Thee Quaker Podcast

‘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,...

This week we’re sharing our first international vocal ministry episode by taking you inside a Kenyan service! While visiting Kisumu, Kenya, our colleague, Hannah Mayer got to visit Friends Church Manyatta — a lively evangelical Quaker congregation in the city of Kisumu. Join us as we hear a message of faith, peace, and new life from Reverend Pamela Igesa as well as songs and testimonials from the...

If you’re looking for Quakers, go to Kenya. There are more Quakers in the East African country than anywhere else in the world, and their numbers are growing. Although American missionaries first introduced them to the faith, Kenyan Friends have made Quakerism their own.  On this episode, we explore the history of Friends in Kenya, their commitment to peace, the challenges they face today, and why...

George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence. Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this episode, he shares his deep conviction that pacif...

Do you have a daily spiritual practice? On today’s episode, we’re exploring ways that spiritual discipline has helped Quakers connect with the Spirit today and throughout history.  We made this episode to celebrate the launch of our newest project, the Daily Quaker Message, a daily Quaker devotional designed to nourish your spiritual journey. Visit our episode page for more information on the topi...

April is National Poetry Month in the US, and we’re celebrating with an episode on Quakers and poetry. We know many people love poetry, but it can also feel opaque. So, we called up two Friends who have found a home both in Quakerism and in verse. In our first segment, bestselling author Parker Palmer tells us how he gained a love of poetry and how it helped him during a mental health crisis. He'l...

Feeling lost, lonely, and directionless is part of the human experience, just ask the Biblical prophet Elijah. Faced with death for his convictions, he ran into the wilderness and found a God who met him in his grief and despair. On today’s episode, Quaker pastor Andy Stanton-Henry shares a message of getting lost and being found by the still small voice of the divine. And he helps us lean in to h...

We have an announcement!  Our newest project has launched. The Daily Quaker Message is an invitation to enter into a closer relationship with Spirit. Every day in your inbox, you’ll get an email with a short Quaker message to meditate on. Often that will be a quote but sometimes a song, a poem, a piece of art, or a video. We’ll also share an exercise to try in your own life and a query to consider...

Lifelong Quaker Bayard Rustin was the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and an international peace activist.  His identity as a gay man kept him in the shadows for decades, but he’s become something of an icon in recent years. In this episode, we explore the life and work of this groundbreaking Friend who made an indelible mark on American history....