Explore every episode of the podcast The Leader’s Way
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65: Poetry Holds Us Together with Spencer Reece | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:49:16 | |
Poet and priest Spencer Reece joins Leader’s Way host Brandon Nappi for a moving conversation about the power of poetry as an act of remembrance, as a response to violence, and as a culture maker and culture keeper. Listen to Father Reece offer spontaneous recitation and remind us of the ways poetry can bring us closer to the Divine.
Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Spencer Reece Production: Goodchild Media
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 64: Post-Traumatic Jesus - A Conversation with David Peters | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:50:42 | |
We are growing in our understanding of the long-term effects trauma and moral injury can have on bodies and spirits, including those within our own congregations. In this important and tender episode, Brandon and Whitney talk with former Army Chaplain and Episcopal priest David Peters about the ways faith communities can lean on Jesus’s life story to respond with love and care to these wounds. David’s latest book, Post-Traumatic Jesus: Reading the Gospel with the Wounded, offers a portrait of Jesus as living and speaking into a world that was familiar with trauma, from war to oppression to political violence, and reading the Gospels through that lens can create space for healing. Host: Brandon Nappi with Whitney Coe Guest: David Peters Production: Goodchild Media Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 63: Surprised by Pilgrimage with Joanna Penn | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:57:43 | |
Welcome to WITHIN, a contemplative segment of The Leader's Way Podcast that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. In this inaugural episode, Brandon talks with Joanna Penn, an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, whose latest book, “Pilgrimage: Lessons Learned from Solo Walking Three Ancient Ways,” explores the rich themes of spirituality, mental health, and personal transformation. Tune in for a conversation about the power of walking, writing, and leaning into the call on our hearts.
Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Joanna Penn
Production: Goodchild Media
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 62: We Have To Talk About Suicide with Michelle Snyder | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:56:36 | |
In this episode, Michelle Snyder, author, therapist, leadership coach, and the executive director of Soul Shop, speaks directly to faith leaders about the importance of talking about and tending to suicide in our communities, and training for the work of suicide prevention. Michelle talks with Brandon, Whitney, and Misty about the moment we are in, in which isolation is growing and suicide is on the rise, but faith communities have something to offer.
*If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Host: Brandon Nappi with Whitney Coe and Misty Krasawksi
Guest: Michelle Snyder
Production: Goodchild Media
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 61: Poetry by Heart with Pádraig Ó Tuama | 01 Sep 2025 | 01:02:12 | |
In this episode, Irish theologian, storyteller, poet, conflict mediator, and host of the podcast Poetry Unbound Pádraig Ó Tuama speaks of the thrilling notion that “all language can do the work of delight or terror in us.” In this conversation, Leader’s Way hosts talk with Pádraig about the complex relationship between poetry and prayer, the timeless wisdom of Meister Eckhart, and the delightful tradition of the Irish civil servant poet. Pádraig reads several of his poems throughout this episode and shares some of his own story, including his early call to the priesthood and its rejection by the Catholic Church.
Host: Brandon Nappi with Whitney Coe and Misty Krasawksi Guest: Pádraig Ó Tuama Production: Goodchild Media Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 60: Tell Me About Your Spiritual Side with Adrian Dannhauser | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:44:30 | |
In this special summer episode, Brandon Nappi interviews The Rev’d Adrian Dannhauser, Rector of Church of the Incarnation in New York City and author of Ask Me for a Blessing (You Know You Need One). Adrian and Brandon dive into spiritual call and spiritual practice—from silent retreats to evangelism to the spiritual courage it takes to pray for others who may (or may not) ask for it. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Adrian Dannhauser Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 59: High School Theater to Church Governance with Molly James | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:50:48 | |
What do church mission, governance, and high school theater have in common? Brandon and Hannah talk with The Rev’d Molly James, PhD., Interim Executive Officer at The Episcopal Church and Berkeley Divinity at Yale alum (’05), about the ways Church mission and institutional governance weave together to strengthen the work of The Episcopal Church. Listen as Rev’d Molly recounts lessons on leadership gleaned from her high school stage manager days and reminds us how real transformation only happens when we work together.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi, Whitney Kimball Coe, and Misty Krasawski Guest: Hannah Black Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 58: The Idolatry of White Nationalism with Jim Wallis | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:48:32 | |
In this episode, Brandon talks with New York Times bestselling author, public theologian, preacher, and founder of Sojourners, The Rev’d Jim Wallis. Their conversation explores the theological implications of authoritarianism, new frames for understanding church unity, and the difference between optimism and hope. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Jim Wallis Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 57: Forecasting the Future with Rachel Hatch | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:59:16 | |
Futurist and Berkeley Divinity at Yale alum Rachel Hatch (‘08) joins Brandon and Hannah for a conversation about how to look for signals of change within our own parishes and communities as we make thoughtful choices for the future. In this episode, Rachel encourages leaders to cultivate a practice of imagining possibilities and taking steps toward hope-filled futures, while still addressing the urgencies of the present. | |||
| 56: Wonder and Salvation with Hannah Black | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:57:47 | |
Hannah has news, and you have new friends! Tune in to meet guest hosts Whitney and Misty as they join Brandon in interviewing Hannah for our season finale. Why is Gregory of Nyssa’s take on salvation so different from what Hannah heard in church growing up? Are there risks in the regular ways we talk about Christian salvation? How did feminist theology help her untangle all of this? How much can we know or talk about God? And why is wonder, an antidote to certainty, so important? Listen to find out. Hosts: Brandon Nappi, Whitney Kimball Coe, and Misty Krasawski Guest: Hannah Black Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 55: Flexible Leadership with Jeffrey Mello | 26 May 2025 | 01:06:33 | |
The penultimate episode of season 4 is here, and it's with someone we know you'll love, @bishopmello of @episcopal_ct!! Tune in to hear about how Jeff Mello's experience in social work impacts his ministry, how a posture of curiosity and willingness to fail are key, and at the very end, hear all about Bishop Jeff Mello as a person when we play our new favorite game: Holy Cow! | |||
| 54: Queer Theology with Linn Tonstad | 19 May 2025 | 00:51:09 | |
Join co-hosts Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black in an engaging episode of The Leaders Way as they sit down with Linn Tonstad, Professor of Theology, Religion, and Sexuality at Yale Divinity School. In this episode, Tonstad shares her unique perspective on queer theology and how it relates to potential for social transformation. Perfect for Pride Month, this episode challenges us to envision a world with "a little less violence."
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Linn Tonstad Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 53: The Church's Future with Andrew McGowan | 12 May 2025 | 01:00:53 | |
Dean Andrew McGowan joins us to further unpack shifting dynamics, changing landscapes, and the future after addressing the topic at the Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) conference. McGowan describes his observations of Australian secularization and how he sees similar dynamics arising in the United States. We talk about why church attendance is changing, the difference between hope and optimism, and consumer capitalism's effect on church dynamics. After a rich conversation, we play our signature game, Holy Cow!, and learn McGowan's opinion on THE best bread for the Eucharist.
See the EPN talk here: https://youtu.be/5MJmTGvn6y4?si=HyfwtXe_nPI0Nmc5
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Andrew McGowan Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 52: God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us with Lizzie McManus-Dail | 05 May 2025 | 01:03:22 | |
THE Father Lizzie is back on The Leader's Way podcast, talking about her new devotional God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us. We talk about the alternative to "billboard Christianity" and how an expansive, inclusive God affects individual spirituality and corporate worship in church. Finally, the Golden Retriever Games are back, baby. Stay 'till the end for "Holy or Horror?" https://bookshop.org/contributors/lizzie-mcmanus-dail Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Lizzie McManus-Dail Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 51: Trust in Atonement with Teresa Morgan | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:57:17 | |
Yale Divinity School Professor Teresa Morgan shares her expertise about the Greek word “pistis,” often translated in the New Testament as “faith.” The conversation revolves around faith, trust, and faithfulness and touches on the importance of a nuanced understanding of atonement theology. Brandon challenges Morgan and Black to “Gregory or Gregory?” Tune in for an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern faith. Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Teresa Morgan Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 50: Innovative Parish Ministry with the Threshold Center | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:57:55 | |
The Rev'd John Burruss (The Leader's Way ’23 Fellow) and the Rev'd Mary Bea Sullivan join hosts Hannah Black and Brandon Nappi to tell the story of the Threshold Center, a vibrant space designed to address loneliness and foster connection in Birmingham, Alabama. Born from a tragic event in the life of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Threshold Center nurtures well-being and connection by engaging practices of the heart, body, and imagination through innovative programs like trauma-informed yoga, listening as an act of love, and peace through poetry. This episode offers rich insights into the power of collaboration, creativity, and radical hospitality.
https://www.thethresholdcenter.org/ Advertising partners: http://livingchurch.org/events
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guests: The Rev'd John Burruss and the Rev'd Mary Bea Sullivan Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast https://berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 49: Creative, Collaborative Mission with Graham Kings | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:48:35 | |
Bishop Graham Kings, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Ely and Research Associate of the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide, joins us to delve into the possibilities of engaging creativity in ministry. We discuss the power of collaboration with artists, crafting liturgical celebrations, his project on women in the Bible, how to start a Beer and Theology gathering, traveling from Oxford to Cambridge by camel, a surprise meeting with Prince Philip and Desmond Tutu in 1999, and the centrality of mission.
Host: Hannah Black Guest: Bishop Graham Kings Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast | |||
| 48: The Subversive Fireside with Krista Tippett | 10 Mar 2025 | 01:17:49 | |
On Being host Krista Tippett reflects on her career and tells stories never before heard on air. She contemplates her grandfather's spirituality, what she was looking for when she decided to come to Yale Divinity School, the need she saw for intelligent public conversation about spirituality and religion, and the birth story of Speaking of Faith (later On Being) during the Cold War. We consider how religious traditions can open up to the world's pain and, finally, encourage imaginative, muscular hope. Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Krista Tippett Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 47: Apocalyptic Clarity with Jesse Zink | 24 Feb 2025 | 01:01:56 | |
The Rev'd Dr. Jesse Zink, Principal at Montreal Diocesan Theological College, joins us to discuss living faithfully in our fast-paced, crisis-shaped world. We talk about his new book, Faithful, Creative, Hopeful: Fifteen Theses for Christians in a Crisis-Shaped World, and we reflect on insights like fostering a culture of contentment and enoughness amidst the prevailing ethos of "more." | |||
| 46: Global Anglican Theology with Michael Battle | 10 Feb 2025 | 01:06:36 | |
The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle shares insights from the first volume, "Faith," in the new series Conversations in Global Anglican Theology. He helps us explore the fascinating transition of the Anglican Church from being the church of the establishment to becoming the church of advocacy. He also shares his insights on faith, culture, activism, and mysticism within the global Anglican Communion | |||
| 45: Servant Leadership with Mary Glasspool | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:55:31 | |
Bishop Mary Glasspool shares her rich experiences and insights on leadership, vocation, and the evolving Episcopal Church. Embark on a journey through her inspiring stories of servant leadership and, of course, hear what gives her hope amidst challenges. | |||
| 44: Seminary with Yejide Peters Pietersen | 13 Jan 2025 | 01:02:40 | |
Dean Yejide Peters Pietersen joins us to discuss what it's like to apply to and be a student at Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopal seminary at Yale. This is the perfect episode for people thinking about exploring their call or applying to seminary—or for people who know those people! Dean Pietersen reflects on vocational discernment and how theological education is for everyone. She shares how Berkeley at Yale strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment (starting with its full-tuition scholarships!). We talk about Berkeley's community life focus and the integration of intellectual, spiritual, and practical aspects of ministry that Berkeley students experience during their time here. | |||
| PRAYER: Guided Contemplative Practice with Brandon Nappi | 30 Dec 2024 | 00:16:40 | |
Carve out 15 minutes of your day to center yourself in guided prayer with Dr. Brandon Nappi. | |||
| 43: Advent with Andrew McGowan | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:42:45 | |
The Very Rev’d Dr. Andrew McGowan, Dean of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, joins Hannah for an Advent episode. Dean McGowan reflects on his career as a priest, academic, and administrator and shares how the Daily Office helps him maintain balance in the midst of it all. He shares the “what” and “why” behind the lectionary and reflects on the Advent readings from Luke for lectionary year C. We explore the Advent themes of death, judgment, heaven, and hell and discuss how this emphasis differs from other versions of Advent. Dean McGowan gives us a crash course on why the date of Christmas is December 25 and closing reflections on seminary education. Join us for insightful dialogue on faith, ministry, and the deeper meanings of this sacred season.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Andrew McGowan Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: Ella Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 42: Immigration and Apocalypse with Yii-Jan Lin | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:56:34 | |
Professor Lin tells us all about her new book Immigration and Apocolypse: How the Book of Revelation Shaped American Immigration. We think about Christopher Columbus and the New World, why there's a "new" in New England, New York, and New Haven, how Revelation's words have shaped rhetoric about immigration, how Westward expansion and building a wall fit in, and more. Professor Lin helps us think about how our new understanding of Revelation and the American imagination apply to preaching on Revelation, teaching children about Thanksgiving, and making the case for why thinking about colonialism is important.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Yii-Jan Lin Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: Ella Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 41: Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care with Danielle Tumminio Hansen | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:52:24 | |
The Rev. Dr. Danielle Tumminio Hansen joins Hannah and Brandon for an enriching discussion about teaching theology using pop culture (Harry Potter), trauma-informed spiritual care, and new frontiers in the theology of abortion.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Danielle Tumminio Hansen Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: Ella Landino
berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast
Support our work: https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders | |||
| 40: The Inner Landscape with Parker Palmer | 11 Nov 2024 | 01:12:32 | |
Renowned author and spiritual leader Parker Palmer joins Brandon and Hannah to explore the world of leadership and teaching. Palmer shares stories from his life, including profound mystical experiences, bouts of clinical depression, and classroom successes. The conversation underscores the importance of listening and trusting in leadership and teaching. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the inner life of leaders, emphasizing the integration of faith, authenticity, and compassion in the practices of teaching and ministry.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Parker Palmer Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective
Instagram @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
Episode links: Center for Courage and Renewal: https://couragerenewal.org/ The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life, Parker J. Palmer: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-courage-to-teach-exploring-the-inner-landscape-of-a-teacher-s-life-parker-j-palmer/12575744?ean=9781119413042 | |||
| 39: The Salem Witch Trials with Ken Minkema | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:57:08 | |
This special Halloween episode focuses on the Salem witch trials with a focus on what church leaders can learn from this period of history. Dr. Kenneth Minkema—Executive Editor of The Works of Jonathan Edwards and of the Jonathan Edwards Center & Online Archive at Yale University—teaches us about the witch trials in New England, highlighting their religious and social contexts, the dynamics of fear and accusation, and the lasting impact on American culture. The episode explores the complexities of Puritan beliefs, the role of fear and control in the witch hunts, and reflections on how these historical events relate to contemporary issues that church leaders face daily of fear, control, and othering.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black
Guest: Ken Minkema
Production: Goodchild Media
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast
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| 38: The Leader's Way | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:47:31 | |
Brandon and Hannah chat about why the podcast is called The Leader’s Way. We hear Brandon’s definition of leadership and talk about the courage, vulnerability, and commitment required of leaders. We hear Brandon’s vocation story and reflect on the work we do, offering continuing education to church leaders. | |||
| 37: Jesus and Empire with William Barber | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:53:23 | |
In part 2 of our recording with a live studio audience, Bishop Barber breaks down how spiritual leaders are either prophets of the kingdom or chaplains to empire. He takes questions from the audience about the relationship between Episcopal tradition and moral demands, interfaith leadership, and leadership amid the military-industrial complex. Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: William Barber Production: Goodchild Media berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast | |||
| 36: Moral Leadership and Political Engagement with William Barber | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:44:08 | |
The Rev. Dr. William Barber joined us at the Berkeley Center with a live studio audience for this episode of The Leader's Way Podcast, which will be released in 2 parts. Barber tells his vocation story and explains how morality is the key to nonpartisan spiritual leadership in politics. He talks about the "least of these" as a central part of moral engagement in politics and takes us inside a UN conversation about poverty.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: William Barber Singer: Yara Allen Filmed/Edited: Goodchild Media
berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast | |||
| 35: A Better Way at the National Cathedral with Randy Hollerith | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:37:43 | |
The Very Rev’d Randy Hollerith, Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, joins us as we continue thinking about leading churches through especially political times. He talks about the church’s role as being a voice for the “better way”: the promotion of values like unity and love in contrast to what we often see in the world around us. He talks about the cathedral’s role in politics as one of convening conversation and creating space for prayer and reflection. | |||
| 34: Golden Retriever Games | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:41:36 | |
A rare mostly unserious episode amid serious times: Brandon and Hannah take a moment one year into the show to reflect on past episodes and celebrate the new podcast art and music. We play the inaugural Golden Retriever Games: “Taylor or Dante?” and “The Question Game.” | |||
| 33: Spiritual Formation and Politics with Kaitlyn Schiess | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:48:50 | |
Kaitlyn Schiess is an author (The Liturgy of Politics and The Ballot and the Bible) and podcaster (The Holy Post and Curiously, Kaitlyn). She joins us to talk about leadership during an election season and how spiritual formation is at the heart of our political engagement. We talk about everything from how to talk about politics at Thanksgiving dinner to how to preach when politics are involved. | |||
| 32: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story with Richard and Christopher Hays | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:55:00 | |
Father and son Richard and Christopher Hays discuss their new book The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story. This book seeks to take the Bible seriously by taking more of the Bible seriously. These authors do not focus solely on the prooftexts that have been used to deny LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church, nor do they try to write them off. In this book, New Testament professor Richard Hays and Old Testament professor Christopher Hays provide a fresh map through the Bible that tells the story of a God of mercy and a sexual ethic of inclusion. We talk about their reason for writing this book, the metanoia of Richard’s viewpoint since 1996, some of the passages at play, and what happens next. | |||
| 31: Navigating Turmoil at the Church of the Presidents with Rob Fisher | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:37:32 | |
The Rev’d Rob Fisher tells the story of St. John’s Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. He tells us stories about Presidents Madison and Lincoln and reminds us that the church’s history, including having lived through the American Civil War, gives us perspective. He talks about the life of the church in 2020 and tells stories of Trump’s photo op, a Molotov cocktail, the pandemic, and more. He tells the story about the city putting a fence around the church and the murals that resulted. Fisher calls us to ground ourselves this election season by tempering our media diet and paying attention to the living saints around us. | |||
| 30: A Space of Grace at the Church of the Presidents with Rob Fisher | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:42:06 | |
The Rev’d Rob Fisher is Rector of St. John’s Lafayette Square, known as the “Church of the Presidents.” He joins us to talk about his vocation story and what it’s like to be the priest at a church where people’s lives and careers revolve around politics. Join us next week for part 2, where Fisher discusses what it was like to be the rector of St. John’s during the events of 2020.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi, DMin and Hannah Black, PhD Guest: The Rev’d Rob Fisher
See show notes at berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast | |||
| 29: Race and the Christian Imagination with Willie Jennings | 12 Aug 2024 | 01:03:43 | |
Yale Professor Willie Jennings joins us to talk about the relationship between race and theology. We break down how this relationship manifests in Zionism, supercessionism, and Christian nationalism. We break these ideas down to understand where they have come from and what they are. We talk about the bizarreness of being introduced to academic theology, and we consider the ways in which theology can be harmful or lifegiving. | |||
| 28: Circle of Hope with Eliza Griswold | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:55:10 | |
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eliza Griswold joins us to talk about her new book Circle of Hope, a compelling and honest portrait of a progressive evangelical church. Griswold’s immersive journalism brings into focus how one church was impacted by division brought about by events like the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. | |||
| 27: Colonialism and Christianity with Kwok Pui Lan | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:58:05 | |
Dr. Kwok Pui Lan joins us to share wisdom from her 2023 book The Anglican Tradition from a Postcolonial Perspective. We talk about what a postcolonial perspective is and how it can color our thinking on topics from the history and identity of the Anglican Church to the ecological crisis and more. | |||
| 26: Good Grief with Sarah Condon | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:51:41 | |
The Rev’d Sarah Condon, co-host of Mockingcast, joins Hannah to talk about the twists and turns of life…in particular, vocation and grief. | |||
| 25: The Holy Spirit and the Heart with Simeon Zahl | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:52:44 | |
Simeon Zahl, Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Cambridge, joins us to talk about the Holy Spirit. Our conversation ranges from who the Holy Spirit is to how we understand Christian experience to how the Book of Common Prayer is written with emotion in mind. | |||
| 24: Life After Doom with Brian McLaren | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:46:50 | |
Brian McLaren joins us to share some of the riches from his new book Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart. The conversation names a feeling many of us have in our current world and helps us locate hope in the midst of it all. | |||
| 23: Ordinary Faith in Polarized Times with Amy Carr and Christine Helmer | 20 May 2024 | 00:54:21 | |
Professors Amy Carr and Christine Helmer join Hannah to talk about their new, timely book, Ordinary Faith in Polarized Times: Justification and the Pursuit of Justice. We take a moment in this season leading up to the presidential election to discuss high-conflict times and how we can move toward good conflict. We talk about how Christians can create space for conversation because of their status of belonging due to justification. We discuss how Christians can listen to each other, discuss hot-button issues, and navigate difference. | |||
| 22: Entrepreneurship with Denise Vargas | 06 May 2024 | 00:44:11 | |
Executive Director of El Hogar Denise Vargas joins us to talk about entrepreneurship. She helps us think in an entrepreneurial way about ministry and grounds innovation in community. We also take a while to chat about Vargas’s life as a poet, to hear some of her poetry, and to talk about how poetry intersects with the work she does at El Hogar. | |||
| 21: Christianity in American Politics with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:41:54 | |
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove joins us from the Yale Center for Public Theology and Public Policy. He describes the making of white, Christian nationalism and helps us see a different path forward, following the teachings of Jesus. He walks us through the reality of the New Right in the 1970s as a way for us to understand our positionality headed into the 2024 election. | |||
| 20: Astronomy and Faith with Graziella Zinn | 15 Apr 2024 | 00:57:22 | |
Astrophysicist Graziella di Tulliio Zinn joins Brandon and Hannah to chat about the beauty of the stars, Graziella’s experience of being a Christian astronomer, the Big Bang, the theology of Disney’s movie Wish, UFOs, the ethics of space junk, astrology, prayer, and more. | |||
| 19: Digital Ministry with Lizzie McManus-Dail and Laura Di Panfilo | 01 Apr 2024 | 01:05:45 | |
Father Lizzie and Mother Laura join us to talk about their vocation stories, how they each ended up doing digital ministry (accidentally), and why they joined forces to create their new podcast, “And Also With You.” | |||
| 18: Feminist Theology with Karen O’Donnell | 18 Mar 2024 | 01:00:11 | |
Academic Dean of Westcott House Karen O’Donnell joins us from Cambridge for an intro to feminist theology. Dr. O’Donnell describes what feminist theology and trauma theology are, talks about her own journey into these fields, and considers where we go from here. Brandon, Hannah, and Karen (of course) also talk prayer and hope. | |||
| 17: The Church and Prayer with Rowan Williams | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:40:15 | |
The 104th Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams joins Brandon and Hannah to talk about church unity in the face of difference, vocation, and prayer. He explains how to engage in contemplative prayer and offers hope for the future of the church. | |||