Climbing the Mystic Ladder: St. John of the Cross’ 10 Steps | Ep. 11

After the Night: An Ending of Sorts…| Ep. 12

In this final episode, Andrew and Mike conclude their journey with an “unfinished ending.” Drawing on excerpts from the Old Testament’s Song of Songs , they explore how  desire, delay, and detachment, are shaped by the stripping of the mantle, mortification, and the refusal to settle for comfort on our terms.  Andrew’s insights from the 12-hour Dark Night Live performance and  Mike’s description of a potter’s work   offer further metaphor. Together they explore how bearing witness, persevering without instant answers, and having  a steady yes forms us toward the summit: union with divine love. Book II chapters 22-25 00:00 Introduction to The Dark Night Podcast 01:20 The Nature of Endings and Continuations 04:37 Reflections on Transformation and Possibility 10:39 Exploring the Song of Songs 20:23 The Role of Suffering and Companionship 30:53 Unresolved Storylines in Chapter Five 33:07 The Potter's Metaphor 38:02 Spiritual Formation and Dark Night of the Soul 41:28 The Role of Love in Spiritual Journeys 49:24 Endurance and Support in Dark Times 51:41 Medical Journeys and Life's Dance 57:39 Conclusion and Reflections  Related Links Dark Night Project: www.darknightlive.com [http://www.darknightlive.com/] Nemr Institute: www.nemrinstitute.com [http://www.nemrinstitute.com/]

Climbing the Mystic Ladder: St. John of the Cross’ 10 Steps | Ep. 11

In this episode, Andrew and Mike continue through The Dark Night of the Soul (Book Two, Chapters 19–20). They reflect on St. John’s 10-step “mystic ladder” of divine love—from turn to burn—blending scripture, lived experience, and Andrew’s upcoming 12-hour overnight performance, Dark Night. Together they explore perseverance, the quiet work of desire, and how growth unfolds through trust, consistency, and showing up.  Book II chapters 19-20  00:48 Discussing the Mystic Ladder of Divine Love 01:22 Exploring the First Steps: Languish and Swoon 04:35 Seeking and the Journey Up the Ladder 18:53 The Role of Teachers and Guides 24:49 The Struggle and Joy of Progression 36:00 The Importance of Process Over Performance 38:57 The Power of Repetition 40:29 The Mystic Ladder: A Metaphor for Human Endeavor 42:35 Steps of the Mystic Ladder 49:16 The Final Steps: Hold and Burn 51:18 The Journey of Transformation 01:09:52 The Good Place and the Mystic Ladder 01:15:30 Final Thoughts Related Links Dark Night Project: www.darknightlive.com [http://www.darknightlive.com/] Nemr Institute: www.nemrinstitute.com [http://www.nemrinstitute.com/]

Descent Before Ascent: How Do We Trust the Hidden Guide? | Ep. 10

In this episode, Andrew and Mike continue through The Dark Night of the Soul (Book Two, Chapters 16–18). They reflect on John’s “secret, secure ladder” and what it means to be led where sight can’t go, when memory fades, senses are stilled, and understanding grows quiet. Through scripture and lived experience, they explore unknowing as a path of love, learning to trust God’s hidden guidance more than effort, explanation, or control.   Book II chapters 16-18  00:00 Introduction to The Dark Night Podcast 02:14 The Essence of Spiritual Progress 07:17 Exploring the Poem: Dark Night of the Soul 16:56 The Concept of Beginner's Mind 22:31 The Universal Path of Emptiness and Fulfillment 33:48 The Descent and Dark Night of the Soul 41:14 Theological Constructs and Free Floating Journeys 58:36 The Role of Love and Community in the Dark Night 01:03:34 Final Thoughts  Related Links Dark Night Project: www.darknightlive.com [http://www.darknightlive.com/] Nemr Institute: www.nemrinstitute.com [http://www.nemrinstitute.com/]

The Pace of Love: How Do We Learn to Move Slowly Again? | Ep. 9

In this episode, Andrew and Mike continue their journey through The Dark Night of the Soul, exploring Book Two, Chapters 12-15. They reflect on the image of the Divine who moves slowly, at the pace of love not efficiency, and what it means to walk with such a God through stillness, silence, and surrender. Drawing from scripture, lived experience, and the rhythm of everyday life, they unpack the difference between spiritual striving and divine timing.  Book II chapters 12-15  00:00 Introduction to The Dark Night Podcast 03:58 Personal Experiences and Vocational Ministry Challenges 21:46 Reflections on the Dark Night Live Performance 38:50 Facing Retirement and Vocational Calling 42:24 The Role of Presence in Vocational Ministry 48:43 The Three Mile an Hour God 58:40 Paul's Struggle to Articulate Spiritual Realities 01:06:57 The Pain and Glory of Ministry 01:12:08 Final Thoughts Related Links Dark Night Project: www.darknightlive.com [http://www.darknightlive.com/] Nemr Institute: www.nemrinstitute.com [http://www.nemrinstitute.com/]

Between Sense and Spirit: How Do We Cross Without Clinging? | Ep. 8

In this episode, Andrew and Mike press deeper into the dark night. Drawing on “hyperlinks” in the Bible between the book of Lamentations, the letter to the Corinthians, and the wilderness of Jesus’ temptation, they explore what it means to be a log thrown into the fire consumed so that love might be refined. Their conversation wrestles with surrender, endurance, and the paradox of active passivity: being carried more than striving, walking without sight, and trusting that in the process God is at work.  Book II chapters 8-11 00:00 Introduction to The Dark Night Podcast 02:02 Scriptural Engagement and Reflections 12:03 Metaphors and Spiritual Insights 23:10 The Role of Passivity in Spiritual Growth 27:37 Engaging with Spiritual Formation 34:47 The Parables and Indirectness of God 39:02 Jesus' Journey and Temptation 46:26 Personal Reflections and Burnout 55:02 The State of the World and Final Thoughts  Related Links Dark Night Project: www.darknightlive.com [http://www.darknightlive.com/] Nemr Institute: www.nemrinstitute.com [http://www.nemrinstitute.com/]