"Love is all that matters" · This dynamic conversation with Chaplain Brianna Higa of Kailua, Hawaiʻi was the culmination of an unexpected meeting that unfolded into something beautiful. She shares what it looks like to sit with people in moments of fear, transition, and letting go, and how presence alone can be an offering. We learn about the role of a chaplain, how it differs from traditional roles in church settings, and the importance of meeting people where they are by honoring and respecting their individual belief systems - whether rooted in Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism or beyond. We explore the path that has led her to a life of purpose through interfaith care and hospice work, supporting individuals and families as they navigate grief, loss, and end-of-life transitions. From the quiet moments of honoring a person’s story to witnessing love at the end of life, Brianna offers a grounded perspective on what it means to be present with another human being. We are reminded that, in the end, everything comes back to love. Episode Highlights 01:33 What chaplains really do 02:37 Interfaith care and presence 05:25 Finding chaplaincy through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 09:35 Hospice work and death talk 11:50 Self care in nature 13:07 Everyday chaplain moments 13:54 Navigating cultural differences with authenticity 18:18 Witnessing grief without fixing 21:25 Forgiveness 23:03 Living on purpose and practical tips 24:38 Presence before disaster 25:40 Presence over hustle 26:57 End of life truths 28:49 Silence as ministry 31:04 Training a quiet mind 32:02 Retreats and emptying out 33:43 Faith practices worldwide 36:14 Becoming a chaplain 38:12 Interfaith respect required 42:05 Books for the journey 45:46 Hope and softening 47:02 Gratitude Episode Photo Credit: Brianna Higa
"Love is all that matters" · This dynamic conversation with Chaplain Brianna Higa of Kailua, Hawaiʻi was the culmination of an unexpected meeting that unfolded into something beautiful. She shares what it looks like to sit with people in moments of fear, transition, and letting go, and how presence alone can be an offering. We learn about the role of a chaplain, how it differs from traditional roles in church settings, and the importance of meeting people where they are by honoring and respecting their individual belief systems - whether rooted in Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or beyond. We explore the path that has led her to a life of purpose through interfaith care and hospice work, supporting individuals and families as they navigate grief, loss, and end-of-life transitions. From the quiet moments of honoring a person’s story to witnessing love at the end, Chaplain Brianna offers a grounded perspective on what it means to be present with another human being. We are reminded that, in the end, everything comes back to love.
Episode highlights
01:33 What chaplains really do
02:37 Interfaith care and presence
05:25 Finding chaplaincy through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
09:35 Hospice work and death talk
11:50 Self care in nature
13:07 Everyday chaplain moments
13:54 Navigating cultural differences with authenticity
18:18 Witnessing grief without fixing
21:25 Confession and forgiveness
23:03 Living differently and practical tips
24:38 Presence before disaster
25:40 Presence over hustle
26:57 End of life truths
28:49 Silence as ministry
31:04 Training a quiet mind
32:02 Retreats and emptying out
33:43 Faith practices worldwide
36:14 Becoming a chaplain
38:12 Interfaith respect required
42:05 Books for the journey
45:46 Hope and softening
47:02 Gratitude
Books mentioned by Chaplain Brianna Higa
Episode Photo Credit: Brianna Higa