Being Known Podcast

Apr 16 2025 118 ep. 43 mins 518

Being Known Podcast artwork

Curt Thompson, MD and Pepper Sweeney host a series of conversations on the mind and how we interact with our faith, communities, and ourselves.

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S11E13: Unseen Structures: Caste, Power, and Healing the Fractures Beneath Our Feet

Apr 16 2025 35 mins

We often shy away from conversations about race, caste, and power because of discomfort or fear of making mistakes—but this episode is an invitation to get in the game. Join us as we step into the complex and often unseen world of caste systems--which are more than race alone--as they manifest within American culture, exploring how deeply entrenched social structures and inherite

S11E12: From Eden to the Church: Healing Rupture in Faith Communities

Apr 09 2025 41 mins

In this episode, we trace the journey of repair from the biblical story of Eden to the present-day church. We begin by looking at the rupture in Eden, the first human failure, which sets the stage for the entire narrative of repair in the Bible. The church, we argue, serves as the modern-day extension of God's original plan for renewal, where heaven and earth collide, and where God

S11E11: Created for Connection: The Communal Nature of Healing

Apr 02 2025 38 mins

What does it mean to be human in a world where disconnection is not only common, but often woven into the very systems we live in? This episode opens the first of two episodes on rupture and repair in community, drawing deeply from Christian theology, neuroscience, and lived pastoral experience. Grounded in the biblical assertion that we are made in the image of a communal God, t

S11E10: Mastering the Art of Repair: Harnessing Timing, Tempo, and Time (Part 2)

Mar 26 2025 38 mins

This week is part 2 of our series on Timing, Tempo, and Time where we step into the nuanced terrain of what it actually takes to begin the work of repair. Whether we're the ones who caused harm, were impacted by it, or are caught in a mutual fracture, repair requires initiative—and initiative often requires courage. We explore how clarity about our role, our responsibility, and

S11E9: Mastering the Art of Repair: Harnessing Timing, Tempo, and Time (Part 1)

Mar 19 2025 38 mins

In this episode, Curt and Pepper dive deep into the crucial first steps of becoming effective repairers in times of relational rupture. We begin with Genesis 3:15 and explore how we can anticipate, prepare, and engage in repair work before the storm hits. It's not about reacting to conflict—it's about preparing in advance to become proactive, mindful, and compassionate repairers

S11E8: Lost in Translation: When the Medium Distorts the Message

Mar 12 2025 41 mins

Healing is not just about what happens to us, but also about how we choose to communicate our experiences, both to ourselves and to others. The stories we tell ourselves—about past pain, trauma, or failures—are powerful, and they shape our reality. But have you ever considered how the way we communicate these stories to ourselves can affect our ability to heal? When we rely on

S11E7: From Creation to Collapse: Healing Toxic Ruptures Before They Devour You

Mar 05 2025 40 mins

Toxic ruptures don’t just happen in a single moment of conflict—they are built over time through miscommunication, emotional wounds, and the silent grip of shame. Whether it’s an argument that lingers long after words have been spoken, a past hurt that keeps replaying in our minds, or a pattern of avoidance that slowly erodes trust, these ruptures are reinforced by both our i

S11E6: The Power of “No”: Brain Science, the Biblical Narrative, and Limit-Setting Ruptures

Feb 26 2025 29 mins

Saying "no" can feel uncomfortable, but it is a crucial part of growth, both for ourselves and in our relationships. In this episode, we explore the concept of limit-setting ruptures—those moments where boundaries create tension, discomfort, and even distance, but ultimately lead to maturity and deeper connection. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and biblical narratives, we

S11E5: The Foundation of Resilience: How Small Disruptions Build Stronger Connections

Feb 19 2025 26 mins

Human connection is at the core of our well-being, but what happens in our brains when we bond, experience conflict, or work to repair a relationship? In this episode, Curt and Pepper unpack the fascinating neuroscience behind our need for connection, explaining how our brains are wired for relationships and why moments of rupture—whether small misunderstandings or significant em

S11E4: Ruptures and Repairs: The Neurobiology of Resilience and Relational Growth

Feb 12 2025 43 mins

Growth is often born from disruption, and in this episode, we explore how ruptures—whether in relationships, routines, or neural pathways—create opportunities for expansion and integration. We examine the physiological parallels of growth, from bone density to neuroplasticity, and dive deep into the critical role of repair in relationships. Drawing on longitudinal studies of