women connect with meaningful stories—including their own. What exactly is "Dauntless Grace"? It's the courage to step into an authentic relationship by removing the layers of self-protection we've accumulated throughout life. Our conversation explores how we naturally develop coping mechanisms during childhood to protect ourselves from pain, rejection, and disconnection. While necessary for survival, these same mechanisms often keep us trapped in cycles that prevent true connection with ourselves, others, and God. The most fascinating insight might be how fear functions in our lives. Fear itself isn't negative—it's designed to protect us—but unchecked fear disconnects us from ourselves and others. Deidre and Megan share practical approaches to getting curious about our fears rather than being controlled by them, a skill that transforms not just personal relationships but communities. We dive deep into their work with human trafficking survivors through Eden's Glory, a two-year residential program. You'll be shocked to learn that 93% of trafficking victims in the US are American citizens, typically exploited by people they already know—not strangers in foreign countries as movies often portray. Their comprehensive approach to healing addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs, embodying their core belief that "freed people free people." Whether in formal ministry or seeking more authentic relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom for your journey. The path to meaningful leadership begins with inner healing, and that journey starts with dauntless grace—the courage to be seen, known, and loved for who you truly are.…

The fishing nets were breaking. The boats were sinking. And Simon fell to his knees. I, Pastor Kathleen, will take us deep into the familiar story from Luke 5 where Jesus instructs Simon to cast nets into deep water after a night of catching nothing. This seemingly simple narrative transforms into a profound message about ministry when we understand the fishing context—in winter and spring, fish stayed in shallow waters, making Jesus' instruction to fish in deeper, colder waters completely counterintuitive to experienced fishermen. The miracle wasn't just about fish but about following divine guidance even when it contradicts our expertise. Drawing a robust comparison to spectator sports, I reveal how, unlike football games where only a fraction of a percent are active participants, faith offers no sideline seats. I also share the touching story of my grandmother who, even at 102 years old and severely limited physically, found profound purpose in "showing her family how to grow old." This challenges us to recognize that while our ministries may evolve through different seasons of life, we never stop being called to faithful participation. The episode also confronts our culture's obsession with metrics, quotas, and performance indicators. While our society trains us to measure worth through achievements, the biblical model of success centers solely on faithfulness—particularly when it's difficult or seemingly fruitless. This perspective liberates ministers from the crushing pressure of numeric measurements and refocuses our attention on consistent faithfulness even when immediate results aren't visible. Connect with me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about finding purpose in ministry during every season of life.…

Have you ever felt the urge to simply tune out all the negativity in the news and social media? You're not alone. Many of us retreat into comfortable bubbles with like-minded people, but what happens when we disconnect from different perspectives entirely? The division we're experiencing isn't just political—it's seeping into our churches, neighborhoods, and families. When congregations split because people can't accommodate different viewpoints, we're witnessing the same troubling pattern: the insistence that everyone must think, speak, and believe exactly as we do. But as the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, a body cannot function if it's all eyes or all ears. We need each part, each perspective, each voice. This episode explores why diversity of thought strengthens rather than weakens us, drawing parallels between monoculture forests vulnerable to disease and communities that reject difference. When we push others out because they ask uncomfortable questions or hold different views, we diminish ourselves in the process. Like a meal without seasoning or a forest with only one type of tree, we become vulnerable and less resilient when we value sameness above all else. The path forward isn't through uniformity but through unity-in-diversity, recognizing our fundamental interconnectedness despite our differences. Only by listening deeply to one another and respecting different choices can we create the resilient, vibrant communities we all desire. Subscribe to The Tilted Halo and join the conversation about finding strength in our differences.…

Discover how Dr. Ewa Kleczyk, a leader in healthcare analytics, illuminates the hidden yet pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among women in ministry and leadership roles. A staggering 75% of women executives grapple with feeling like frauds despite their accomplishments, and Dr. Kleczyk explains the societal pressures and historical contexts that fuel this self-doubt. Listen as we explore the perfectionist, the first of the four types of imposter syndrome, and discuss the profound impact these feelings have on personal and professional growth. We uncover the strength found in community and spirituality as powerful antidotes to imposter syndrome and mental health struggles. Dr. Kleczyk shares her experiences growing up in communist Poland, where the church was more than just a place of worship—it was a refuge and a source of unity. Today, similar support networks, including women's groups and spiritual communities, offer vital mentorship and resilience. We emphasize the importance of acknowledging struggles, practicing self-compassion, and building networks that lift each other. Through the lens of self-compassion and gratitude, we delve into the empowerment of women. By reframing failures as opportunities for growth and recognizing our shared humanity, we can foster a mindset of hope and resilience. Dr. Klesik inspires us to invest in ourselves through community involvement, spirituality, and education. Embrace gratitude for both external and internal strengths, and connect with Dr. Kleczyk on Instagram for more insights on leadership and empowerment!…

What does it take to rise above life's toughest challenges? Join Kathleen Panning as she shares an enlightening conversation with Aretha Taylor, a trailblazer who overcame a tumultuous childhood in Brooklyn to emerge as a successful pastor and CEO. Aretha candidly recounts her journey through the shadows of molestation, abuse, and homelessness, where the power of community and self-belief served as her guiding light. Her story is a beacon of hope and resilience, shedding light on the strength found in positive influence and the transformative potential of surrounding oneself with empowered individuals. As we unravel Aretha's insights, we encounter stories of healing and redemption, including a daughter's journey to understanding her mother's struggles beneath a facade of toughness. We delve into the deep wells of forgiveness and empathy, breaking generational cycles of pain in the process. Aretha shares her dedication to building trust and offering consistent support to marginalized groups, emphasizing the value of every individual. This episode promises a heartfelt exploration of compassion, resilience, and the incredible impact of recognizing every person as a gift in our collective journey towards healing and empowerment. DISCLAIMER: This content includes discussions of sexual, and emotional abuse and domestic violence. Please proceed with caution if these topics are triggering or distressing for you.…

Can a simple smile change the world around you, even in spaces where negativity seeps in unnoticed? Join me, Pastor Kathleen, as we navigate these pressing questions in the latest Tilted Halo podcast episode. I'll unravel how the pervasive negativity from our daily lives can find its way into our faith communities, impacting everything from worship to vital discussions on budgets and community efforts. Through our exploration, you'll gain insight into how political differences and personal stresses can complicate interactions, urging us to recognize the atmospheric influence we all carry and the discord it may cause. Unleashing the transformative power of positivity, we'll uncover the science of contagious emotions and the surprising role of mirror neurons. Inspired by the Ritz-Carlton's "10-5 way," we’ll discover how greeting others with a simple smile or a friendly hello can reshape perceptions, making faith communities more welcoming. Imagine the impact of starting a 100-day gratitude challenge or a smiling campaign during Lent! Together, we’ll embark on a journey to choose positivity and gratitude, enhancing the mood and interactions in our communities, and encouraging everyone to reflect on their expressions and attitudes.…

Welcome to Tilted Halo, the sanctuary for every woman in ministry, and in fact, anyone on this journey of life. In this episode, I share a time when I was abruptly asked to resign from my position, an unplanned circumstance that threw me into a swirl of uncertainty, loss, and despair. However, through this turmoil I unearthed the strength to be grateful and appreciate the good amidst the bad. I'm going to explore how to uncover joy in the midst of chaos, even when it seems most daunting. It's not about sugar-coating hardships, but about finding the silver lining in those clouds. Let's embark on this journey of embracing gratitude even when life gets messy.…

In this episode I chat with Matt Hug, the master of volunteer recruitment and management, and we share the secrets to transforming your nonprofit's volunteer force. Get rid of those ideas of volunteer callouts, we're headed straight to the power of personal, one-on-one recruitment strategies. Volunteering's personal gains, from skill building to spiritual fulfillment, are often masked by the notion of selfless service. Together with Matt and I, will shed light on how these personal rewards are the actual fuel for long-term service and satisfaction. It's not about the transactions, it's about the stories. Our conversation will also touch on the art of story sharing in donor engagements, where there is great effect in connecting with people on an emotional level, far beyond the balance sheets. Take these insights for your nonprofit or ministry and join the conversation for even more growth and learning opportunities.…

What happens when our spiritual beliefs clash with our identity? In this episode, Matt Gill, from DO THE DAMN THING Productions, talks about his story, sharing with me the struggle of being a gay man in a devout Christian family. His journey of self-discovery, highlights the crucial role of acceptance within faith communities and reveals the harmful effects of judgment and condemnation. We'll talk about managing insecurities, the power of God's love, and the unique strength found in vulnerability, emphasizing how important sharing our individual stories is in uplifting others. This episode concludes with a reminder of how important it is to keep a strong connection with God as your foundation while navigating life.…

Does the phrase "All is fair in love and war" hold true when the going gets tough in our ministry and personal lives? In this episode I am challenging the notion of "All is fair in love and war", opening up the room for a raw and real conversation on the pressures of being a woman in ministry, and how our bad days affect our loved ones. Drawing on personal experiences within a congregation conflict, I highlight the implications of telling half-truths to manipulate situations. Trust me, no one is off the hook here – if you're a man in ministry, I welcome you to this crucial conversation. Let's together find better ways to handle stress and pressure, without unfairly projecting our feelings onto others.…

What if the way you choose to see the world is actually creating the world you see? That's a bold statement, right? Tune into this episode of Tilted Halo as I talk about the idea that happiness is a choice. I'm inviting all women in ministry, and anyone else who feels the pressure of perfection, to join me in challenging our perspectives. We'll be taking a deep look at some controversial topics such as immigration and abortion, unpacking how generalized viewpoints can skew our understanding. It's an opportunity to shift towards greater empathy and understanding. Remember, perfection isn't the goal, but awareness and acceptance of the world's complex nature is. So let's make an effort to see the goodness and kindness that often go unnoticed. Are you ready to choose happiness?…

Ever felt torn between your faith and mainstream social beliefs? In this episode, I'm sharing the story of a woman who wrestled with guilt, doubt and the quest for self-acceptance. I'll also share the story of another woman who escaped a harmful cult, her path towards self-forgiveness, and the struggle to remain faithful amidst her traumatic experience. As we wade through these intricate matters, we strive to understand the nature of divine love, judgment, and our journey towards redemption. Join our soul-searching conversation as we navigate these profound aspects of our faith.…

Join me as I go through the theory and practice of gratitude, revealing its striking relevance to your ministry work. Be it as a pastor, music minister, elder, or even in your work unrelated to ministry, this episode shines light on how integrating a culture of thankfulness into your life can be transformative. We'll discuss how to appreciate the 'whats' and 'whos' in your life, even with all of the pressure to be perfect. Prepare to challenge your perspective and potentially, transform your life through the practice of gratitude. Get ready to become more grateful and make the world a better place, one 'thank' at a time.…

Do doubts ever creep into your journey of faith? Don't worry, you're not alone. Join me as I bare my heart, describing my own battle with doubt in the midst of a health scare. In this episode we get vulnerable. I'm sharing my conversations with God that have been filled with questions and uncertainties to turn the tables on the stigma attached to doubts in faith. Far from being mere crises, doubts can be activators for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God. So, let's change the conversation. Here's an invitation to bring your doubts into the light, not as signs of weakness, but as instruments for growing in faith.…