I’ve so appreciated the feedback listeners to our podcast have been sending me. Some important relationship issues have been suggested for consideration when Season 8 of You Were Made for This begins. 

Here are a few more that have come in.

From T. B.

John,

I like the blog idea and would love to be in a mastermind group where I could improve my listening skills.

The three topics for your consideration:

    • Church and ministry relationships
    • Fostering relationships with your adult children
    • Learning to communicate with people from other cultures

I’ve got mixed feelings about a blog. It is certainly easier for me to blog than to podcast. But so often as I’ve been writing these blog posts I’ve thought “I wish I could be TALKING about this into a microphone.” Yet I know some people prefer to read than to listen. What do you prefer?

The mastermind idea really intrigues me. I’ve facilitate two different masterminds, one for four years, and I’ve incorporated the features of this format into other groups.  It’s a powerful way to engage people in a community of like-minded people. It connects people with each other who share a common goal. I’m involved in something similar right now that’s helping me plan for Season 8 of the podcast.

I really like the relationship issues T.B. suggests. Some of the greatest challenges…and rewards…are found in these topics.

Thanks, T.B.!

From K.P.

Hi John,

What a great idea to ask your followers for their feedback!   I think conflict resolution and loneliness are both universal issues.  There is so much conflict in the world and I could use some tools on how best to approach this.  

Also, loneliness is more pervasive than ever in our world that is “more connected” than ever. I can't wait to see what you do with these ideas!   

Although I love the idea of a book club, I am already in one and don't think I could commit to another. I think you could reach more people for the time it takes by continuing your podcast. How about a discussion group about the podcast?  Not sure if that would work, but I'm just adding more seats on your Ferris Wheel!   Great to see your wheels are turning and that you realize you need to narrow it down.

99% of us will say, “I don’t like conflict.” That’s a given. But as K.P comments, conflict is all around us. We can’t avoid it. Sometimes we’re at the center of it, other times on the periphery, but still affected by it.

And then there’s the relationship issue of loneliness. You may have read this in other places, but research on loneliness has recently been described as affecting our physical health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. I just got a copy of the US Surgeon General’s report on loneliness that quotes this research and I plan to comment on it in next week’s blog post.

I’m wondering. If we were to focus Season Eight of the podcast on either dealing with conflict or loneliness, which would you choose?  What would interest you the most?

Thanks for your recommendations, K.P.

Let’s hear it for Adverbs

L.R., a podcast listener, shares her preference for relationship issues to consider

All of your suggestions for conversation look really good, especially with the current dysfunctional climate going on in society today. Specifically, I think loneliness and handling dysfunctional relationships biblically would serve well today. Thanks for asking.

I like how L.R. mentions handling dysfunctional relationships biblically. The Bible has much to say about how we are to relate to each other. Romans 12 is all about relating to God, each other, and even our selves. James 1 has a passage about listening to one another. Then there are great descriptive examples of dysfunctional relationships we can learn from so as not to repeat. Check out 1 Samuel, chapters 1 and 2 for example.

Thanks, L.R., for reminding us to look at our relationships biblically.

From D.B.

In response to your request on your podcast, I would say that I thoroughly enjoy the podcasts.  Blogs are good but it’s so easy to get behind.  I enjoy the voice and RELATIONSHIP that develops through consistent podcasts. There is also the fact that  I can listen, therefore keeping connected every week. 

Then, there is also the possibility of you posting a podcast TWICE monthly. I have been the receiver of a wealth of valuable information on relationships these past years. Whatever topic you choose is worthy practically and spiritually. 

Here’s another vote for keeping the podcast format. There is something more personal with podcasts in considering relationship issues. Plus I like the fact people usually listen to podcasts while doing something else. Folding the laundry, taking the kids to school, weeding the garden, things like that.

And maybe putting out a new episode twice a month would work, which would take the pressure off of doing a new episode every week.

So, D.B., thanks for sharing your thoughts. 

What About You?

We’ve covered quite a bit of ground these past two weeks with listeners sharing their preferences for relationship issues they’d like to see considered and the format in which to do so.

Before we move on, I’m still interested in any comments you might have. I’m especially interested in narrowing the relationship focus of the podcast or blog to something like loneliness, dealing with conflict, or dysfunctional relational relationships. Then again, maybe you have another idea.

I also wonder if more of you would be interested in a mastermind group like T.B. mentioned above in her comments.

I’d love to hear from you about any of this. Leave your thoughts in the comment box below or send me an email.  Thanks!

Other Relationship Resources

Last week’s blog post, “Responses to ‘I Need Help’”

Episode 139: “Why Should I Listen to this Podcast? “

THEM -The Richer Life Found in Caring for Others

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