In Times Like These with Dr. Stephanie Varnon-Hughes

Where is God? What is God? Is God far away from us? For many today, the spiritual journey has led to the discovery of a divine reality we already inhabit, one that encompasses and animates us all.   How I Found God in Everyone and Everywhere: An Anthology of Spiritual Memoirs captures for a general audience the spiritual shift away from popular notions of a God "up there" and "out there" and toward immanent and inclusive understandings of a God in our very midst.   Sometimes called "panentheism," this relational and participatory vision is rekindling the spiritual journeys of many seekers today. This God is not found in some people and some places, but in everyone and everywhere.   Pantheism: a doctrine that identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God.   Panentheism: the belief or doctrine that God is greater than the universe and includes and interpenetrates it   Learn more about the book and panentheism here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjZOHbY8Kl8    More about the author, Andrew Davis: https://www.andrewmdavis.info/

Spiritual Playdate is on a mission. Not to delivery any ideology, but to share a method for discovery and spiritual growth. In this episode of In Times Like These, founder of Spiritual Playdate Edwina Cowell shares her methods and the movement. Parents and families are looking for hopeful, joyful, robust resources to introduce interfaith ideas and Big Questions to the children and youth in their lives. How do we answer questions about death, heaven, love, evil, or why other religious and ethical traditions are the way they are? Spiritual Playdate provides both a loose, flexible curriculum for parents and teachers, guiding questions and best practices, and fun resources. Behind the materials are a deep-seated commitment to the Golden Rule and positive interfaith engagement. If we play together, we can grow together. When we grow together, our communities are stronger.

Youth Mentoring Action Network (YMAN) is a youth-centered program that works to prepare young people for life, college, and career. It’s co-founder, Torie Weiston-Serdan is a scholar-practitioner with over 13 years of teaching and youth programming experience. She’s the author of Critical Mentoring: A Practical Guide. Her mentoring philosophy values equity, and centers young people as partners, not the recipients of mentoring. YMAN is successful by all measures—not just because their students have a 100% high school graduation rate, 98% of those students go to college, and of the students who go to college, 100% of them stay in. But more importantly, the students are teachers and partners in the program’s outcomes. In this episode of In Times Like These, Weiston-Serdan and board member Rocky Bragg help us understand the power of radical constructivism, why relationship always comes first, and how love has the power to free us.

Maryum Ali, the oldest daughter of the inimitable Muhammad Ali, has always been invested in helping others. And by “helping,” she often means “listening.” Ali has a gift for meeting people where they are and building community through authentic relationship. Her career has included an original album of progressive rap music and works as a comedian. Ali has a keen gift for insight and understanding human nature. Later, as a social worker, she worked in vulnerable neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including with youth and in gang prevention. In this episode of In Times Like These, Ali helps us understand why humility, a love of learning, and a sense of care for others—no matter who they are—are key ingredients for bringing about positive social change.

Our creation story is based on rape and violence. The story of Adam and Eve is much more than we learned in Sunday school. Widening our perspective on this powerful social story changes everything: the way we see marriage, the law, what it means to be a citizen, how we talk about sex and abuse, and how we consider healing. In this episode of In Times Like These, New Testament scholar Dr. Celene Lillie helps us understand her original research on the story of Eve—and what her rape, in early Christian literature, means for us today. Until we begin to learn and unlearn this story, we are doomed to remain caught in patterns of violence and misunderstanding.

Why should we center the voices of black women? Does “centering” mean ignoring other group’s perspectives? How can we be whole, free people—together? EbonyJanice Moore is a womanist scholar and activist doing community-organizing work, most specifically around black women’s body ownership as a justice issue, and equal access to education and pay for women of color in the U.S. and in several African countries. What is “body ownership” and how is it related to justice, theology, higher education, and mental health in the United States? How can upending the current ways we privilege voices, perspectives, and leadership change our entire civic space. In this episode, we discuss what it means to “decolonize everything,” and how this can be the life-affirming step our society needs to take to fully thrive, together.

When we are trapped in a cycle of merely surviving, we lose the opportunity to floursh. When we think we are all alone, we lose the opportunity to be in community. In his ground-breaking and deeply humanizing book, Resilience: From Killing Fields to Boardroom, the S.A.L.T. Effect, Dr. Emad Rahim shares his method of facilitating movement from Surviving, Adapting, Loving, and Transforming. This framework for engagement is helpful for anyone seeking meaningful life and more purposeful engagement. Dr. Rahim was born in a concentration camp and overcame great difficulties to become an empathetic teacher and leader. He shares his perspective—particularly needed in divisive times like these, and encourages us to impart love whenever possible.

Too often, we engage in “dialogue” because we want to change minds. We comment on Facebook, or argue at dinner, or email “fact checks” to one another because we desperately want to prove the other side wrong. But this only divides us further. Interfaith expert Tahil Sharma helps us understand that as people in the interfaith movement, our job is to take the sides of justice and equity—but our priority is to be moderators. This takes a radical shift in priority and practice for many of us, particularly in times like these.

Volunteering can be accessible, it can be a lot of fun, and it feels good to do good. Adam Kunes helps us connect being part of social good with choosing experiences that can be joyful. His organization, Have Fun Do Good lets individuals and groups come together to help local organizations bring about positive social change— all while making friendships, exploring locations, and having fun. There’s no better time to be part of something good— whether in our National Parks, in international settings, with local non-profits, or in your own backyard. When was the last time you planned a vacation that would create social good? It’s time—have fun, and do good.

Is America a land of abundance, or a place of scarcity? There are so many aspects of being human that can sometimes eclipse the notion of what it means to be a citizen. In this episode, we talk to Vikrum Aiyer. He’s VP of Global Public Policy at Postmates and Former Senior Advisor at the White House. He hosts American Enough, a weekly town hall-style podcast discussing current events and American ideals. When you think “American,” what comes to mind? Are you comfortable, or nervous? How do you participate in American life? And how can you participate more fully?

Were you blown away by the amazing podcast last week discussing the letter from Mr. Rogers? Want to know more? Want to dive deeper? So do we! Did you ever hear… That Mr. Rogers served in the Army and was a sniper in Vietnam? That Mr. Rogers only wore sweaters to cover up the tattoos on his arms? That he used to chase kids off his porch on Halloween? All of these are untrue. However, in this special bonus, “off the record” recording, Dr. Stephanie Varnon-Hughes and Dr. David Carter will discuss the misconceptions about Mr. Rogers and why we have such a hard time believing in the goodness of Mr. Rogers, that he was the same “off screen” as he was “on screen.” Take a listen to this bonus podcast and join the discussion on social media. Fun fact: Why did Mr. Rogers like the number 1-4-3 so much? Because it takes 1 letter to say "I", 4 letters to say "love," and 3 letters to say, "you."

Molly Stillman is a writer, photographer, podcaster, and fashion blogger. Her lifestyle blog, Still Being Molly, exists to inspire women to walk joyfully and confidently in purpose, and to know that they were created with a purpose for a purpose. She is a leader in supporting fair trade companies, purchasing products – everything from clothing to home goods to bath and beauty – that are from ethical brands or sources. In the first part of our conversation, we talk ethical fashion, and how consumers are discovering a newfound hunger for purchasing goods that are created by workers who have access to humane conditions and a living wage. Then, we talk about her personal religious conviction, and how it has influenced everything she does. In this episode of In Times Like These, we explore the way our personal choices can impact communities for generations to come.

In the fall of 1996, as she embarked upon a new chapter in life, rife with challenges, our very own Dr. Stephanie Varnon-Hughes, Director of the Claremont Core, received a personal letter from Fred Rogers that changed her life—for the better. In this special edition of In Times Like These, we’ll hear from Dr. Varnon-Hughes about the amazing story of receiving help, hope, and happiness in the kind words of Mr. Rodgers.

 When you choose a church, gudwara, or ethical society to attend with your partner or family, how do you find one? Word of mouth? The internet? And how do you know you’re welcome? As digital spaces have become more robust and hospitable, and as many of us are finding valuable relationships in online and non-traditional communities, many religious institutions find themselves at a crossroads. How can they share positive messages about community and transformation without losing on-ground traditional values and methods that many hold dear? In this episode of In Times Like These, we talk with John Falke, also known as Johnny Flash. John is the creator of Amplified Impact, a blog, podcast, and organization that helps religious communities and organizations amplify their work to extend their message and purpose.

Social entrepreneurship is that sweet spot where empathy meets innovation. Neetal Parekh is the founder of Innov8social and host of the Impact Podcast. Her work exemplifies the key ingredients of social impact: digital strategy, storytelling, and curiosity. In this episode of In Times Like These, we talk about why relationship is so important, how we can all grow our abilities to generate positive social impact, and the key ingredients for human centered innovation and design.

When was the last time you heard a preacher—or any religious or ethical leader—talk about sex, bodies, or male sexual violence from the pulpit? And yet—if you look around your congregation, so many of us have been affected by male sexual violence, gender-based violence, and sexual trauma. If we are the Body of Christ, why do we shy away from actually talking about…bodies? Lyvonne “Proverbs” Picou is a preacher, speaker, poet, educator, creative social entrepreneur, and an Emmy-award-winning media producer. Through her organization, beautiful scars, the Reverend Picou promotes healthy and safe conversations around religion, sex, and Blackness in order to, ultimately, address the silence in the Black Church on sexual abuse.

Diplomacy. Development. Third track diplomacy. NGOs, Millennium Development Goals, state actors, fragile states, and stability. Our world is full of unrest. Our world is also full of organizations and communities working to build more just and equitable communities. Maybe you’re like me, and you don’t know a lot about how diplomacy works. In this episode, Clare Magee gives us a fantastic introduction to these concepts, and helps us understand how religious and interfaith organizations participate in development goals. Magee is the director of Academic Programs at the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship in Lexington, Kentucky, and studies nonprofit and transnational organizations and peace and conflict studies. In fall 2017, she was a featured panelist at the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Foreign Affairs at Claremont Lincoln University’s digital conference: Rethink, Reframe, Respond: Navigating a World in Transition: Creating New Maps for Foreign Affairs.

Despite the beautiful meaning of the word “evangelical,” its current uses are often related in common understanding to self-righteousness, judgement, anti-intellecutalism, and even bigotry. More and more younger evangelicals are embracing diversity, re-imagining what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and learning how to be in dialogue with difference.

In this episode, Tony Loyd teaches us how to think about social entrepreneurship. It’s opportunity for curiosity, humility, empathy—and learning from the community. The community already has the answers—so how do we unlock that capacity? Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/social-entrepreneur-tony-loyd/

In this episode, CLU alumnus Ely Flores walks us through how the United States Census works, why it matters, and how individuals and communities can get involved to make sure every count counts.

In this episode, we talk with Reverend Nate Walker, an expert on religion and public life, on how we’re a nation of religious minorities and how this gives us a unique opportunity to practice freedoms in a civic space. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/religious-freedom-law-nate-walker-podcast/

In this episode, we talk with Courtney Farrell on how to grow our awareness about gender-expansive and transgender children and youth, and reimagine how classroom practices can build true democracy. Show Notes: Trans Rights & Justice in Education with Courtney Farrell https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/trans-rights-justice-education-courtney-farrell-podcast/

In this episode, we talk with Cody Nielsen about identity formation, diversity in higher education, and ways educators and leaders can make sure engagement with diversity prepares all students for global citizenship. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/imagining-identities-cody-nielsen-podcast/

In this episode, Onleilove Alston shares her research and perspective that upends what many listeners will know about Christianity or Biblical teachings and provides key insights for the way we think about gender, race, nationalism, and poverty.

In this episode, Dr. Leah Weiss shares insight from her new book How We Work: Live Your Purpose, Reclaim Your Sanity, and Embrace the Daily Grind. Pre-order How We Work now: https://leahweissphd.com/how-we-work Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/help-wanted-seeking-purpose-leah-weiss-podcast/

In this episode, Catherine Orsborn joins us to help us understand what “anti-Muslim bigotry” is, why it harms everyone (not just Muslims), and how everyday people can participate in building and maintaining and more robust and diverse civic space. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/caring-critical-catherine-orsborn-podcast/

In this episode, Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer helps us explore what it might mean to cultivate curiosity as a virtue. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/curiosity-virtue-rabbi-nancy-fuchs-kreimer-podcast/

In this episode, Tim Brauhn shares the values he brings to dialogue, and highlights the work of Islamic Networks Group, a network of teaching and community resources for strengthening relationships in the civic space. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/honoring-humanity-neighbors-tim-brauhn-podcast/

In this episode, we talk with Mirah Curzer about engaging in contentious conversations on Facebook, how to teach others in public, why “resistance” is both inspiring and problematic, and how to learn for long-term work and practice. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/delicate-balance-mirah-curzer/

In this episode, Pastor Gregory Stevens explores issue of privilege, systematic oppressions, capitalism and the global economy, how to listen in solidarity, and the really radical teachings of Jesus. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/unraveling-privilege-gregory-stevens/

As part of a Muslim-Christian family, interfaith educator Kendra Fredrickson-Lauoini experiences discrimination and rich opportunities for dialogue daily, including on social media. Since the 2016 presidential election, divisive and hateful speech has become more visible. And yet, ordinary people across the world are reaching out to learn more about others, and try to build peaceful workplaces and communities for themselves and their families. In this episode, we explore challenges to dialogue, and how tools like Facebook and Twitter can be great for connecting with others, and can also make civil discourse seem impossible. Kendra and Stephanie talk candidly about their own shortcomings when it comes to encounter with difference, and how they are working to learn more to lead better. Show Notes: https://www.claremontlincoln.edu/engage/clu-live/podcasts/in-times-like-these/limits-dialogue-kendra-fredrickson-laouini/