Beloved Journal

Disciples of Christ Pastor Beau Underwood and religion journalist Brian Kaylor have written a new book, "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism" that is out with Chalice Press. Be sure to use the code BAPODCAST on Chalice Press' website and get a percentage off the book.

The Rev. Dr. Malcolm Guite is a famed British poet, Anglican priest, and scholar of the English language. His work has garnered the attention of His Majesty King Charles III and Archbishops of Canterbury both former and present. An avid pipe smoker and Tolkien enthusiast, he stops by Beloved Journal to speak with the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Lee on all the above mentioned subjects, along with so much more.

Today we welcome the Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins to the podcast. Dr. Watkins is the Senior Pastor of the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sunshine Cathedral is an open and affirming community of faith that is predominately made up of LGBTQ+ folk in the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Join us as we discuss his work and viewpoint from where he sits as pastor and public theologian of the church.

Join us as we welcome Brooke Stanford to the podcast. Brooke is a designer, fashion and style brand developer, and fashion buyer. We talk about what it takes to see beauty in things that others would appreciate, and how that plays into our everyday lives.

The Rev. Mark Wingfield is the Executive Director and Publisher of Baptist News Global. He previously served as Associate Pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas for 17 years. He recently wrote a book titled, "Honestly: Telling the Truth About the Bible and Ourselves" and joins the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Lee for a conversation on truth-telling, ecclesial journalism, and why funerals are better than weddings.

Artist and activist Hannah Rose Thomas kicks off Season 3 of Beloved Journal. Ms. Thomas is the author of the new book, Tears of Gold: Portraits of Yazidi, Rohingya, and Nigerian Women that was released this week. She sits down with Dr. Rob Lee and guest host Mindy Grassel to talk about her work, activism, and art.

Today on the podcast we welcome the Rev. Dr. Amy Butler to Beloved Journal. Amy's recently released book, "Beautiful and Terrible Things" speaks to her journey through ministry and life. Dr. Butler is currently serving as the Designated Pastor of Community Church of Honolulu in Hawaii. She was the seventh Senior Minister of the Riverside Church, and the first woman to serve in that role. She also held pastorates at Calvary Baptist Church in Washington DC and St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. She is also the founder of Invested Faith. Check out Amy's new book: Beautiful and Terrible Things. Check out Invested Faith.

Today on the podcast we welcome the Rev. Dr. Greg DeLoach to the podcast. Dean DeLoach is currently serving as Dean of the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. He is a native of Eatonton, Georgia, and has pastored congregations throughout the state for nearly three decades, including places like Mansfield, Chickamauga, Marietta, and Augusta. Following 10 years as senior pastor of First Baptist Church Augusta, he became executive director of Development Disabilities Ministries, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that serves adults with developmental disabilities and their families through operation of 19 homes across Georgia. In February 2017, he joined the development staff at Mercer, having previously served on the University's Board of Trustees. He was named Interim Dean in 2018, and appointed Dean in 2021. Recently many have been captivated with his Tik Toks on the subject of death and dying for the course he's teaching in the spring for Mercer University. You can audit this hybrid class whether you're in Georgia or beyond so be sure to reach out to him if what we talk about today interests you.

Dr. Gary Scott Smith is Professor of History, Emeritus at Grove City College where he taught from 1978-2017. He chaired the History Department while at the college. He holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, along with a Master of Arts and PhD from Johns Hopkins University. He has written extensively on the faith of the United States Presidents and its considered an expert in the field. He's also written books on Jackie Robinson's, Winston Churchill's, and Hillary Clinton's faith.  Dr. Smith currently serves on my dissertation committee at Pacific School of Religion, as my doctoral work is on the faith of the American presidency. I certainly felt like I was sitting at the feet of a master in this podcast so I hope you enjoy it. With that in mind, let's listen in.

Today on the show we have Dr. Greg Garrett. Greg is the Carole Ann McDaniel Hanks Chair of Literature and Culture at Baylor University. His new book with Orbis Books is titled “The Gospel According to James Baldwin: What America's Great Prophet Can Teach Us About Life, Love and Identity.”  Greg holds degrees from The University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. He also serves as Canon Theologian at the American Cathedral In Paris. I loved Greg's book and I hope you will check it out. Anyway, let's listen in.  PS--Be sure to check out Greg's recent novel, mentioned in the podcast "Bastille Day" that came out earlier this year.

The Rt. Rev. Frank Logue is the XI Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, a diocese that traces its roots back to 1733. A graduate of Georgia Southern University and Virginia Theological Seminary, he served from 2010-2020 as Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese before being elected Bishop for the diocese in November of 2019. He was ordained a Bishop in May of 2020. He is married to Victoria and they have a daughter, Griffin, who is a veterinarian in Albuquerque, New Mexico.   An Important Note for you: In this episode there is discussion of recent controversy surrounding mounting critique of the Episcopal Church's Title IV canon. A canon in this instance (as opposed to what was mentioned above) is a term used to describe laws that govern the church's work in the world. Title IV surrounds issues of harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination. For more information on this particular issue that the Bishop that I speak about I encourage you to visit the Episcopal News Service website that has provided stellar coverage on this. I just wanted to make you aware of some inside-baseball talk you might not be familiar with.

Rabbi Michael Siegel is Senior Rabbi at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago. Anshe Emet is a large synagogue that he has served in a rabbinic capacity since 1982 when he first came on staff, over 40 years ago. He is a gifted Rabbi and the fruits of his labor shows with the hard work he puts in for the synagogue. Today we have the Rabbi on to discuss Adam Sandler's new movie “You Are So Not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah” which you can stream on Netflix now, and we encourage you to do so. The Rabbi and Rev. Rob Lee will discuss how the movie impacted each of them from their perspectives. We will say there are some spoilers but they are light and don't ruin the overall narrative arc, so we feel like you're safe to listen regardless of whether you've seen it or not.

On the 2nd anniversary of the Lee girls' legal adoption and becoming a forever family, host of Beloved Journal and aspiring SuperDad sits down with the girls to discuss their likes, dislike, passions, and interests as they round the corner on the second year of their family being complete. Note: Unlike other episodes of Beloved Journal, at the end of the interview section our host returns to tell his side of the adoption story along with offering suggestions for those who might be interested in the work and life of adopting children from his perspective.

We are excited to share with you our Beloved Journal interview with Jake Tapper. CNN Anchor and Chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper joined the network in January 2013. Tapper currently anchors an award-winning two-hour weekday program, The Lead with Jake Tapper, which debuted in March 2013. He has hosted CNN's Sunday morning show, State of the Union, since June 2015. In April 2021, he became the lead anchor for CNN for Washington, D.C. events. In 2015 and 2020 he hosted presidential debates for both the Republican and Democratic parties. Prior to joining CNN, Tapper was Senior White House Correspondent for ABC News. He's a graduate of Dartmouth College, and has won multiple awards for his journalistic excellence. He sits down with the Rev. Rob Lee to discuss among other things his newest work of fiction, All the Demons Are Here—a thriller and part of his series of fiction novels. All the Demons Are Here was released on July 11th, 2023.

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine (a/k/a “Jay Augustine”) currently serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, in Durham, North Carolina, and as general chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is an accomplished author, respected academic leader, and nationally recognized social justice advocate who speaks for the equality of all human beings. He joins us on Beloved Journal to speak about his book, "When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit." You can order a copy of his highly acclaimed book here.

The Rev. Peter M. Wallace is the outgoing Executive Director of Day 1, a preaching ministry of Mainline Protestant denominations. He is a prolific author and has written many books. You can read more about his books here. Day 1 is a radio broadcast ministry that reaches around 200 radio stations each Sunday with a sermon from one of the great preachers in the United States. The ministry draws on a wealth of denominational diversity and talent to showcase many well-known American preachers. You can find out more about Day 1 by clicking here.

Today on the show we have the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde. In November of 2011, Bishop Budde was consecrated and ordained as the IX Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, an Episcopal Diocese of 86 congregations in the District of Columbia. She holds a doctorate and Masters of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, and has stood at the intersection of faith and public life her entire career. She's written a new book titled “How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith” and we cannot recommend this book enough. We hope you enjoy today's podcast.

Athena Lee, rising first grader and the daughter of the Rev. Rob and Stephanie Lee stops by for a conversation in Oakwood Park with her dad. Additionally, at the end of today's short podcast you hear a preview for Beloved Journal's new podcast in partnership with Pacific School of Religion's doctoral program, "So Help me Pod." It's a podcast that explores the relationship between theology and the American presidency. You don't want to miss this episode! Cheers!!

Mr. Ernest Crim, III is a scholar, activist, and anti-racist educator working to end the scourge of white supremacy in this country. Join us for an invigorating and compelling conversation on Mr. Crim's work, and his rise to national prominence through his use of social media. Speaking of social media, check him out on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, or on Twitter.

New York Times Bestselling Author Jonathan Eig comes on Beloved Journal to talk about his newly released and bestselling book, "King: A Life" which chronicles the life and times of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. along with groundbreaking revelations about the preacher from Georgia. Find out more about Jonathan his other books by visiting his website.

Vanderbilt University Divinity School Librarian and author Keegan Osinski joins the Rev. Rob Lee for a discussion about her groundbreaking 2021 book, "Queering Wesley, Queering the Church" in which Keegan reads the theologian and churchman John Wesley through a different lens. If you haven't already be sure to order the book and follow Keegan on Twitter. You can also visit her website. As always, thanks for listening to Beloved Journal.

Stand-up comic Dustin Nickerson joins Beloved Journal for a wide ranging conversation. Be sure to check out Dustin's new special on YouTube, Runs in the Family. Seriously, it's worth your time. While you're at it, check out his hilarious memoir, "How to be Married (To Melissa): A Hilarious Guide to a Happier, One of a Kind Marriage" You can also find Dustin on his website, on Twitter, and on Instagram.

Ryan Farlie seems like a normal college kid when you first encounter him, and in many ways he's precisely that. With that in mind though, what sets him apart is the fact that he owns and operates Signaturist-Ink, one of the premier autograph retailers in the country. Currently in his collection is a Victor Hugo manuscript of Les Miserables, Steve Jobs' coveted graph, and countless presidents. Are you a fan of the late Queen Elizabeth? He's got an autograph for you. Beloved Journal's host, the Rev. Rob Lee is an avid autograph collector--and today he gets to geek out with the ultimate purveyor of fine autographs. You don't want to miss that! Also, check out Ryan's business, Signaturist-Ink by clicking here.

New York Times Bestseller Mandy Hale talks about her brand new (and we mean released this week) book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is. You can purchase the book by clicking here.

Acclaimed educator and activist Tori Williams Douglass sits down with the Rev. Rob Lee to discuss the week's events and her podcast that educates people on the necessity to use whatever privilege we are afforded for good in this world. Check out Tori's website here. Tori's Article mentioned in the podcast can be found here. Donate to Planned Parenthood here.

The Rev. Mandy McDow interviews the Rev. Rob Lee for World Bipolar Day (March 30th). Together they grapple with the illness and seek to create understanding as we all work to de-stigmatize the illness.

On the 1 year anniversary of becoming a forever family, Rev. Rob Lee sits down with his oldest daughter,  4 year old Athena Lee for a short, 5 minute interview.

The Rev. James A. Harnish joins Beloved Journal to talk about his new book Finding Your Bearings along with his 22 year ministry at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. Jim brings a wealth of wisdom and compassion to his ministry and we were grateful that he stopped by. 

Ruwa Romman is a Democratic candidate for the 97th District for the Georgia State House. Today she talks with Rev. Rob Lee about issues of consequence for Georgia state politics and its influence on the national scene.For more information on supporting Ruwa visit www.ruwa4georgia.com

Professor Erin L. Thompson, author of the new book "Smashing Statues" sits down with Rob Lee for a conversation on public memory and understanding surrounding statues in our public squares. 

The Rev. Nathan Kirkpatrick, Principal Consultant at Saison Consulting stops by Beloved Journal for a conversation on calling, trajectory, risk, and trust. Join us for this informative conversation.Podcast Notes: Episode 56

On Beloved Journal the Rev. Rob Lee sits down with the 98th Archbishop of York, the Right Reverend and Most Honorable Stephen Cottrell. They discuss everything from the pandemic to Cottrell's new book, Dear England.

Rev. Angela Williams (she/her) is a queer Presbyterian pastor and community organizer serving as the Senior Outreach and Faith Coordinator for Texas Freedom Network and their project Just Texas: Faith Voices for Justice. Angela creates and holds space for congregations to have courageous conversations about LGBTQ equality and reproductive freedom. She finds life in experiencing music, listening to podcasts, exploring creation, and engaging in theological discussions that go off the beaten path.Links that Rev. Williams mentions during the podcast:Support local independent abortion clinics like Whole Woman's Health Alliance by making a donation here: https://bit.ly/3mKxOmJSupport TX abortion funds by donating to 9 of them here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/txfundsThe funds you're supporting are: The Bridge Collective, Fund Texas Choice, Whole Woman's Health Alliance, Inc., Jane's Due Process, Frontera Fund, West Fund, Support Your Sistah at the Afiya Center, the Lilith Fund, Clinic Access Support Network, and Texas Equal Access Fund.Follow Just Texas on social media @wearejusttx to keep up to date with people of faith in Texas who support reproductive freedom.

The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery is Dean of Duke Chapel and a national leader in the field of preaching. He is also a professor at Duke Divinity School. He sits down with Beloved Journal to talk preaching in the age of COVID-19, the important issues of our time, and the necessity to be one's self in the pulpit. 

Dr. Peter A. Singer is the Special Advisor to the Director-General of the World Health Organization, a group on the frontlines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. He takes time to speak with Mandy and Rob about the Delta Variant and vaccine equality across the world.

Beloved we have the Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis. She is the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She talks with host Rob Lee on the importance of preaching in the time which we find ourselves. Don't miss this!

Elizabeth Hagan is a pastor and author. She has been a pastor for 15 years and graduated from Duke Divinity School. Never shying away from difficult conversations, she joins Mandy and Rob to talk about her new book, Brave Church.

Melanie Vaughn is a Christian Educator in North Carolina actively dying of cancer. She sat down with the Rev. Rob Lee to discuss death, life, and things in between. This podcast aired on her 58th birthday (June 29th 2021).

Jim Winkler is the President of the National Council of Churches. Founded in 1950, this organization seeks to foster understanding and build friendships across denominational lines. Jim has been president of the organization since 2014—before that having served as General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society in Washington D.C. He is the son a Methodist preacher and has deep roots in the church as an active layperson.

The Rev. Jim Keat is Digital Minister at the Riverside Church located in New York City. He talks about his work and its importance even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but especially in the midst of it. 

Dr. Chi Huang is the Executive Director of General Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and an Associate Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He joins Rob and Mandy to talk about the rise in Asian American and Pacific Islander discrimination, harassment, and attacks. Join us for this important episode. 

The daughter of famed comedian George Carlin is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. She sits down with the Revs. Rob Lee and Mandy McDow to talk about her dad, her spirituality, and her hopes for the world. 

Rabbi Emily Cohen of the West End Synagogue in New York, New York stops by for a chat with the Rev. Rob Lee. Join us for this meaningful interfaith conversation!

The son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker is now making his own way as a very different type of pastoral presence on the landscape of Christendom. Today we sit down with Jay Bakker to discuss his famous (or infamous) televangelist parents and his own coping with ministry during a pandemic. 

Larissa May, founder of Half the Story shares with us about social media empathy, mental health on a screen, and how we all need to be having this conversation. 

The Very Rev. Canon Gary Hall, PhD is the Interim  Dean of the Bloy House and the former Dean of Washington National Cathedral. He speaks of the need to asses theology and how we do it well in the 21st century, his time in Washington, and his confidence to do the right thing when it counts.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) discusses the Biden Administration's infrastructure plan, the push for DC statehood, and other important issues on today's episode of Beloved Journal.

Today on Beloved Journal, the Rev. Rob Lee talks to Illa Garcia, the founder of the Millennial Nutritionist. She is committed to a healthy and better lifestyle for the Millennial generation and has garnered a following that attests to her important work. 

CNN Anchor Don Lemon joins the Rev. Rob Lee to talk about Don's new book, "This is the Fire: How I Talk to My Friends About Racism." 

Erica Smith is running to be the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat being vacated by North Carolina Republican Senator Richard Burr due to his retirement in 2022. Today she sits down with the Rev. Rob Lee to talk her platform and policy implications for North Carolinians.

English producer, director, and screenwriter Stuart Hazeldine sits down with the Rev. Rob Lee to talk filmmaking and the broader conversation that it invokes.