All Shall Be Well: Conversations with Women in the Academy and Beyond

“Show up as your authentic self. Please don't mold yourself into what you think you ought to be or how you think you ought to be received. Just be who God has called you to be, because when you do that, you give other women permission to be themselves, and I want my daughters to have that.”  — Nicole Massie Martin Executive leader and author Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins us on the podcast to discuss principles of sacrificial leadership and how Christians can follow Jesus in their own roles.  How do leadership principles look different for those who wish to integrate their Christian faith into their roles? Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender. Nicole describes the contrast between common leadership practices and the kind of sacrificial leadership that Jesus modeled for us. We discuss unique challenges for women leaders within this framework, and Nicole talks the ways our current cultural moment is exemplifying these leadership dynamics.  In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Nailing It for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Nicole shares her recommendations for overcoming imposter syndrome. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The pastor's wife, in many ways, embodies the history of the Protestant church….Refocusing on her and putting her at the center helps us to understand the bigger picture of the role women play in church history and how women are overshadowed by these patriarchal structures.”  — Beth Allison Barr Historian and professor Beth Allison Barr joins us on the podcast to discuss women's leadership in the historical church and the cultural cost of forgetting our roots. What happens when historical evidence for women's leadership in church is buried and even forgotten? Historian and professor Beth Allison Barr joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry. Beth traces the way centuries of women's leadership were swept aside as female ordination declined and the role of the pastor's wife was elevated in the white evangelical church. We talk about Beth's scholarship, including some of her practices regarding teaching and collaborative research, and we hear Beth's reflections on our current cultural moment and how we can thrive as women academics. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Beth shares her thoughts on the benefits of working with a supportive writing group. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“One of the practices I use a lot in clinical supervision with burned out and stressed therapist or academics is asking people to remember why we got into this work in the first place, remembering back about the original hope and intention for my life with this work. What was God's call on my life?”  — Terri S. Watson Psychologist and professor Terri S. Watson joins us on the podcast to discuss therapy, human flourishing, and the practicalities of healing your mental health.   When someone decides that they are ready to go to therapy, how do you even begin the process? Psychologist and professor Terri S. Watson joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Client's Guide to Therapy: How to Get the Most out of Your Counseling Experience. Terri talks about the sacredness of therapy as a tool to promote human flourishing, and we hear her practical suggestions for getting started yourself or helping a loved one. We talk about the unique psychological stresses on academics today, and Terri shares a few strategies to ground yourself when you're feeling overwhelmed.  In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on The Client's Guide to Therapy for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Terri offers some suggestions for getting the most out of a therapy session. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. Interested in a written version of this interview? We're experimenting with an auto-generated transcript service, unpolished and far from error-free, but we hope it's useful! Click here for the imperfect transcript.   If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I managed to divide myself in half. We can let our lives run on parallel tracks, and that is one way people deal with things. But it's not healthy because the trains will collide.”  — Ruth Bancewicz Science and faith professional Ruth Bancewicz joins us on the podcast to discuss the integration of faith and science and the way churches can help. How does a scientist find space to express their faith within their research and teaching? Ruth Bancewicz joins us on the podcast in an interview with guest host and Women Scholars and Professionals Director Karen Guzman. Ruth and Karen sit down together to discuss Ruth's work as a science and faith professional, serving as a thoughtful catalyst for integration at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge University in England. Ruth describes her journey into this unique position and offers encouragement to women who are working toward more fully integrating their faith with their work life — and encountering struggles along the way. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear a short passage from one of Ruth's books entitled Wonders of the Living World.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I like to think of bread-baking more in terms of liturgy than in terms of recipe.” — Kendall Vanderslice Author, baker, and theologian Kendall Vanderslice joins us on the podcast to discuss the way baking bread offers a gateway to prayer, theology, and community. Have you ever tried the spiritual practice of liturgical bread baking? Author, baker, and theologian Kendall Vanderslice joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Bake & Pray: Liturgies & Recipes for Baking Bread as a Spiritual Practice. Whether you've never baked before or you've baked dozens of loaves in your lifetime, Kendall offers a framework for baking a simple loaf and a series of thoughtful prayers to go along with the creative process. Kendall shares her thoughts about the way Scripture informs our baking in a unique way, and she talks about the way she views bread-baking as a political act. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Kendall offers some thoughts on baking for church communion plus how people who are gluten sensitive respond to this kind of bread. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“If we were all created in the image of God, all of us who look so different...there is so much more to learn about God. So, I get one step closer to knowing God from exposing myself to different people...” — Khristi Lauren Adams Author and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams joins us on the podcast to discuss the theological insights we can learn from experiences of Black girlhood and how these truths can shape us all. Many of us are familiar with theological concepts that have been passed down through years of tradition in seminaries. But what can we learn about theology from the everyday experience of Black girls? Author, minister, and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood. Khristi and I talk about young people today and their unique perspectives on suffering, community, and spiritual practices. Khristi shares her experiences of learning from students with an attitude of humility and respect, and we consider the way kids today are growing up in a different set of cultural circumstances that previous generations. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Khristi offers her thoughts about the ways Gen Z will bring gifts into the world as they enter adulthood.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.   So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“What does success mean to you? What does that look like? What is yours to do? What isn't yours to do?” — Tracey Gee Author and consultant Tracey Gee joins us on the podcast to discuss the value of knowing our own desires and the barriers that get in the way of this knowledge. How do you respond when a friend asks, “What do you want?” Whether it is a simple question of choosing a restaurant for dinner or a deeper inquiry into your professional calling, few of us possess the level of clarity we'd hope to have. But can that kind of clarity be uncovered and cultivated? Author and leadership coach Tracey Gee joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Magic of Knowing What You Want: A Practical Guide to Unearthing the Wisdom of Your Desires. Tracey and I discuss the gifts that come from knowing our desires and the barriers that get in the way, especially for women. Tracey introduces us to some of the questions and processes she has crafted to help in uncovering desire, and we talk about the way spiritual formation plays into it all. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tracey shares a little anecdote about how her teenage sons engaged with her book-writing process. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Find your Elizabeth. Find the person who sees the gifts in you and names them. That's really significant.”  — Jerusha Matsen Neal Author and professor Jerusha Matsen Neal joins us on the podcast to discuss the importance of place as we consider the spiritual implications of climate change around the world. In our world today, the effects of climate change have become more and more inescapable. But how can our own sense of place enlarge our understanding of the intricate links between us and those across the earth? Author and professor Jerusha Matsen Neal joins us on the podcast to explore a theology of place and the ways we can look at the presence of climate catastrophe with clear eyes and a faithful response. In her book Holy Ground: Climate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place, Jerusha helps us learn from the sermons of displaced Indigenous communities in the South Pacific, exploring the effects of colonialism and inviting us into a space of learning and reflection. Jerusha and I also discuss her convictions on the power of preaching and the ways we can move forward to better the world today. In addition, Jerusha wanted listeners of this podcast who are interested in purchasing her book to know that you can get a 20% discount if you buy the book from Baylor University Press and use the promo code: 17PROMO. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jerusha shares her best advice for someone who is considering working or studying overseas. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Do what you do with love. Whether you're gonna teach physics coming out of Cambridge and Harvard or whether you're gonna go teach first-year English at your local community college — do it your best and do what you do with love..”  — Julie Lane-Gay Author and horticulturist Julie Lane-Gay joins us on the podcast to discuss the ways the Book of Common Prayer has transformed her spiritual life. As we look into a new calendar year, we're exploring the hopes and dreams we have for 2025. Many of us might be hoping to continue or refresh our practices of prayer and worship, so we're delighted to offer a conversation that can help with that aim. Author and horticulturist Julie Lane-Gay joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer. Julie shares her journey of companionship with the Book of Common Prayer and describes ways that its prayers have infused her life with meaning. We talk about a few practical ways we can get started in utilizing this historic book in our prayer lives, and we also talk about Julie's personal passion for plants and gardens. In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on The Riches of Your Grace and on the 1662 version of the Book of Common Prayer. This discount is available on both of these books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Julie describes a very unique class called “The Boat Class” that she and her husband teach at Regent.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Do what you and your family need. Let go of the cultural and even the church expectations. Just take time to behold — to behold the wondrous mystery of Christ among us and Christ in us and Christ born for us.”  — Leslie Leyland Fields Author and writing teacher Leslie Leyland Fields joins us on the podcast to discuss the beautiful messiness of Advent and the joys of writing one's own story. As we look toward the start of Advent on December 1, some of us might be frantically crafting our to-do lists and dreading a busy month of deadlines. But what if it could be different? Author and writing teacher Leslie Leyland Fields joins us on the podcast to discuss the Advent book she recently edited entitled A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season. Leslie talks with us about her own complicated history with Advent and Christmas, then offers actionable suggestions for making choices that can shape a more manageable holiday season. We discuss her work as a writing teacher, and Leslie makes a convincing case for the importance of writing one's story. In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on A Radiant Birth for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Leslie shares her experience of juggling a teaching career while raising four small children.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. Programming Note: We'll be taking Leslie's advice to rest and reconnect in December — which means our airwaves will also be on winter break here at The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast. We encourage you to catch up on back episodes, get some rest yourself, and watch for our next season to begin in January 2025! — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"We need to be cautious about hyperbole, about dramatizing things before they are reality. One of the major issues we are facing in politics for a decade or more now is the erosion of truth, the erosion of fact based information and that comes in lots of different forms and lots of different directions, but the misrepresentation of one another and the ways that fear is evoked in people is extremely powerful and can be dangerous." — Miranda Zapor Cruz Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and professor Miranda Zapor Cruz where they talk about our primary citizenship in the Kingdom of God and how that relates to the important task of political engagement. In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Miranda Zapor Cruz about her book Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club! Miranda Zapor Cruz helps us to envision what faithful citizenship looks like, from the lens of being citizens of God's kingdom. She talks about the reality of Christians who share a common faith thinking very differently about politics. She discusses the kind of spiritual disposition we need to exhibit in the wake of the elections and offers us practical advice on how we can have constructive conversations in our churches with Christians who think differently from us. She reminds us of the mission of the Church and our witness in how we engage with politics. Miranda Zapor Cruz is professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University and Chair of the School of Theology and Ministry. She teaches courses in systematic theology, church history, and American and global Christianity. Her research, writing, and speaking focus on faith and politics, religious nationalism, and theological foundations for justice. She directs The Sacred Alliance, a subsidiary of Wesley Seminary which helps denominations, churches, and pastors move from simply affirming women in ministry leadership to implementing their support practically. She is also a preacher with a deep love for the church and sees her teaching and writing as a ministry in service of the Kingdom of God. Miranda holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University, and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She lives in Indiana with her husband and daughter. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I love the relational dimension of teaching, where you get to meet someone at the point of their curiosity or openness, right at their learning edge, and help them into a place of seeing something more complexly or shifting a perspective in such a way that it changes something, for them and for me. It feels magical to me. It still does, after so many years. I think teaching is a pastoral ministry.”  — Marilyn McEntyre Spiritual writer and speaker Marilyn McEntyre joins us on the podcast to talk about leaning into the darkness of winter and uncovering our creative gifts in that quiet space.  It's November, and winter is just around the corner. What might you do to embrace the quiet and depth of this season? Spiritual writer and professor Marilyn McEntyre joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Midwinter Light: Meditations for the Long Season. In our conversation, Marilyn shares her thoughts on creativity, slowing down, and hope as we discuss life in academia and the challenges of our world. Marilyn offers her own thoughtful wisdom on engaging with the news of the day, as well as some tips for incorporating play into your life. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt where Marilyn shares her best writing strategies for people in academia. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The core message for leaders is that before you do anything, that relationship with the Lord is the central piece.... The Lord loves you independently of anything you do.”  — Sheila Wise Rowe & Nicholas Rowe Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to talk about the inner work required to lead as a secure and healing-centered person.  What does it take to invest in our own healing and growth so that our leadership reflects our most centered and secure selves? Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to discuss their book Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish.  In our conversation, Sheila and Nicholas share stories from their 30 years of marriage, ministry, and service, pointing us toward a vision for leadership that is secure and healing-centered. Together, they explain why even our most personal and private wounds can profoundly impact our leadership skills, and they offer some practical thoughts particularly for women in academia. Their shared history gives them a unique perspective on the healing journey of leaders, and I think you'll really appreciate the wisdom they have to share with us. In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Healing Leadership Trauma for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt where Sheila and Nicholas share some profoundly wise and spiritual advice for surviving this election season. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The biggest thing is to affirm ourselves and not wait for anyone or any room or anyone with any degree or any letters behind their name to affirm our voice and to say that our voice matters. We need to say it to ourselves and for ourselves.”  — Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez  Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to talk about cultivating communities that offer a sense of safety, belonging, and sacredness to each person.  What does it mean to pursue truth, compassion, and dignity in our church communities? Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to Be Sacred, Soft, and Safe.  In our conversation, Pricelis offers a clear-eyed critique of some of the areas where our churches have failed in communicating compassion, then gently offers thoughtful suggestions for ways that we can reform and repair our own hearts and our beloved communities. Pricelis combines spiritual formation practices and an invitational style with stories about justice and a vision for a more reflective church body. Her own personal stories add specificity to her vision, and we're left with a set of tools for growth and self-examination. I think you'll enjoy our conversation, and if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt where Pricelis offers encouragement for grad students about perseverance. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“If you have two choices, go with the one that's going to ask you to become a larger person, not the one you think you are capable of doing in that moment. That would be my advice to women…. Do the thing that you don't think you can do right now and ask God to make you adequate for that.”  — Shirley Mullen Author and Houghton University president emerita Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to talk about making space for nuanced conversation and political engagement in a polarized society.  What does it look like to inhabit a middle space in the midst of a polarized society? Author and academic Dr. Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to discuss her vibrant work on the task of creating space for the exploration of complex perspectives. In our conversation, Shirley describes a path toward a more nuanced view of those black-and-white issues that permeate our social and political discourse. She shares her own personal experience of staking out middle spaces and offers suggestions for those of us in academia who feel exhausted by the sensation of not fitting in on any side. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Shirley talks about how the experience of women in academia differs depending on marital status. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“When I practice receiving the love of God, opening myself to receive the love of God, I'm blessed by that encounter, understanding that God is love. He is the very essence of love. The very essence of God is love.”  — Barbara L. Peacock Author and spiritual director Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to talk about the ways attending to the care of our souls impacts our lives.  How can we attend to the care of our souls in a way that helps us to flourish in our lives? Author, spiritual director, and ministry leader Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to discuss her work in the practice of soul care. In our conversation, Barbara explores the breadth of spiritual practices that can support our formation and the ways we can integrate these into our lives. We talk about her work in understanding the shaping force of history in our spiritual lives, particularly the impact of African American history in our culture today. Barbara's wisdom and experience offers great insight into spiritual growth for all of us. In addition — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on one of Barbara's books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Soul Care in African American Practice at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. For those interested in Barbara's book Spiritual Practices for Soul Care, you'll find a link to that book in the show notes as well. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Barbara offers her best spiritual advice for graduate students and faculty. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"Your education is not just about the knowledge-acquisition, it's not just about the degree at the end, but it's also about your formation. How would God speak to you through whatever class you're in, whatever program you're in, through the community of scholars you're a part of? Be looking for that too." — Rob Dixon Authors Amy and Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to talk about encouraging women and girls to fully receive the good gifts God gives to each of us. What does it look like to empower women to live out their God-given callings even from girlhood? In an interview that is a little different from our usual offerings, Amy & Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to discuss their new picture book entitled *Penny Preaches.* Our conversation covers Amy & Rob's writing and publishing process, the joys of working on this project together, and the appreciated they've already heard from readers of this book. They talk frankly about some of the opposition they've experienced as well as the hope they have for women in the church. Amy & Rob were really fun to talk with, and I'm extra-pleased to invite you into a book giveaway! Head to 2well.us/penny before September 18 and fill out our book giveaway form to be entered into a drawing for one of four copies of Penny Preaches. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Amy & Rob offer some tips on raising children in a dual-career family. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"In your heart of hearts — your deepest conviction — do you believe that God is sufficient for your need? Because if we don't, it's treating perfection like an idol in our life. We can become enslaved to the point where it distorts us." — Joanna Meyer Listen in on our summer book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals director Karen Guzmán conducts an online discussion with author Joanna Meyer where they talk about perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues. Welcome to a special bonus episode of our podcast as we share the recording from our Summer 2024 Book Club author event. In this interview, we hear from the director of Women Scholars and Professionals, Karen Guzmán, who hosts a conversation with author Joanna Meyer about her book Women, Work, and Calling.  This conversation with Joanna offers a snapshot of the experience of participating in a Women Scholars and Professionals book club — plus, you'll enjoy getting to know Joanna and the ideas in her book as they discuss perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues. Our book club finale episode begins with Karen's introduction of our guest and we'll cap it off (after the credits) with an excerpt from the conversation where Joanna asks a question for our book club members that she is curious about.  You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"You're someone who's smart and who's capable and God has plans for those gifts." —Dr. Jennifer Holberg What is the best advice you've heard about starting the school year? Listen in to some of the wisest moments from our podcast in this special back-to-school episode. We're looking toward a fresh school year and thinking especially about those of you who might be looking for some tips and tricks from women who have experience with university life and rhythms. Perhaps you're a first-year graduate student, preparing yourself for a course of rigorous study. Or maybe you're easing into life as a faculty member at a new institution. Or perhaps you've been around for a little while but you're looking for some fresh tips and energy to help you start the year well. For this special podcast episode, we've combed through our interviews from the past year and curated a series of conversation moments that address the question: What advice do you have for women who are new grad students or faculty? We invite you to settle in and receive these words from women who have been there and have hope for your future. We're going to dip into six different podcast conversations for this episode. I won't offer lengthy introductions of each of these guests or their books, but if you'd like to follow up and listen to the full conversations with them, you can find links to all of the featured episodes in our show notes.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"Lots of people don't have eyes to see how good and important their work is." — Jeff Haanen Listen in on our spring book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and leader Jeff Haanen where they talk about the ways inner transformation impacts our work and vocation. Are you tired of living a disintegrated life? Do you want to feel whole, be an integrated self? Jeff Haanen shows how we can seek deep spiritual health rather than be formed by our culture that influences us to live fragmented lives. He encourages us to life our inner and outer lives with integrity, both oriented towards God. He emphasizes the work of inner transformation that leads to external transformation, including how we view and participate in our work. In this finale of our Spring Book Club, we engage in conversation with Jeff Haanen about his book Working from the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club! Jeff Haanen founded the Denver Institute for Faith & Work — a community of conveners, teachers and learners offering experiences and educational resources on the gospel, work and community renewal. He led the Denver Institute as CEO for ten years before stepping down in 2022. His milestone achievements include  launching their first gathering of Women, Work & Calling in 2016 and Business for the Common Good in 2017. Jeff has published cover stories for Christianity Today in October 2018 and February 2019. Apart from his book Working from the Inside Out, Jeff has also published An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life. Jeff graduated from Valparaiso University and has a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. He is also a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst. Today, Jeff works with servant-leaders in positions of influence in business, investing, and higher education who want to embody “love God and love your neighbor as yourself” in their work and arenas of influence. He lives in Denver with his wife and four daughters and enjoys the outdoors and travel. Programming Note: We'll be taking a two-month summer break here at The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast. Our team will be resting and reconnecting and planning for the future during June and July, so we encourage you to catch up on back episodes, get some rest yourself if you can, and watch for our next season to begin in August. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“You discover these people who uniquely speak to you, who are not just wonderful and wise in their own right, but actually become your teacher and your friend in a very real way.”  — Grace Hamman Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss medieval Christian ideas and the ways they can impact our spiritual lives today.  What can we learn from medieval Christians about Jesus and how could such ideas connect with our modern day world? Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages. Grace writes about medieval representations of Jesus, highlighting ways that these images can enrich our own faith today. Grace helps us to see that a deep understanding of these historical concepts allows us to expand our view of God and reveal our own unexplored assumptions, much in the way we grow when learning about other present-day cultures. Grace doesn't shy away from the challenges of studying medieval literature, and at the same time she paints an appealing picture of the ways our own spiritual understanding can grow through this kind of reading. Her book is lovely and I really enjoyed my conversation with her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Grace talks about the way she found scholarship and raising tiny children to be mutually beneficial. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“God loves you and there is a community of women who can love you too." — Tara Edelschick Authors Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean join us on the podcast to discuss parenthood, life in the academy, and the path toward spiritual transformation.  How does the work of parenting create space for deep spiritual transformation? Authors Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean join us on the podcast to discuss their book Moms at the Well: Meeting God through the Mothers of Scripture. Tara and Kathy describe their own journeys of struggle and growth as they each parented young children, developing a friendship along the way that sustained them through their darkest moments. They co-authored Moms at the Well — a robust, 7-week Bible study experience — to encourage other parents through struggle and into an experience of grace. We talk together about their graduate school studies and the ways academic spaces can offer particular challenges to parents. It was really fun to talk with these two friends and I think you'll enjoy their wisdom and their delightful personalities. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tara and Kathy offer their best advice for new grad students and young faculty members. Also — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Moms at the Well at ivpress.com. And even better — if you're interested in purchasing these books for use in a group and plan to buy five or more books, use the code IVPGROUP25 for 40% off and free shipping.  One more thing! We at Women Scholars and Professionals would like to invite you into a study of Moms at the Well by “taking a sip with us”  and joining us to discuss the first chapter. The online event will take place on June 10 at 9 pm eastern time. If there is enough interest, we will figure out how to do the rest together! Even if you can't make that particular date, you can fill out the form to indicate your interest in events like these. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"I don't think people really understand what systemic racism, structural violence, and equity actually are because I think if you do, you realize they're holy words — because they're showing us where heaven isn't quite on earth yet." — Dr. Emily Smith Epidemiologist and professor Dr. Emily Smith joins us on the podcast to discuss compassion, public health, and the challenges of thriving as a woman in science.  How do we live as true neighbors in a world that is designed for more for competition and inequality than compassion? Epidemiologist and professor Dr. Emily Smith joins us on the podcast to discuss her book The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors. During the height of the pandemic, Emily became known as The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist through her social media outlets where she reached 3-4 million people per month during the years 2020-2021. I remember those days, and I depended on Emily's updates to help me stay informed about keeping safe while the public health landscape shifted dramatically. It was a real treat to talk with her about her work as an epidemiologist, and also to hear her thoughts on life as a faculty member, as a scientist, as a global citizen and as a faithful Christian working to integrate all parts of her life into a whole. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Emily shares about thriving as a woman in science. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"The Spirit accompanies us wherever we are….Worship opens us up to the realm of the Spirit. And it's not just to be opened up for the times we are in church, but for our work in the world and our life in the world." — Jeanne Porter King Author and leadership coach Dr. Jeanne Porter King joins us on the podcast to discuss wellness, leadership, and the opportunities for Black women.  What does it look like to thrive as a leader while resisting oppressive forces in our culture? Author and leadership coach Dr. Jeanne Porter King joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Leading Well: A Black Woman's Guide to Wholistic, Barrier-Breaking Leadership. The book follows the story of the Samaritan woman at The Well in John 4, establishing a framework for leadership that uniquely reflects the lives of women of color. Jeanne writes about specific challenges that Black women face in leadership roles, educating all of us and offering widely applicable leadership wisdom. We talk about the role of the Holy Spirit in pursuing our callings and how patriarchal systems can inhibit our ability to ask for what we need. Jeanne's instruction is wise and spirit-filled, and I think you'll enjoy listening. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jeanne talks about the unique ways caregiving can  complement our leadership journeys. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Theological education means paying attention to all of the sources that shape you spiritually, theologically, and seeing that the questions you're asking as a parent or as a student is theological reflection in practice.” — Maria Liu Wong Author and educator Maria Liu Wong joins us on the podcast to discuss the ways community and relationships create space for the riches of theological education.  How can we open ourselves to the opportunities for theological education all around us — whether or not we are in seminary? Author and educator Dr. Maria Liu Wong joins us on the podcast to discuss her book On Becoming Wise Together: Learning and Leading in the City. This book is part of a 12- volume series with the Theological Education between the Times project, a diverse initiative that explores the changing landscape of theological education. Maria offers her own rich life experiences as a medium through which she tunes into the theological lessons God has for her as she digs deeply into the stories of her family, her friends, and her community. I loved the way Maria's viewpoint opens us to the constant presence of the Holy Spirit and the ways we're continually being shaped by the relationships and communities of which we are a part. Maria's voice is distinctive and wise, and I think you'll really enjoy learning from her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Maria shares some tips about integrating the work of parenting into one's academic calling. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I think the key is to invite people into a space with you — to be the one who is always inviting people is the way to be in academia….Invitation is a great virtue to cultivate in a younger person.” — Tiffany Eberle Kriner English professor and author Tiffany Eberle Kriner joins us on the podcast to explore the ways caring for the earth, the life of the mind, and our common humanity intersect. What does it look like to combine a calling to write and teach with a lifestyle of nurturing the land? English professor and author Tiffany Eberle Kriner describes the joys and tensions of her multifaceted life in her book In Thought, Word, and Seed: Reckonings from a Midwest Farm. Tiffany shares her experiences of both teaching and caring for the earth and describes how they inform one another in remarkable ways. In a book written mostly during the pandemic, Tiffany offers insightful reflections on race, hope, faith, and the beauty of life. Her essays  take unexpected angles on a story that we have all lived through in the pandemic, and she finds connections with literature that provide rich and thoughtful questions for consideration. Tiffany is winsome and fun and a joy to talk with, and I think you'll really like her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tiffany shares about the delights and challenges of raising children while pursuing an academic career.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The best way for us to work out our thoughts and feelings and experiences about race is in relationship with another human being. ” — Krystal Hays Professors Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez talk with us about building and deepening cross-race relationships in a way that reflects deep faith and rigorous research.  How can we faithfully navigate the complexities of race in our everyday relationships? Professors Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez join us on the podcast to talk about their book Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices From Scripture and Psychology. These women partnered on this book with two other colleagues — Joshua Knabb and Charles Lee-Johnson. Together, they developed the HEAL model for building and deepening cross-race relationships. The model is grounded in the narrative of Scripture and informed by psychology and social science. Krystal and Veola are both inspiring and practical, and I think you'll really enjoy learning from them.  Also — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Healing Conversations on Race at ivpress.com . You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the episode, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where we talk about how to overcome the sense of walking on eggshells around the issue of race. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The self is the person that was beautifully and wonderfully created in the image of God. And so self-care for me is about taking care of that, is recognizing that I am a gift of God. Every one of us is a gift from God — our creation, our existence is a gift from God. How do I respond to that gift?” — Chanequa Walker-Barnes Psychologist and professor Chanequa Walker-Barnes talks with us about the importance of self-care for our spiritual well-being and why this matters to women academics. What comes to mind when you think of the phrase “self-care”? Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes joins us on the podcast to discuss the spiritual benefits of self-care and its role in our human flourishing. In her book Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, Chanequa offers practical strategies for caring for ourselves in body, mind, and soul. In our conversation, she explains that we'll be able to care for others and live out our purposes in the world much more effectively when we make sure that our needs are addressed. I loved talking with Chanequa — she is delightful and wise and challenging and a wonderful teacher. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included an excerpt in which Chanequa describes how we can use her book as an accessible and nourishing devotional during Lent. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Be yourself! Be your own crazy self. Authenticity is more important than being a 'should.'” — Jennifer L. Holberg English professor and author Jennifer Holberg talks with us about the power of narrative, the ways story can shape our lives, and the joy of teaching. Who doesn't love a good story? English professor Jennifer Holberg joined us on the podcast to talk about the ways literature, Scripture, film, art, and life experience all weave themselves together in shaping our souls and our culture. Jennifer explores these ideas in her book Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape our Faith, a book which draws the reader into the process of carefully examining and reflecting on the stories in our lives. I found so much joy in reading Jennifer's delightful book, and my conversation with her was just as compelling. As you might expect, she is a wonderful storyteller! Jennifer generously shares wise words from her decades of teaching and offers beautiful words of encouragement for our listeners. Also — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Nourishing Narratives at ivpress.com . You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included an excerpt in which Jennifer talks about her thoughts on being a self-described “well-contented spinster.” So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“When you have the face-to-face depth of relationship and that shared commitment to looking out that is where we find really, really deep satisfaction.” — Amy L. Sherman Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author, scholar, and practitioner Dr. Amy Sherman where they talk about how Christians can be agents of flourishing in our world. Are you troubled by the brokenness in every aspect of human life? Do you want to explore how our Christian faith speaks to real world problems? In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Amy Sherman about her book Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club! Dr. Amy Sherman shows how Christians can contribute to the flourishing of all human life both through our vocations and through the church. You will be inspired to ponder how your own passions, expertise and work can be used for God's purposes in our world. Amy Sherman directs Sagamore Institute's Center on Faith in Communities, a capacity building initiative for congregations and faith-based and community-based organizations.  — Jasmine Obeyesekere For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Advent turns our eyes away from [ourselves] toward this much bigger story of God's salvation of all the cosmos.” — Tish Harrison Warren Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren talks with us about the traditions of Advent and how to observe the season meaningfully in the midst of a busy season. It's November 2023 and the beginning of Advent is rapidly approaching in just a couple of weeks on December 3. But what exactly is Advent and how can we observe it well? Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren joined us on the podcast for a discussion of her recent book, Advent: The Season of Hope. Tish's background as a campus minister with InterVarsity's Graduate and Faculty Ministries gives her special insight into the busy nature of December, and she offers practical and grace-filled advice for praying through Advent as an academic. The book isn't an Advent devotional, but instead a book that orients the reader to the practices and traditions of Advent and suggests ways to integrate them into life today. It's a fascinating book, and I think you'll like this conversation — we have a special place in our hearts for Tish and it's a joy to chat with her about life, writing, theology, Advent, and everything in between. Also — I'm pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Tish's book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included an excerpt in which Tish shares her thoughts on Advent wreaths and Advent calendars. But before we move on to the interview — let me encourage you to join our Advent devotional readings at The Well for 2023. We'll be praying through a free online devotional by Kate Bowler and meeting a few times online to discuss and reflect. We'd love to have you join us. And one more thing — this will be our last podcast episode for 2023. We're already working on a lineup of terrific guests for the new year, and we'll be thrilled to be with you again in January 2024. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“There is hope and there is fruit and there is life, whether or not we one day have children. And I hope that in looking at these 25 women, that people might be encouraged and inspired and realize what abundance there is out there.” — Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti Episcopal priest and author Elizabeth Felicetti talks with us about living a rich and generative life as a woman without children and the twenty-five women who have inspired her. What does it look like to live a rich and generative life as a woman without children? The Reverend Elizabeth Felicetti joined us on the podcast to explore this question and talk about some of the twenty-five women she has written about in her book Unexpected Abundance: The Fruitful Lives of Women Without Children. Elizabeth shares from her own personal experience of life as a barren woman — a term which you'll hear her reclaim in a beautifully positive way. She weaves her own story, including an ongoing fight against cancer, into the book as she highlights strong and refreshing examples of childless women throughout Scripture, history, and our present day. I especially loved Elizabeth's emphasis on the partnership of women and her urging that women support one another regardless of maternal status. It's a delightful conversation, and if you listen to the end, I've included an excerpt in which Elizabeth reveals a bit more about her journey through cancer treatments while she was completing her MFA.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I could not see when we moved what God would have for me in that place. But God was faithful. He had something in mind.” — Lynn Gill Lynn Gill is a chemist, a scholar, and the recently-appointed Vice President for InterVarsity's Graduate and Faculty Ministries. Listen in as we discuss her journey through academia, her moments of discernment, and the spiritual habits that have supported her along the way. Can I introduce you to a very special person? Lynn Gill is a chemist, a scholar, a lover of books, a devoted follower of Jesus, and the recently-appointed Vice President for InterVarsity's Graduate and Faculty Ministries. I sat down with Lynn to hear a little bit about her life, her love for graduate students and faculty, and her faith journey. And I promise I'm not just saying this because she is my boss's boss's boss — Lynn is a truly remarkable person with deep spiritual wisdom and lots of stories to show for it. I found it fascinating to hear about Lynn's complex career path and the way she discerned each next step. She offers sound advice for thriving in challenging times, and if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included an excerpt from our conversation where Lynn talks about a few practical ways she balanced parenting with her career.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“So many approaches that want to push back against sexism (and rightly so) have taken the approach of either throwing Paul under the bus or throwing Scripture under the bus in their desire to elevate women. It's not the best way.” — Sandra L. Glahn Professor and scholar Sandra Glahn talks with us about her research in Ephesian culture, the value of narrative in teaching, and the joy of learning.  In 1 Timothy 2, Paul writes that women will be “saved through childbearing.” What exactly does that mean? Professor Sandra Glahn joined us on the podcast to talk about her research into Artemis of the Ephesians and the profound impact it had on her understanding of Paul's often-misunderstood words. Sandra's book, Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament helped me to make sense of this complicated text by understanding the historical and cultural context Paul wrote in. Sandra and I talk about her own story, the work of scholarship and research, and the exciting developments in archeology that impact Biblical understanding. Sandra's book is a surprising mix of stories and technical detail, all of which makes learning from her a delight. And as a bonus, InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Nobody's Mother to listeners of this podcast: 25% off and free shipping with the code IVPPOD25. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included an excerpt from our conversation where Sandra gives us some practical tips on explaining context if you're in a heated discussion about a Biblical text.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“What if I actually took Jesus literally and … looked at the birds of the air and actually noticed the flowers? We relate to the natural world how we relate to each other.... If we disregard the natural world, it's so much easier to disregard people in our midst.” — Kat Armas Author and scholar Kat Armas shares ideas from her new devotional about our connection with earth, cosmos, nature, fellow humans, Scripture, and the liberating heart of God. How might we reconsider the world around us as we press on to know God more fully? Author Kat Armas joined us on the podcast to discuss her new book, Sacred Belonging: A 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture. Kat talks about her own journey of learning to integrate ideas of ecology, embodiment, and ancient wisdom with her study of Scripture, ultimately discovering some fresh avenues for connection with God. It's a very different kind of devotional, one that seeks to disentangle biblical teaching from power structures that marginalize women and people of color. The book is broad and expansive and full of stories from Kat's own life. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included an excerpt from our conversation where Kat talks about the importance of body-awareness especially for academics.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I would imagine that most of us could realize that there is this great intersection between who I am, what I love to do, what I feel called to do, and what I see are the felt and important needs of our communities.” — Dorcas Cheng-Tozun Author Dorcas Cheng-Tozun talks with us about pursuing justice while honoring one's own particular sensitivities.  What does it look like to pursue social justice efforts when one's nature is particularly sensitive? Author Dorcas Cheng-Tozun writes about this dynamic in her recent book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways. I sat down with Dorcas to talk about the gifts and challenges of being a Highly Sensitive Person and the ways she has learned to embrace her own limitations while continuing to use her strengths to do good in the world. Dorcas offers practical strategies, spiritual encouragement, and historical models for honoring both soul and vision. This conversation will be beneficial both for those who identify as Highly Sensitive People and those who have sensitive people in their lives. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included a bonus from our conversation where Dorcas talks about a few of the things she has learned about parenting sensitive kids.​ So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Do I go to Scripture asking different questions? Do I come with a posture of assuming I will be both comforted and convicted? That I might be critiqued? Do I have myself in the posture to hear that or not?” — Kaitlyn Schiess Author and scholar Kaitlyn Schiess talks with us about political theology in American history and how learning about it can impact our own faithful engagement with politics today.  With the 2024 presidential election is just around the corner, it's a good time to ask probing questions about Scripture, power, and what would take for our political theology to be shaped by God. Author and scholar Kaitlyn Schiess joined us on the podcast to discuss her recent book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here. In this book, Kaitlyn highlights examples of biblical interpretation throughout American history, examples that are distanced enough from our context today that they can helping us see some common pitfalls that lead to poor political theology. These are such important ideas that require deep thinking and personal reflection, and Kaitlyn draws us into the conversation gently but firmly. In our discussion, we also talk about Kaitlyn's current experience as a grad student, and if you listen to the very end of the podcast, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Kaitlyn shares a practice that has been strengthening her community bond, especially in her life as a single person. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Whatever is true of the Christian faith is true for all times and all people, not just 21st century American evangelicals.” — Karen Swallow Prior Author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior talks with us about the historical influences around evangelical culture and how they impact the expression of faith today. What forces have shaped the evangelical culture and how can understanding them shape our future? Author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior joined us on the podcast to discuss her recent book, The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis. Karen talks with us about the history of evangelicalism and the way Victorian influences impact its expression even today, helping us to consider what ideas are Christian and what are merely cultural. Karen also offers some sound advice for those who are beginning their academic careers, and if you listen to the very end of the podcast, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation in which Karen shares thoughts on responding to the pressures that come with life as a woman who hasn't had children. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Every day I want to praise or thank someone in the building for a task or a work well done. And thank God that God called them to this place and gave them the talent and ability that they exercise." — Gordon T. Smith Listen in on an exclusive peek into our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and professor Gordon T. Smith where they discuss vocation, spiritual engagement, and personal congruence. Do you want to find personal congruence with your institution? Would your approach to your work environment be different, if you thought of yourself as embodying God's welcome at your workplace? How does the reality that our thinking is secular unless we learn to think Christianly about all of life grip you? In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Gordon Smith about his book Your Calling Here and Now. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club! Gordon Smith shows us how our vocation is a form of spiritual engagement and gives us direction to discern our callings in the immediacy of our lives. Dr. Gordon Smith is the President of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology.  — Jasmine Obeyesekere For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The way we think about this topic, the way we construe what it means to be human, has enormous implications for how we treat people and how we structure our institutions and our churches so that people can flourish.” — Carmen Joy Imes Author and professor Carmen Joy Imes talks with us about theology's impact on our daily lives, the unique dignity of humanity, and the ways we can honor God's image in each of us. What does it mean that humans are made in the image of God, and how does this knowledge affect the way we live? Author and professor Carmen Joy Imes joined us on the podcast to discuss her recent book, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters. Carmen talks with us about the way theology impacts our daily lives, the unique dignity of humanity, and what we can do to honor God's image in ourselves and in our life together. Longtime readers of The Well will recognize Carmen's name from the many articles and prayers that she has published over the years, and so it was a special delight to have a chance to talk with her about her work as a professor and how the different pieces of her life fit together, in addition to her new book. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation in which Carmen offers a practical strategy that she and her family employed to foster connection during some of their busiest years with young children. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"God's vision for your singleness is much more wonderfully profound than the church's vision has been and that your own vision has been. Even if you feel that your singleness is a tragedy, in God's eyes, it is not at all tragic." — Dani Treweek Theological researcher Rev. Dr. Dani Treweek talks with us about the understanding of singleness throughout history, the questions that face us today, and how we might think differently about relationships and the church. In a world focused on marriage and children, what does it look like for single Christians to live lives of fullness and joy? Author Dani Treweek joined us on the podcast to discuss the ideas from her book The Meaning of Singleness: Retrieving an Eschatological Vision for the Contemporary Church. Dani's research on this topic covers historical patterns and present day questions, and ultimately offers a series of practical suggestions and hopeful worldview shifts. This book is not just for single people — it's a book for all of us as we ask questions and enter into conversations about our relationships and the work of the church. I learned so much from talking with Dani and I think you will too. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, you'll hear an excerpt from our conversation in which Dani debunks the popular understanding of the “gift of singleness.” So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"I hope the book catches folks who are realizing that faith shouldn't be colorblind and that Jesus sees us in all of our sociolocation and all of who we are." — Sabrina S. Chan Authors Sabrina S. Chan and La Thao talk with us about Asian American identity formation and the ways history, culture, and community intersect with Christian faith. For each of us, the stories of culture, race, and ethnicity lay the foundation of our identities and our expressions of faith. In today's conversation, author Sabrina S. Chan and La Thao talk with me about Asian American identity from a Christian perspective. Together with two other authors, they have written the book Learning Our Names: Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships, and Vocation, exploring the history and stories of the Asian diaspora in America and their impact on vocation, faith, and identity. Sabrina and La discuss the significance of this book at this time in history, the distinctiveness of different Asian cultures in America, and the gifts of growing in one's cultural awareness. This conversation is thoughtful and informative for anyone who identifies as Asian American or if you're someone who loves and appreciates the Asian American people in your life. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"A true ally allows the talent and exquisite giftedness of the person you're allying to go forward as you lose the spotlight and allow it to shine on her." — Dr. Mimi Haddad President and CEO Mimi Haddad talks with us about her leadership of Christians for Biblical Equality and the worldwide work to liberate women and men from Christian patriarchy. What would it be like to live in a world where biblical and social barriers to women's equality don't exist? Our guest today, Mimi Haddad, has spent decades working to educate, advocate, and liberate women and men from Christian patriarchy through her leadership with Christians for Biblical Equality. CBE is an international organization that has challenged biblical and patriarchal social barriers for over 30 years. My colleague Karen Guzman sits down with Mimi to talk about some of the challenges that women face in the university world and ways to serve as leaders and allies. I loved hearing Mimi talk about the positive impact on societies around the world when women take leadership roles, and I really appreciated Mimi's perception of the Holy Spirit's role in this work of raising up women. I thought  this conversation was just a delight and I think you will too. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

From my perspective, education is about passing the best that has been thought and said across culture and time so that the next group of people might love and glorify God. If that's the case, then we might teach differently.” — Jessica Hooten Wilson Author and professor Jessica Hooten Wilson talks with us about the spiritual practice of reading, the ways books shape our souls, and the impact this posture has on our teaching. One of my favorite things about our podcast listener community is that we are a people who love to read and who crave learning and growing as we engage with the written word. So — we invited author and professor Jessica Hooten Wilson to our podcast to talk about the joy of reading as a spiritual practice. Jessica's recent book Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice, outlines ways that Christian thinkers across the ages have developed their faith through the act of reading — and then instructs us in some practices that can help all of us to read generously and with an openness to spiritual formation. In our conversation, Jessica and I also spend some time talking about what life is like as a woman in the academy, and I included an outtake from our conversation at the very end where Jessica shares how her family manages dual careers and three (soon to be four) young children. I think you'll really love this conversation. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“We are worthy to be listened to and attuned to. That is a valid and necessary human need. And the beauty is that it actually makes us able to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” — Aundi Kolber Therapist Aundi Kolber returns to talk with us about cultivating inner strength, paying attention to our needs, and ways to stay grounded in God's love. Many of us have been raised with the idea that strength means pushing your own limits in order to achieve your goals. But what if there was another way? A way that honored your needs while also cultivating strength? In this conversation, author and therapist Aundi Kolber walks us through a fresh vision of strength as we discuss her book Strong like Water: Finding the Freedom, Safety, and Compassion to Move through Hard Things — and Experience True Flourishing. This is Aundi's third time on the podcast and I'm so glad she is back with us. Aundi's deep faith informs her understanding of strength, and the tools she suggests for growth are very relevant for anyone facing hard things while also desiring to stay grounded in God's love. Our conversation takes a deep dive into psychology as Aundi describes three types of strength and their roles in the context of healing from trauma. We touch on the concept of comparative suffering and we also discuss the way our nervous systems affect our bodily responses. Aundi generously shares a few strategies to use as “compassionate resources” — the term she uses for those practical tools that help us care for our emotional needs. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I've included a bonus from our conversation in which Aundi talks with us about how to distinguish between self-care behaviors and numbing behaviors in ourselves. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“Scripture and the gospel — they're so much bigger than the categories we use….I want people to open their hearts and minds to what God is saying — not just what they ‘think' that God is saying.” — Nijay Gupta New Testament professor Nijay Gupta talks with us about women leaders in the early church, the context and culture of these first-century Christians, and what we can learn from these women today. Our conversation today features Dr. Nijay Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and author of Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. In our conversation, Nijay shines a light on women leaders in the Bible, explaining their roles and their authority through a close reading of the biblical text and a rich description of the cultural context of the day. Nijay talks about some common misconceptions we have of women in the early church, and he encourages us all to read the Bible with an openness to being surprised by God. I really enjoyed talking with Nijay and hearing his delightful combination of enthusiasm and scholarly expertise, and I've included a bonus at the end of the podcast where Nijay offers his thoughts on Bible translation.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening! Limited time offer from InterVarsity Press: enjoy this code for 30% off Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church when you buy it at ivpress.com by March 21, 2023. Just use the code: WELL23

"Let's not be afraid to ask questions of the text. God will not be harmed by our questions. Our God is bigger than those questions. So let's never stop asking tough questions about the Bible." — Love Lazarus Sechrest Womanist biblical scholar Love Sechrest sits down with us to talk about reading Scripture with a disciplined exploration of culture, both in ancient times and today. Let me invite you into a conversation with Dr. Love Lazarus Sechrest, womanist biblical scholar and author of the book Race & Rhyme: Rereading the New Testament. In her writing, Love pairs a deep respect for Scripture with a disciplined exploration of culture, both from biblical times and today. The book was a demanding read for me and I had lots questions, but Love is a wonderful teacher and does a masterful job of explaining her approach to Scripture and the way she finds elements in our culture today that “rhyme” with biblical texts. Love also has a fascinating history, coming to her field of study as a second career scholar. We discuss her journey into academic study, and she graciously helped me to understand the unique approach of womanist theology. And at the very end I've included a bonus clip in which Love talks about her journey to find a church that aligns with her beliefs. This conversation was truly a delight and I think you'll enjoy it too.  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"I think the points of failure are the points where I see God most clearly stepping in and reorienting." — Kendall Vanderslice Baker and theologian Kendall Vanderslice chats with us about the struggles of disordered eating, the search for vocation, her experience as a single woman, and God's presence through it all as we discuss her new memoir. Today I'm excited to share a conversation with Kendall Vanderslice, a professional baker, practical theologian, and author of By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God.  This is Kendall's second time on the podcast, and I was thrilled to catch up with her and dig into her new book. By Bread Alone is part memoir, part spiritual reflection, with lots of incredible stories and a handful of recipes thrown in for good measure. Kendall's story is riveting as she shares deeply about her childhood, her struggle with disordered eating and food sensitivities, her search for her vocation, and her experience as a single woman cultivating a strong community. Kendall guides the reader gently into spiritual truths as she reflects on the presence of God through times of joy and struggle. I really enjoyed the book and was grateful for Kendall's openness as I asked her lots of probing questions!  So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"I hope it's a useful text, a text that helps us think about God .. someone with whom we can fall in love." — Bonnie Smith Whitehouse Bonnie Smith Whitehouse talks with us about her professional calling into academia, the wonder of God's created world, and creative habits for spiritual reflection from her new book. I'm excited to invite you into a conversation with Bonnie Smith Whitehouse, English professor and author of Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals. This handbook walks us through each week of the year with thoughtful, guided reflections to help us engage with the presence of God in our everyday world. I really enjoyed reading Bonnie's creative ideas, and it turned out to be even more energizing to have a conversation with her — if you had been there, you would have seen the way Bonnie's whole face lights up as she is talking about this book and the way we can shape our days to deepen our connection with God and our wonder at God's created world. Bonnie and I also spend a few minutes talking about her professional calling into academia, and I've included a little bonus at the end of the podcast where she offers wise advice for parents with young children. So jump right in! We're so glad you're here. — Ann Boyd For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"All of the little habits — these urges to check our phones, to check our platforms — those are shaping us." — Felicia Wu Song Listen in on an exclusive peek into our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and sociologist Dr. Felicia Wu Song where they discuss digital habits, community, and spiritual formation. How do you engage with the digital technology in your life? Do you wish for a time when your phone didn't rule your life? In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Felicia Wu Song about her book Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club! Felicia Wu Song shows us that even though we rightly long for community, we settle for connection instead, and shows us how our souls are being formed by the digital world we inhabit in ways we may not always be conscious of. Dr. Song doesn't give us a list of do's and don'ts primed for failure. Instead she offers suggestions of "counter liturgy" — intentional habits that will help us abide in Christ, rather than abide in the digital. Felicia Song is Associate Professor and Chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.  — Jasmine Obeyesekere   For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Embracing a New Year: Part 5 This year, as we've been talking with women in academia, we've heard one thing loud and clear: taking time for reflection is the first step in crafting a life that is satisfying, sustainable, and focused on the work God has called us to do. To that end, we're exploring a practice of short, manageable reflections together this Advent which you can enjoy in audio or written form, receiving them in the way that works best for your life. This is our fifth and final episode of our Advent 2022 series, so if you haven't yet heard the first episode, give that one a listen if you'd like some more context. Listen in, read the transcript at our website, and download the questions for reflection. We're so glad you're here! — Ann Boyd   For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!