"To Be And Do" with Philip Amerson

Because On this reflective episode of "To Be snd Do," host Philip Amerson invites us back to “coffee time” for a warm but honest conversation about hospitality, belonging, and the symbolic (and literal) locked doors of today’s churches and faith communities. With humor, storytelling, and gentle wisdom, Phil challenges us to reimagine what it means to be welcoming—both as individuals and as congreg...

Guest: Dr. Steven Curtis (he/him) Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of To Be snd Do , Dr. Steven Curtis unpacks the science behind stress, trauma, and addiction, drawing on both clinical experience and neuroscience. Through compelling stories and clear explanations, Dr. Curtis offers a compassionate look at why addiction often stems from our attempts to manage chronic anxiety—and how bra...

In this thoughtful and gently humorous episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson reflects on the symbolic and literal meaning of doors — those that open, those that close, and what they say about our communities. Inspired by a personal mishap at a Los Angeles synagogue, Phil considers how physical barriers can reflect deeper societal attitudes about belonging, welcome, and hospitality. Phil b...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast Host: Phillip Amerson Guest: Dr. Steven Curtis Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the To Be and Do podcast with Philip Amerson! In this conversation, Phil welcomes Dr. Steven Curtis, a neuroscience-trained clinical psychologist and author with over three decades of experience in performance psychology. The discussion centers on Dr. Curtis’s forthcoming...

Host: Philip Amerson Theme: Experiencing Angelus Moments in Everyday Life In this heartfelt mini-episode, Philip Amerson explores the idea of “Angelus moments”—those rare, holy instances when the world seems to pause and invite us into a state of reflection and prayer. Drawing from personal memories and reflections, Phil encourages listeners to consider where they might encounter such sacred pause...

Show Notes: To Be and Do – Guests: Amy Rich, John Rich Host: Philip Amerson Location: Patchwork Central, Evansville, Indiana In this episode, host Philip Amerson welcomes back Amy and John Rich, co-directors of Patchwork Central, for the second conversation about their work and vision for building community in Evansville, Indiana. The discussion takes a heartfelt look at the challenges and hopes s...

Why We Read Scripture: Exploring Meaning, Not Just Rules In this insightful and reflective episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson invites us into a “because moment,” where he explores the question: Why do we live as people of faith? This week’s focus is on how we approach and interpret scriptures—a subject close to Philip’s heart and crucial for anyone on a spiritual journey. Philip opens t...

Guests: Amy Rich (she/her), John Rich (he/him), co-directors of Patchwork Central Host: Philip Amerson In this inspiring episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson sits down with Amy and John Rich, the dedicated co-directors at Patchwork Central—a vibrant outreach hub in Evansville, Indiana. Together, they share stories, insights, and the ethos behind Patchwork’s unique approach to nurturing a...

Host: Philip Amerson Episode Summary: In this brief yet profound "Because" episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson offers listeners one of his signature “because moments,” centering this reflection on the wisdom of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Amerson delves into Heschel’s teachings about the journey toward healthy righteousness and what it means to live more faithfully. Drawing from Hesche...

In this thought-provoking episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson dives deep into the concept of community—particularly interdependence over individualism—and explores how our institutions and everyday practices can better promote collective well-being. Drawing from personal reflections, stories from the healthcare field, and insights from theologians and sociologists, Phil challe...

In this reflective episode of "To Be snd Do," Philip Amerson invites listeners to pause amid the rush and explore the meanings of grace, presence, and spiritual reassurance. Drawing inspiration from the opening lines of the Gospel of John—"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us"—Phillip offers insights into finding the sacred in our everyday lives, even (and perhaps especially) when we feel most...

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the Episcopal leader for Indiana in the United Methodist Church. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Methodism, the deep-rooted challenges and blessings within Indiana's faith communities, and the personal convictions and legacies that sustain ministry in...

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of "Because" on the "To Be snd Do," Podcast hosted by Phil Amerson. In this brief but profound edition, Phil explores the power of friendship, the depth lurking within familiar scriptures, and the simple—yet revolutionary—idea of gathering together for meaningful conversation, all set to the evocative background of Ken Medema’s song “Coffee Time Again.” Episode...

Show Notes – To Be and Do Podcast Episode: Global United Methodism: Bishop Malone’s Insights on Vibrancy Across Continents Guest: Bishop Tracy Smith Malone | Host: Philip Amerson In this warm and inspiring episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson sits down with Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the area bishop for Indiana and the President of the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops. Friend...

In this thought-provoking episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson invites listeners to pause and reflect on the deeper layers of their identity through a simple, daily ritual. Opening with the melodic rhyme, “Clock strikes ten. Coffee time again,” Phil sets the mood for a moment of contemplation amid the rush of daily responsibilities and the noise of a world that often seems driven toward “...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast Guest: Seana Murphy | Host: Philip Amerson In this special encore episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson welcomes back Seana Murphy, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Indianapolis. Seana's return is cause for celebration, and her wisdom is as timely as ever. Drawing on her lived experience growing up in...

Show Notes: To Be and Do – Because.short.2 Welcome back to “To Be and Do” and our special mini-series, the “Because” podcast! In this concise and heartfelt second installment, host Philip Amerson turns his focus to a universal need—encouragement. Drawing inspiration from both ancient scripture and a captivating modern parable, Phil unpacks why, how, and where we find the courage to push forward, e...

On this episode of the To Be and Do podcast from The Belonging Exchange, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller, co-host Philip Amerson, and their remarkable guest, Dr. Charlie Nelms, deliver a heartfelt conversation on actionable steps for making the world a better place. Drawing on Dr. Nelms’ rich experience—from his upbringing in the cotton fields of Arkansas to his decades of leadership in higher education and...

Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast Host: Philip Amerson (he/him) Episode Theme: Preventing “Truth Decay” in Our Everyday Lives In this thoughtful and concise episode of To Be and Do , host Philip Amerson reflects on the importance of truthfulness in everyday life, drawing on personal anecdotes, biblical references, and a bit of humor. Responding to listener requests for shorter “thought for the day”...

Welcome to To Be and Do from the Belonging Exchange, hosted by Philip Amerson and distinguished guest Dr. Charlie Nelms joining for a heartfelt and timely conversation. This episode spotlights the podcast’s central mission: “to foster a sense of belonging, strengthening relationships through storytelling and shared exchanged experiences.” The episode begins with the Heartfelt segment, where Philip...

In this heartfelt episode of the To Be snd Do podcast from the Belonging Exchange, hosts Philip Amerson welcome special guests Jonathan Massimi to dig deeply into themes of belonging, hospitality, and the surprising places where genuine community begins. The episode opens with Ken Medema’s evocative lyrics about the world rushing toward “judgment day,” providing a poignant backdrop for the episode...

In this thoughtful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson is joined by Jonathan Massimi and to explore the profound themes of belonging, hospitality, and the transformative power of community. Rooted in the mission of the Belonging Exchange, the conversation invites listeners to reflect on the richness found in genuine relationships and the everyday practice of being both hosts a...

Welcome to another enriching episode of “To Be snd Do,” hosted by Dr. Philip Amerson where the stories and exchanges that nurture real belonging come alive. In our episode ” we dive deep into the world of community building, spirituality, and the intersection where personal faith translates into meaningful action. This week’s special guest, Jonathan Massimi, joins us from Kitchener, Ontario—a vibr...

In this thoughtful episode, Phil Amerson explores the concept of the “Gospel Conspiracy,” inviting listeners into a deeper understanding of what it means to live with wholeness in turbulent times. Drawing from historical examples and personal reflections, Phil discusses how authentic faith calls for behavior rooted in justice, repentance, and community—not hollow nationalism or performative piety....

Show Notes: To Be and Do — Facing Racism Together In this powerful and timely episode of To Be and Do , host Phil Amerson delves into the deeply rooted challenges of racism in America, particularly in light of recent events and ongoing debates around DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Drawing from his personal journey, decades of academic research, and lived experience, Phil unpacks what it w...