Episode 214 – Collin Cornell

Dr. Collin Cornell is a professor of Bible and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. Our conversation for this episode is based on a forthcoming article by Collin that puts some question marks over the grand biblical narrative many of us have come to take for granted. For me, the topic of fellowship as it relates … Continue reading Episode 214 – Collin Cornell

Episode 213 – Scot McKnight

Scot McKnight is on the podcast! His new release Revelation for the Rest of Us hit home for me. Turns out, Scot and I grew up in church communities that were teaching similar things about this mysterious book. The "literal" interpretations of Revelation often led to great (and scary!) speculations about what the end of … Continue reading Episode 213 – Scot McKnight

Episode 211 – Carmen Joy Imes

Talking with professors is just about one of my favorite things to do (both on and off the podcast) and this conversation with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes definitely reinforced that joy for me! We chatted about her most recent book release, Being God's Image. Literally, from Genesis to Revelation, Carmen writes on what it means … Continue reading Episode 211 – Carmen Joy Imes

Episode 210 – Andrew Whitehead

Andrew Whitehead has researched and written extensively on Christian nationalism. His most recent book, American Idolatry, defines Christian nationalism and explains why it is so problematic. While he does have other academic resources on the topic, this text is directed toward us - the lay Christian in America (don't worry - there are still plenty … Continue reading Episode 210 – Andrew Whitehead

Episode 209 – Caroline Sumlin

Caroline Sumlin's new book, We'll All Be Free exposes how white supremacy affects everyone in its wake (by the way, that means all of us). White supremacy is interwoven into our society at a systemic level, but have you ever thought about how that translates to feelings of personal worth and well being? This conversation … Continue reading Episode 209 – Caroline Sumlin

Episode 208 – Adam Bucko

The contemplative life is not one solely reserved for vocational clergy or people from religious traditions that may feel largely unfamiliar. As Adam Bucko amazingly writes, practices, and encourages, contemplation is for each of us. With each page turned in his newest book, Let Heartbreak Be Your Guide, I felt my spiritual and theological imagination … Continue reading Episode 208 – Adam Bucko

Episode 207 – Martin Doblmeier

To say that the world (and us in it) are busy isn't news. For centuries, some religious communities have found solace in the instruction to rest in the midst of busyness. Filmmaker, Martin Doblmeier, has captured some of these traditions in his newest film by Journey Films, Sabbath. In this project, Jewish and Christian scholars … Continue reading Episode 207 – Martin Doblmeier

Episode 206 – Kate Boyd

I am so stoked to have Kate Boyd on the podcast! For anyone who is curious about the word "deconstruction," is going through it, or knows someone who is - this conversation is for you! While Kate's story of faith and mine have some overlap (primarily in the Bible Belt experiences), hers also includes interacting … Continue reading Episode 206 – Kate Boyd

Episode 205 – Karen Swallow Prior

Even though the student in me was initially a bit nervous (she is an English professor after all!), I had an absolute blast talking with Karen Swallow Prior for this episode! Her newest book, and our conversation, explore the question of what is biblical/Christian versus what is just Victorian, specifically in the evangelical context. Who … Continue reading Episode 205 – Karen Swallow Prior

Episode 203 – Ally Henny

My guest this week is no stranger to the mic - Ally Henny is on the podcast! Ally's book, I Won't Shut Up, is incredible and I am so grateful for her generosity to share her story. Written with Black women in mind, Ally recounts her experiences and what she has learned about the world, … Continue reading Episode 203 – Ally Henny

Episode 202 – John Blake

CNN journalist John Blake is on the podcast! His newest book, More Than I Imagined, tells his personal story. John is bi-racial, the son of a Black father and a White mother he grew up not knowing anything about. For a man who has been reporting on race for decades (and by his own admission … Continue reading Episode 202 – John Blake

Episode 201 – Terence Lester

I am so thrilled to have the newly declared Dr. Terence Lester back on the podcast (if you missed his first episode, we've got you covered!). Terence has written a beautiful book on racial solidarity through the lens of his own experience as someone who was unhoused for a season and his work for over … Continue reading Episode 201 – Terence Lester

Episode 200 – Jack Sara

Rev. Dr. Jack Sara is the President of Bethlehem Bible College. I met Jack on what was my 8th (?) trip to the Holy Land, but only my first trip to Palestine. If you think about it (and we mention it a bit in the episode), that fact alone is pretty remarkable. That someone could … Continue reading Episode 200 – Jack Sara

Episode 198 – Jen Rosner

It is always a joy to welcome one of my professors to the podcast! This conversation with Jen Rosner was a true gem. Jen is a Messianic Jewish believer, which means she is Jewish and follows Jesus as her Messiah. Her unique perspective gives her a rich lens with which to view her faith and … Continue reading Episode 198 – Jen Rosner

Episode 197 – Alexis Busetti

Just a short little sermon on the center part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus gives us quite a few "do not" statements on giving, praying, and fasting. Thankfully, he doesn't leave the discussion there though. Because he's a good teacher, he also gives us some "how to" examples. There's also talk of … Continue reading Episode 197 – Alexis Busetti

Episode 196 – Jon Ward

Jon Ward is a journalist who has spent the last twenty years covering American politics. He's also a Christian. And, like so many of us, he was raised in the evangelical culture that is continuing to supply ample obstacles in the terrain as we seek to navigate questions of faith and life. Jon writes about … Continue reading Episode 196 – Jon Ward

Episode 195 – Tasha Jun

I had a fabulous time talking with Tasha Jun! She has written an incredible memoir called Tell Me the Dream Again. Tasha's experiences as a biracial woman often made a challenge, including in Christian spaces. As you'll hear in our conversation, as a mixed Hispanic woman, I can totally relate to much of what Tasha … Continue reading Episode 195 – Tasha Jun

Episode 194 – David Taylor

It was such a joy to speak with Dr. David Taylor! Every time I get to speak with him (he's a professor at Fuller, btw), I come away feeling encouraged in the Lord and ready to explore some new way of interacting with my own faith. This conversation was no different! We talked about his … Continue reading Episode 194 – David Taylor

Episode 192 – David Lamb

Dr. David Lamb is a biblical scholar and professor at Missio Seminary. His most recent book, The Emotions of God, is the topic of our discussion for this episode. As noted in the brief intro to our conversation, there are places where David and I don't see eye to eye and that's okay. The subjects … Continue reading Episode 192 – David Lamb

Episode 191 – Alexis Busetti

Happy Resurrection Day! Thanks for joining me as I offer a short homily on Luke 24:1-12. This is one of the gospel passages that describes the women and the other disciples' discovery that the tomb where they expected to find Jesus was empty on Sunday morning! If you've ever been left like them, wondering what … Continue reading Episode 191 – Alexis Busetti

Episode 189 – Nijay Gupta

This conversation had me feeling both excited and a bit nervous. Nijay Gupta, who is gracious in every way, has written a new book on the ministry of women in the early church and historically, this subject has been a sensitive one for me. Maybe like you, I was discipled in a tradition that held … Continue reading Episode 189 – Nijay Gupta

Episode 186 – Caryn Reeder

Reading Caryn Reeder's new book had me feeling mad, relieved, curious, and hopeful. She explores one of my all-time favorite stories in the Gospels - The Samaritan Woman in John 4. Caryn reminds readers and listeners of the classic interpretation of the story, which has remained much the same throughout history, and examines how it … Continue reading Episode 186 – Caryn Reeder

Episode 184 – Drew Jackson

I am so stoked to welcome Drew Jackson back to the podcast! His first book, and this volume two are some of my favorite books of poetry. What Drew has done by putting the Gospel of Luke in conversation with his own context is theological art at its finest. The problem is, this kind of … Continue reading Episode 184 – Drew Jackson

Episode 183 – Bekah McNeel

Bekah and I had a fabulous conversation (she's hilarious, btw!) about her book Bringing Up Kids When the Church Lets You Down. But trust me, if you're not a parent....don't flip to the next episode in your queue just yet! This conversation is for anyone whose life and faith have been impacted by the church, … Continue reading Episode 183 – Bekah McNeel

Episode 181 – Craig Greenfield

Craig Greenfield joins me on the podcast to talk about something I've been processing lately - missions. Specifically, Craig has written a book called Subversive Mission on how to serve well as outsiders. In the history of Christianity, Western missionary work has often equaled colonialism, and we need to be aware of how we still … Continue reading Episode 181 – Craig Greenfield

Episode 180 – Sara Billups

The story Sara Billups shares in Orphaned Believers is her own and in a way, it's mine too. It might also be yours if you were a child of the 1980's and 1990's growing up anywhere near white American evangelicalism. She writes (and we chat) about how she was shaped by teachings on the end … Continue reading Episode 180 – Sara Billups

Episode 174 – Kelley Nikondeha

This advent book (and conversation!) is not just for the Christmas season. I promise you will be blessed by Kelley Nikondeha's words all year long! Her new book, The First Advent in Palestine tells of some of the forgotten stories surrounding Jesus' birth. We know he was born in first century occupied Palestine, but what … Continue reading Episode 174 – Kelley Nikondeha

Episode 173 – Kelly Flanagan

Generally speaking, I am *not* a novel-reading, fiction-loving kind of girl, but....I loved Kelly Flanagan's new release The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell! And, I am so thrilled to welcome Kelly back to the podcast. He first came on to speak about his book, True Companions which was a game-changer for me as well. Kelly is … Continue reading Episode 173 – Kelly Flanagan

Episode 172 – Marlena Graves

Three words at the top of Marlena Grave's website sum it up: Jesus. Formation. Justice. These are the foci of what she does as a writer, professor, thinker, mother, wife, community activist, advocate, speaker, and so much more. She and her husband, Shawn, have co-edited a book along those lines called The Gospel of Peace … Continue reading Episode 172 – Marlena Graves

Episode 171 – Josh Buck

Josh Buck is back on the podcast! The last time Josh joined me, he shared about his dissertation research into the Charleston Massacre. He also let us know he had a book set to release and now it's here! When I began reading Everyday Activism, I surprised myself at how many dog-eared pages and underlined … Continue reading Episode 171 – Josh Buck

Episode 170 – Blaine Hogan

Blaine Hogan writes, acts, directs, and was formerly on staff at a megachurch. He has also honored us in writing a book holding his deepest, darkest secrets and allowing us to learn from his experiences and reflections. In this conversation, we talk about the hard work of healing, recovery, and ministry in the midst of … Continue reading Episode 170 – Blaine Hogan

Episode 169 – Soong-Chan Rah

Soong-Chan Rah is a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary (I took a course with him and it was a total blast!). He has also served in ministry as a pastor and studied American Evangelicalism. One of the topics Soong-Chan is known for is the church and social justice. In Return to Justice, he explores the … Continue reading Episode 169 – Soong-Chan Rah

Episode 168 – Bob Smietana

If you've read anything from the Religion News Service, chances are you've already been introduced to Bob Smietana. Bob is a journalist and author of the book Reorganized Religion. Politics, demographics, and lifestyle are all affecting our churches and how they look and feel in America. In this episode, we talk about organized religion, American … Continue reading Episode 168 – Bob Smietana

Episode 167 – Jim Wallis

The one and only Jim Wallis is on the podcast! Most recently Jim came on as the director of the Center on Faith + Justice at Georgetown University. He and I met over the summer when the Center hosted its inaugural summer academy and I was blessed enough to attend. For those who may not … Continue reading Episode 167 – Jim Wallis

Episode 166 – Jennifer Tucker

It was only a few years ago that I was introduced to breath prayers. In the beginning of the pandemic, Osheta Moore, spiritual director and pastor, hosted morning times of Scripture-reading and breath prayers and these practices were so much of what kept me during those times. Now, we have another resource to encourage us … Continue reading Episode 166 – Jennifer Tucker

Episode 165 – Jasmin Shupper

Jasmin Shupper is the founder and president of Greenline Housing Foundation. Educated in business and a licensed realtor, Jasmin has always been fascinated by and drawn to homes. She is aware though, that due to our country's intentional legislation and policies, people of color have consistently and systemically been denied the opportunity to participate in … Continue reading Episode 165 – Jasmin Shupper

Episode 163 – Kat Armas

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are re-playing this amazing episode with Kat Armas. Enjoy! Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. … Continue reading Episode 163 – Kat Armas

Episode 162 – Karen González

I am so delighted to welcome Karen González back on the podcast! Her new book, Beyond Welcome, is a beautiful combination of biblical investigation, personal narrative, and the edification we need, especially in the United States, today. We hit the current news right away, with talk of Florida and Texas governors flying and bussing immigrants … Continue reading Episode 162 – Karen González

Episode 161 – Phil Allen, Jr.

My friend Phil is back! Phil Allen has written a second book and it is incredible! The Prophetic Lens takes us back in history to the infamous racist film shown at the White House all the way through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's to Darnell Frazier's courageous capturing and posting of George Floyd's … Continue reading Episode 161 – Phil Allen, Jr.

Episode 160 – Scott Sunquist

Scott Sunquist and I just missed crossing each other's paths at Fuller Theological Seminary. Shortly before I registered as a student, Scott wrapped up his time as the Dean of Intercultural Studies at Fuller where he also was a professor of church history. Now, Scott serves as president of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he … Continue reading Episode 160 – Scott Sunquist

Episode 159 – Steven Harris

Steven Harris has a resume that could fill this screen, including positions at prestigious institutions you may recognize like Harvard and Georgetown, but I was first introduced to him as the guy who helped my friends and I carry our luggage after a late-night flight to D.C. As the Senior Director of Academic Programs at … Continue reading Episode 159 – Steven Harris

Episode 158 – Christina Edmonson

My guest for this incredible episode is none other than Dr. Christina Edmonson of the Truth's Table podcast! Some of my all-time favorite interviews come from conversations with podcasters, but this one just may take the cake! Christina joined me to talk about the new book she co-wrote with researcher Chad Brennan, Faithful Anti-Racism. What … Continue reading Episode 158 – Christina Edmonson

Episode 156 – Amy Sherman

Amy Sherman, Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute, has written an exquisite book called Agents of Flourishing. Looking at the biblical mandate for believers to seek the flourishing of our communities, Amy delves into half a dozen endowments, think areas or spheres, where we can focus our energies to contribute to that happening. Each section … Continue reading Episode 156 – Amy Sherman

Episode 153 – Lamar Hardwick

This is a re-release of an incredible conversation I had with pastor Lamar Hardwick in February of 2021. In honor of Disability Pride Month, I wanted to share this episode again because Lamar's work in this space challenged me in my theology like nothing else had until that point. Lamar Hardwick, aka The Autism Pastor, is … Continue reading Episode 153 – Lamar Hardwick

Episode 152 – Phil Allen, Jr.

To say I am moved by this conversation and project by Phil Allen, Jr. would be an understatement. Phil Allen, Jr. is an author, speaker, filmmaker, PhD candidate, friend, and incredibly generous advocate. When, as an adult, he first heard the truth about his grandfather's tragic death that took place in 1953, he knew the … Continue reading Episode 152 – Phil Allen, Jr.

Episode 151 – Paul D. Miller

Paul D. Miller is a scholar and professor at Georgetown University. He is a veteran and also served on the National Security Council. As a Christian, and deeply patriotic, Paul's is a valuable voice on the topic of Christian nationalism. His most recent book, The Religion of American Greatness is the topic of our conversation … Continue reading Episode 151 – Paul D. Miller

Episode 149 – Andre Henry

I always love it when I get to interview someone associated with Fuller Seminary and this conversation with Andre Henry is definitely no exception! Andre is a musician, artist, activist, and author of All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but some of the highlights for … Continue reading Episode 149 – Andre Henry

Episode 148 – Eric Costanzo

Eric Costanzo is a pastor in my home state of Oklahoma! Together with previous guest, Matt Soerens, and Daniel Yang, he has written a fantastic book called Inalienable about how imperative it is for the American church to engage and learn from the global church, especially from voices we have historically sought to marginalize. We … Continue reading Episode 148 – Eric Costanzo

Episode 147 – Amy Kenny

Amy Kenny is a disabled scholar and author of the new book, My Body Is Not a Prayer Request. I am incredibly thankful for Amy and her voice on disability, diversity, and justice in the church. From "prayerful perpetrators," to ableism, to designing spaces for disabled people actually being the more inclusive way, we covered … Continue reading Episode 147 – Amy Kenny

Episode 146 – Claude Atcho

Pastor and author Claude Atcho joined me for this podcast episode to discuss his debut book, Reading Black Books. On this journey into novels and poetry from Black authors, Claude brings voices from Black literature and theology together to explore Black American experiences and the result is rich! What Claude does through his work in … Continue reading Episode 146 – Claude Atcho

Episode 143 – J.W. Buck

J.W. (Josh) Buck is the Executive Director and one of the founders of Pax, a Christian organization designed to inspire and equip the next generation through slow, beautiful, Jesus-centered content created by people of color. While his first book is available for pre-order now (!), in this interview, we focused on his dissertation work on the … Continue reading Episode 143 – J.W. Buck

Episode 142 – Idelette McVicker

Idelette McVicker is a native of South Africa, currently living in Canada with her family, and ministering to Christians like me (in America and globally) on how to fight against white supremacy in our societies. She is the author of Recovering Racists, the founder of She Loves Media Society, and the Dangerous Women community. In … Continue reading Episode 142 – Idelette McVicker

Episode 141 – Stephen Mattson

For the past couple of months, I have been reading my way through an incredible book in my morning prayer time, On Love & Mercy: A Social Justice Devotional. In this beautiful work, Stephen Mattson takes the time to define social justice for Christians and touches on dozens of areas where our attention is needed. … Continue reading Episode 141 – Stephen Mattson

Episode 139 – Ines Franklin

Ines Franklin is a speaker, pastor, ministry leader, and graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary. All of these roles are ones her abuelita would have hoped and dreamed for Ines, but in her early adult life, they seemed unlikely. It wasn't until she had turned 40, with failed marriages behind her, that she found herself back … Continue reading Episode 139 – Ines Franklin

Episode 135 – Alicia Akins

Alicia Akins has written a beautiful book called Invitations to Abundance and came on the podcast to talk about it! Alicia serves as a deaconess at her church, is a biblical studies graduate student at Reformed Theological Seminary, and works in international education in Washington D.C. Her gorgeous book narrates the feasts of the Bible … Continue reading Episode 135 – Alicia Akins

Episode 134 – Paul Zach

Paul Zach is a music minister who loves writing music for the church to sing. And I, for one, love singing his music! Full time, Paul serves at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He also collaborates with other artists, musicians, and song writers for projects like those released by The Porter's Gate. In this … Continue reading Episode 134 – Paul Zach

Episode 132 – Dennis Edwards

Dr. Dennis Edwards, professor of New Testament at North Park Seminary in Chicago, is on the podcast! His book, Might From the Margins, specifically addresses and encourages Christians who have found themselves marginalized within American Evangelicalism, including Christians of color and women. One of the things I appreciate most about this text and conversation is … Continue reading Episode 132 – Dennis Edwards

Episode 131 – Young-Sam Won

Dr. Young-Sam Won is the Associate Director of Ministry Formation and an Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary. He's also a hoot to follow on Twitter! Sam loves to explore the topics of justice and ethnicity from a biblical (specifically Old Testament) perspective and I am here for it. In this conversation, … Continue reading Episode 131 – Young-Sam Won

Episode 130 – David Swanson

David Swanson is back on the podcast! David is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church in Chicago, the author of Rediscipling the White Church, and regularly speaks and writes on matters of racial justice and reconciliation. The last time David and I recorded was in October of 2020 and as you know a lot … Continue reading Episode 130 – David Swanson

Episode 128 – Ashley Hales

Ashley Hales is the author of A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits. When I read this book, I felt myself give a big exhale. You mean we're not meant to do it all? Limits are God's design for goodness for our lives? Yes! If you have found yourself overwhelmed … Continue reading Episode 128 – Ashley Hales

Episode 126 – April Fiet

April Fiet is a pastor and author of The Sacred Pulse: Holy Rhythms for Overwhelmed Souls. In this conversation we explore the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of life. God has given us this sacred pulse in his generosity, both modeled in creation and, in order to help us sustain this abundant life. From the … Continue reading Episode 126 – April Fiet

Episode 124 – Dan Stringer

Dan Stringer is a pastor in Hawai'i and the author of Struggling with Evangelicalism. Like many of us who grew up in American evangelicalism, Dan recognizes the problems. But he doesn't stop there; he challenges us to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly and encourages us to locate ourselves in relationship with … Continue reading Episode 124 – Dan Stringer

Episode 123 – Sarah Quezada

Sarah Quezada, author of Love Undocumented joins me on the podcast this week! With Christmas coming, what better way to begin our week than with a story from the beautiful tradition of Las Posadas? If you're not familiar, it is a Latin American Christmas tradition where friends, family, and neighbors reenact Mary and Joseph looking … Continue reading Episode 123 – Sarah Quezada

Episode 120 – Cindy Wu

My guest this week is fellow Houstonian, Cindy Wu, Program Manager with Houston Welcomes Refugees. Cindy studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has written an incredible workbook for believers looking to expand their practical theology on the topic of refugees called A Better Country. Cindy's passion for serving refugees was birthed in her at a … Continue reading Episode 120 – Cindy Wu

Episode 119 – Alan Noble

Alan Noble joins me to talk about his latest book, You Are Not Your Own. The concept is simple, but as we know simple does not usually mean easy to live out. As believers we understand that we belong to Christ and to each other, not to ourselves, but culture tells us something very different. … Continue reading Episode 119 – Alan Noble

Episode 118 – Matthew Soerens

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table joins me today on the podcast to talk about immigration from a biblical perspective. Welcoming the Stranger, one of the books Matt co-authored on the subject, was recently released in a revised and updated edition in order to stay current with the laws and policies … Continue reading Episode 118 – Matthew Soerens

Episode 116 – Jasmine Bellamy

Jasmine Bellamy, was just named in Sports Illustrated's series Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports! She works with Reebok as the lead for the U.S. Direct to Consumer department and most recently as the Head of Change Management for Reebok's United Against Racism. In that role, Jasmine has initiated Courageous Conversations as a way … Continue reading Episode 116 – Jasmine Bellamy

Episode 115 – Karen González

Karen González joins me on the podcast to talk about immigration and the Bible. Karen's experiences as an immigrant and her seminary education bring unique perspectives I hope we will all take the time and space to consider. As a child, Karen immigrated to the U.S. with her family from Guatemala. In her book, The … Continue reading Episode 115 – Karen González

Episode 112 – Terry Wildman

Terry Wildman is the lead translator and project manager of the First Nations Version of the New Testament. In this conversation, Terry talks about the intersection of being Christian and Native and what that has meant for him as he has explored the two, personally and in community. Cultural context in worship has received pushback … Continue reading Episode 112 – Terry Wildman

Episode 110 – Drew Jackson

Drew Jackson is a pastor in NYC, the president of Pax, and author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God's Unexpected Coming. This book is a beautiful journey through the first eight chapters of the Gospel of Luke in poetic form. Drew captures the humanity of Jesus in these pages: his marginalization, his incarnation, … Continue reading Episode 110 – Drew Jackson

Episode 109 – Dominique Gilliard

Get ready for round 2 with Dominique Gilliard! You might remember, Dominique was on the podcast just a couple of months ago talking about his first book, Rethinking Incarceration. That award-winning title came out in 2018 and now he brings us his newest project, Subversive Witness: Scripture's Call to Leverage Privilege. This book is all … Continue reading Episode 109 – Dominique Gilliard

Episode 108 – Vince Bantu

Dr. Vince Bantu is an associate professor at Fuller Seminary (whoop!) and the director at Meachum School of Haymanot. Vince's areas of missiological interest and academic research focus on Christianity as a global religion. Not in the sense, as some scholars proclaim, that Christianity is becoming a global religion, but rooted in the fact that … Continue reading Episode 108 – Vince Bantu

Episode 106 – Mandy Smith

Mandy Smith is a pastor, speaker, and author and her latest book, Unfettered, nearly wrecked me (in the best possible way!). In the book and our conversation, Mandy unpacks the baggage of Western culture and how it is impacting our faith. Mandy's journey in this season began with a sabbatical, observing a flock of geese, … Continue reading Episode 106 – Mandy Smith

Episode 105 – Casey Church

Casey Church is the pastor of Good Medicine Way in Albuquerque, NM. He has been in ministry for three decades as a Native American encouraging a contextualized way of worship. In his personal history, he has had painful experiences of being reprimanded and shunned for expressing his love for God in ways familiar to his … Continue reading Episode 105 – Casey Church

Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette

Mark Scandrette is an author, pastor, theologian, and gifted teacher. During this conversation, we talk about his newest book, The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes. When we read the "blessed are the...." in the Beatitudes it can sometimes feel overwhelming. We ask ourselves how we can do or be all of … Continue reading Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette

Episode 103 – Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Dr. Kelly Flanagan, author, psychologist, speaker, and consultant, joined me for this episode of the podcast. The subject of our conversation is companionship in the context of philia, the kind of love that walks alongside others through the good and the gritty parts of life. His new book, True Companions, highlights this journey in ways … Continue reading Episode 103 – Dr. Kelly Flanagan

Episode 100 – Sho Baraka

Sho Baraka is the guest for episode 100 of the podcast! If, by chance, you don't know Sho I can't wait for you to meet him in this conversation! Sho is a recording artist, writer, activist, and educator. In his new book, He Saw That It Was Good, he challenges each of us to do … Continue reading Episode 100 – Sho Baraka

Episode 099 – Kat Armas

Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. In her book, Kat introduces us to her grandmother and other women … Continue reading Episode 099 – Kat Armas

Episode 098 – Taylor Schumann

Taylor Schumann is a survivor of gun violence and author of the book When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough: A Shooting Survivor's Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence. Like many of us in the United States, Taylor grew up seeing gun ownership as an un-problematic part of American culture. In the church, some celebrate … Continue reading Episode 098 – Taylor Schumann

Episode 097 – Duke Kwon

As Christians, what responsibility do we have if we know a crime has been committed? Specifically, what about a theft? Authors and pastors Duke Kwon and Gregory Thompson address those questions in their new book, Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair. Pastor Kwon joined me for this episode of the podcast to talk … Continue reading Episode 097 – Duke Kwon

Episode 096 – Michelle Reyes

Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes is an author, church-planter, and the co-founder and Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. Her new book, Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures is a rich, beautiful resource for Christians navigating multi-cultural spaces and relationships (which is all of us!). Follow along and … Continue reading Episode 096 – Michelle Reyes

Episode 095 – Kitti Murray

Kitti Murray is the founder and CEO of Refuge Coffee Co. in Clarkston, GA, which has been dubbed the most diverse square mile in America. With more than 50% of the population in this suburb of Atlanta being foreign born, Kitti and her husband found themselves intentionally among people who were very different from themselves … Continue reading Episode 095 – Kitti Murray

Episode 094 – Raymond Chang

Raymond Chang is the co-founder and president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC). Following the shootings in Atlanta, GA in the spring of 2021 and in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the AACC issued statements regarding racism targeted towards Asian Americans. Each of the statements received thousands of signatures of support … Continue reading Episode 094 – Raymond Chang

Episode 093 – Osheta Moore

Osheta Moore is a pastor and peacemaker bent on demolishing the hold white supremacy has had on God's children. Her brand new book Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism With Grit and Grace is the book I would hand to so many of my White friends contemplating how they can move forward in their journeys of … Continue reading Episode 093 – Osheta Moore

Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk

For this episode, I had the chance to interview my professor, Dr. Matthew Kaemingk. Matt teaches classes on faith and public life, including the areas of politics and the workplace. A few years ago, Matt wrote an article on Christian political hospitality viewed through the lens of Holy Week. At the heart of the issue … Continue reading Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk

Episode 091 – Andrew Krinks

Andrew Krinks has a particular academic interest in topics surrounding the intersection of race, religion, and criminalization. Since completing his PhD at Vanderbilt, he is teaching and working on a project concerning how Covid-19 has effected individuals imprisoned in New Jersey. The essay we drew from for today's conversation is one Andrew wrote for a … Continue reading Episode 091 – Andrew Krinks

Episode 090 – Terence Lester

Terence Lester is the founder of Love Beyond Walls, a non-profit based in Atlanta serving people experiencing homelessness. At the beginning of the coronavirus spread early in 2020, the work Terence and his organization had been doing pivoted to meet the changing needs of the people they served. Since handwashing was high on the list … Continue reading Episode 090 – Terence Lester

Episode 088 – Douglas Bursch

When I think of social media, peacemaking isn't the first thing that comes to my mind. But as Christians, we need to remember our witness matters, even and maybe especially, online. Dr. Douglas Bursch has written a thoughtful new book on social media and how it's forming us. Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us … Continue reading Episode 088 – Douglas Bursch

Episode 087 – Phil Armstrong

Phil Armstrong is the Program Director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. As a native Oklahoman I was shocked when, in my mid-30's, I first heard about the events in the Greenwood District of Tulsa for the first time. In this last year in our country race relations have been brought to the … Continue reading Episode 087 – Phil Armstrong

Episode 086 – Jeffrey Bilbro

Jeff Bilbro is an English professor and author of the book Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry Into the News releasing in May 2021. We all want to be better consumers of the news, but as Jeff puts it, "belonging well precedes thinking well." Reading and responding to the news are communal acts, … Continue reading Episode 086 – Jeffrey Bilbro

Episode 084 – Lindsey Krinks

Lindsey Krinks is the Co-Founder and Director of Education and Advocacy at Open Table Nashville. Her new book, Praying With Our Feet: Pursuing Justice and Healing On the Streets, recounts her journey from college student to interfaith street chaplain. In her journey, Lindsey has not shied away from asking the tough questions about faith, homelessness, … Continue reading Episode 084 – Lindsey Krinks

Episode 082 – Shannon Polk

The Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk is an attorney, teacher, pastor, speaker, and the Executive Director of The Witness Foundation. In this conversation we tackle the topic of philanthropic redlining. Similar to the real estate phenomenon that bars people of color from purchasing homes in certain neighborhoods, charitable giving has also been effected by the practice … Continue reading Episode 082 – Shannon Polk

Episode 081 – A.D. Thomason

A.D. "Lumkile" Thomason has a vast resume. He is a husband, father, holds a doctorate, studied fashion, spoken word artist, filmmaker, former pastor and basketball player. His new book is out called Permission to Be Black: My Journey with Jay-Z and Jesus and it is deep. Throughout his life, A.D. never really processed the trauma … Continue reading Episode 081 – A.D. Thomason

Episode 080 – Lamar Hardwick

Lamar Hardwick, aka The Autism Pastor, is the lead pastor of a congregation in the Atlanta, GA area. At the age of 36, after years of struggling with symptoms, Lamar was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. His new book, Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion, is a call to the church … Continue reading Episode 080 – Lamar Hardwick

Episode 079 – Dan Kimball

Dan Kimball is one of the founders of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He is also the author of his newest book, How (Not) to Read the Bible: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Violence, Pro-Slavery & Other Crazy-Sounding Parts of Scripture. Even the subtitle covers a lot, but the birth of the … Continue reading Episode 079 – Dan Kimball

Episode 077 – Lisa Sharon Harper

Lisa Sharon Harper is an author, speaker, activist, and founder of Freedom Road. She has written a beautiful book called The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right which was the basis of our conversation in this episode. We talk about the importance of relationship and narrative and having a "thick" understanding … Continue reading Episode 077 – Lisa Sharon Harper

Episode 076 – Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby, the New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise, is back on the podcast with an incredible conversation about his new book, How To Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. We recorded this episode on January 12, 2021, less than one week after the insurrection at the … Continue reading Episode 076 – Jemar Tisby

Episode 075 – Rasool Berry

This episode was recorded in late December 2020, before the attacks on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Here's my confession, I was just trying to keep up with my guest Rasool Berry on this episode (this is going to be a double-listen for me)! At the time of this recording, Rasool had just come … Continue reading Episode 075 – Rasool Berry

Episode 074 – Rondell Treviño

*This episode was recorded January 8, 2021.* Rondell Treviño is the founder and director of an incredible organization called The Immigration Coalition. Rondell and his team provide clean drinking water to communities along the Mexico-U.S. border as well as educational resources for churches and pastors about immigration in America. Listen to the end of the … Continue reading Episode 074 – Rondell Treviño

Episode 073 – Chandra Crane

Chandra Crane is the author of a book that was very personal read for me, Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity, published by InterVarsity Press with an incredible foreword by Jemar Tisby. Chandra, who is on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, is ethnically mixed. She is white American and Thai and was … Continue reading Episode 073 – Chandra Crane

Episode 069 – Mae Elise Cannon

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Her most recent book Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a must-read for anyone who wants to pursue justice, but is having a hard time figuring out where to start. In our conversation we touched on … Continue reading Episode 069 – Mae Elise Cannon

Episode 068 – Scott Sauls

Scott Sauls is the senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. His latest book, A Gentle Answer: Our "Secret Weapon" in an Age of Us Against Them, released this summer and it is an answer to prayer! We all realize 2020 has turned out to be more than we bargained for, but the … Continue reading Episode 068 – Scott Sauls

Episode 066 – MelindaJoy Mingo

MelindaJoy Mingo has written an incredible book called The Colors of Culture: The Beauty of Diverse Friendships and she joined me to talk about it! I don't know how many times I have had the conversation about the role diversity and relationships within the larger problem of systemic injustices. Sometimes it feels hopeless, like what … Continue reading Episode 066 – MelindaJoy Mingo

Episode 065 – Drew G.I. Hart

Dr. Drew G.I. Hart is a theology professor at Messiah University and author of the new book Who Will Be a Witness? Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance, which was the basis for much of our discussion in this episode. Ultimately, if we are taking our discipleship of Jesus seriously, we have to … Continue reading Episode 065 – Drew G.I. Hart

Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp

Mary Jo Sharp grew up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist, moved to the Bible Belt for college, and became a Christian. But her faith journey was not as predictable as that makes it sound. When she experienced hypocrisy in the Church she felt her budding faith getting trampled. She began studying apologetics to … Continue reading Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp

Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess

As of this airing, we are approximately one week away from the end of the 2020 election cycle. We have complicated questions, strong opinions, curated convictions, and close relationships to navigate and at times it feels impossible. Enter Kaitlyn Schiess! Her new book The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor … Continue reading Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess

Episode 062 – Scott Erickson

Advent couldn't come soon enough for me this year; and I don't think I'm alone! Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with our conversation on his book, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now. Scott is an artist, which encompasses a whole host of creative … Continue reading Episode 062 – Scott Erickson

Episode 061 – David Swanson

David Swanson is the pastor of a multiracial congregation in Chicago and author of Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity. In a world where diversity is valued and even sought after, David recognizes it is not always the answer. Racial injustice cannot be addressed by an emphasis of diversity alone; true … Continue reading Episode 061 – David Swanson

Episode 060 – Unbelievable

How important are our words? How do they compare to our actions? The Apostle John and the late Brennan Manning have similar thoughts on the subject. When we say with our mouths we love God, but deny the assertion by denying to love our neighbors, we have failed. We make ourselves liars. Listen in as … Continue reading Episode 060 – Unbelievable

Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby is the New York Times best-selling author of The Color of Compromse: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism. He is also the president and co-founder of The Witness - A Black Christian Collective. Jemar talked about the current civil rights movement, what Christians can do to educate themselves and gave … Continue reading Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby

Episode 058 – Justin Giboney

I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation with Justin Giboney. Justin is an attorney, political strategist and co-founder of the AND Campaign and talks to us about what it means to be faithfully and intellectually engaged in politics. We talk about why critical thinking in the political arena is so important and what … Continue reading Episode 058 – Justin Giboney

Episode 057 – Daniel Hill

Pastor Daniel Hill joined me to talk about his new book White Lies and it was powerful! White supremacy as an ideology has played an unfortunate role in the Church in America and we as believers have allowed it to continue on our watch for far too long. True, not everyone is intentionally promoting white … Continue reading Episode 057 – Daniel Hill

Episode 038 – Shannan Martin

I had a blast talking to Shannan Martin! Shannan is a speaker, writer, mom, and wife to Cory who works as a chaplain at the local jail. I finished her first book Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted literally only moments before our interview and I'm pretty sure I'm digesting parts of … Continue reading Episode 038 – Shannan Martin

Episode 033 – Mike Hickman

Mike Hickman is hilarious! He is a comedian, actor, and musician and we first saw him perform his variety act last year and cracked up the whole time! But all of Mike's life hasn't been fun and games. He and his family suffered the tragic loss of their son just over five years ago. In … Continue reading Episode 033 – Mike Hickman

Episode 032 – Kim Harms

Kim Harms is a wife, mom, believer, and freelance writer. Kim's diagnosis of breast cancer came just one month after turning forty. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and five months of reconstruction. I'm so thankful for Kim's vulnerability and openness about her process. She's putting the finishing touches on her first … Continue reading Episode 032 – Kim Harms

Episode 030 – Sam Storms

"Thou shalt not do at all what others do poorly," was a commandment Dr. Sam Storms lived by for 20 years in ministry. Sam was pastoring in my hometown of Ardmore, OK when his life was turned upside down by the person and power of the Holy Spirit. Sam and his friend Jack Deere had … Continue reading Episode 030 – Sam Storms

Episode 025 – Brokenness

Ugh. We're all broken, but sometimes we don't realize it until we get turned upside down or, on the other hand, we see the cracks at the most inopportune time like when something new and exciting comes our way. My grandmother's coffee mug, slipped out of my hand and bounced off my hardwood kitchen floor … Continue reading Episode 025 – Brokenness