My Crunchy Zen Era

Biblical Archaeology: The Gap Between Scripture & Artifacts with Amanda Hope Haley

Nicole sits down the Red-Haired Archaeologist Amanda Hope Haley! Amanda went to Harvard, but that's the least interesting thing she shares on this episode. Was Goliath actually a giant?  Do you know the truth about Mary Magdalene?  Amanda is a wealth of knowledge ready to bridge the gap between academia and us. Amanda helps us understand what archaeology is and what it is not. Have you secretly wanted to be Indiana Jones?  Turns out, you can go on an archological dig for your next vacation.  You're gonna have to listen to find out how (don't google it). ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric Cline [https://www.amazon.com/1177-B-C-Civilization-Collapsed-Turning/dp/0691168385] * The Gilded Age TV Show [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4406178/] Connect with Amanda: * Her Website [https://redhairedarchaeologist.com] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

Adoption Advocate: Hearing Your Calling at a Young Age with Elizabeth McGlathery

Nicole is joined this episode by Elizabeth McGlathery, a marketing wiz, photographer and adoption advocate. Elizabeth knew from a young age that she wanted to adopt children, she was so sure about this calling that she even started a savings account to help with her future endeavors. Along with her husband, she has now adopted three boys.  Elizabeth shares their journey navigating the ups and downs of the adoption process and the great joy that came with building their a family. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton [https://www.tylerstaton.com/books] * Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker [https://littlehousestudio.net/breath-as-prayer] * The Life That You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg [https://www.amazon.com/Life-Youve-Always-Wanted-Disciplines/dp/0310342074] * Breath by James Nestor [https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-book] Connect with Elizabeth: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmcglathery/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

Son of a Seeker: A Documentary of a Spiritual Journey with Kai Balin

What does it mean to be Jewish? Kai Balin explored this question and his spiritual journey in his documentary film, Son of a Seeker.  Kai has always been a seeker, point in fact, he's attempted to start a dance crew in Jerusalem... you'll have to listen to find out more about that tidbit. Don't miss this thought provoking conversation about fitting in and seeking acceptance while never forgetting where you come from. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144590-the-alchemist] * WAGOS Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wagos-with-a-grain-of-salt/id1722373516] * Burnout by Emily Nagoski [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/592377/burnout-by-emily-nagoski-phd-and-amelia-nagoski-dma/] Connect with Kai: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sonofaseeker/] * Documentary Screening [https://congregationmicah.shulcloud.com/form/son-of-seeker] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

A Cult Enthusiast's Warning Signs... That You're in a Cult with Teresa Morrison

Are you in a cult? Not sure? Nicole and her guest, Teresa Morrison, are here to help you figure it out and escape.  On top of being a comedian, improviser and actress, Teresa has become quite the cult enthusiast... and may have converted Nicole too. The duo watched the documentary Escaping Twin Flames and they dissect the documentary as they delve into the psychological manipulation behind cults.  With the rise of influencers, company cultures, and our own vulnerabilities, we are all susceptible to wanting to find our people and our purpose in community. Unfortunately some people take advantage of that, but Nicole and Teresa will provide you with the red flags you need to be aware of to steer clear of cults and maybe join theirs. ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Escaping Twin Flames Documentary [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29388212/] Connect with Teresa: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teresahysteria/] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]

Do We Define Pop Culture.. or the Other Way Around with Nikki Denton

Nikki Denton has always been fascinated with 'The Business'. This improviser and Executive Assistant to the Executive Producer for live network TV productions turned her obsession into a life long calling to preserve the integrity of a fading art.  She admittedly stumbled into a few positions that elevated her career and now hopes to parlay that mix of luck and experience into a new adventurous life in New York! But.. before she heads out on her next journey she drops in to talk pop culture and entertainment with Nicole! They discuss the state of the entertainment industry and what or who defines pop culture... do books count? ▶️ Subscribe to My Crunchy Zen Era for weekly dives into life's beautiful mess and the chaos that makes it all worthwhile. Recommendations: * Zachary the Swiftologist [https://www.instagram.com/theswiftologist/?hl=en] * Brent Hull the Antiflipper [https://www.youtube.com/@BrentHull] Connect with Nikki: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nikki_denton/] * Blog [https://www.genadmission.org/about-us/nikki-denton] Connect with Nicole: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thenicoleswisher/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thenicoleswisher] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thenicoleswisher] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Crunchy-Zen-Era/61577427218520/]