Maybe I'm Amazed

Dr. Howell talks with Shannon Klug, an Air Force veteran, parent, and activist, about how individuals and faith communities can help prevent gun violence and build a culture of responsibility, compassion, and care. Shannon shares her experiences and highlights how thoughtful conversations and small actions can lead to real change. Shannon is the Be SMART Lead for North Carolina and a member of the Everytown Veteran Advisory Council. She encourages responsible gun ownership and empowers families and communities to promote safety, connection, and hope.

Dr. James Howell talks with Dr. Ben Gosden, senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Savannah, GA, about recovery and his new book, Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery. Ben earned his M.Div and D. Min at Candler School of Theology. Ben is a husband, father, and Jesus follower. He is also a person who lives to be sober one day at a time in the hope that God's greatest work comes out of our deepest wounds.

Dr. Howell talks with Boris Henderson about the impacts of gentrification and displacement in communities, and how churches and other organizations can support justice, community engagement, and housing stability in vulnerable neighborhoods. Boris is the Senior Director of Community Engagement & Philanthropy at Aldersgate. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary and has served in leadership roles at Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Housing Partnership and on the board of Habitat for Humanity International.

In this special episode, Dr. Howell is interviewed by Dr. Jonathan Page on the election and spirituality. This podcast is part of a larger series, Voting While Christian, made by the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC). As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election draws nearer, the VAUMC will share resources with their conference on topics ranging from how to have hard conversations to the impact on community organizing and advocacy in light of the current social and political climate, a climate that local churches and individuals must navigate as people of faith. Check out their page at https://vaumc.org/votingwhilechristian/.  

Dr. Howell speaks with Marty Folsom, a relational theologian and counselor, about the theology of Karl Barth and how we can find freedom through a relationship with God. Folsom holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Otago and has authored numerous books including two recent volumes of Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics for Everyone. 

Dr. Howell discusses the state of the church, technology, and AI with Tim Dalrymple, President and CEO of Christianity Today. Dalrymple was the founder and CEO of Polymath Innovations, held multiple leadership positions at Patheos, and was a teaching fellow at Harvard University. He has degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Stanford, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Religion from Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 

Dr. Howell talks with Tommy Tomlinson about his experiences in journalism and writing and his new book, Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show.  For 23 years, Tomlinson was a reporter and columnist for the Charlotte Observer, where he was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize in commentary. He has written for Esquire, ESPN the Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Garden & Gun, and many other publications.

Dr. Howell talks with Wesley Vander Lugt, author of Beauty is Oxygen: Finding a Faith that Breathes, about how beauty can revitalize our souls and offer us hope. A pastor and theologian, Vander Lugt is the acting director of the Leighton Ford Center for Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He holds a PhD in Theology, Imagination, and the Arts from the University of St. Andrews.

Dr. Howell speaks with Katy Stockton about the importance of nature, her passion for climbing, and her role in search and rescue at Yosemite National Park.

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Rebecca Bruff, author of the award-winning book Trouble the Water, about the life of Robert Smalls, exploring how historical fiction offers a unique perspective on his motivations and relationships. Dr. Bruff is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University, where she earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Theology.

Dr. Howell talks with Greg Jarrell about the ongoing and historical systems of inequality that result in urban renewal and gentrification, and the role religion plays in that process. Greg is a scholar, cultural organizer, and the author of Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods. 

Dr. Howell hosts Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author, host of the Everything Happens podcast, and Duke University professor. Kate shares her journey of finding resilience amidst life's challenges and looks deeper into the themes of her new book, Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!

Dr. Howell talks with Matt Miofsky about faith and the importance of spiritual practice in everyday life. Founder and Lead Pastor of The Gathering, a United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, Matt is also the author of several books, including his latest, The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer. Matt graduated from Washington University, where he played football, and completed his Master's of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Dr. Howell talks with award-winning biographer and bestselling author Jonathan Eig about his recent biographies of Martin Luther King, Jr. (King: A Life) and Muhammad Ali (Ali: A Life). Eig's books have been listed among the best of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Eig studied journalism at Northwestern University, and was a reporter for The New Orleans Times-Picayune, The Dallas Morning News, Chicago Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Howell talks with Ken Howle about Lake Junaluska's rich history of hospitality and connection. Howle, executive director and a long-time leader at Lake Junaluska, oversees its preservation, development, and outreach, ensuring it will continue to be a scared place of renewal and transformation for generations to come. 

Dr. Howell talks with Laura Belcher, President & CEO of Habitat Charlotte Region, about the history and life-changing work of Habitat for Humanity. 

In October, Dr. James Howell had a conversation with Dr. Mark Holland, co-founder and executive director of Mainstream UMC, an advocacy group working for unity in the Body of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Together, they looked at where the United Methodist Church is right now, what is coming up at General Conference in May 2024, when our future will be decided, what's at stake, and how we can be involved.

Dr. Howell speaks with Jan & Ron Kimble about the story of their daughter, Jamie. Now, through their work at The Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, they are sharing this story to help prevent domestic and intimate partner violence and encourage healthy relationships.

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Matthews about his journey as a pastor and therapist and his work on city-wide initiatives to address race, affordable housing, and poverty. Dr. Matthews is the pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, graduated from Duke Divinity School, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. 

Dr. Howell speaks with Jeremy Coffey about his journey of founding Good Soles, an organization that provides steel-toed boots and nonslip shoes to our neighbors in need while they transition out of homelessness. Good Soles was born out of a random act of kindness while stopped at a stop light and has provided over 6,500 pairs over the last 5 years.

Dr. Howell talks with Wil Bailey about his experiences with mission work in Costa Rica and the value of building relationships and being church together. A North Carolina Conference Missionary, Wil received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School in May 2003 and has been commissioned as a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Individual Volunteer.

Dr. Howell speaks with Rev. Laura Heikes about what it's like at a church on the border and finding God in unexpected places. Pastor Laura is the Lead Pastor at McAllen First United Methodist Church and has a Master of Theology from Asbury Theological Seminary. She is the author of Finding God: Discovering the Divine in the Gritty and Unexpected.

Dr. Howell talks with Rev. Magrey deVega, senior pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, about his book Questions Jesus Asked and the theological reflection involved in looking deeply at those questions. 

Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Mark Wilson about Turkey - its biblical history and archeology and what it looks like today. An archaeologist and historian, Dr. Wilson is founder of the Asia Minor Research Center in Antalya, Turkey and author of Biblical Turkey: A Guide to the Jewish and Christian Sites of Asia Minor. Dr. Wilson serves as a Research Fellow in Biblical Archaeology at the University of South Africa and an Associate Professor Extraordinary of New Testament at Stellenbosch University. 

Dr. Howell talks about therapeutic landscapes and healing places with Dr. Wil Gelser, author of Healing Places and retired Professor of Geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Gelser's major research interest is health care delivery, and he has made significant contributions to cultural geography, Africa, and social theory.

Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Steve Cheyney about the appeal, study, and understanding of conspiracy theories. The University Pastor and Honors College faculty member at UNC Charlotte, Dr. Cheyney holds a B.S. from Western Carolina University, a master's degree from Duke University, and a doctorate from Emory University.

Dr. Howell speaks with Rev. Grady Moseley, a Presbyterian pastor and general contractor, about his recent lung transplant and the hope and healing throughout that process. 

Dr. Howell talks with Karen González, speaker, writer, public theologian, and immigrant advocate, on the theology and politics of immigration and the need to be welcoming. Ms. González is the author of Beyond Welcome, which draws from the Bible and her own experiences immigrating from Guatemala as a child to examine why the traditional approach to immigration ministries and activism is, at best, incomplete, and, at worst, harmful. A former public school teacher, Ms. González studied theology and missiology at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Dr. Howell talks with Brian Childers, Director of Handbells and Children's and Youth Music, about the musical history of bells, how handbells are played, and how they enrich worship at church. In addition to his role at Myers Park UMC, Brian Childers is an accomplished composer, conductor, and clinician, and serves as Music Advisor for Handbell Musicians of America, helping to promote the wealth of handbell music in the AGEHR Catalog.

Dr. Howell talks with Regina Židonienė, Director of the VŠĮ Pagalbos Center in Birzai, Lithuania, about the difference they are making in their community. Recently, she was awarded by the mayor "for constant concern for the children and families of the district experiencing social risks, daily assistance to refugees from the war started by Russia in Ukraine. For long-term, systematic, comprehensive assistance to war refugees from Ukraine. For the ability to convince partners to choose the most vulnerable. For the fact that there is enough space in the heart and home for everyone."

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Eric Meyers about his life and how archaeology informs our understanding today. Dr. Eric Meyers is a world-renowned archaeologist, professor, author, and husband to Dr. Carol Meyers. Throughout their careers, they have conducted archeological digs in relation to biblical and Judaic studies.

As part of the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series, Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Leighton Ford on “What is Belief and What Does it Mean to Accept Christ?” A Presbyterian minister and a leader in world evangelism, Dr. Ford has spoken in 40 countries and is the author of nine books, including his most recent, The Attentive Life.

Dr. Howell speaks with Kate Bowler on what it means to face hardships and how we love each other through these challenges. Kate Bowler, Ph.D. is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, professor at Duke University, and incurable optimist. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we're capable of change.

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Lillian Daniel on the importance of community in the church, how the community deals with hardships and tragedy, and the need for compassion. Dr. Daniel is a preacher, teacher, and writer in Iowa. She has spoken at the National Cathedral, Duke Chapel, Kings College, London, and Queen's College, Ontario, but on Sundays, you can find her preaching at First Congregational Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dr. Howell talks to Dr. David Wilkinson about science and faith, wrestling with questions about creation and life in the universe, and the importance of having a space in church to ask these questions. Dr. David Wilkinson received his PhD in theoretical astrophysics at Durham University. After this he studied theology at Cambridge and became a Methodist minister and since then has held a number of different positions at Durham University in apologetics and theology. He is now Principal of St. John's College and Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University.

As part of the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series, Dr. Howell talks to Dr. Carol Harston, an ordained Baptist pastor and pastoral researcher who leads the Eden Hill Initiative, where she converses with those who have grown up around traumatizing theology and helps them move toward healing. 

As part of the Good Questions series, Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Chris Green on the Bible, Inspiration, and truth. They discuss how God is using these stories to tell us about ourselves and about God. Dr. Green is a Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University and Director at St. Anthony Institute of Theology, Philosophy, and Liturgics, and author of All Things Beautiful: An Aesthetic Christology.

Dr. Howell begins the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series by speaking to Mark Miller about the question Is There a God? and how music helps us define our faith. Mark serves as Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School, Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University, and Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, NJ.

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Dianne Collard, missionary and author of I Choose to Forgive, about her story of loss, forgiveness, and how it lead her to become an advocate for artists.

Dr. Howell speaks to Slice Penny on his call to ministry, how mistakes can lead to new beginnings, and how small things within the church can lead to major changes in others' lives.

Dr. Howell speaks with Julie Wood, author of Changing the Message and mother of Ben Wood, on the heart-breaking journey of navigating the loss of her son and a mission to change the message within the church to "Do No Harm" and treat others with kindness.

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Jack Harnish, a retired United Methodist pastor, author, and preacher, on E. Stanley Jones—one of the most remarkable evangelists and missionaries of the 20th century. 

Dr. Howell speaks with Gary Chapman, New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages series, retired pastor, and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, about relationships, faith, and The 5 Love Languages.

Dr. Howell talks with Craig Hella Johnson, Grammy-winning founder and Artistic Director of Conspirare renowned as one of today's most influential voices in choral conducting. They speak about conducting, composing, and deeper connections between music, spirituality, and the world. His work, Considering Matthew Shepard, will be at Myers Park UMC on June 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Howell speaks with Ed Price, Chief Operating Officer of Charlotte Rescue Mission, about the new opportunities and transformation occurring at Community Matters Cafe.

Dr. Howell talks to Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, a Methodist Minister in Northern Ireland and professor known for his work with reconciliation, about toxic religion and national identity. 

Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Henry Perry, a physician with graduate training in sociology and anthropology who has three decades of experience in the management and evaluation of health programs in developing countries. He is the founder of the NGO Curamericas Global and talks about giving his life to serving others, global health, and how we are called to address this great moral issue.

Dr. Howell talks to Dr. H. D. "De" Kirkpatrick, forensic psychologist and author of Marse: A Psychological Portrait of the Southern Slave Master and His Legacy of White Supremacy, about genealogy, history, and slavery.

Dr. Howell speaks to John Kilgo, an award-winning newspaper columnist, about basketball, journalism, and Dean Smith.

Dr. Howell talks with Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund and author of Can We Talk About Israel: A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted, about the history of Israel and how people talk differently about the complex story between Israelis and Palestinians.

Dr. Howell welcomes back Rebekah Eklund, Professor of Christian Scripture, Theology, and Ethics at Loyola U Maryland. Professor Eklund gives us insight into how we pray and the meanings we can find within the Lord's Prayer.