Candler Coffee & Conversation

In this episode of Candler Coffee and Conversation, we sit down with two Candler alumni whose vocational journeys demonstrate the many ways theological education can shape a life of service. Brandon Stewart (MDiv ’10) shares how his Candler formation prepared him for ministry across cultures and contexts—from serving as an **Air Force Chaplain** around the world to his current role as a **Coast Gu...

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation , hosted by Candler Career Services , we sit down with Rev. Lucas Tribble (MDiv ’19) , Associate Minister at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, to talk about vocation, theological formation, and what it means to live faithfully into ministry within a local church context. Rev. Tribble reflects on his journey from industrial and systems...

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation , hosted by Candler Career Services , we welcome Rev. Dr. Eunil David Cho and The Rev. Marisa Sifontes, JD for a rich and deeply reflective conversation about calling, second‑career discernment, and theological education as formation. Rev. Sifontes, an Episcopal priest and Associate Rector at St. James Church in Manhattan, reflects on her mid‑career trans...

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation , hosted by Candler Career Services , we’re joined by Rev. Ted Goshorn (MDiv ’15, DMin ’21) for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about vocation, loss, faithfulness, and discovering purpose beyond traditional ministry. Rev. Goshorn shares his unexpected journey from serving congregations in the United Methodist Church to becoming a financial advis...

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation , hosted by Candler Career Services , we’re joined by Dr. Lindsey Hardegree (DMin ’24) and The Rev. Jenelle Holmes (MDiv ’15) for an honest, practical, and deeply encouraging conversation about discernment, pivots, community building, lay leadership, and the many ways theological education shapes who we become. Dr. Hardegree , Executive Director of the Ep...

In this episode of Candler Coffee and Conversation, hosted by Candler Career Services, we’re joined by Christopher McKee (MTS ’97, JD ’97)—a practicing attorney, public‑interest advocate, and longtime law professor—for a rich conversation at the intersection of theology, law, justice, and hope. Christopher reflects on his journey through Candler and Emory Law as a dual‑degree student and how his t...

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation , hosted by Candler Career Services , we’re joined by Rev. Kanisha Billingsley (MDiv ’09, ThM ’13) and Rev. Robert Schoonover (MDiv ’21) for a rich conversation about vocation, uncertainty, and the long‑term formation that begins in seminary. Rev. Billingsley, Director of Spiritual Health and Education at hookup at Tampa General Hospital, reflects on lead...

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation , hosted by Candler Career Services , we’re joined by Rev. Alisha Gordon (MDiv ’15) —an alumna whose vocational journey spans ministry, nonprofit leadership, politics, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship. Alisha reflects on her non‑traditional path after seminary, including her time as Executive Director of The Current Project , a nonprofit focused...

Welcome to the kickoff episode of Coffee and Conversation , a podcast hosted by Candler Career Services featuring honest, reflective conversations with Candler alumni about faith, vocation, and life after seminary. In this inaugural episode, we’re joined by Julian Davis Reid (MDiv 19T) —a Black artist‑theologian, musician, writer, and founder of Notes of Rest , a contemplative musical ministry inv...