Wellness culture promises us healthier bodies, calmer minds and longer lives. But what if that still isn’t enough?In this conversation, Beyond Wellness author and religious ethicist Liz Bucar explores what gets lost when spiritual practices are detached from the traditions, communities and worldviews that gave them meaning. We discuss the difference between wellness and genuine flourishing, why religion may have more to offer than belief alone, and whether we can responsibly borrow from traditions without ever really belonging to them. Along the way, we wrestle with authority, community, spiritual seeking, and what might be lost when religion becomes something we draw from without ever calling it home.After the interview, Nomad hosts Tim and Hannah reflect on what happens when spiritual practices are taken out of the communities that formed them — and whether sometimes the opposite can also be true. Drawing on their own evangelical backgrounds, they explore Sabbath, spiritual formation, cultural appropriation and the question of what kind of people our practices are actually shaping us into.Books, quotes, links →The creation of Nomad’s thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad’s online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Homegrown Conversations, and Nomad Revisited.If you’d like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug!If a monthly commitment isn’t possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here.Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group.And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.

Released on 9 Oct 2026