Faith Without Judgment: Embracing Love, Humanity, and the Messy Journey

Faith Without Judgment: Embracing Love, Humanity, and the Messy Journey

Welcome to "Another Way to Think About It," where we—Lynn Kindler and Cynthia Zeito—dive into life's messy, beautiful questions with humor and heart. In this episode, we're joined by our dear friend Todd Bertani, a Lutheran minister whose journey through faith, doubt, love, and resilience speaks to anyone who's ever wrestled with spirituality in the real world. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore what it means to live authentically in our faith, even when life takes us through darkness and uncertainty. Todd shares honestly about his personal journey—from early spiritual experiences to overcoming hardship and rediscovering his calling. Together, we reflect on how traditional religious language can limit or even alienate us, and why so many people are stepping away from organized religion today. Our discussion weaves through parables, personal stories, and the universal threads that connect us all, regardless of the words we use or the beliefs we hold. WHAT WE DISCUSSED * Todd’s current sense of fulfillment and abundance, contrasted with the struggles he faced a decade ago (00:59) * How teachings and parables—like wilderness, resurrection, and restoration—can be mapped onto our own lives (02:31) * The reasons so many are leaving faith traditions: judgmentalism, exclusion, and misuse of religious language (04:35) * The importance of an expansive, inclusive faith and the compassion at the heart of spiritual practice (05:59) * Our own stories of growing past language barriers and finding common values even with those who don’t share our beliefs (09:00) * Todd’s journey from a conservative religious upbringing, through the Marine Corps, and back into ministry, integrating wisdom from different traditions (13:45) * The interplay between guilt, shame, pleasure, authenticity, and spiritual identity (25:10) * How loving ourselves deeply enables us to love others genuinely, including in our romantic relationships (31:00) * Everyday practices for kindness, self-acceptance, and letting faith be a source of connection and hope (35:04) If this conversation gave you another way to think—about faith, about yourself, or about those around you—hit subscribe and join us for more honest, curious conversations. We're grateful you're here with us, exploring how we can all come home to ourselves and each other, one story at a time.

Embracing Change: The Messy, Powerful Road to Authentic Transformation

Welcome back to Another Way to Think About It! We're Lynn Kindler and Cynthia, your guides for these honest, curious conversations about life’s messiness and its meaning. In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Jennifer Grace—a transformational coach to coaches, film producer, author, retreat leader, and founder of Raven and Grace Press. We dive deep with Jennifer into what authentic transformation really looks like, why community and collaboration matter so much, and how to discern what’s keeping us stuck from the inside out. Together, we also talk candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the lessons we inherit from our families, and the real work required to step into a meaningful, fully-expressed life. If you’ve ever wondered about the gap between longing for change and actually living into it, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: * The biggest beliefs that keep people (coaches included) stuck, and imposter syndrome’s impact * How Jennifer’s upbringing in a world of female empowerment and community shaped her work * The challenges and gifts of entrepreneurial reinvention * Why boundaries and self-care are essential for heart-based leaders * Bringing business savvy to heart-led work * How to know when someone’s not ready for transformation—and what you can do instead * The difference between compassion and empathy, and how to set healthy boundaries * Healing trauma as a foundation for transformational work * Creating community and the importance of “power partners” in business * The role of daily mindfulness, creative curiosity, and the courage to keep growing * Jennifer’s book contest and retreats, and how you can join We hope Jennifer’s radical honesty, warmth, and wisdom spark your own desire to keep thinking differently—about success, about healing, and about how possible it is to create real change. If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe or follow wherever you listen, so you don’t miss our next episode. You can find Jennifer Grace’s transformational workshops, retreats, and book publishing contest opportunities at https://jennifergrace.com [https://jennifergrace.com/]. And, as always, stay open, stay curious, and keep thinking differently!

Memoirs, Trauma, and Truth: What Ghostwriting Teaches Us About Listening and Storytelling

Hey y’all, it’s Lynn and Cynthia! Welcome back to Another Way to Think About It—the show where we ditch the “right” answers and lean into honest conversations about life’s messier, more meaningful questions. We’re so glad you’re here. In this episode, we had an incredible, eye-opening conversation with our longtime friend and veteran ghostwriter, Kat Moore. Kat has developed and ghostwritten over 15 books across memoir, self-help, YA, and fiction over her 17-year career. But as we found out, her role goes far beyond “putting words on a page.” She’s part therapist, part confidant, part advocate, and always a witness to the richness (and pain) of her client’s lives. Together, we pulled back the curtain on the ghostwriting process—what it really takes (emotionally, professionally, even spiritually) to help someone else share their story, and why the act of storytelling is so deeply human. This episode runs the gamut from practical questions—how do you know if a client is ready to open up?—to big-picture reflections on what it means to be seen and heard, how to hold someone’s story without judgment, and all the messy, imperfect humanity along the way. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or simply someone with a story in your heart, there’s something in this conversation for you. WHAT WE DISCUSSED 1. The process of ghostwriting memoirs, including trauma narratives, celebrity stories, and fiction 2. How Kat establishes trust and emotional safety with clients—and knows when the fit isn’t right 3. Why ghostwriting feels a lot like therapy (for both writer and subject!) 4. The emotional boundaries ghostwriters must set while still bringing empathy and care to their work 5. The unique role of being a silent partner: carrying emotional weight without public recognition 6. The difference between factual truth and emotional truth, and how both play into memoir writing 7. Why every story is worth telling—yes, even if you’re “just” an ordinary person 8. The transformative power of being witnessed, and how storytelling is central to our sense of connection 9. The wisdom and life experience held by elders and why their stories matter, especially in a culture obsessed with youth 10. Some hard but funny truths about generational divides, family history, and what makes for real connection in our modern world If this conversation gave you another way to think about ghostwriting—or your own story—we’d love for you to stick around and join our growing community. Hit subscribe (right down there!) so you never miss an episode, and if you resonated with what Kat shared, drop us a note or share this episode with a friend. Real conversations, real stories, real connections—that’s why we’re here. With love, Lynn & Cynthia Don’t forget: Everyone has a story. Maybe it’s time to tell yours—or simply listen more deeply to someone else’s.

Another Way to Think About the New Year: Ripple Effects and Real Talk

Welcome back to Another Way to Think About It! We’re Cynthia Zeito and Lynn Kindler: two longtime friends inviting you to ditch the idea of “right answers” and join us for real—and sometimes delightfully messy—conversations. In this episode, we kick off the new year by challenging the classic “Happy New Year” attitude and digging into what it really means to start fresh. Instead of just resolutions or big shifts, we get honest about the beauty of small changes, staying present, and finding magic in daily life. From the adventures of waking earlier to the hilarity of speech quirks and the joys of generosity, we share our hopes for the podcast and dream up the guests we’d love to invite on. It’s another heartfelt exchange anchored in helping you discover another way to think about your own new beginnings. In This Episode, We Talk About: 1. A fresh take on “Happy New Year” and why simply doing one small thing differently can make a world of difference 2. How meditation—and even just lying in bed with your thoughts—clears the mind for both kids and adults 3. Spotting magic and beauty in everyday life, from January wildflowers to spectacular sunsets 4. The value of self-awareness and poking fun at ourselves (including 5. Lynn Kindler 6. 's speech quirks) 7. Our secrets to wanting “things to go our way,” preparing for opportunities, and letting go of perfection 8. Our dreams for the podcast: helping lots of people, inviting inspiring guests like authors, ghostwriters, healers, and scientists—and, yes, maybe getting sponsors! 9. Our vision of using any success to support others, travel, and give back (with a little nod to shoes and Cadillac jokes) 10. Why we hope you laugh with us (and at us!) and feel a bit lighter when you tune in If you connected with this episode, got a new perspective, or just appreciate honest and curious conversation, please subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website (once it’s ready). Your support means we can keep bringing good vibes, good guests, and a whole lot of realness your way! Thanks for joining us—here’s to finding another way to think about it together.

How to Soften a Hardened Heart: Real Conversations About Presence, Support, and Self-Care

Welcome back to “Another Way to Think About It,” where we ditch the idea of right answers and have real conversations that dig into life’s messy and beautiful questions. We’re your hosts, Lynn and Cynthia—two longtime friends who've had our fair share of life’s curveballs, and who believe a little humor and a whole lot of heart can go a long way. In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it takes to keep our hearts open (especially when life makes us want to shut down), the importance of staying present, and the imperfect art of supporting each other through all of it. This week, we lean right into the challenges of the holiday season, reflecting on what hardens our hearts and how we come back to ourselves when things get tough. From the realities of caregiving and family stress to pulling out our tried-and-true tools for support, you’ll hear us get personal—sometimes serious, sometimes silly, and always real—about navigating fear, anger, and overwhelm. Lynn Kindler shares raw memories of dissociation and self-medicating in tough times, as well as the power of relationship support and learning to ask for help. Cynthia Zeito gets honest about the distractions that steal our presence, the necessity of compassion, and learning to apologize with action, not just words. Together, we figure out (in real time!) how grace, laughter, and clean Pilates butts help us keep showing up as our truest selves. What We Discussed 1. The struggles of keeping our hearts open when overwhelmed or afraid 2. Why presence is so easily lost—and ways to recognize when you’re checked out 3. Personal stories about dealing with anxiety, panic, and old coping mechanisms 4. Navigating relationship conflict, intimacy issues, and the work of real communication 5. The difference between reaching out for support and seeking someone to “fix” us 6. The role of friendship, support systems, and vulnerability (even if it’s uncomfortable!) 7. Using recovery tools and therapy to ground ourselves in the present 8. The importance of apologizing genuinely, and the many ways women say “I’m sorry” 9. Lighthearted lessons from Pilates, clean butts, and going off on silly tangents 10. Encouragement to do your inner work during the “lulls”—before crisis hits If this episode gave you another way to think about your own heart (or at least made you laugh or feel a little lighter), we’d love for you to hit subscribe and join us for more honest, imperfect, and heartfelt conversations. The holiday season can be tough, but you don’t have to navigate it alone—come hang out with us and let’s keep finding another way to think about it, together. See you next time!