Thee Quaker Podcast

A few months ago, twenty police officers smashed down the door of Westminster Quaker meetinghouse and arrested a handful of young activists as they sat eating hummus and breadsticks. This dramatic raid triggered a profound response from a faith community that hasn't been the target of a similar action since the 17th century.   When the very act of dissent is being criminalized, how do we stand up...

Professor and activist Chloe Schwenke shares her journey as a transgender woman finding acceptance within her Quaker community while navigating increasing political attacks on trans rights. She explores the concept of "Quaker anger" as a spiritual response to injustice and calls for authentic action beyond just feeling stricken by current events. This conversation examines how faith communities ca...

As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, s...

Are we living through apocalyptic times? If so, how can we navigate this time of turmoil and come out on the other end with a society more whole, more just, and more guided by love? Quakers may have (part of) the answer. Quaker author and retired pastor, Doug Gwyn joins Jon Watts to explore how the "apocalyptic spirituality" of early Friends offers profound wisdom for navigating our own era of uph...

As our democracy faces an existential threat it’s important that we look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker peace activist George Lakey. Lakey has been singing freedom songs in the streets since the civil rights movement, and on this week’s podcast episode we talk with George about the nonviolent database he helped to assemble which shows 39 recent...

Using both the pulpit and the page, Quaker pastor Philip Gulley has been a bold voice that challenges the church’s stance on heaven and hell, LGBTQ issues, and more. As he’s seen greater censorship in the publishing world, Phil has moved to an online newsletter where he questions the rise of Donald Trump and calls Christians to be more active in the pursuit of truth and justice. In this interview,...

Spanning more than 150 years, Black Fire brings together the words of Friends who spoke truth to power in some of America’s most tumultuous times. Featuring the writing and speeches of Bayard Rustin, Bill Sutherland, Sojourner Truth and many more, this book is a unique exploration into the spirituality and activism of Black Friends, told in their own words. In partnership with Friends General Conf...

There were so many memorable moments in Season 2 of the podcast that we had to revisit a few for our final episode of 2024. We’ve chosen clips from interviews with famous Friends and moments of deep spiritual insight. Join us as we reflect on a meaningful year with Thee Quaker Podcast. Listen to our top five episodes: How to Vote Like a Quaker Quaker Musician Carrie Newcomer Finds Songs Out of the...

‘Tis the season to answer one of the Internet’s most burning questions…Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? We called up Friends from around the globe to find the answer(s), and you might be surprised at what they say.  Visit our episode page to comment on this episode, for discussion questions, and for a transcript. Thank you to our sponsor Right Sharing of World Resources Do you want to have conversa...

“It's my responsibility and obligation as a Quaker to keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive,” says James Varner. And that’s what he’s done for more than 60 years. In this episode, James shares his passion to promote equality and love in Quaker circles and beyond. Discussion questions, a transcript, and a link to the full interview with James can be found on our episode page . Become a monthly...

Why would a virtually unknown Quaker entrepreneur attempt the impossible and run for president of the United States (in 2024)? And how in the world did he win a primary? On today’s episode, we to talk to former presidential candidate Jason Palmer and find out. Visit QuakerPodcast.com for transcripts, links, and more! Become a monthly supporter!  Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message .

On the eve of a major U.S. presidential election, we’re exploring what it means to be a politically engaged Friend. We’ll hear from Diane Randall and Emily Provance, who will offer hope and guidance on how to engage faithfully. They’ll address voting, political violence, and engaging with people who have different opinions. And if a Quaker government sounds good right about now, then you definitel...

FCNL, QVS, FWCC, AFSC…there are so many Quaker nonprofits and their acronyms can leave your head swimming, so today we’re going to explore where they all came from. How have they served Quaker communities? We’ll explore the work of these groups — from serving chocolate soup to German children during World War I to a brand new organization that is supporting Quaker ministers.  And then we'll check...

Indianapolis First Friends is a semi-programmed meeting that has seen an influx in membership since returning to in-person services after the pandemic. That has meant lots of people who are new to Quakerism. It also means lots of people who are unacquainted with the many Friends who have dedicated their lives to “Speaking Truth to Power.” On this episode, Pastor Bob Henry shares a message that exp...

Today, we’re going on a walk to see a tree that has been a witness to the Underground Railroad. It’s a tree that sheds light on Quakers and slavery. A tree that’s been around as long as the United States. So, put on your sneakers and take a walk with our producer Georgia and historian James Shields as we uncover the rich history of brave Africans seeking freedom and the Quakers who helped them thr...

Friends schools are known for their holistic approach to education, and Friends Center for Children in New Haven, Connecticut, is no different. But this early childhood program has gone a few steps further. They have piloted life-changing initiatives that ensure their school community is representative of the community in which they live — from rent-free homes for teachers to tuition on a sliding...

Popular Quaker author Brent Bill has written about prayer, how to live an abundant life, and sacred silence. Considering himself a “fellow traveler” rather than an expert, Brent invites his readers to join him as he explores topics of faith through a Quaker lens. On this episode, Georgia sits down with Brent to discuss the Christian life, his self-proclaimed status as a “bad Quaker,” and lots more...

As a PhD student in 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made an astronomical discovery, only to have the Nobel Prize in Physics for that discovery go to her male colleagues instead. But instead of becoming jaded by the misogyny she’s experienced, Jocelyn has become a beacon for women in the sciences. On today’s episode, we talk to Jocelyn about her Quaker roots, her move from evangelical to liberal Quakeri...

It is easy to be hard on ourselves and hard on other people, but what if we practiced gentleness? And what if we believed that God’s posture toward us is gentle? That’s the message that Quaker pastor Hannah Lutz brings us on today’s episode, and it’s one that she learned when she realized there was “chainmail” around her heart. Join us as we hear some wise words from Hannah. Find more information,...

Thousands of Quakers left the American South in the 1800s because of their anti-slavery beliefs. And many of those Friends settled in Ohio.  On today’s episode, local historian Christine Snyder takes us on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio and shares some of the remarkable stories of these Quakers — tales of daring rescues, an outspoken minister who prophesied war, and so much more.  Pu...

As a professor at Earlham College, Michael Birkel was known for his dynamic and thoughtful teaching style. As an author, he is known for capturing Quaker theology and practice in an accessible way.  Today, we’ve got this thoughtful Quaker scholar on the show to share his thoughts on mysticism, spiritual reading, and giving the next generation of Quakers room to express their faith. Visit the episo...

Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs. Visit our episode page for links, discussion question...

We don’t hear much about Quakers in China, but from the very early days of the faith, Friends felt called to go to the Far East.  On today’s episode, we explore the history of Quaker missionaries in China — both evangelical and liberal — as they lived and worked amid wars, internal conflict, and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party. And we ask, how can Friends renew their concern for this regio...

On today’s vocal ministry episode, Quaker pastor Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii in which he was confronted with the uncomfortable marriage of Christianity and colonialism. Mark is the pastor of West Hills Friends, a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, and he speaks to the need to attend to Spirit in the natural world. Transcripts, discussion questions and mo...

Monopoly is a game of wealth and property…or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the twisty history of the world’s most popular board game, from its anti-capitalist origins to the Quakers who transformed the game into what it is today. This is a story of innovative women, big business, deceit, and the unknown legacy of Friends. We've got photos, additional Monopoly info, a transcript,...