Introducing Early Quakers

Episode 10: The Testimony of Simplicity A special series on Quaker values and testimonies In 2026, Introducing Early Quakers expanded into a new series exploring the values and testimonies that continue to shape Quaker faith and practice today. In this episode, Australian Friend Wayne Baker Smith reflects on the testimony of Simplicity —not merely as owning less or living with fewer possessions, b...

Episode 9 – Four Early Quaker Women Elizabeth Bathurst, Katherine Evans, Sarah Chevers, and Judith Zinspenning In this episode of Introducing Early Quakers, Michael Corbett explores the lives and ministries of four remarkable women from the first generation of Quakers: Elizabeth Bathurst, Katherine Evans, Sarah Chevers, and Judith Zinspenning. These women played significant roles in the early Quak...

Episode 8: Francis Howgill — A Life of Conviction and Witness Francis Howgill was one of the early leaders of the Quaker movement, known for his deep spiritual searching, bold ministry, and unwavering commitment to truth. From his beginnings among the Westmorland Seekers to his role among the “Valiant Sixty,” Howgill helped shape the foundations of the Religious Society of Friends. In this episode...

Joan Vokins (1630–1690) was an early Quaker minister from Berkshire, England. After becoming convinced of the Truth in 1663, she became a passionate preacher and traveller in the ministry. In 1680 she sailed across the Atlantic to visit Friends in New York, Long Island, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and the Caribbean, encouraging meetings and strengthening the Quaker community. Her journeys were dif...

This episode tells the story of James Naylor (1618–1660), an early Quaker minister who worked closely with George Fox, drew many followers, and later faced severe punishment after a public action in Bristol. His life raises questions about leadings, community accountability, repentance, and the inward light. Show Credits Presented by: Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Written and Narrated by: Michael Co...

Episode 5: Mary Fisher (1623–1698) Mary Fisher was one of the earliest and most remarkable Quaker missionaries, known for her courage, endurance, and deep faith. Born in Yorkshire, she became a Convincement Friend after hearing George Fox in 1651 and soon joined the ranks of the Valiant Sixty, travelling widely to preach the Quaker message. Show Credits Presented by: Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Wr...

Episode 4 Summary James Parnell was a young but powerful voice in the early Quaker movement. Episode 4 tells the story of his deep spiritual commitment, fearless preaching, and harsh imprisonment for his faith. Despite his short life, James’s witness and final writings reveal a strong trust in the Inner Light and a willingness to suffer for truth rather than compromise it. Show Credits Presented b...

Episode 3 follows Margaret Fell, who became convinced of the Quaker message after meeting George Fox. Soon her home, Swarthmoor Hall, became a center for the growing movement. Episode 3 looks at her practical leadership, her support for imprisoned Friends, and her strong defense of women’s ministry. Her work helped shape the early organisation and direction of Quakerism. Show Credits Presented by:...

Episode 2 follows the early life of George Fox, from his years as a shepherd and apprentice to his spiritual crisis and breakthrough. Narrator Michael Corbett shares how Fox's inward journey led him to reject religious institutions and discover the living presence of Christ as inward teacher. Show Credits Presented by: Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Written and Narrated by: Michael Corbett Introducti...

Episode 1 sets the social and political context in which the early Quakers emerged. Narrator Michael Corbett shares how 17th-century England was a time of upheaval, persecution, and radical spiritual seeking. From civil war to the Puritan crackdown, early Friends discovered their faith not in institutions, but in the inward experience of divine truth. Show Credits Presented by: Silver Wattle Quake...

Welcome to Introducing Early Quakers, a podcast series presented by Silver Wattle Quaker Centre in New South Wales, Australia. In this short trailer, Ann Zubrick introduces the series and shares how it emerged from a course at Silver Wattle in 2023. Queensland Friend Michael Corbett reflects on his experience compiling the stories of early Quakers — and the unexpected leading that brought them to...