Thee Quaker Podcast

Quakers have a long history of peacefully fighting for racial equality, and there is a lot to explore about their work during the Civil Rights Movement.  In this episode, we share first-hand stories of Friends whose spiritual courage led them into the heart of the movement, even when they were beaten and threatened with death. Quakers were among the most influential advocates of nonviolent direct...

Award-winning singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer has been called a “prairie mystic” for her meditative, poetic lyrics and folk-infused melodies. Carrie is also a thoughtful Quaker, whose faith comes through in her music, her poetry, and her podcast with author Parker Palmer. On this episode, Carrie shares how she came to Quakerism, how she writes from a place of meditation and silence, and, of cour...

Quaker clothing is something of a mystery for non-Quakers. For more than 300 years, Quakers have been known for their “plain dress.” But what does plain dress mean today? On this episode, we talk to Quakers who have felt a spiritual leading to dress simply, but as you’ll hear, that means different things to different people. Comment on this episode, consider our discussion questions, download a tr...

When a midweek worship group for young Quakers sprung up at Portland Friends Meeting in Maine, it ruffled some feathers. Some wondered why they needed to meet separately.  On today’s episode, we hear how this group of millennials found a spiritual home in not one but two weekly meetings for worship. Our episode page has discussion questions, a transcript, a place to comment, and more . Check it ou...

Why are there so few Black Quakers in mostly-white Quaker meetings? What can white Quakers do to support and encourage Friends of Color? And what can we learn from how Black Friends worship?  This season we’re taking inspiration from Civil Rights organizer Bayard Rustin and looking at how Black Quakers are at work in the world, starting with our first episode of Season 2. In this episode, we talk...

This year, we’re exploring the life and work of spiritually courageous Friends like Bayard Rustin. We’re delving into burning questions about Quakerism. We’re going inside Quaker meetings across the U.S. and the world. And we’ll introduce you to new voices! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Leave a comment and find transcripts and discussion questions for every episode at Qua...

We’re looking back at some of your favorite episodes and ours with our year-end countdown. Join us as we remember some of the most thoughtful moments in our first season.  Find links to all of the episodes mentioned, a transcript, and discussion questions at https://quakerpodcast.com/our-top-5-episodes-of-the-year. Become a monthly supporter!  Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message .

Should Quakers still be on social media? In this bonus episode, author and professor Wess Daniels talks about why he left Facebook and Twitter, and how he's encouraging his students to take a step back from the algorithm to explore an age-old Quaker practice: silence. Visit our episode page to learn more about Wess Daniels, share your thoughts, read our transcript, and review our discussion questi...

For the final episode of Season 1, we’re taking a peek behind the curtain of Thee Quaker Project — from inspiration to realization. If you love a good origin story or you’ve got a big idea that you want to turn into a reality, this is the episode for you. Help us shape Season 2 by taking our survey . Visit our episode page to leave a comment, read our discussion questions, and download the transcr...

Quakers tend to think of “vocal ministry” as someone standing and speaking in a Meeting for Worship. But when we approached O about doing an episode with us, she invited us to expand our thinking.  Join us as we walk with O to listen for God in everyday conversations.  Visit our episode page to comment on this episode, read the transcript and ponder our discussion questions. Join our giving team!...

From Reddit to Discord, Twitter to Facebook… we take a tour of the places where Quakers (and the Quaker curious!) are congregating online. Visit our episode page for links to the online communities we discussed, discussion questions, and more. Become a monthly patron of Thee Quaker Project! Become a monthly supporter!  Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message .

On a cold, rainy day in October 1656, early Quaker leader James Nayler rode into the city of Bristol on a horse. He was surrounded by his followers singing “hosanna” and laying garments in his path in a re-enactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.  But by December, Nayler had been convicted of blasphemy, had his forehead branded with a B, and faced other public humiliations before being locked awa...

Ranters, Diggers, Levellers, Muggletonians… These religious and political sects disrupted an already wild era in 17th century England. But who were these radicals and what do they have to do with Quakers?  We’ll take a look in this week’s episode. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Learn more about early Quakers with our episode George Fox and the Birth of Quakerism . After you listen, tell u...

Mark Condo brings an unexpected inspiration to his latest sermon series: rock and roll. The pastor of Reedwood Friends Church has created a mixtape for his Portland, Oregon congregation full of songs that have preached to him. He shares the first track in his vocal ministry mixtape with us this week: a sermon inspired by Matthew 25 and "Does Anybody Out There Even Care" by Lenny Kravitz. Listen to...

Isabella Rosner never imagined that her list of strange Quaker names would be liked, shared, and retweeted millions of times. We asked Isabella where she found these unusual names (i.e. Experience Cuppage), and how deep dive into women’s needlework revealed not only Quirky Quaker monikers but also a colorful and lesser known side of Quakerism. Visit our episode page for more info on Isabella, a tr...

Quaker author Edith Maxwell is a best-selling mystery writer with more than 30 novels in publication. She says it’s her series about a young Quaker midwife solving murders and delivering babies that is closest to her heart. In this episode, Edith shares her journey from earning a PhD in linguistics to a career in fiction and how it connects with her Quaker faith. Tell us what you thought of this e...

Our Executive Director Jon Watts didn’t know much about Quakers in Australia before his recent trip Down Under. On this episode, he shares the stories he discovered of Aussie Friends — from the beginnings of Quakerism on the continent to the present concerns of Australian Quakers. Tell us what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment on the episode page. Want to support Thee Quaker Podcast...

This week, we take you inside of Durham Friends Meeting (the Maine one!) where Craig Freshley asks the provocative question, “What if God was the rest of your body?”  Have a listen and tell us your thoughts on Craig’s message. Visit the episode page to leave a comment, read the transcript, and more! Help Thee Quaker Podcast expand by becoming a monthly supporter! Become a monthly supporter! ...

Friends school graduate Noah Poulos is putting down roots as he and his wife start an organic farm in rural North Carolina. But in the process, he has found his Quaker roots are also sprouting into a spiritual awakening he never expected. On this episode, Noah shares his journey to Wild East Farm. Become a monthly supporter!  Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message .

When worship goes online is something lost? Is something gained?  On this episode, we explore a variety of approaches to using videoconferencing for Quaker worship. And we look to the Amish and find some surprising answers. Become a monthly supporter!  Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message .

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...

Pastor Ashley Wilcox invites us to listen in to a recent service at New Garden Friends Meeting — a “semi-programmed” Quaker meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina — and she shares how her messages connect with the season of loss and change that her meeting has experienced. Comment on this episode, download the transcript with discussion questions, and find more information about Ashley on our episo...

Zachary Moon was raised in a Quaker Meeting full of anti-war protesters. Then he felt God calling him to join the military as a chaplain. In the following months and years he had to wrestle with that leading and the response of his family and community. On this week’s episode, we ask, what happens when your calling seems to be in opposition to the thing that unites your faith community? And can yo...

Sarah and Angelina Grimke were unapologetically anti-slavery and pro-women’s rights. Their convictions were driven by their faith in God, yet it got them booted from Quakerism, made their name a curse among their Southern peers, and even caused controversy among fellow abolitionists.  The Grimke sisters made history, yet their names have largely been forgotten. Today, we introduce you to these unl...

How do Quakers prepare for Meeting for Worship? How do we get ready for an hour of silence in which we may feel called upon to stand and give a message? In this week's episode, we share three essays written by members of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting about their experience of Quaker Meeting for Worship. Learn more about Thee Quaker Podcast, find out how you can support us through Patreon, a...