Author: Charlie Hedges

Podcast Opening 

I have an important announcement to make today. This week we are beginning a two-month break on the Podcast and the Blog for the Next Chapter with Charlie. We will be most silent for the next two months, December 2023 thru January 2024. We will begin again the second week of February. 

The time has come to Reconsider our purpose and our goals. For more than 9 years of blogs and 6 years of podcasts, our primary focus has been on In Search of Meaning, Adventure, and Awe. I am pleased with the work we have done. More than 300 podcasts and over 450 blogs. 

However, as we approach a full decade of service, I feel that have grown significantly and I have learned even more about what I call “the purpose of life and the role of the fingerprint of God in all we do.”

We are living in a culture of confusion. Something is missing in life. And most of us are not even sure what that is.

It’s time to talk about it. I intend to devote the next two months to creating a strategy for discussing how to Awaken within Each of Us a More Loving World.

So today I have asked my dear friend, Wendy Hooper Ross, to partner with me in discussion as she interviews me regarding my mission in life and with the Next Chapter with Charlie. 

Check out this episode!

NOTE

The Next Chapter with Charlie is taking a two-month break. After nearly 10 years of blogs and podcasts, we are taking time to consider a bit of refocus on our goals and reflections. Times have changed radically. I feel called to a renewed focus aimed at everyday spirituality. Please know, however, the show will continue to be practical and inspiring for living a life that matters… to you! Below are more thoughts.

BLOG

“In that day, people will be so hungry for the Word of the Lord that they won’t even know what they are hungry for. And many will stagger searching for it.” The Prophet Amos

People are hungry. We know that something is missing, our minds are in a continual search for something more or different or even meaningful. What’s even more fascinating is that although we know deep in our gut that something is missing, we just don’t know what it is.

And so, typically, we seem to do one of two things: Our proactive option is found in a never-ending search for new careers/avocations or new relationships. And then there is the second alternative of numbing and ignoring the issue with what we called in the 60’s: sex, drugs, and rock n roll. (more…)

Show Notes 

Our special guest today is truly very special. Rebecca Whitman created her very successful life, manifested it, and lives into it. Today, I want to ask Rebecca about what it takes to manifest and create the kind of life that matches who you are inside.  

Just a couple of Notes on Rebecca.  

Rebecca’s mission: I am passionate about empowering overworked and overwhelmed women to transform from BURNED OUT to Balanced, Beautiful and Abundant. 

Rebecca’s Reputation: Selected as Top Coach of the Year 2022, by the International Association of Top Professions.  

Just One Little Piece of Advice from Rebecca: Being a business owner is multi-dimensional and it can be quite challenging to successfully manage it all and trying to Lone Wolf it is setting yourself up for overwhelm, burn-out and eventually… often, failure.

LINKS

Get all the information you need PLUS Rebecca’s Free Journal HERE.

Visit Rebecca’s Website HERE. 

Visit Rebecca on Instagram: @rebeccaewhitman

Check out this episode!

“Religion is not useful in a rational sort of way… I don’t want to go into a church to discover the rational things of life.” Nick Cave with Krista Tippett

Storyteller Garrison Keillor, once said, “We go to church every Sunday for one reason. That is, for just a few moments, to step out of this life and into the next.”

We long for a transcendent world, one that feels not the burdens, sorrows, and sadnesses of our present lives, but rather, one that extends into the mysterious, the loving, and the life filled full in the goodness of the Divine. (more…)

Show Notes 

I planned and prepared for our podcast today. And come showtime I was ready to roll.

One problem: Exactly at showtime, there was no guest to be found. Who knows why?

Instead of just cancelling the studio time, I made a quick call to Terry Hershey who immediately said, “What are friends for? Let’s do the show!”

So, here we are with a fun show. No prep. Little direction. 

Just a title from a Krista Tippett quote: “We plan… and things go wrong.”

LINKS

Click here for a link to get a copy Terry’s book, The Gift of Enough.

Check out more about Terry and his blog Sabbath Moment on his website at www.terryhershey.com 

Check out this episode!

“Everything exists in a state of potentiality. When God creates, God does not bring about new essences, but God brings to completion or actualization that which he created as incomplete or as potential.” Ilia Delio interpreting thoughts of Bonaventure (1250 AD)

You do not “have” potential, you “are” potential.

Truly this, for me, is one of the most life-impacting ideas I have come across for years. As human persons, we are born incomplete, like an empty container just waiting to be filled. And particularly, we await the filling of grace to live in harmony with Divine Intention. (more…)

Show Notes 

Our guest today is so fun. My personal assistant, the amazing Melissa DeLacey, loves Nikki and so will you after you hear what she has to say.  

Nikki La Croce is yet another of those rule-breaking millennials. Just so you know, I love the Gen Z’s and Millennials who bring to us a refreshed sense of passion and purpose… with values that are both traditional as well as shocking. So fun!!! 

Regarding a bit shocking… Nikki hosts a popular podcast with the title of “Who the F*ck?” Soon to be rebranded “Who the F*ck Am I?” Just the “name” of her show offers a bit of the edgy style of creative and loving people in the Gen Z and Millennial camps. 

Her primary focus is all about human connection with a primary emphasis on the vehicle of “conversation.” 

LINKS

Check out Nikki’s podcast, Who the F*ck, HERE.

Check out this episode!

“Part of the spiritual quest is to improve our ability to relate.” Reid Hoffman

Why is it that for many of us involved in some kind of religious tradition, far too much of the spiritual quest has devolved into a kind of transactional spirituality? That is, we earn spirituality through the practice of the right disciplines, rights thoughts, and right actions. If we do good and score well on our spiritual quest, we will be rewarded with deep spirituality. (more…)

Show Notes  

Our guest today is truly a “next chapter kind of guy.”

Steve Farrell attained the pinnacle of success as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, founding two high-tech firms. Then he pivoted to take the lead of Humanity’s Team, which is a global nonprofit designed to help people everywhere awaken to our interconnectedness. 

Steve’s latest book, “A New Universal Dream,”  is the inspiring story of Steve’s journey from the pursuit of wealth and traditional ideas of success toward a more fulfilling life of caring and service to others and to humanity. 

LINKS

Check out Steve’s latest book, A New Universal Dream. 

Visit Steve’s website at HumanitysTeam.org

Also you can check out their platform at Humanity Stream+ streaming service.

Check out this episode!

“You don’t just accidentally show up in the World Series.” Derek Jeter

Okay. I have been tardy (and erratic) posting blogs and podcasts recently. Forgive me. But I have a legitimate excuse: Playoff baseball has led our family to The World Series.

Yes, my son, Austin Hedges, is headed for the World Series playing with the Texas Rangers.

Born to Play

Since Austin was five years old he has held onto two life goals: to be a professional baseball player and to win a World Series ring. I am not exaggerating. Austin’s only life goal since very young has been to play baseball as a career.

At around eight years old his mom asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up. His response was, “I am going to play professional baseball.” Knowing the odds were micro-minimal, Pam asked him what his alternative might be. His response was adamant, “Mom, you don’t understand… I will play professional baseball.”

She wisely decided not to undermine his goals and told him that he would have our support on his journey. And we just decided to watch what came to pass.

And then he was drafted by the San Diego Padres directly out of high school. Yikes. A kid with a dream come true.

Austin’s Next Chapter Dream

And now, after many ups and downs in the sport, here he is: Going to the World Series with the Rangers. I’m sure you can imagine our joy. He isn’t getting a lot of “play time,” but his role with the team is a bit unusual. He has become one of the strongest leaders in the clubhouse.

His goal when he was traded to the Rangers in early August: To be the best teammate possible to help the team win. And that is what he does.

Now… we await the Next Chapter for the Rangers and Austin.

Crazy fun!

Winning: Nothing is Better

Losing: Nothing is Worse