Join Dr. Tom Wagner as he reflects on his journey through South Africa, sharing encounters with remarkable individuals whose names carry stories of patience, resilience, and quiet courage. In this episode, you’ll hear how listening attentively to another’s story—and allowing yourself to be known—can open the door to deeper connection.

Key Takeaways

• Every name carries a story—taking the time to know it is an act of courage and connection.
• Vulnerability and openness foster authentic relationships.
• Slowing down to connect with others is a countercultural yet essential antidote to loneliness.
• Even quiet courage—simply showing up, paying attention, and being present—can have profound impact.
• Courageous conversations aren’t just about big topics—they can happen in everyday interactions when we engage sincerely.
• Reflection, storytelling, and attentive listening help cultivate deeper connection with self and others.

Reflection Questions

• Do you attempt this form of courage in some way, shape, or form? When you do it, what is your technique? If you don’t do it, would you be willing to experiment with such behavior?
• Who do you know who is particularly good at listening to a story and asking good questions that draw out the storyteller? How do they do that?
• Who do you know that tells a good story? What makes them a good storyteller?
• Have you ever resolved to hang in there with someone who is a miserable storyteller as a way of honoring them despite their skills? What helped you do that?
• When was the last time you connected with someone who has a radically different political orientation from yours? Were you able to get deep enough to make contact with your common humanity?

Resources & Links

• Join us for the next Sunday Morning Cafe Event on 9/21: https://www.tomwagnerspeaker.com/events

Stay Connected with Dr. Tom Wagner & the SMC Community

• Sign up for Dr. Tom’s newsletter: tomwagnerspeaker.com/contact
• Website: tomwagnerspeaker.com
• Blog: tomwagnerspeaker.com/blog
• Facebook: facebook.com/DrTomWagner
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-wagner

Join Dr. Tom Wagner at the sold-out inaugural Sunday Morning Cafe, a space designed for adults of all ages to reset, connect deeply, and build resilience. In this episode you’ll explore with Dr. Tom and the 90 attendees how to create ‘thin places’—spaces where we feel closer to the Sacred—through heartfelt stories from family and friends and live music performances that lift the spirit.

Key Takeaways

• “What’s deepest in us is what’s most universal between us.”
• Embrace your inner critic with compassion rather than resistance.
• Seeing beauty in others can reflect the beauty within yourself.
• Vulnerability and authenticity foster deep human connection.
• Music, poetry, and meditation can cultivate spiritual presence and mindful awareness.
• Intentional love—both given and received—is a “super power” we all possess.

Reflection Questions

• What did you hear or experience from the music or Tom’s talk that was meaningful for you… that affirmed something for you, encouraged you or challenged you?
• Where in your life have you experienced the presence of God, or the Divine, or deep Beauty, or a depth of Love? What did that feel like? Tell the story.
• What things tend to be barriers to experiencing that deep sense of Presence? What helps you notice those barriers, and become more present?
• Where are some “thin places” for you?

Resources & Links

• Join us live for the next Sunday Morning Cafe Event on 9/21: https://www.tomwagnerspeaker.com/events
• Lynn O’Brien – featured musician: https://www.lynnobrien.love/

Stay Connected with Dr. Tom Wagner & the SMC Community

• Sign up for Dr. Tom’s newsletter: tomwagnerspeaker.com/contact
• Website: tomwagnerspeaker.com
• Blog: tomwagnerspeaker.com/blog
• Facebook: facebook.com/DrTomWagner
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-wagner

Welcome to the Sunday Morning Café Podcast with Dr. Tom Wagner!

What started as a blog for two decades is now a podcast. Tune in for reflections you can enjoy while doing chores, commuting, or on the go. This episode introduces the podcast format, which will include similar reflections and discussion questions to the blog, as well as guest conversations to deepen insights. Whether you’re new to Sunday Morning Café or have been reading the blog for years, this podcast is a space to pause, reflect, and connect.

Stay tuned for our first episode, a recording from the first SMC live event—including music from singer-songwriter Lynn O’Brien and reflections from in-person attendees.

Stay Connected with Dr. Tom Wagner & the SMC Community

• Sign up for Dr. Tom’s newsletter: tomwagnerspeaker.com/contact
• Website: tomwagnerspeaker.com
• Blog: tomwagnerspeaker.com/blog
• Facebook: facebook.com/DrTomWagner
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-wagner