Podcast appearances and mentions of amy stroup

In this episode of The Academy Podcast, we share an important update: a hiatus and reimagination of our podcast journey. Join host Shalom Agtarap as we reflect on the gifts of the new year, the wisdom of the Magi, and the importance of rest and discernment. While we pause to prayerfully envision the future of this offering, we encourage you to revisit past episodes and share your feedback in this survey to help shape what's next: https://bit.ly/academypodcast2025 Thank you for being part of this transformative community. Keep listening—to life, to creation, and to the still, small voice guiding us all. For updates and to stay connected, visit Academy.UpperRoom.org. We look forward to returning with renewed vision and purpose. Shalom Agtarap is a graduate of Two-Year Academy #29 and has served on multiple Academy leadership teams, including the upcoming Two-Year Academy #43. She is an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church who builds community through relational organizing. Her roots are in the church but they are watered by many streams as she intentionally cultivates connection across racial/ethnic lines, religious traditions, and socioeconomic backgrounds for the common good. Shalom lives in Tacoma, Washington with her spouse and three children. JOIN US We're excited to announce that the next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #43 and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/two-year-43/ Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Rubén Ortiz's teaching from the 2022 online Academy Day Apart retreat called “Hope in a Time of Despair: Advent Through Immigrant Eyes." In this episode, Rubén Ortiz shares his personal journey as a migrant, weaving together stories of family, faith, and transformation. Through the lenses of familia, nepantla (the in-between spaces), and diaspora, Rubén reflects on the spiritual lessons he's learned through migration and exile. Drawing on biblical narratives, his own experiences, and the themes of Advent, Rubén explores the creative and transformative potential of waiting, belonging, and building bridges across cultures. Join us as Rubén invites us to expand the boundaries of our hearts, see the vast ocean of possibilities in migration, and discover how faith shapes a life in motion. Take a look at Rubén's presentation slides here: https://bit.ly/rubenortizacademy Rev. Rubén N. Ortiz, M.Div., is the Latino Field Ministries Coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). He a two-time immigrant: Cuba to Ecuador (1993) and Ecuador to USA (2000). With studies in music, communications, and theology, Rubén has served as a pastor for more than two decades as well as a Spiritual Director. He is often called upon as a consultant, advisor, and resource facilitator and is passionate about promoting the wellbeing of congregations and pastors. Rubén was a participant in Two-Year Academy #32 (a Spanish and English bilingual Academy) and is also part of the Academy Advisory Board. In his ministry with CBF, he works with Latino congregations and partners and provides leadership to FAMILIA, CBF's Latino Network. Rubén and his wife, Xiomara, are “empty-nester” parents of Natalia Sofia and Daniel Andrés. JOIN US We're excited to announce that the next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #43 and apply here: https://academy.upperroom.org/event/two-year-43/ Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Barbara Brown Taylor's teaching from a Five-Day in Alabama in 2022. In this episode, Barbara reflects on the spiritual significance of twilight, exploring how this threshold time between light and dark mirrors our own journeys through faith, transformation, and the unknown. Join us for a compelling discussion as Barbara invites us to embrace the sacredness of liminal spaces, to find divine presence in moments of transition, and to open ourselves to the mystery that twilight holds. Discover how twilight can be a teacher in the journey of descent and transformation, where we are invited to live faithfully in the tensions of life. Barbara Brown Taylor is a best-selling author, teacher, and Episcopal priest.  Her first memoir, Leaving Church, won an Author of the Year award from the Georgia Writers Association in 2006.  Her next three books earned places on the New York Times bestseller list.  Taylor has served on the faculties of Piedmont College, Emory University, Mercer University, Columbia Seminary, Oblate School of Theology, and the Certificate in Theological Studies program at Arrendale State Prison for Women in Alto, Georgia. Her latest book, Always a Guest, was released in October 2020 from Westminster John Knox Press. JOIN US We're excited to announce that the next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. Lear more at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/two-year-43/. The online application for Academy #43 will be available in the very near future. If you want to be one of the first to know when registration is open, please complete this simple form to give us your name and contact information so that we can inform you as soon as the application is ready. Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Molly Vetter's teaching from Academy #42 in 2023 on the topic, "Spirituality and Embodiment." In this episode, Molly Vetter reflects on the intersection of scripture, art, and spirituality, inviting listeners to see how sacred traditions and personal experiences converge in daily life. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that invites us to see our faith embodied in everyday life, to find the sacred in art and community, and to live faithfully—even when it challenges institutional norms. Rev. Molly Vetter is passionate about many things: building community with unlikely and diverse people, making the church more boldly welcoming, and caring for the earth. Since 2019, she has served as Senior Pastor of Westwood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, a congregation with a rich legacy of thoughtful engagement on social issues and incredible worship gatherings in which to connect to the grace and mystery of our God. Molly received her Masters of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology and studied Art History for undergrad at Boston University. In her personal and professional life, she loves planning events and trips, and enjoys experiencing them, too. She loves designing and making things, especially out of fabric or food or the internet. Outside of the local church, Molly has served in several leadership roles in the broader United Methodist Church and stays active in organizations that serve the local community. She volunteers with the Grain Place Foundation, a non-profit that will inherit and continue her family's organic farm in central Nebraska. Molly lives with her husband, Matthew Parker, and their son Jonah. Molly is an alum of Two-Year Academy #41 and will serve as Retreat Leader for upcoming Two-Year Academy #43. Artwork & Photos from the episode: The Trinity — Kelly Latimore: https://kellylatimoreicons.com/products/the-trinity That they may have life — Corita Kent: https://collection.corita.org/piece/64-24 Enriched bread — Corita Kent: https://collection.corita.org/piece/65-02 Welcome Sign — Noah Purifoy: https://bit.ly/3BKvF3V Toilet Bowl Sculpture — Noah Purifoy https://bit.ly/3Y32fG2 Sitting in The White House — Noah Purifoy: https://bit.ly/3ByXyfr White/Colored — Noah Purifoy: https://bit.ly/3BsD5bZ Claremont School of Theology Cross — Sam Maloof: https://bit.ly/3XPVMho JOIN US We're excited to announce that the next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. A website and online application for Academy #43 will be available in the very near future. We'll be sharing those details in the coming weeks. If you want to be one of the first to know when registration is open, please complete this simple form to give us your name and contact information so that we can inform you as soon as the application is ready. Link to Form: forms.gle/X63WN8RHtAvLDWLL7 Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Juan Carlos Huertas' teaching from Academy #42 in 2023 on the topic, "Attentiveness to the Word." In this episode, Huertas dives into the rich world of prophetic literature, exploring how the ancient texts of the Bible connect to the realities of our lives today, emphasizing how scripture mirrors modern challenges in justice, leadership, and kinship. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that invites us to engage more deeply with scripture, justice, and our role in building a more equitable and loving world. Juan Carlos describes himself as a follower of Jesus, husband, dad, spiritual director, and pastor. Currently he is Minister of Proclamation and Practice of Justice at First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, NE. Previously, Juan Carlos was the pastor of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Juan says what God has called him to do in his ministry is, “To work as Jesus would have us work to make a difference in our community, to work together for peace and justice.” Juan is married to Shannon Perry Huertas and they have three children, Seth, Isabelle, & Lucas. For more information, go to https://www.firstplymouth.org/juan-carlos-huertas. JOIN US We're excited to announce that the next Two-Year Academy begins November 2, 2025. A website and online application for Academy #43 will be available in the very near future. If you want to be one of the first to know when registration is open, please complete this simple form to give us your name and contact information so that we can inform you as soon as the application is ready. Link to Form: https://forms.gle/X63WN8RHtAvLDWLL7 Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Shively Smith's teaching from Academy #42 in 2023 on the profound spirituality of the New Testament. In this episode, Dr. Smith explores the diversity within early Christian texts, emphasizing how the spirit of new life and love was interpreted across various cultures, languages, and geographies. She encourages listeners to reflect on the spiritual and social implications of the crucifixion, urging us to consider who stands with us at the cross and who we wish were there. Tune in to be challenged, inspired, and invited into deeper reflection on the intersections of faith and society. Shively Smith is Associate Professor of New Testament and Director of the PhD Program at Boston University School of Theology. She is also Resident Scholar and an itinerant elder at the historic Metropolitan AME Church of Washington DC. Since the age of 16, Smith has been a student of the Bible and other sacred texts. Dedicated to the life of the mind and journey of the spirit, she goes about her work as a scholar and teacher of biblical texts and histories with hopes of making a difference by speaking informed, courageous, and spirit-filled truths. Smith says: “I'm proud to have studied and collaborated with some of the most committed and educated scholars, teachers, and preachers in theological education, the Church universal, other religious traditions, and beyond. Each day, I aim to grow in my understanding and faith to create bridges for people from different walks of life to talk to each other.” For more information, go to https://www.shivelysmith.com/about. You can hear more from Shively in her session on Spirituality and Scripture at the first session of The Academy's new hybrid offering mentioned below! JOIN US The Academy for Spiritual Formation presents Spirituality in Practice. This newest offering is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply here Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Lucretia Berry and Ben Bowell's teaching from an online Academy Day Apart in 2021 called, Courageous Curiosity: Cultivating an Antiracist Spirituality. In this enlightening conversation, Lucretia and Ben share their personal stories of Christian faith formation and its intersection with antiracism. Together, they offer profound insights into the importance of examining our stories as we seek to dismantle racism, inviting us to engage in deep soul work for true transformation. Lucretia Berry is the founder of Brownicity - Many Hues, One Humanity (brownicity.com), a non-profit dedicated to advocacy, education and support for racial healing and antiracism that hosts thousands of learners committed to an antiracism learning journey. She is a wife to Nathan and a mother of three little girls. A former college professor, Lucretia designed an onboarding course and authored the accompanying study guide called, What LIES Between Us: Fostering First Steps Toward Racial Healing. She is the Antiracism Curriculum Specialist for Community School of Davidson (NC), a contributor for (In)courage.me, and a TEDx and Q Ideas speaker (Charlotte). Lucretia finds joy in prayer, dark chocolate covered almonds, and dancing! Ben Boswell is the senior minister at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC where he serves at the intersection of strategic leadership, spiritual formation, and social justice. He is a preacher, pastor, author, civil rights leader, and sought-after public speaker. Ben is also a former infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, a graduate of Marion Military Institute (AA), Campbell University (BA), Duke Divinity School (MDIV), and Saint Paul's School of Theology (DMIN) where his doctoral thesis was “Identifying Whiteness: Discerning Race through Spiritual Practice in the White Dominant Church.” During his doctoral studies, Ben also completed the Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation (#39). He is the author and founder of Confronting Whiteness (confrontingwhiteness.com/), a group that aims to transform people racialized as white into anti-racist practitioners. Ben loves craft beer, movies, running, spending time outdoors and being with his family. JOIN US The Academy for Spiritual Formation presents Spirituality in Practice. This newest offering is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply at academy.upperroom.org/event/spiritua…-practice2024/. Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Grace Imathiu teaching at the Indiana Five-Day in 2021. Grace illuminates the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, a title she challenges because parables cannot be contained. Grace explores the story through different lenses to reveal a God of reckless abundance who shows us how our life together could be despite our histories. Rev. Grace Imathiu is Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Evanston, Illinois. Pastor Grace is a citizen of the world for whom ‘the world is her parish'. As an African who is married to a European and is raising an American son, Grace is fluent in three languages, was educated in Kenya, U.S.A., in England and Israel. Grace has a passion and gift for inspiring and nurturing prophetic communities of faith to live out loud the Jesus Story. For Grace, the quintessential expression of the resurrected Lord's presence is a community whose very DNA is a radical hospitality which births a loving and a healthy tension that is ideological, theological, racial, ethnic and cultural. She thrives on diversity. Grace was married to David Jones, who recently died in March 2023. Together, they are the parents to Erik. JOIN US The Academy for Spiritual Formation presents  Spirituality in Practice. This newest offering is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply at academy.upperroom.org/event/spiritua…-practice2024/. Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Elaine Heath's understanding of neighborhood shalom. Her lecture from Academy 40 speaks to us of hopes and expectations, of well formed theology that is undone by lived experience. Knowing about Jesus and experiencing the compassion and presence of Jesus in the neighborhood is nothing short of transformational. Listen on, dear one, and as you listen, breathe deeply and expand gently. Elaine Heath's vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology.  She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity Heath is co-founder and former President of Neighborhood Seminary. The author of thirteen books, Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.  She lives with her husband at Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina where she serves as Abbess. JOIN US The Academy for Spiritual Formation presents  Spirituality in Practice. This newest offering is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/spirituality-in-practice2024/. Show Notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Claire K. McKeever-Burgett as she discusses the sacred people, places, and experiences that shaped her new book, Blessed are the Women. Step into the holy conversation of what it means to be - not just a woman - but human - one who is loved, and listened to by the Divine. Blessed indeed are the ones who hear women in the Bible for they, like Christ, will see the Divine Mother face to face. Listen on Beloveds.  Claire K. McKeever-Burgett is an author, creative contemplative, and spiritual leader who has dedicated her life to bridging spirituality and social justice. With a background in English and Professional Writing from Baylor University and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School, she has served as a clergy, led congregations, and facilitated transformative writing, movement, and liturgical practices centered on healing and embodiment. A mother, certified birth and postpartum doula, and a yoga, dance, and martial arts instructor, Claire lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee. She writes regularly on Substack, and her book, Blessed Are the Women: Naming and Reclaiming Women's Stories from the Gospels (February 27, 2024), shares stories of women from the Gospels in their words, with their own names, interwoven with Claire's personal story of growing up as a woman with a vision and a voice in a conservative, Southern Baptist, male-dominated world. Claire's writing invites people to pray, dance, sing, and create along with women in ways that help them heal from religious and theological trauma and find a place of welcome and peace within a reimagined, woman-led faith. Those familiar with the Academy Podcast will also recognize Claire as a former host of the podcast. Claire is an alum of Two-Year Academy #41 and previously served on staff as Associate Director for The Academy for Spiritual Formation. JOIN US The Academy for Spiritual Formation presents Spirituality in Practice. This newest offering is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/spirituality-in-practice2024/. SHOW NOTES Order Claire K. McKeever-Burgett's new book Blessed are the Women at https://www.clairemckeeverburgett.com/book. Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources SUPPORT OUR WORK If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Luther Smith's teaching from Academy 29 in Burlingame, CA. His lecture on "Faithfulness within Conflict" reminds us that conflict should be embraced as a pathway to healing. Ultimately, Dr. Smith invites us to deal with conflict because “Our obedience requires it." The question he asks us is, "will we engage conflict confidently and creatively, or will we find ourselves unprepared?” Listen on, dear one, and as you listen, breathe deeply and expand gently for our world is in deep conflict and, as Luther suggests, it has always been. Luther Smith is an ordained elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, longtime Academy faculty person, and a member of The Academy Advisory Board. Luther spent 35 years of his career as an activist, scholar, and professor at Candler School of Theology, and he is known to be an authority on the life and theology of Howard Thurman. Luther is Professor Emeritus of Church and Community at Candler. His current research focuses on the writings and  correspondence of Howard Thurman, advocacy on behalf of children, and a spirituality of hope. He is married to Helen Pearson Smith and lives in Stone Mountain, GA. They have four children and five grandchildren. JOIN US If you would like to hear Luther Smith teach in person, he will be one of our faculty presenters for Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation. This newest offering from The Academy for Spiritual is a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and three online one-day retreats plus monthly two-hour online practice sessions to support integration of learnings and nurture community. Spirituality in Practice is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at more manageable levels. We are accepting applications now. Session 1 begins September 6, 2024, in Mundelein, IL (near Chicago). Find more details and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/spirituality-in-practice2024/ Show Notes: Order Luther Smith's new book Hope is Here: Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community. Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Ray Buckley's teaching from the 2021 Spiritual Formation in Today's World. His Lecture on Reconciliation. As an indigenous person in North America, Ray speaks with authority about what it takes to be reconciled across walls meant to keep people and creation apart. Let us consider what it will take for indigenous folks, and all historically marginalized people, to have more access which leads to equity in all areas of life. Ray Buckley is the Director for the Center for First Nations Spirituality and longtime faculty member of The Academy for Spiritual Formation. Ray has served the United Methodist Church as a staff member of the United Methodist Publishing House, Director of the Native People Communication Office, and Director of Connectional Ministries and Native Discipleship for the Alaska Missionary Conference. Ray is the author of multiple books and resources for all ages. His stories, poetry, and art have appeared in numerous journals, periodicals and books around the world. Ray and his brother, Rick, make their home in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska. The 2024 cohort of Spiritual Formation in Today's World begins February 1-3, 2024. You can learn more and apply at https://academy.upperroom.org/event/sftw-2023/. Show notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support our work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features Daniel Wolpert's teaching from the 2021 online Academy Day Apart retreat called Drinking from Ancestral Wells: God's Wisdom for the Work of the Present Age. Dan contrasts the wisdom of our ancestors with the destructive nature of colonization that cuts people off from God. He guides listeners to reconnect to their ancestors and allow that ancestral wisdom to help them reconnect with God. Dan is the author of multiple spiritual formation books and is executive director and co-founder of MICAH, the Minnesota Institute for Contemplation and Healing; spouse; partner; ally; activist; and dad. Dan has been a student of the spiritual life since age 21 and has taught in the fields of psychology and spiritual formation in numerous settings. In addition to his retreat and teaching work, Dan provides counseling and spiritual direction services at MICAH. Show notes: The quote from Wendell Berry that Shalom references in the outro comes from the poem, "Wild Geese," by Wendell Berry found in "Collected Poems 1957-1982" (North Point Press). Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources Support our work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

This month, the Academy Podcast features a word from Alexia Salvatierra. The content comes from her lecture at last December's online Academy Day Apart retreat called, “Hope in a Time of Despair.” Alexia explores the immigrant and refugee experience through the lens of hope, likening it to the hope of a woman in labor. They have faith that on the other side of the hardship, there is new life that is a fulfillment of God's dream for their lives—a life where they not only survive but thrive. Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra is the Academic Dean of Centro Latino and the Associate Professor of Integral Mission and Global Transformation at Fuller Theological Seminary.  She has over forty years of ministry experience, including as a missionary in the Philippines, in Spanish-speaking and English-speaking congregations, as a legislative advocate, as the founder and director of multiple non-profit organizations and as an international speaker/training/consultant.  She was the co-founder of several national initiatives in the arena of engaging the Church in the immigration crisis. She is the co-author of "Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World" and "Buried Seeds: Learning from the Vibrant Resiliency of Marginalized Christian Communities." Show notes: Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources SUPPORT OUR WORK If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can do so and learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/

Amy Stroup joins me to talk about her new album "Since Frank," most recent collaborations, and this next phase of her music career. Produced by Chad Copelin (LANY, Broncho, Ben Rector), the 10-song collection covers a wide range of subjects, ultimately settling on what it means to find a way to be okay on the inside. We talk about her love for hiking and seeking the outdoors as a place of comfort and creative inspiration. Since Frank is out Friday, June 23rd on all streaming platforms. Stroup is a prolific collaborator, teaming up to record as both Danger Twins and the playfully retro duo Sugar & The Hi-Lows. With a live show to match her recording prowess, she's earned dates with the likes of Chris Stapleton, Kings of Leon, Kacey Musgrave, and Ingrid Michaelson, as well as festival appearances from Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits to Cayman .

The guys are joined by Amy Stroup to discuss the 2005 soundtrack to Elizabethtown.  This soundtrack is STACKED with great songs.  Plenty of other discussion including why it took us so long to do this episode considering we did a Cameron Crowe soundtrack month a few years ago, who is Frank, dogs, being a song farmer, getting placements, Nancy Wilson, Susan Sarandon, Jim James, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, and we share Wayne's BIG NEWS in this episode.  Check out Amy Stroup here:https://amystroup.com/Check out other episodes at RecordsRevisitedPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, iHeartMedia, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Additional content is found at: Facebook.com/recordsrevisitedpodcast or twitter @podcastrecords or IG at instagram.com/recordsrevisitedpodcast/ or join our Patreon at patreon.com/RecordsRevisitedPodcast

Join us on Episode 640 of Folk Roots Radio for another fine selection of songs that sound just so good together. This time around we check out new music from Michael Logen & Amy Stroup, Durham County Poets, The Divine Comedy, The Montgomery Street Band, Basset, Moonfruits, Jasmine (feat. Victor Hern​á​ndez), The Woods, Madison Violet, woe11er, Sons Of The Never Wrong, Oysterband and Pat Chessell. We wrap things up with a fabulous live version of "'til It's Gone" from Allison Russell and her music and life partner JT Nero as fabulous folk/Americana duo Birds of Chicago. Enjoy! If you like the artists you hear on this show and want to support them, don't just stream their music – BUY their music and then you'll really make a difference to their income at a time when it is becoming much more difficult to make a living as a musician. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it! Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-640-were-all-about-the-music-charmed-life-edition/

This month's podcast features teaching from Dan Wolpert at Two-Year Academy #39 in Malvern, PA in 2018. He and his wife, Debra, co-taught the topic on Spirituality and Embodiment. The clips in this episode are excerpts from the final lecture of that session. Dan, is author of multiple spiritual formation books, and is Executive Director and co-founder of MICAH, the Minnesota Institute for Contemplation and Healing, spouse, partner, ally, activist, dad. Dan has been a student of the spiritual life since age 21 and has taught in the fields of psychology and spiritual formation in numerous settings. In addition to his retreat and teaching work, Dan provides counseling and spiritual direction services at MICAH. Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.

In this episode, we’re joined by Cole Arthur Riley, who is a writer, speaker, and liturgist. She currently serves as the Content and Spiritual Formation Manager for a Center for Christian Studies at Cornell University called Chesterton House. In her role, she produces and curates written content for spiritual formation and leads care and spiritual support for staff and students. While working for an Episcopal church, she became enamored with both Anglican and Catholic liturgical traditions, finding beauty in written prayer as well as the embodied experience of Eucharist and prayer services. Cole is the creator and writer of Black Liturgies—a project seeking to integrate the truths of Black dignity, lament, rage, justice, and rest into written prayers. You can follow the project on Instagram @blackliturgies. Broaching topics of spiritual practice, embodiment, expanding liturgy to speak to Blackness, the limitations and concerns of social media, and so much more, Cole and Claire spoke as colleagues, companions, and friends in this liminal space of spirituality and justice, prayer and protest, worship and work. Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.

December's episode is a compilation of the best moments of 2020 from Claire's podcast conversations with Lisa Yebuah, Dan Wolpert, Ben Boswell, Amos Disasa, Frank Rogers, M Barclay, Lanecia Rouse, and Amy Stroup. Of course, we hosted many more conversations than these in 2020 with Academy leaders and friends—conversations that challenged us to act, opened us to joy, and reminded us that justice and mercy are the children of Love. The excerpts from the conversations in this “best of” podcast are just a few of our favorites, many of them memorable moments that changed our own thinking, feeling, and being in the world. In the end, we’re simply grateful. Grateful we can hold this space for holy and healing conversation; grateful we can talk about hard things, real things, big things; grateful we can show up, again and again, in the presence of the Holy One asking to be transformed for the healing and transformation of the world.

Our new music is from today’s conversation partner on the podcast, a Nashville based singer songwriter, Amy Stroup, who graciously offered instrumentals from her songs “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” for our podcast episodes going forward. You’ll want to check out all of Amy’s music on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your tunes. This episode sounds a lot like a conversation between longtime friends, because it is one. Claire and Amy have known each other since high school. At the beginning of June, they talked about all things songwriting, healing, racial justice, Richard Rohr, connection, spiritual practices that keep Amy grounded, who she’s currently listening to and reading, and more. While connection has always been important, it feels even more so in these days of living in the midst of a global pandemic and as we continually engage antiracism work. Maybe this will spur you to send a text to an old friend or quarantine for 14 days so you can safely drive to see your people. Maybe you’ll find some new music to dance to or rediscover an author who makes your heart come alive. However the Spirit moves you, our prayer is that we’ll remember, together, that the work of love and justice, the work of antiracism, the work of spiritual formation is expansive work and it begs of us to stand our sacred ground, to open ourselves to change, and to deeply trust in the God who marches, dances, listens, learns, and sings along with us. If you’re here for this kind of life-changing work, we’re so glad you found us, and we hope you’ll stay with us for the long haul.

Dit is het EO-programma Holy Hits. Je hoort hier twee uur lang de nieuwste christelijke muziek uit de US en Europa. In deze show o.a. Social Beingz, TobyMac, John Mark McMillan & Amy Stroup. Presentatie: Martine ten Klooster

When Mary Hooper and Amy Stroup were looking for alternatives to the traditional career path in each of their fields, they decided to take their friendship to the next level by going into business together. The result, Milkglass Creative, is a unique blend of a design company and an independent record label, which works with everything from recording artists to authors to lifestyle brands. Since it started in 2010, Milkglass has evolved as Amy and Mary have learned to lean into their individual strengths and be open to new changes and experiences. They both keep busy doing creative work in their respective fields, with Mary running the art and design side of the company and Amy heading up the record label while also pursuing her own music career. Because Milkglass is a values-driven company, Mary and Amy are also intentional about giving back to the community around them, both through volunteering at Y-CAP and by mentoring younger women in their fields. They’ve learned important lessons along the way about taking time for themselves and only taking on clients that spark their creativity and passion. In this episode, Amy and Mary explain how they transitioned from being friends to working as business partners, starting Milkglass so they could both have space to be creative and work for themselves (2:41). One of Milkglass’ biggest assets today is the founders’ ability to take on clients who respect their vision, functioning as a truly creative entity and not a “Band-Aid company” (13:24), and Mary and Amy explain how passion and a strong value system make that possible. Since creativity is part of the job description at Milkglass, Amy and Mary also talk about how they’ve made space to allow themselves to be creative and avoid burnout (22:16), all while being intentional about investing in their own identities and lives apart from the company (26:55). This has allowed them to each finds a tribe of friends and supporters (30:49) and develop their own personal definitions of success, which center around personal fulfillment and wholeness (44:34). Mary and Amy exemplify the magic that happens when you create

Trent Dabbs has written several songs you know like “Girls Chase Boys” for Ingrid Michaelson, “High Horse,” for Kacey Musgraves’ CMA award winning album, Golden Hour, “Growing Pains” for COIN, “Deep Water,” by American Authors, he even wrote a couple songs for Natalie Hemby’s 2017 album release, "Puxico." He just released his 11th solo album "Positano" which features a collection of songs he’s written throughout his artist career including the ballad “Come Home Safe” released a year ago this weekend. We talk all about the album, his favorite 70s bands, and what it means to make it in this crazy business we call the music industry. He is also one/half of Sugar and the The High Lows with Amy Stroup who has also been on this series before, Episode 13.

                  Our guest co-host this week is blogger Lindsey Maestas of Sparrows and Lily. She wants to know what kinds of things a podcast graphic needs to attract someone. Featured Music: Lauren Daigle - "Take My Heart" Amy Stroup - "Wild Nights"   Thoughts, Inspirations, Opinions, & Quick Takeaways Lindsey is the owner and writer at Sparrows and Lily She will be starting a podcast soon called, "Milk & Honey", stay tuned She is a wife, and mom of two boys Her platform rests on authenticity and living a life of transparency so as to be an encouragement to others In order to have an attractive podcast cover You have to identify and know your audience. This can only come from communication with your client and a clear creative brief. Once you’ve identified this pronote: Make sure your colors, fonts, and images all communicate the same message. Remember to consider the sizes your graphic will be seen         Find us on all forms of social media via @BrandiSea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and you can email us any burning questions you want Brandi to answer on an episode at brandi@brandisea.com.   THANK YOU to the ultra-talented  Vesperteen (Colin Rigsby) for letting us use his (“Shatter in The Night”) track in every episode of Design Speaks.

If you’ve ever seen ­­­­shows like Parenthood, This Is Us, and Grey’s Anatomy, you have likely heard music written and performed by our guest today. Songwriter/Recording Artist, Amy Stroup has had several sync placements in TV, film and advertising. Outside her work in sync she is one half of the duo Sugar and the Hi Lows, in which she partners with prolific songwriter Trent Dabbs. Amy’s latest solo project “Helen of Memphis,” is her third studio album inspired by empowerment, confidence and the magic in us all. Helen of Memphis is both a state mind and tribute to her grandmother Jo whom passed away in 2015. In our interview we discuss the album from front to back and the Nashville and LA writers she worked with to make this bright, dreamy and beat driven album come to life. We also chat about Milkglass Creative an indie label she co-operates with business partner and co-writer, Mary Hooper. They designed the visual elements of the album. Be sure to catch her on the road this fall and pick up "Helen of Memphis" where music is sold at amystroup.com. You can listen to the podcast format of this interview at nashvillesongwriters.com/nsaicoffeebreak.

You might not know Amy Stroup by name, but you've probably heard her voice on one of your favorite shows or movies. The singer/songwriter has been featured in over 400 top tv shows and movies, including Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Private Practice and many more. Subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Tune In, Stitcher. In this episode, we'll hear about Amy's journey which included hanging out with legendary songwriters Walt Aldridge and Brad Crisler as an eager 10-year-old with a trusty notebook in hand. With its many twists and turns, Amy has taken the path that's made the most sense for her. In return, we see an artist with a varied repertoire who's open to opportunity and a sound that's constantly evolving. Amy shares stories and sings some her best singles including Just You, Stare, Hope onto Hope Love and Magic. The series producer, Brad Newman hosts this interesting look at an artist who likes to keep her fans guessing and wondering what she'll come up with next. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We want to know what you think. Pitch us an artist, or simply spread the word and find out more about the series. #childrenofsong

Today we are talking with Amy Stroup.  Amy is a singer, song writer, designer and creative.  Amy Stroup is a Boston born, Abilene, Texas raised independent artist, living in Nashville who has had her songs  featured on more than 30 TV shows (This Is US, Parenthood, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Vampire Diaries, Walking Dead, One Tree Hill, Pretty Little Liars) as well as National TV ads for Calvin Klein, New Balance, Lexus & more.  Amy has released 3 digital EPs and one nationally distributed full length solo recorded  entitled Tunnel.  She is the newest member of the TEN OUT OF TENN tour where she is one of ten featured artists along side Andrew Belle, Katie Herzig, Joy Williams and more. Recently Amy released a single called 'This Is My Time' featured on NBC's hit show This is US she co-wrote with Mary Hooper her creative partner and co owner of their design boutique Milkglass Creative.

Reid Monaghan and Jesse Furey give a quick introduction to themselves, the Gospel Underground podcast and some segments that will feature in future episodes. You can find more about our podcast at www.gospelunderground.org. The Gospel Underground is a joint production of Power of Change (www.powerofchange.org) and the Bonhoeffer Haus (www.bonhoefferhaus.com) Many thanks to Trent Dabbs and Amy Stroup of Sugar + the Hi Lows for liscensing us to use their fantastic "See it for Yourself" as our intro music. Check out their stuff, www.sugarandthehilows.com.

Amy Stroup is a singer-songwriter living in Nashville who’s had her songs featured on more than 30 TV shows and films including Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Parenthood. She's also a co-founder of the critically acclaimed soul-pop duo "Sugar and the Hi Lows" with whom she has toured in support of artists such as Ingrid Michaelson and Kacey Musgraves. Andrew sits down with Amy to hear more about her food memories and stories from her time growing up in Abilene Texas.

Brandon and Jason revisit The Big Yellow Dog office on Music Row to have a conversation with Daniel Tashian. Daniel is a singer, songwriter, artist, and producer based out of Nashville. It’s astounding to find out Daniel’s navigation through the music industry as a writer, and what’s even more shocking was his age of getting shopped around for a publishing deal. But Daniel is no newb in the music industry. Daniel’s father was in the infamous band The Remains. The guides and Daniel take a trip through Daniel’s childhood to figure out how he himself was influenced by his family and the musicians that were around his childhood. Fast forward to the present, Daniel has cuts with artists like Chris Lane, Charles Kelly, Lee Ann Womack, Matt Wertz, Eli Young Band, Logan Mize, Amy Stroup, Billy Currington, and Martina McBride. Josh Turners newest single, “Hometown Girl” was co-written by our survival expert. Not to mention his film and TV placements with shows like Breaking Bad, Private Practice, and Heart of Dixie to name a few. He recently even produced Trent Dabbs’ newest record, The Optimist. In this episode the guides tackle his experience with getting a publishing deal and the twists and turns of navigating what’s hot at that moment, how he approaches writing a song, and even how to write music to pitch. You also get a glimpse in what’s going on with the Silver Seas, Daniel’s project, and what is to come. Remember, that Tashian…Sounds Like Passion. Thanks as always to Fat Bottom Brewing. Thanks to Tom Hemby for supplying this weeks music.

Mississippi native Trent Dabbs relocated to Nashville in the early 2000s, where he’s carved out a niche on the local indie rock and Americana scene. Over the last twelve years, he’s released ten solo albums, a collaborative EP with edgy country sensation Ashley Monroe, and two retro R&B inspired projects with fellow singer/songwriter Amy Stroup under the name Sugar + The Hi-Lows. Earning significant critical acclaim, All Music predicted that Sugar + The Hi-Lows “just might be the next breakout band to capture the nation’s imagination.” Dabbs is a co-founder of the Ten out of Tenn artist collective, and has collaborated with high-profile songwriters, including Lori McKenna, Gabe Dixon, Joy Williams of the Civil Wars, and Kacey Musgraves, with whom he penned the Top 40 country single “Undermine” from the hit TV show Nashville. Other songs from the Trent Dabbs catalog that have appeared on the series include “World on Time,” “I’m Coming Over,” “Shine,” and “Don’t Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet,” which became a Top 40 hit for series regular Hayden Panettiere in 2014. Many of the songs from Dabbs’ solo projects have landed on high profile TV shows such as The O.C., The Hills, Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, So You Think You Can Dance, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Hawaii-Five-O, NCIS, and others. Dabbs contributed six songs to Ingrid Michaelson’s 2014 album Lights Out, including “Girls Chase Boys,” a Top 10 single on both Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs and Adult Top 40 chart. His latest album as a solo artist is called The Optimist.   

No babies were harmed by dingos in this episode, but your guides did sit down with Australian born, Nashville resident Jared Kneale. Brandon and Jason first get a cultural lesson from Jared. Touring in Australia is way different than here in the states, and even the opportunities look a little bit different. While in his native homeland, Jared has played with "Austrialian Idols," Hillsong, and the Afro-Cuban rock band Watussi. After getting connected with some players living in Nashville, Jared booked his flight to the states only bringing some clothes and his drums. Armed with confidence and using his cajón as his business card at writers rounds he quickly started working with Rebecca St. James and Audio Adrenalin, Mikky Ekko, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Sugar & the Hi-Lows, Gabe Dixon, Amy Stroup, Trent Dabbs, Jessie Baylin, Isaac Hayden, Rick Price, Jason Eskridge, amongst various other local singer/songwriters. Then they dive in on landing the gig with Grammy Award-winning artist Kacey Musgraves. "How Murica," is Jared? He passes the guides' test, then they look at what life looks like after a great gig. Jared's life today is playing and producing records, and playing gigs that keep his schedule open for session work. This episode is for drummers, touring players, session guys, and immigrants in a music city wondering what it takes to make it as a Nashville player hustling for work as a BLOOMIN' DRUMMER!

Is it just a bad B-movie? Or is there something in it that actually reflects Scouting in some way?Subscribe on iTunes----more----Podcast TopicAs was alluded to in Episode 3, some of us were able to go and see Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, a movie that pits — yes — Boy Scouts (it is set in the United States, after all) against zombies. We had initially expected that the movie would be little more than an appropriation of the Scouting label...but it turns out that there's actually more to it than that. If you can look past the not-family-friendly content and the zombie-killing premise, you can see in the three Boy Scout characters in the movie a lot of the same dynamics that are present in many Scout groups.MusicTheme Song from The Walking Dead, composed by Bear McCrearyWe Carry On, by The Phantoms featuring Amy Stroup