Let's Talk: Faith & Justice

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Lani Peterson, Psy. D., a psychologist, executive coach, and workshop designer/facilitator who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, and organizations in the areas of leadership, emotional intelligence, personal and team development. This conversation dives deep into the transformative practice of applied storytelling, exploring how t...

In this episode, we sit down with author, Dorothy Littell Greco to discuss her deeply researched new book (boasting nearly 40 pages of footnotes!) that systematically deconstructs misogyny across healthcare, the workplace, government, entertainment, and relationships. "For the Love of Women: Uprooting and Healing Misogyny in America" tackles the heavy reality that the Church should be the safest p...

Tune into this podcast episode as we learn more about the 23-year legacy of Agencia ALPHA , a Boston-based, immigrant-led organization dedicated to providing essential services and fostering community leadership. This conversation delves into the systemic barriers of racism and xenophobia, examining how the organization works to shift the national narrative on immigration. Join us as we discuss ac...

In this episode, host Elizabeth Grady-Harper sits down with board member and friend Chantelle Arentsen for a candid conversation on resisting cultural manipulation—from the industry-driven standards of beauty to the historical ties between faith and "hustle culture." Chantelle shares about her personal journey navigating racial justice, sharing how being rooted in a supportive, like-minded communi...

Tune into this episode where Elizabeth sits down with author Kelley Nikondeha to explore the transformative principles of her book, Jubilee Economics . Drawing from her years of grassroots work in Burundi alongside her husband Claude, Kelley shares powerful stories of resilience—from establishing a bank for the working poor to navigating the devastating aftermath of a local marketplace fire. The c...

In this podcast episode, Rev. June Cooper and Elizabeth Grady-Harper discuss the transformative power of racial justice pilgrimages to Montgomery, Alabama, framed through June's extensive work in the field. They explore the necessity of these journeys as a means of "looking history in the eye" by traveling into fresh and foreign spaces. By being "on the move," participants are challenged to confro...

Join Elizabeth Grady-Harper as she sits down with Rachel Darnall (M.A. Theological Studies) and Hayley Rose (M.A. NCC LPC) to deconstruct gender hierarchy. This episode dives into their 8-part curriculum, " It’s a Man’s World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect " which functions as a women's studies course from a unique Christian perspective. From the historical trauma of early modern witch trials to modern-...

Tune in to this special podcast episode with our friend Char Mansfield, a Seattle local who believes ordinary people can do extraordinary things through Christ. Driven by the unwavering belief in the radical nature of the gospel, Char has gained seminary and social work credentials to shape a ministry that honors the holistic nature of human need. They are currently working to start an urban monas...

In this opening episode of 2026, Elizabeth and Ivy reflect on a challenging 2025 characterized by "overwhelmed" spirits and a "cloudy" outlook. Moving into the new year, they introduce the theme of Prophetic Imagination and explore how to "unform" the malformations of empire and capitalism through faith. The conversation centers on a series of intentional "R" words— Rootedness, Refreshing, Relinqu...

Ivy and Elizabeth pull back the curtain on how they process the current state of the world. More importantly, they discuss how to turn that energy into action. Learn about our biggest event in years, "Reflecting and Reimagining," on November 15th, a night of fellowship and a fundraiser designed to deepen our understanding of housing justice through the power of storytelling and story-listening. Li...

In this episode we welcome our guest John Lane for a conversation on homelessness and housing. John shared his personal journey from homelessness to stable housing and recovery, highlighting the challenges of navigating the system and the importance of finding purpose and support. Additionally, John recognizes that everyone’s path into and out of homelessness is unique and describes the challenges...

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. June Cooper and Elizabeth for a powerful conversation about finding community and living a courageous and intentional life, even in challenging times. They explore how to build meaningful connections through consistent presence and service, drawing on June’s work in Roxbury and at Mass and Cass. Additionally discussing the challenge of staying informed withou...

We are back with Season 4 of the Let's Talk: Faith & Justice Podcast! In this episode Elizabeth and Sarah Blumenshine, the director of Intercultural Ministries at Emanuel Gospel Center, discussed faith and justice, with Sarah sharing her background in teaching and work with immigrant communities. They explored how religious communities are responding to current political and social challenges,...

In this special podcast episode we get an introduction to our amazing summer intern, Sarah Adegbite, a a master of theological studies candidate at Harvard Divinity School. In this conversation Sarah and Elizabeth delve into the intricate relationship between Decolonial Christianity and slavery, with Sarah sharing her academic insights on how Christian theology both justified and, surprisingly, of...

In this episode of "Let's Talk Faith and Justice," hosts Elizabeth and Ivy delve into the challenging task of navigating current world events through the lens of faith, emphasizing the grace of taking each moment as it comes. Ivy shares how the comforting words of Proverbs 3:5-6, especially in "The Message" translation, have offered solace and grounding by lovingly guiding her to trust in God and...

From an English degree at Holy Cross to foreign exchange trading and even culinary arts in Paris, Carrie Coughlin's varied career ultimately led her to her true calling: nonprofit work. Now the Executive Director of  Friends of Boston's Homeless , Carrie discusses the organization's mission, and wide array of programming and services, Carrie also discusses how listeners can engage with their commu...

Tune in to this special podcast episode with Brandy Brooks, a new friend of Ivy's through our "When We Walk By" book group, but a longtime friend of BFJN! In this discussion Brandy and Ivy discuss their faith journeys, what brought them to BFJN, the importance of aligning one's actions with God's teachings, and the need for Christians today to live out their faith authentically. They explored the...

Tune in to this podcast episode with special guest Jennifer Frye, Executive Director of WARM (Welcoming Refugee Alliance Ministry). shared her life story, highlighting her early experiences with God and how they shaped her sensitivity to the marginalized and underprivileged. She discussed her decision to become a nurse, her desire to use her skills to help those with limited access to medical care...

Join Elizabeth and Ivy for a time of reflection after finishing BFJN's book club reading of "When We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America". This book, written by Kevin F. Adler and Donald W. Burnes recasts chronic homelessness as a byproduct of twin crises: the failure of both our social services systems and our humanity. The...

In this episode, we talk with Cristina Rathbone. Cristina, author and congregational coordinator at the Mass Council of Churches, recounts her transformative time at the US-Mexico border. Her book, “The Asylum Seekers: A Chronicle of Life, Death, and Community at the Border”, born from these experiences, invites us to reconsider what our faith has to say about injustice and see the humanity in tho...

Tune into this episode for a casual conversation between the Let's Talk Faith & Justice Podcast hosts, Elizabeth and Ivy, to hear about some exciting new updates and a high level overview of what God has in store for 2025!

We are kicking off Season 3 of the Let’s Talk Faith & Justice Podcast with special guest Aimee Mitchell, the CEO of Places to Thrive, an organization focused on collaboration and leadership development with a particular emphasis on people experiencing displacement. Our conversation focused on her journey to her current role, her passion for helping people and how she has learned from and with...

Fran Graveson is the Migrant Project Coordinator for the Worcester Area Mission Society (WAMS), an organization that helps churches engage with immigrant neighbors through direct helping opportunities (food collections, diaper donations, etc.), advocacy and education. WAMS works with existing organizations - connecting congregants with their work, so that they can participate in the ways they are...

Tune in to this episode with our guest, Christa Lee-Chuvala! Christa reflects upon her faith and vocational journey, and the theme that she recognizes - being troubled by economic injustice in the United States and across the globe. Sharing also how she views intentionality and connectedness as integral components to how she generously gives and engages with justice issues. Additionally, Christa s...

Policies are a symptom of the deeper illness within the US. We need to learn from our history - at every pivot point we could have made better choices as a nation, but we didn’t. This means we could choose rightly now. The future can be different! Tune into this podcast episode with guest, Joel Edward Goza, author of Rebirth of a Nation: Reparations and Remaking America!