What if your life is shaping you more than you realize?

Not just the major decisions…
but the small rhythms you repeat every single day.

In this solo episode of Rhythms & Roots, Donnie explores how spiritual formation is deeply connected to the way we live in our bodies, structure our days, respond to pressure, and move through the world.

Through reflections on running, endurance training, discipleship, and everyday life, this episode wrestles with a deeper question:

What does it actually mean for Jesus to be Lord?

Not merely first on a priority list…
but present over every part of life.

This conversation moves beyond surface-level spirituality and into embodied faith — where pace, attention, recovery, surrender, and daily rhythms all become part of spiritual formation.

If you’ve been feeling scattered, exhausted, disconnected, or spiritually reactive, this episode offers a slower invitation:

Transformation rarely happens all at once.
It happens through the small rhythms that shape us over time.

— Why formation is already happening whether we notice it or not
— The connection between spiritual life and physical life
— Romans 12 and the difference between conformity and transformation
— Why “God first” can sometimes miss the deeper invitation of Lordship
— Colossians 1 and the supremacy of Christ
— Running, endurance, and the theology of repetition
— How small daily rhythms quietly shape our souls
— Practical ways to slow down and reconnect with God in everyday life

“The life you’re living is forming the person you’re becoming.”

“You can’t separate your spiritual life from your physical life.”

“God is not asking for a place in your life. He is inviting you to let Him be Lord of your life.”

“It’s easy to put God first and still live the rest of the day on our own terms.”

“Transformation happens through repetition.”

— Romans 12:1–2
— Colossians 1:15–18

This week, choose one rhythm and practice it with God.

Maybe it’s:
— A daily walk
— A slower morning
— A breath prayer
— Five minutes of stillness
— A simple daily check-in with God

Don’t just do it.

Do it with Him.

🎙️ Rhythms & Roots
Hosted by Donnie Hinshaw

Exploring faith, formation, endurance, leadership, and the rhythms that shape our lives.

YouTube: @rhythmsroots

Instagram: @donniehinshaw

#RhythmsAndRoots #SpiritualFormation #ChristianPodcast #EmbodiedFaith #TrailRunning #FaithAndFitness #Formation #Discipleship #Leadership #RunningCulture

All Things Together: Living a Formed Life

This episode wasn’t planned.

No guest.
No big story.
No major update.

Just… real life.

In this solo episode, Donnie Hinshaw reflects on a season where plans didn’t come together, training didn’t go as expected, and even spiritually—things felt quieter than usual.

But maybe that’s the point.

What if God does some of His deepest work…
not through what we planned—
but through what we didn’t?

Drawing from Romans 8:26–28, Donnie explores how the Holy Spirit meets us in our weakest moments—interceding, praying, and working even when we don’t feel progress.

This episode is about learning to:

• Trust the process when life feels off-track
• Stay rooted when emotions feel unstable
• Keep moving when progress feels slow

Because even when it feels like nothing is working…

God is working in all things.

• Trusting God’s timing in uncertain seasons
• The Holy Spirit’s role in prayer and intercession
• Formation through setbacks, not just success
• Emotional honesty without emotional leadership
• Faith, endurance, and resilience in real life

• “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.”
• “When I don’t have the words… the Spirit is already praying.”
• “If it’s not working the way you thought—don’t quit.”
• “Jesus has already worn that.”

• Training for the Quad Rock 50 and adjusting expectations
• Navigating setbacks, allergies, and missed plans
• Why listening to your body matters more than forcing the plan
• A powerful reminder: formation happens in the in-between

• Romans 8:26–28
• Zechariah 3

00:00 – Introduction and Personal Reflections
06:15 – Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns
11:17 – The Role of the Spirit in Our Weakness
17:14 – Trusting the Process in Training and Life
24:15 – Rest, Trust, and Moving Forward

If it’s not working the way you thought…

Don’t panic.
Don’t quit.
Don’t let your emotions lead you.

Trust the process.

God is not wasting this season.
He’s forming you through it.

Keywords

friendship, endurance, faith, transitions, parenting, physical health, emotional health, running, ministry, personal growth

Summary

In this episode of the Rhythms and Roots podcast, host Donnie Hinshaw engages in a heartfelt conversation with friends Jaden and Audrey about the intertwining of friendship, endurance, and faith. They reflect on their shared experiences in ministry, the challenges of transitioning through life stages, and the profound lessons learned from endurance training. The discussion emphasizes the importance of physical and emotional health, the role of faith in navigating life's uncertainties, and the wisdom gained through experience. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder of the beauty of friendship and the strength found in shared journeys.

Takeaways

Friendship can be built over shared experiences and challenges.

Physical endurance can enhance emotional health and resilience.

Life transitions often lead to unexpected growth and opportunities.

Parenting requires endurance and a shift in perspective.

Faith plays a crucial role in navigating life's uncertainties.

Endurance training teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance.

Wisdom is gained through experiences, both good and bad.

It's important to recenter and take moments for reflection.

Healthy living and spiritual practices are interconnected.

The journey of life is often more valuable than the destination.

Chapters

00:00 Friendship and Shared Experiences

06:02 The Journey of Parenthood

11:22 Reflections on Running and Ministry

59:37 RR Outro - Fall 2025 2.mp4

Summary

In this episode of the Rhythms and Roots Podcast, Donnie Hinshaw is joined by his good friend Don Stewart—a Kansas firefighter, builder, and deep thinker—for a grounded conversation on movement, identity, and faith.

Don isn’t an ultrarunner, but he brings a powerful perspective on how God meets us in ordinary work, physical movement, and everyday life. Together they explore pain and trauma, joy and humor, authenticity, and why our identity must be rooted deeper than what we do. This episode invites listeners to find God in the mundane and embrace a faith that’s lived, not just believed.

Key Takeaways

• If you’re going to be stupid, you better be tough.
• God meets us in movement, work, and daily rhythms.
• Identity is deeper than roles, abilities, or productivity.
• Pain and trauma can shape growth and faith.
• Joy and humor are essential to spiritual depth.
• Authentic relationships and community matter.

Titles

• Built Different: Finding God in Everyday Movement
• The Spirituality of Movement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Built Different
10:38 The Life of Don Stewart
20:15 Finding God in the Mundane
29:32 Building, Fixing, and God’s Character
33:20 Holiness, Joy, and Humor
46:46 Authenticity and Identity
59:40 Finding God in Everyday Movement
01:10:25 RR Outro – Fall 2025

Scripture: Psalm 19:1–2
Theme: Seeing God through motion and beauty — how wonder fuels worship

Keywords

movement, creativity, photography, running, spirituality, nature, light, art, faith, community

Summary

In this episode of the Rhythms and Roots podcast, host Donnie Hinshaw engages in a deep conversation with Trevor Blackman, a trail runner and fine art photographer. They explore the intersection of movement, creativity, and spirituality, discussing how running and photography can enhance one's appreciation of nature and the divine. Trevor shares his journey of capturing light and beauty through his lens, emphasizing the importance of pausing to appreciate the world around us. The conversation also touches on faith, mentorship, and the significance of community in both running and art.

Where you can connect with Trevor:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runshootrepeat/

Website: https://www.mneian.com

Art By Trevor Blackman Gallery in Carpenteria, CA:

3819 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, Ca, 93013

Takeaways

Trevor Blackman emphasizes the importance of capturing beauty in photography.

Running can serve as a spiritual practice, allowing for reflection and connection with God.

The process of printing photographs is as significant as taking them.

Art can help individuals perceive the world differently and appreciate its beauty.

Community and mentorship play crucial roles in personal and spiritual growth.

Trevor's journey in photography began with a passion for capturing light and nature.

The act of running can lead to moments of awe and gratitude for creation.

Trevor believes that the true beauty of a photograph is revealed in its final print.

Faith and creativity are intertwined in Trevor's life and work.

The conversation encourages listeners to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.

Titles

Capturing Light: The Art of Running and Photography

Finding God in Nature: A Conversation with Trevor Blackman

Sound bites

"I want to capture beauty."

"I always wanted to shoot."

"Running has no control over me."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Movement and Creativity

03:53 The Intersection of Running and Photography

09:41 Chasing Light: Artistic and Spiritual Perspectives

19:28 The Experience of Photography and Its Impact

29:31 Faith, Art, and Personal Journey

33:37 Finding Identity in Faith

37:52 The Art of Photography and Spirituality

47:01 Personal Faith Journeys

53:24 The Importance of Mentorship

54:45 Connecting Physical Activity with Spiritual Reflection

Theme: Faith, Endurance, Culture, Abiding
Tone: Warm, energetic, culturally rich, faith-forward.

Summary

In this episode of the Rhythms and Roots podcast, host Donnie Hinshaw engages in a heartfelt conversation with Mario Mendoza, a pastor and professional trail runner. They explore the deep connections between running and faith, discussing how running serves as a spiritual practice and a means of community building. Mario shares his journey from growing up on an avocado farm in California to becoming a respected figure in the running community, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural representation. The conversation also touches on the challenges of transitioning from professional athletics to ministry, the significance of patience in personal growth, and the joy of encouraging the next generation.

Connect with Mario:

https://mendozarunner.com/

Film: Faith in the Future | Brooks Running

https://youtu.be/KQg8JEXor6g?si=lVtw-8iIF_iRlK9n

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mendozarunner/

Young Adults pastor at @westsidechurch ⛪️
Join us 5pm Sundays at @westsidechapel
Track Coach at @madrastrackandfield 🏃🏻👣

Takeaways

Running is a spiritual practice that connects us to God.

Community and unity are essential in both running and faith.

Jesus modeled a unique form of unity by embracing all people.

The journey of a runner is often a reflection of spiritual growth.

Patience is crucial during transitional seasons in life.

Cultural representation in sports can inspire others.

Finding joy in running can enhance perseverance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abiding in Faith and Running

05:53 The Spiritual Connection in Running

11:36 Growing Up on an Avocado Farm

17:26 The Influence of Jesus on Community and Unity

23:24 The Journey of Marriage and Family in Running

24:08 The Role of Family in Achievements

27:24 Support Systems in Ministry and Running

28:58 Finding Your Calling in Ministry

33:08 Parallels Between Running and Spiritual Growth

39:15 Endurance and Spiritual Formation

45:33 Joy and Perseverance in Challenges

47:09 Finding Strength in Faith

49:29 Cultural Identity and Representation

51:25 The Role of the Church in Embracing Diversity

53:58 The Journey of Growth and Endurance

56:06 Investing in the Next Generation

59:54 Transitioning to New Seasons of Life

Summary

In this episode, Donnie Hinshaw discusses the integration of faith, fitness, and daily habits into a personal formation plan. He emphasizes the importance of small, sustainable steps and daily rhythms that shape our lives over time. Donnie shares his personal experiences with tracking progress through tools like heart rate monitors and journaling, highlighting how these practices contribute to spiritual and emotional health. He encourages listeners to create good rhythms and habits that align with their goals and to reflect on their daily experiences to live intentionally and glorify God.

Download Daily Reflection Guide: (on Podcast Page)

www.rhythmsroots.com

guide will also be posted on Instagram in Bio.

Takeaways

The podcast aims to connect episodes through themes of health.

Physical, spiritual, and emotional health are interconnected.

Daily rhythms shape who we become over time.

Small steps lead to significant changes in life.

Tracking progress is essential for personal growth.

Heart rate training can inform both physical and spiritual health.

Journaling provides insight into emotional well-being.

Productivity is about stewardship of gifts and time.

Creating good habits is crucial for personal formation.

Intentional living requires reflection and goal-setting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Season Overview

03:02 The Importance of Rhythms in Life

04:53 Integrating Faith, Fitness, and Daily Habits

07:11 The Power of Small Steps

11:27 Tracking Progress and Habits

13:22 Using Technology for Training

21:08 Journaling for Self-Reflection

25:00 The Role of Boundaries and Cadence

26:49 Understanding True Productivity

30:39 Identifying Personal Responsibilities

34:22 Building a Formation Plan

37:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

41:04 RR Outro - Fall 2025 2.mp4

Keywords

nutrition, exercise, spirituality, personal growth, endurance training, self-discovery, faith, health, running, support crew

Summary

In this episode, Donnie Hinshaw explores the themes of personal growth, nutrition, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique path in both physical and spiritual journeys. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with endurance training and the challenges of discovering what truly nourishes the body and soul. The conversation encourages listeners to experiment with their own practices and to seek out what genuinely fuels them, both physically and spiritually.

Takeaways

• Finding a support crew is essential for personal growth.
• Nutrition and exercise are deeply personal and should be tailored to the individual.
• You cannot copy someone else's journey to health or spirituality.
• Understanding your unique needs is crucial for effective training and nourishment.
• Spiritual practices should resonate personally, not just follow tradition.
• Experimentation is key to discovering what works for you.
• Your journey in life is unique and should be embraced as such.
• Physical and spiritual nourishment are interconnected.
• Developing a personal rhythm with God is vital for spiritual health.
• What works for you now may change over time, so stay adaptable.

Titles

• Fuel for the Journey: Finding What Feeds You
• The Unique Path to Nourishment

Sound Bites

• "Go find your support crew."
• "You are uniquely wired."
• "Discover what fuels you."

Chapters

00:00

Opening — Welcome & Theme:

10:58

Section 1 — Finding My Own Fuel:

14:36

Section 2 — Psalm 139: Uniquely Formed:

18:16

Section 3 — The Physical Pillar: Learning the Hard Way:

23:26

Section 4 — Fuel for the Soul:

27:13

Section 5 — Rooted Practice: Discover What Fuels You:

33:42

Closing / Breath Prayer: "Selah Moment"