Here Not There: Finding Our Way Back to Presence, Connection, & Delight

On this episode, Colleen interviews Chuck DeGroat about his new book coming this fall, Who You're Becoming: The Slow and Courageous Work of Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age. They explore how character is formed and transformed in a narcissistic age, why awareness alone isn’t enough, and how nervous-system regulation, presence, elders, and community create the conditions for deep change.
Chuck shares practical insights for anyone longing for more integrity and connection, and invites hopeful imagination and patient, slow work as the path to lasting growth.

Colleen shares a bonus episode announcing her book, The Shattered Soul: Restoring Wholeness and Rebuilding Your Faith After Spiritual Trauma, releasing July 21. She invites listeners to join the launch team (link below) to receive an early digital copy (with proof of pre-order), access weekly Zoom calls, and join a private Facebook group with bonus content.
Launch team members are asked to read the book by July 21, leave a review, and share it once on social media or with their community.
FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/AWtRMVR2UNog3vPv6

Host Colleen Ramser uncovers the practical beauty of Dallas Willard’s spiritual formation in this captivating conversation with Keas Keasler. Keas Keasler, an expert in spiritual formation and author of Kingdom Apprenticeship: Dallas Willard's Formational Theology and Missional Vision, bridges the gap between academic theology and the pew. Drawing from seven years of deep research, Keas reveals how Willard’s approach isn’t just about abstract ideas—it’s about real change, real life, and real transformation in ordinary moments. You'll learn the nuanced relationship between divine grace and human effort, the role of habits and character in exercising authority and power, and how daily decisions shape your spiritual life.
Keas Keasler is an associate professor of spiritual theology at Friends University, known for his work bridging Dallas Willard’s formational theology with missional living and spiritual disciplines, offering fresh insights into Christian character and leadership.

In this episode Colleen interviews Elyse Fitzpatrick about her decades-long journey from a strict complementarian context to a place of conviction, peace, and flourishing. Elyse explains how careful study of Scripture, honest conversations, and difficult choices led her to step out of a system that silenced her gifts and into a church where she can preach, teach, and serve freely.
The conversation addresses recent public statements about women’s roles in the church, the personal cost of leaving entrenched systems, and the deep joy and presence Elyse now experiences. It’s an encouraging, candid look at faithfulness, vocation, and finding delight in serving Jesus authentically.

Colleen interviews Travis West about reclaiming Sabbath as a practice and a posture that creates space for rest, connection, and delight. They explore what Sabbath really means (not just a list of restrictions), how it helps us return to presence, and practical ways to make Sabbath work amid busy family and work schedules.Travis shares metaphors for time, tools like threshold rituals and micro-Sabbaths, and the balance of courageous attention with joyful distraction to heal from grief and prevent escapism.

Colleen shares a short, vulnerable reflection after technical problems derailed a planned episode, revealing how small setbacks can stir old narratives of failure.
Drawing on John 21, she invites listeners to try again, trust God’s abundance, and find presence, connection, and delight despite mistakes.

Host Colleen interviews Pastor Chris Moles, domestic abuse expert and founder of Peace Works, about his new 90-day devotional and practical work helping men move from control and abuse toward Christ‑like love. They discuss the W-framework of information, transformation, and reformation, the importance of ownership and surrender, and how the Holy Spirit enables lasting change.
The conversation also explores the difference between delight and entitlement, how abuse destroys intimacy, and realistic steps for men and church helpers to begin honest, compassionate intervention. The devotional is presented as an accessible resource for men in need and the pastors and counselors who support them.

Colleen hosts Jenn Suen Chen on the Hear Not There Podcast to explore how presence, connection, and delight are shaped by personal story. Jenn, a leadership and Enneagram coach, spiritual director, and author of Dim Sum and Faith, spent over two decades in Asia and now co-leads Summit Clear in Seattle. Jenn coaches young adults and ministry leaders, including premarital and marriage coaching, using story work. 
They discuss how triggers, shame, anxiety, and “old scripts” can fragment us and dull our sense of God’s presence, and how pausing, naming what’s happening, undoing, and learning what God really thinks of us can restore presence and intimacy. The conversation touches on suffering, grief, the “dark night,” and rhythms of remembrance to reconnect in times of disconnection.

Colleen interviews Dr. Jonathan Pennington about friendship in ministry, exploring how scripture and ancient philosophy shape a Christian view of friendship, the challenges pastors face with boundaries and power dynamics, and the importance of play, feasting, and mutual vulnerability for flourishing relationships.They discuss practical approaches for pastors to build meaningful friendships—both inside and outside the church—and offer encouragement to avoid isolation while maintaining wise boundaries and community structures that support relational life.

When we start talking about coming home to ourselves, God, and others, we have to begin to understand what "here" and "there" mean, at least in the context of this podcast. In this short episode, we begin to unpack what that means. It will continue to unfold as episodes continue and guests are interviewed, as our understanding of here and there is transient, fluid, and changing.