GOOD ON WOOD

In today’s episode of Good on Wood, we are joined by renowned ethicist, author and professor  David P. Gushee  to explore the not so ordinary - ordinary story of Magda and André Trocmé, whose steadfast commitment to nonviolence and stubborn sense of duty to love the stranger led them to save thousands of lives during the Holocaust. As community leaders in the rural French village of Le Chambon-sur...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood, we are joined by our dear comrade, Shane Claiborne, and delve into the remarkable journey of Sister Margaret McKenna, whose life was a beacon of hope and transformation in the streets of Philadelphia and beyond. Sr. Margaret passed away a few weeks ago on April 22, 2026. She was a Medical Mission Sister Margaret who founded New Jerusalem Now! in 1989, an addicti...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood, we are joined by the one and only Dr. Aubrey Hendricks to explore the profound life and enduring legacy of Trinity UCC’s Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. A towering figure in black theology, pastoral ministry, rooted in faith, justice, and community service … we consider together Wright’s brilliance as an orator and exegete of the scriptures, socia...

In this inspiring interview, Emily Yellin, acclaimed journalist and life long friend, shares her profound journey of documenting Rev James Lawson’s life, his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, and the power of love in the struggle for justice. Rev Lawson, whom Dr Martin Luther King Jr described as "the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world" was in many ways the a...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with Martha & Kate Hennessy about their grandmother, Dorothy Day. Join us in this rich conversation as we delve into Dorothy’s life and witness, her spiritual evolution, the birth of the Catholic Worker Movement and her lasting impact upon the world. This episode explores her unwavering commitment to nonviolence, hospitality, and radical love, inspir...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with  Dr Laurens van Esch , the Assistant Professor of Political Philosophy and Associate Coordinator of Reconciliation Studies at  St Stephen’s University , about the radical life and profound contributions of Adam Curle, a significant figure in peace studies and Quakerism. Together we explore Curle’s influence on analyzing and naming the power dynamics...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with  Kevin Clarke , Senior Editor and Chief Corespondent for  America Magazine  and author of  “Oscar Romero: Love Must Win Out,”  about the profound life and death of Oscar Romero. Together we explore his story, the turbulent political context of his time, the history of El Salvador and the prophetic courage he displayed in the face of oppression and s...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with Frida Berrigan, Clare Grady & Jackie Allen about the profound impact of Elizabeth McAlister's life, teachings and half a century of activism. Together we reflect on personal stories, letters exchanged, and the significance of Liz's activism within the Catholic Worker Movement and the Plowshares Movement. They discuss her early life, the...

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with the TOWER of Black Theology in South Africa, Prof. Itumeleng Mosala and the Director of Urban African Solidarity at Iziko Lamaqabane, Nkosi Gola about the life and legacy of Steven Bantu Biko. The conversation delves deep into the profound impact of Black Consciousness and Black Theology on the struggle for liberation in South Africa, particularly t...

In today's episode of Good on Wood (*part two of two) we continue our conversation with Robert Ellsberg & Nancy Forest about the life and legacy of Jim Forest, lifelong peace activist, contemplative and prolific writer. We also spend some time in dialog with Dr Andrew Klager from the Jim Forest Institute for Religion, Peace & Justice , exploring the significant impact Jim had on his life a...

In today's episode of Good on Wood (*part one of two) we speak to Robert Ellsberg & Nancy Forest about the life and legacy of Jim Forest, lifelong peace activist, contemplative and prolific writer. Our conversation weaves through his early years, his conversion to Catholicism and later to Russian Orthodoxy, his formative relationships with Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, and Dan Berrigan and his parti...

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Dr Jeanne Theoharis about the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, exploring her role as a pivotal figure in the civil rights and black power movement in America. The conversation highlights her early activism, the impact of her faith, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the movement both during and after the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The discuss...

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Rev. Ken Newell, Jonny Clark & Ed Petersen about the life and witness of the late Irish catholic priest and peacemaker Father Gerry Reynolds and his work to heal the wounds of North Ireland. Our conversation explores the complexities of "The Troubles," the historical context of British colonialism in Ireland, the importance of cultivating propheti...

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Reverend René August & Reverend Edwin Arrison about the life and legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Focusing on their personal relationships to the Bishop and his early influences, spirituality, radical action, and the profound impact Tutu had on the fight against Apartheid in South Africa.  Together we reflect on Tutu's teachings about joy, forgi...

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Sami Awad (Co-Director of Nonviolence International & Founder of The Holy Land Trust ) about the life and legacy of his uncle Mubarak Awad (oft referred to as “the Gandhi of Palestine” ). In our conversation, Sami Awad shares personal anecdotes and historical context, highlighting the profound teachings of his grandmother, the impact of the Nakba...

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Dr Bradley Jersak (SSU's Principle & Dean of Theology & Culture) about the profound life and philosophy of Simone Weil . Exploring together her political philosophy and anti-fascist radicalism, her mysticism and theological insights and ultimately revealing in her "praxis of incarnation." Simone Weil's insights into suffering and affliction, solidarit...

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Dr Reggie Williams about the life and theological legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, exploring together his early years, the impact of the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Church tradition upon his spiritual and political journey, and the relevance of his witness in today's world of rising fascisms. Through the brilliance of Dr Williams, we examine Bonhoe...

In this teaser episode, hosts Steve Schallert (Cape Town based community organiser and kingian nonviolence specialist)  and Jarrod McKenna (award winning peace activist and pastor) explore the themes of faithful radicalism, the legacy of influential figures like Daniel Berrigan and Dorothy Day, and the need to root strong social engagement in a deep spirituality. They discuss the call for saints i...