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Have you ever walked away from a high-stakes meeting feeling small, even though no one said anything overtly harsh? You might be falling into the Mirror Trap: The subconscious expectation that colleagues should match your tone, hedging, and warmth. When they don’t, it feels like disrespect, but it’s often just a data-processing difference.

In this episode of Faith Meets Academia, we unpack why workplace communication conflict happens and how to stop it from derailing your projects. We combine the psychology of Communication Accommodation Theory with the Apostle Paul’s biblical strategy of "becoming all things to all people" to give you a practical roadmap for difficult conversations.

You’ll learn how to:

• Escape the mirror trap: Separate tone from substance to protect your peace.
• Reinforce your application of the "It’s Me" formula: A simple reset to turn blunt critiques into clear deliverables.
• Practice positive accommodation: Adapt to direct communicators without mirroring their negativity.
• Apply grace-based listening: Remove cognitive friction and lead with quiet confidence.

Stop the "tone wars" and start leading. If this episode helps you navigate a clash this week, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend or colleague!

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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The It’s Me Formula is a simple three-step method you can use in under 30 seconds to break the blame cycle and reclaim personal agency. In this episode, neuroscience and faith come together as we explore how breathing calms the brain, how ownership restores control, and how one question can change outcomes.

We recap the It’s Me movement and why self-awareness and personal responsibility matter. You will learn how stress hijacks the body, how intentional breathing resets the nervous system, and how saying “It’s me” shifts you toward an internal locus of control.

Using Isaiah 6 as a model of humility and readiness, we introduce metacognition through a single question: What role did I play? We clarify the difference between fault and responsibility, address common objections, and apply the formula to real-life situations at work, home, school, and even on the road.

Call to action:
Text me using the Send Us a Message link below the episode title and tell me how the It’s Me Formula shifted your emotions, conversations, or reactions.

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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Two small words can transform how we lead, learn, and love: “It’s me.” In this episode, we explore why moving from a posture of blame to one of ownership is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth.

Inside this episode:

• The "It’s Me" Movement: Why ownership isn't about taking the blame—it’s about asking, "What role did I play?"
• Internal vs. External Locus of Control: How to reclaim your power by focusing on your choices rather than others' actions.
• Biblical Self-Examination: Lessons from the Last Supper and the Prodigal Son on the courage it takes to look inward.
• Growth Mindset in Action: Real-world applications for students, professionals, and parents to turn friction into learning opportunities.

Let's move beyond the "blame game" and join the movement toward a more reflective, responsible life.

Connect with us: If this episode blessed you, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or send us a text via the link in your app. Share this with someone who needs a shift in perspective!

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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The wind has stopped, but the hard work begins. We open our hearts in prayer to the reality on the ground after Hurricane Melissa (blocked roads, ruined homes and schools, farm fields washed bare) while acknowledging mix of grief, fear, gratitude, and resolve that follows a storm. We speak courage over survivors, rescuers, medics, and leaders, and we name the simple truth many feel: It’s okay to weep, to doubt, and to hope all at the same time. together, we will rise again--stronger than ever before.

Ways to Donate:

• World Central Kitchen
• Global Empowerment Mission

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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Do you sometimes feel trapped in the routine of a hectic life? This episode is for you?

Dr. Reynolds explores Jesus’ rhythm of WORK--SOLITUDE--WORK. It's a pattern of strength through solitude seen in Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12–13, and Matthew 14:23. He uses modern science to show how intentional rest restores focus, creativity, and motivation through the stressor detachment model and parasympathetic activation. You’ll learn practical ways to reset your rhythm, like micro-moments of quiet, prayer before decisions, and boundaries that protect your purpose. If you’re ready to trade frantic activity for focused, faithful work, this conversation will help you find your own “solitary place.”

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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Sometimes we feel pressured to blend in when our heart is truly calling us to stand out. Yes, I know you've been there.

In this episode, Dr. Reynolds shares a simple story about standing alone, which resulted in unexpected opportunities for growth. Drawing from Scripture, psychology, business, and history (along with insights from Cal Newport’s Deep Work), Dr. Reynolds explores how figures like Jesus, Rosa Parks, Einstein, Daniel, and Elijah reveal the power of standing apart from the crowd. You’ll discover why true solitude creates clarity, why balance matters, and how standing alone for God is never really being alone.

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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This final segment of our three-part series demonstrates how to share your journey without boasting by following four key principles. Let faith and purpose converge through sharing your testimony.

• Shifting from spotlight to story - focusing on the journey rather than accomplishments
• Celebrating the community that supported your journey, acknowledging you didn't succeed alone
• Grounding your success in purpose and recognizing how your path prepared you for service
• Making a call to action by encouraging others to share their testimonies

Don't hide your testimony because you're afraid of being misread or misunderstood. Share this episode with someone you know and share a testimony this week, not to boast, but to bear witness. Let someone know how God is transforming your life.

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

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Have you ever hesitated to share your success story because it felt like boasting? That reluctance might be keeping someone from the very encouragement they desperately need.

In this second episode of our three-part series "A Testimony Not Given Might Be a Blessing Withheld," Dr. A. introduces four transformative principles that empower you to share your testimony with integrity and purpose. Moving beyond the discomfort of seeming self-promotional, these strategies reframe your experiences as bridges that help others journey from doubt to confidence, from "I can't" to "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The first principle invites you to shift focus from accolades to journey, sharing not just achievements but the complete story including obstacles overcome and emotions processed.

Next, we explore celebrating community by acknowledging the network of supporters who made your journey possible.

The third principle grounds testimony in purpose by examining what greater message God might be communicating through your experiences.

Finally, we discuss transforming testimonies into calls to action that inspire others to reflect, serve, or take their next faithful step.

These principles create a framework where sharing success becomes an act of service rather than self-promotion. Your story (complete with setbacks, comebacks, and breakthroughs) might be exactly what someone needs to move forward in their own journey.

By withholding your testimony, you might inadvertently withhold a blessing meant for someone else.

Join Dr. A. next week as he concludes this series with his own personal testimony.

Subscribe now and discover how your story can become a powerful instrument of encouragement and hope.

WEBSITE: https://faithmeetsacademia.buzzsprout.com/2312145/episodes

CONTACT: faithmeetsacademia@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.