Isle of Misfits podcast

Nancy Carmichael

Calling all square pegs to leverage their inner weirdo and make the world a better place.

  • 10 minutes 10 seconds
    Mini Misfit Moment: Resisting the Ugly & Upholding the Beauty

    If you know me, you know, I love me some beauty.

    Flowers. Waterfalls. Trees and bees. Skies and seas. All the scenery. All the beauty. All the time.

    It’s one of our core values after all:

    SEEK BEAUTY AND TRUTH EVERYWHERE.

    But maybe you've noticed... it feels like it's getting a little harder to find it these days... There’s been a lot of ugliness out there. If you’ve been on your phone or turned the TV or your computer or stuck your head out the  door even for a few moments, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
    And...well...  the ugly truth is...  even without all the yucky stuff going on "out there", if we're brutally honest, there's still plenty of yuck to deal with a little closer to home for each one of us. Raising my hand here.

    Even so... the good news is, beauty's still out there... maybe even closer than we all think. We just have to resist the ugly and uphold the beautiful. 
    And that's what this mini-misfit moment is all about!

    Oh, yes... there's a Stupid Game, too, just for you!  You'll have to listen to find out more... but if you play along... and email me ([email protected]) there may be... just maaaaayyyy beee  a  random prize for some lucky misfit out there.  Just sayin!

    Also, make sure to subscribe to this here podcast (btw, a + review helps, too... but only if you really  dig it!)...
    and while you're at it, I'd love for you  join all the misfit fun at isleofmisfits.com - you can subscribe there as well.

    Most of all, Keep:
    Owning Your Awkward
    Loving Your Fellow Misfit
    Seeking Beauty and Truth Everywhere! 

    26 September 2025, 3:59 pm
  • 41 minutes 3 seconds
    Laura Wade: Making Her Own Kind of Misfit Music

    We're kicking of Season 9 (that's right, SEASON 9!!! Can you BELIEVE IT???) with a very special episode inviting friend of the Misfits and all around Left Brained/Right Brained Renaissance woman Laura Wade.  She also happens to be one of my dearest friends, and Type A role models.
    Laura dazzles us with her Fanilow knowledge, not to mention her pitch perfect skillz in our Stupid Game... we talk a bit about our friendship of decades upon decades... and we talk a lot about music - namely her music! She shares some samples and stories behind some of the tracks of her latest musical project "Expressions"... and we have a great discussion about going out on a limb to "sing your own special song" which of course is music to our Misfit ears. Mostly, this is a conversation that will encourage anyone who's wondering "is what I have to offer worth sharing with the world?"  (SPOILER ALERT:  The answer is YES!  But you should still listen, cause it's just so good). 

    You can find Laura (and get her Expressions CD at birdonabranchmusic.com (not to mention read her blog and watch some of her stuff on Youtube).

    And you can find more Misfit Fun for everyone at isleofmisfits.com

    Also, follow us on Instagram at the_orginal_Misfit!

    While you're here, we'd love it for you to share this podcast, and if you feel it deserves 5 stars, give us a shoutout! 

    Most of all, keep:

    • Owning Your Awkward
    • Loving Your Fellow Misfit
    • Seeking Beauty and Truth Everywhere 
    4 September 2025, 7:45 pm
  • 41 minutes 3 seconds
    Henry O Arnold and the Lion of Judah

    Henry Arnold is back on the Isle, giving us the down low on King David. and talking about his latest book, the final installment in his Song of Prophets and Kings series, called "Lion of Judah", all about... you guessed it... King David.

    First of all, just in case you ever wondered about KD's psychological profile (cause who hasn't?) we've got you covered with our Stupid Game:  Meyers Briggs Edition. We are nothing if not quasi-socially-scientific around here.
    (btw, you can take the lightning quick assessment for yourself here: 
    https://excellenceassured.com/16-personality-types/free-myers-briggs-type-personality-test)


    Aside from that, Henry's got all manner of deep insights about the life of King David, and the lessons we can takeaway, and maybe (if we dare) even take away for our own lives.
    Plus, he's just so much fun to talk to; we know, we took a survey, and Five out of Five Misfits are in full agreement!

    Find out more about Henry O Arnold (including how to get his book) here:  https://henryoarnold.com/

    Oh, and if you're new around here, and wondering... 
    We are all about:

    • Owning Your Awkward
    • Loving Your Fellow Misfit
    • Seeking Beauty and Truth Everywhere

    So if that sounds good to you, join us on the IsleofMisfits.com for more Misfit fun for everyone.

    Also... did you know I am writing a book? It's true!  Wanna find out more?
    Join the Misfit Book Club for updates and stuff. 


    And please consider this your open invitation to FOLLOW US, and invite all your favorite Square Pegs to join us here. The more Misfits the Merrier! 

    20 June 2025, 8:36 pm
  • 9 minutes 49 seconds
    Misfit Moment About Weirdness: Part 2

    Oh yeah, we're still talking about being WEIRD, cause that's what we do around here. 
    (Go back and listen to Part 1, it's really good!) 

    If you've ever noticed, weird is one of them there SPECTRUM words, ranging from the delightfully eccentric to the dangerously delusional.  There is weirdness that should be celebrated, and weirdness that should frankly be extricated. So how do we delineate? Should we delineate (spoiler alert:  the answer is yes!)
    And how do we know the difference between what should be celebrated and extricated?
    That's what this short episode is all about.
    Weirdos of all stripes are welcome to listen in! 

    Resources:
    Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
    (https://www.biblegateway.com/pn=NIV) 

    For more podcasts, blogs, and Misfit Fun for Everyone, join me here:   isleofmisfits.com

    Follow me, and give me a shoutout on Instagram:  @the_original_Misfit





    23 May 2025, 4:19 pm
  • 7 minutes 37 seconds
    Misfit Moment about Weirdness: Part 1
    Coming at you with a few thoughts about weirdness... spoiler alert. It's in the eye of the beholder. For more Misfit fun for everyone (podcasts, blogposts, gallery of beauty, even some original music) - subscribe to isleofmisfits.com (oh, and if you like what you hear, feel free to give us a review to help expand our siblinghood of square pegs, and spread the good news of OWNING OUR AWKWARD, LOVING OUR FELLOW MISFIT, and SEEKING BEAUTY AND TRUTH EVERYWHERE). Join the Instagram Misft community here: @the_original_misfit
    9 May 2025, 4:05 pm
  • 30 minutes 11 seconds
    Connecting to Your Creative Side... and Seeking Beauty in Hard Places with Illustrator Abby Jartos
    We are nothing if not about making Misfit History. And today's momentous Misfit moment is brought to you by Abby Jartos, who reserves the historical honor of being our VERY FIRST ILLUSTRATOR here on the Isle! There's a lot happening in this podcast. Connecting to your creative side, for one. Cause guess what? You've got one. Yes. You! Even if you don't have a single flowy boho piece in your wardrobe. Creativity takes on many forms. In fact, in this episode's Stupid Game, you can play along with Abby at home and actually find out What Type of Creative You Really Are, thanks to our friends at Buzzfeed. (take the quiz here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/natashajokic1/creative-type-quiz) That alone is something right there. But wait, there's more! We also talk about themes around the beautiful book she illustrated, "The Good for Nothing Puddle" (written by Jana Jackson)... Things like finding joy in grief, redemption in loss, beauty for ashes... what do you do when God seems silent... oh yes, we get into it. Cause that's what we do: Play Stupid Games and then Go Deep. You'll want to get the book, cause it's not only beautiful, it's really helpful (ah, form AND function) especially for anyone you know, whether a child or not, going through a season of sadness. It's available wherever you like to get your books (Amazon, Goodreads, all the places)... and HERE's a thought: why not request it at your public library?? Cause that's what the public needs: More beautiful, HELPFUL books! Find out more about Abby (and her Experiential Design Studios... cause I KNOW you want to know more about THAT) here: https://abbyjartos.com/ And follow her on Insta... maybe even sliiide into her DM's here: @abbyjartos For more Misfit fun for everyone (podcasts, blogposts, gallery of beauty, even some original music) - subscribe to isleofmisfits.com (oh, and if you like what you hear, feel free to give us a review to help expand our siblinghood of square pegs, and spread the good news of OWNING OUR AWKWARD, LOVING OUR FELLOW MISFIT, and SEEKING BEAUTY AND TRUTH EVERYWHERE).
    27 March 2025, 12:00 am
  • 40 minutes 22 seconds
    John Eldredge and Experiencing Jesus for Real.
    I so wanted to title this episode "JOHN ELDREDGE TAKES US ON A MAGICAL MYSTICAL MISFIT TOUR..." But it was a little long. Not to mention way too alliterative. And I also didn't want to scare you off. Because the truth is, being a Mystic is not about being "magical". And it's also not about "wild woowoo, ecstatic visions or something" (that's a direct quote by JE, btw). So what IS it about then? Well, let's start with his (and by his I mean NY Times best-selling author and president of Wild at Heart Ministry's) newly released MUST READ book "Experience Jesus. Really." Cause the title kind of says everything. It's about the reality that experiencing the healing, joyful, playful, life-giving, restorative. wonder-filled presence of the living God (aka Jesus, just to keep us all on the same page) is available to ANYONE who wants it. Not just the few and the proud. But you. Me. Anyone really, who's willing to seek it, and make space for it, in our ordinary, every day lives. Cause who wouldn't want that? And then we talk about the how. How does one actually make space for these types of encounters in one's ordinary, every day life? That, my Misfit Friends, is what this podcast is about! Plus, we play a fantastic round of NAME THAT MYSTIC... Because what other Stupid Game would do for such a time as this? Find out more about the book... PLUS a whole FREE video series around it HERE: https://wildatheart.org/experience-jesus-really Explore the PLETHORA of helpful resources you're going to LOVE HERE: https://wildatheart.org/ For more Misfit Fun for everyone, visit us here: https://isleofmisfits.com/ Join the Square Peg Journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_misfit/
    14 March 2025, 12:00 am
  • 55 minutes 38 seconds
    Allen Arnold and Conquering Creativity Kryptonite
    What do you get when you put Superman, Kryptonite, Creativity and Allen Arnold together on the same podcast??? That's what we're here to find out! Allen joins us with some great encouragement on how to recognize the things that shut us down (#triggered!) , and what to do about it. Because, btw... the things that shut us down ultimately shut our creativity down. And we can't have that. So, there you go, we've got ourselves a Two'fer One! And as if that weren't enough, find out what SuperPower he would choose if he could, and what he would name his Pirate Ship in this episode's Stupid Game: Think Fast Edition. This show's got it all! PLUS... you can sign up for some great daily encouragement (and who couldn't use that?) at withallen.com/sign-up But WAIT... there's more! Get his latest book "Risk the Real" (it's reeeeealy good. For real. See what I did there?) here: https://www.withallen.com/books/#block-63a0bad1cf76efb876a20363 You can even listen to not one, but TWO great Wild at Heart podcasts all about it, here! https://www.withallen.com/videos/#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1708533695083_10199 And of course, follow ME (your humble host and chief Misfit here: isleofmisfits.com for more great podcasts like these and Misfit Fun for Everyone!
    27 February 2025, 12:00 am
  • 32 minutes 1 second
    Arlene Pellicane: Dancing, Laughing, Liking each other and Making Marriage Easier
    Nationally sought after author and speaker and all around authority on making your marriage all it can be, Arlene Pellicane is back on the Isle, to celebrate National Marriage Week, skillfully play our Stupid Game: Valentine's Edition, and talk about the deadly serious topic of having actual FUN in your relationship. It's a great episode, whether you're married, engaged, in love or dream of any of the above... She is also the spokesperson for National Marriage Week, which kicks of TODAY (February 7th) and goes right through Valentine's Day. Check out this website for ALL KINDS of helpful resources to strengthen your relationship, including date night ideas, couples connection downloads and of course the link to get her new book "Making Marriage Easier") https://www.marriageweek.org/ Find out more about Arlene at https://arlenepellicane.com/ For more great podcasts, blogposts and Misfit fun for everyone, visit us at iselfofmisfits.com Follow us on Instagram at the_Original Misfit
    6 February 2025, 12:00 am
  • 44 minutes 53 seconds
    Stasi Eldredge and Stacey Burton: Closing out 2024 in Captivating Style
    This podcast was recorded before the holidays. But I think you'll agree, since we're smack dab in the middle of that glorious week of reflection and eating all the leftover cookies, references to Christmas are still on the table. But whenever you're listening, it's always a good time for Stasi E and Stacey B to be in the house. They, of course, through Wild at Heart Ministries interact with tens, nay HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of women around the world. Cause it's just what they do. So I had questions. Important questions, like: What is the definitively worst Christmas song EVER? What are the questions they hear women asking? How do we align with what is true? How do we combat all the distractions coming at us? What is this whole idea of "communion with God" all about? That, and so much more. Once you're done listening... here are some great resources to help you find the answers yourself: Ablaze: a six week study to set your heart on fire for Jesus, beginning Jan 14th 2025 Register here: https://wildatheart.org/ablaze https://wildatheart.org/#daily-practices Pause App: If you're looking to recalibrate, re-align, replenish... all the re-s. It's EXCELLENT! https://wildatheart.org/apps/one-minute-pause/ Captivated podcast: Yes, Stasi has her own podcast. You'll LOVE it! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/captivated/id1582853117 Want to experience a Captivating CORE Retreat for yourself? Find out more here: https://wildatheart.org/events/captivating-retreat/
    27 December 2024, 12:00 am
  • 37 minutes 26 seconds
    The Return Of Kyle Mann
    Kyle Mann, you heard me, not a cheap fake AI version but THE real life Editor in Chief of the Babylon Bee shocks us all by returning to the Isle after a 4 year hiatus. And so much has happened in those 4 years. For starters, he got WAY more famous from all that Babylon Bee satire stuff putting them on the map in a major way... he starred in an epic docudrama "January 6th: The Most Deadliest Day", and if that wasn't enough, he also (finally) read the book That Hideous Strength. We talk about all that... plus PNut the Squirrel. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll learn more about Wonder Woman 1984 than you ever wanted to know. This is one podcast that we do not recommend you miss, because you will do so at your own peril. But hey, it's up to you. Trailer for January 6th: The Most Deadliest Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6HnqV6jzTU Now that you've seen the trailer and you want more, stream the movie here: babylonbee.com For more Misfit fun for everyone, visit us at isleofmisfits.com (you can even follow us, we'd love that!) For the love of PNut, visit:https://www.pnutsfreedomfarm.com/
    5 November 2024, 11:13 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App