Podcasts about Black church

Is the Black church losing its influence in America?In this powerful conversation, Pastor Jamal Bryant sits down with Yusef Jackson, son of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and the president and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to discuss the future of Black leadership, voting rights, civic engagement, economic justice, and why younger generations are disconnecting from both church and activism.From the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement to the reality of DEI rollbacks, local elections, and the fight for cultural unity, this episode challenges the Black community to rethink faith, politics, and responsibility in this generation.Yusef Jackson also opens up about growing up as Rev. Jesse Jackson's son, the lessons he learned from his parents, and what the next chapter of Rainbow PUSH looks like moving forward.Watch until the end for one of the most important conversations on the future of the Black church and Black America.#LetsBeClear #JamalBryant #YusefJackson~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Jamal Bryant Podcast "Let's Be Clear" is a conversation that rips off the bandaid to serious relevant issues in the community and around the country. It assesses the wounds and offers prescriptions of insight, understanding and direction. No punches are pulled, but jabs are thrown to hit right between the eyes of every listener. New Episode Drops every Thursday at 12pm est. at jamalbryant.orgJoin our Membership or Support our Channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yEY95beOqcUz5TUqxqVgQ/joinFollow or Subscribe on our socials ~https://www.facebook.com/jamalbryantpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/jamalbryantpodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@jamalbryantpodcast https://twitter.com/jamalbryantpod

Somehow we started talking about Paige's gay friends and that got us to talk about church, and how we've wanted to go to a black church for years but just haven't yet, what fun that would be Headlines

According to Pew Research Center, nearly 75% of Black Americans identify as Christian.It's well known that many of the first African American Christians were first exposed to Christianity in the midst of enslavement. This exposure could have been used as a tactic for control by enslavers or as a genuine attempt to lead individuals to salvation by missionaries. But, whether conversion happened out of fear or joy, the African religious practices that the enslaved people would have practiced back home, all but disappeared during American enslavement.But, when emancipation occurred in the 1860's, the newfound freedoms of the formerly enslaved included not only an autonomy of body and identity, but an autonomy, at least in theory, of what they believed, and how they worshipped. For many, this materialized in a continued commitment to Christianity. But for many others, there was now the freedom to begin engaging with their traditional African beliefs, which often looked very different than Christianity. And even formerly enslaved Christians may have begun practicing a form of Christianity that, while still committed to the gospel, had visible distinctions and different emphases from the white men who first evangelized to them. But, while African Americans technically had the right to religious freedom, practitioners of African religion still faced persecution, especially during the era of Jim Crow, where legally free black Americans were still oppressed by their white governments for nearly a century. Even today stigma around Voodoo and similar practices has made African religion a taboo in many communities.Harvard Professor Ahmad Greene-Hayes recently wrote a book called “Underworld Work,” which explores the nuances of African American religious practice in the era between emancipation and the Civil Rights Movement. I spoke with Greene-Hayes about the complexities of Black religion during Jim Crow and the ways many Americans misunderstand African Spiritualism.

Is the Black church losing biblical literacy?In this powerful episode of Let's Be Clear, Pastor Jamal Bryant sits down with Rev. Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, president of the Interdenominational Theological Center, for a conversation that is already stirring debate across the Black church.From the controversy surrounding Divine 9 organizations to seminary decline, HBCU funding struggles, LGBTQ conversations in ministry, and the future of Black education, this episode tackles the conversations most people avoid publicly.This is one of the most honest and thought provoking conversations about faith, education, culture, and Black identity happening right now. The Jamal Bryant Podcast "Let's Be Clear" is a conversation that rips off the bandaid to serious relevant issues in the community and around the country. It assesses the wounds and offers prescriptions of insight, understanding and direction. No punches are pulled, but jabs are thrown to hit right between the eyes of every listener. New Episode Drops every Thursday at 12pm est. at jamalbryant.orgJoin our Membership or Support our Channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yEY95beOqcUz5TUqxqVgQ/joinFollow or Subscribe on our socials ~https://www.facebook.com/jamalbryantpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/jamalbryantpodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@jamalbryantpodcast https://twitter.com/jamalbryantpod

There's a lie circling around out there that we have to fall into a binary. Life can either be good or hard. We can choose grace or truth. Our politics can be either progressive or conservative. And if you know me, you know I don't really buy into the “either/or” thing.My guest today is Justin Giboney,  an ordained minister, attorney, author, and political strategist who is breaking out of the binary by inviting Christians to be faithful in the public square WITHOUT joining the culture war. For the last decade, Justin has led the AND Campaign, a non-partisan Biblical framework for civic engagement. He believes it's possible for Christians to live with both compassion and conviction—and, my goodness, is it refreshing. If you feel like you don't quite fit into a single party or you're fighting the temptation to become politically apathetic, spend an hour with Justin and me. You'll leave motivated, educated, and equipped to steward your public witness well.What we mentioned:“We All Have a Seat at the Table” - https://mendcoffee.shop/products/mend-mugDon't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church's Public Witness Leads Us out of the Culture War by Justin Giboney Ep. 74 with Sho Baraka - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/NzNiOWM1ZjAtZDEyNS00NzdiLWI0YmYtMDcxODFjMzEzNDAxAmy Julia Becker's interview with Justin Giboney - https://amyjuliabecker.com/culture-war-faith-justin-giboney/Church Politics Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-church-politics-podcast/id1289898626Justin's recommendations for spiritual and political influences:Gardner C. TaylorG.K. ChestertonRoss DouthatDamon LinkerEsau McCaulley Alan NobleLisa FieldsCharlie DatesUnherd (TV Show)Breaking Points (TV Show)Scriptures we mentioned:Luke 18Where to find Justin online:Instagram: @justinegiboneyThe And Campaign - https://www.andcampaign.org/For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me: https://hopeheals.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, a monthly digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet's most redemptive content: http://eepurl.com/gGUnlfGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/spaces⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.com/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

“The Black church has the ability to do so much—and it can do so much more.” Dr. Charles Williams, pastor of historic King Solomon Baptist Church, joins Detroit is Different for a powerful conversation on faith, family, organizing, and the sacred responsibility of serving Black Detroit. Dr. Williams opens up about how Dr. Charles Simmons of the Hush House, a member of King Solomon, connected him to the legendary church over a decades ago—a house of worship where Malcolm X delivered “Message to the Grassroots,” Dr. King spoke, Joe Louis gave, and generations organized for freedom. Now Michigan Chair of the National Action Network, Dr. Williams reflects on his Detroit roots, his family's migration story, and the wisdom he gained as a young reverend from Rev. Horace Sheffield II and Rev. Jim Holley. He shares how King Solomon continues to be more than a church: “a social center,” a place of advocacy, community action, and healing. With his wife's work in health and well-being shaping their ministry, and his doctorate from the University of Michigan grounding the Black Church's role in the Black family, this interview bridges Detroit's past and future. Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com Find out more at https://detroit-is-different.pinecast.co

In this episode of Broke-ish, Amber and Erika dive into one of the most influential—and complicated—institutions in Black life: the Black church. Joined by Rev. Mia McClain, Senior Pastor of Riverside Baptist Church, the conversation explores how the faith, politics, and culture of the Black church has created a legacy that is both powerful and problematic. Together, we unpack what the Black church has historically given to the community—collective care, activism, spiritual grounding—and what parts of that legacy may need to be challenged or left behind. We explore what a decolonized, liberation-centered, Black Christian praxis looks like and what can be done to achieve it. Press play to hear the conversation!

In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Senior Writer Chin Liang takes us deep into the heart of Transylvania, a region forever linked to gothic legends, dark forests, and of course… vampires. But as Chin quickly shows us, the real Transylvania—and the real Brașov—is far more fascinating than any fictional horror story.We begin with the scenic train ride from Bucharest, winding through the Carpathian Mountains before arriving in Brașov, a city of 250,000 people that still feels like a perfectly preserved medieval town. In the Old Town's Council Square, Chin notices something unusual: the eyebrow dormer windows that look like hundreds of half‑closed eyes watching from the rooftops. Built by Saxons centuries ago, these “eyes” once ventilated attics—but today they give Brașov its unforgettable, slightly eerie charm.Chin explores the Black Church, the city's most famous landmark, named for the fire that blackened its walls in the 17th century. Inside stands one of the largest pipe organs in Southeastern Europe, with nearly 4,000 pipes still used for concerts.No trip to Brașov is complete without a visit to Bran Castle, the so‑called “Dracula's Castle.” Chin sets the record straight: the castle has nothing to do with vampires. Instead, it was a fortress, then a royal residence, and now a museum perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. Still, its silhouette was close enough to Bram Stoker's imagination that the legend stuck.Chin also recommends pairing your visit with Râșnov Fortress, a 13th‑century hilltop stronghold, and Peleș Palace, a spectacular neo‑Renaissance royal residence filled with secret doors, stained glass, medieval weapons, and ornate rooms that feel straight out of a fairytale.Back in Brașov, Chin samples local dishes like hearty beef stew and creamy roasted eggplant spread. And for the best view in town, he rides the cable car up Mount Tâmpa, where the forests and ridges of Transylvania stretch out in every direction. It's here, above the rooftops and the “watchful eyes,” that the city's resilience and history truly come into focus.Brașov is a place shaped by fire, rebuilt with pride, and wrapped in centuries of myth. And as Chin reminds us, sometimes the real stories are even better than the legends.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast and never miss a new journey.Explore more great travel stories at GoNOMAD.com

In this episode of the Let's Be Clear Podcast, Pastor Jamal Bryant sits down with Pastor Justin, a tech pastor from Silicon Valley, for a real conversation about artificial intelligence and what it means for the church and the Black community.Pastor Justin breaks down how AI is already shaping everyday life and why many people do not realize how their data is being used. What feels free online may actually be costing more than people think.He explains how the digital divide is growing and how it impacts access, opportunity, and long term wealth. He also shares why the church must adapt now to stay connected to the next generation.The conversation also covers how AI may replace millions of jobs while creating new ones, and what skills will matter most in the future.This is a conversation about being aware, staying ready, and understanding what is coming next.#LetsBeClearPodcast #JamalBryant #PastorJustin #ArtificialIntelligence #BlackCommunity #FaithAndTechnology #futureofwork The Jamal Bryant Podcast "Let's Be Clear" is a conversation that rips off the bandaid to serious relevant issues in the community and around the country. It assesses the wounds and offers prescriptions of insight, understanding and direction. No punches are pulled, but jabs are thrown to hit right between the eyes of every listener. New Episode Drops every Thursday at 12pm est. at jamalbryant.orgJoin our Membership or Support our Channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yEY95beOqcUz5TUqxqVgQ/joinFollow or Subscribe on our socials ~https://www.facebook.com/jamalbryantpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/jamalbryantpodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@jamalbryantpodcast https://twitter.com/jamalbryantpod

Clayton was once home to a large and thriving Black community. The First Baptist Church of Clayton — which sat on South Brentwood Boulevard — was part of that physical community until the city's urban development plans forced the church to move in 1961. Five years later, the luxury high-rise Park Tower took up that space. On April 30, the church and the community that was impacted by its displacement will be honored at a city ceremony and the installation of a memorial plaque. STLPR reporter Chad Davis joined “St. Louis on the Air to take us deeper into the background of the plaque, the church once stood there, and why the city of Clayton is recognizing its legacy.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Andrea Cunliffe interviews Clyanna Lightbourn about the Democracy During Detention Act. Then, Willie Terry brings us to a panel discussion on the Role of the Black Church in the Freedom Struggle. Later on, Mark Dunlea speaks with author Andy Gittlitz about his book Metropolitan: New York Baseball, Class Struggle, and the People's Team. After that, we have an interview with Erin Johanns of Love Your Block. Finally, Moses Nagel interviews Stephanie Loveless about her new book about Deep Listening.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” The event took place at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. ”This is Part 6 of that discussion.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine First, Mark Dunlea previews an upcoming forum on the NY Health Act. Then, Willie Terry continues his coverage from the Troy4Black Lives Program, titled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” Later on, Moses Nagel brings us coverage from a recent hearing where the Albany Common Council discussed the Mayors requested changes to the Affordable Housing Bill. After that, The Zorbas Trio joins us to talk about their music. Finally, Niyani Holt brings us a conversation on media and identity with journalist, photographer and friend of the Sanctuary, Robert Cooper. Co-Hosted By: Ember, Richard Sleeper | Engineer: Jacob Boston

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” The event took place at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. ”This is Part 5 of that discussion.

You know, some of the most powerful leadership training in this country didn't happen in a boardroom… it happened in the Black church. From leading choirs to organizing communities, from speaking in front of a congregation to learning how to bring people together — generations of leaders have been shaped in those spaces, often long before they ever held a formal title. Well, my guest today has written a fascinating new book that explores exactly that idea. It's called Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, and it looks at how culture, faith, and community have quietly prepared so many people to lead in every area of life. I'm joined now by author and leadership expert L. Michelle Smith.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Elizabeth “EP” Press reports on the protest against Flock cameras in Troy by activists on Friday April 3 in response to Troy Mayor Mantello's Emergency Declaration to keep paying for the license plate reading camera subscription. Then, Mark Dunlea highlights some voices from the past weekend's No Kings Rally in Albany. Later on, Lennox Apudo speaks with housing rights advocates with the National Union of The Homeless. After that, Willie Terry continues his coverage from the conversation on The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free. Finally, H Bosh Jr speaks with Flerida Santana Johns about community-focused investments.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” The event took place at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. ”This is Part 4 of that discussion.

Hosts and Commonweal contributors Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins and Nick Tabor chat with Gary Dorrien, professor at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, about the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson and the Black social gospel tradition. They explore Dorrien's own intellectual journey from rural Michigan to the academy, his groundbreaking trilogy on the Black social gospel, Jackson's relationship with Martin Luther King Jr., the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaigns of the 1980s, and what Jackson's career reveals about the enduring ties between the Black church and progressive politics.Episode production and original music by Joel Myers.

The 100th episode of the Let's Be Clear Podcast celebrates a major milestone with some of the most powerful moments from the journey so far.From Ray J opening up about mental health, to Master P sharing wisdom on entrepreneurship and ownership, this episode highlights the honest conversations that made Let's Be Clear a voice for culture. Stacey Abrams and Jasmine Crockett discuss leadership and the fight surrounding DEI, while Cam Newton and Rickey Smiley speak on legacy, faith, and responsibility.You'll also see powerful moments with Dr. Karri Turner, David & Tamela Mann, Chrisean Rock, and Jamal Bryant's daughters, covering faith, relationships, family, and the realities shaping our communities today.From the sanctuary to the street corner, these conversations have sparked debate, healing, and truth for thousands of viewers.You watched. You shared. You helped build this movement. Now experience the most powerful moments from the first 100 episodes of Let's Be Clear.Watch Full Episode HERE: Rickey Smiley on Adult Kids with Addiction, Losing His Son, and Kamala Harris: https://youtu.be/H7JvBRvN2g4 Dr. Karri & Dr. Jamal Bryant Talk Newlywed Life, Wedding Dowry and Public Marriage Struggles https://youtu.be/9cI0IF3-CX0Stacey Abrams Exposes the Black Church, ‘Project 2025' and DEI Attacks https://youtu.be/_o_ZIhIQSYUCam Newton Breaks Down NIL Money, Kaepernick's Protest and Black Athlete Pressure https://youtu.be/mdcm1ltZQuoRay J Talks Diddy, Nicki Minaj, and Lifelong Impacts of Scandals https://youtu.be/Jk7qrOC1cSY Chrisean Rock on Addiction, Jail, and Her Journey to Faith https://youtu.be/isS3PxDUsZUJasmine Crockett on Political Backlash, Melania Trump, & Her Viral Clash with Marjorie Taylor Greene https://youtu.be/dn6H3XEgC9wMaster P Teaches Escaping Generational Poverty, Building Financial Legacy, & His Faith in God https://youtu.be/fSP8NqDwxGA#LetsBeClearPodcast #JamalBryantPodcast #100thEpisode #RayJ #MasterP #CamNewton #RickeySmiley #DrKarriTurner #DavidAndTamelaMann #StaceyAbrams #JasmineCrockett #ChriseanRock

AbbeyoftheArts.com Abbey of the Arts Wisdom Council member Cassidhe Hart reads Barbara Holmes and invites you into 5 minutes of contemplative silence to hold a loving intention for peace, justice, and compassion to flourish in the world. Credits: All texts under fair use or with permission. Barbara Homes, Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church. (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004), pgs. 96–97 AbbeyoftheArts.com

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” The event took place at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. ”This is Part 3 of that discussion.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the action to pass NY For All by blocking the Capitol Then, Willie Terry continues his coverage of the Troy 4 Black Lives event The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free. Later on, Mirai Abe reports on the rally to Tax the Rich: New Yorkers Demand an Affordable New York in Downtown Albany After that, Blaise Bryant brings us disability trivia about Women's History. Finally, Girl Love will be in studio to talk about the Femme Songwriter Showcase and final show at Mojo's Cafe. Host: Sina Basila Hickey, Engineer: Henry VanHaverbeke

In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by Father Matthew Hawkins, a former Agnostic and a convert to the Catholic faith from a long line of ministers in the American Methodist Episcopal Church. Father Matthew's story is an incredible one and he's a wonderful storytellers.From early touchstones and experiences of Catholicism to a deep and abiding love of Scripture to a phase of serious rebellion and turning away from the Church to his ultimate conversion to Catholicism and, decades later, his amazing call to the priesthood – this is a wonderful story you aren't going to want to miss. You can also read about Father Matthew's story in the article where I first found him from The Coming Home Network.Send your feedback to cordialcatholic@gmail.com.Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on  episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests.To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our YouTube channel.Please consider financially supporting this show!For more information visit the Patreon page.  All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me.If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page.Thank you to those already supporting the show!Theme Music: "Splendor (Intro)" by Former Ruins. Learn more at formerruins.com or listen on Spotify, Apple Music,A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind and follow The Cordial Catholic on social media:Instagram: @cordialcatholicTwitter: @cordialcatholicYouTube: /thecordialcatholicFacebook: The Cordial CatholicTikTok: @cordialcatholic

What does it take to write strong sentences? How do you keep writing when the world feels dark? How do you push past self-doubt, build a sustainable writing practice, and trust that your voice is enough? Anne Lamott and Neal Allen share decades of hard-won wisdom from their new book, Good Writing. In the intro, Hachette cancels allegedly AI-written book [The New Publishing Standard]; How Pangram works; Publishing industry insights from Macmillan's CEO [David Perell Podcast]; Photos from Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle; The Black Church; Bones of the Deep coming in April. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Neal Allen is a spiritual coach, former journalist, and author of non-fiction and flash fiction. Anne Lamott is the New York Times bestselling author of memoir, spiritual and creative non-fiction, and literary fiction, including Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life, which many authors, including me, count as one of the best books on writing out there. Neal and Anne are also married, and their first book together is Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why strong verbs are rule number one How Anne and Neal's contrasting styles created a unique call-and-response writing guide Practical advice on finding and trusting your authentic voice across genres Why award-winning novelists typically write for only 90 minutes a day — and what that means for your writing practice How to keep writing during dark and discouraging times without giving up The uncomfortable truth about publication, longevity, and why nobody cares if you write You can find Neal at ShapesOfTruth.com and Anne on Substack. Transcript of the interview with Neal Allen and Anne Lamott Neal Allen is a spiritual coach, former journalist, and author of non-fiction and flash fiction. Anne Lamott is the New York Times bestselling author of memoir, spiritual and creative non-fiction, and literary fiction, including Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life, which many authors, including me, count as one of the best books on writing out there. Neal and Anne are also married, and their first book together is Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences Jo: Welcome to the show, Neal and Anne. Anne: Thank you so much, Jo. We're happy to be here. Neal: Hi, Jo. Jo: Let us get straight into the book with rule one, which is use strong verbs. How can we implement that practically in our manuscripts when most of us don't start with the verb? We're thinking of story or we're thinking of message? Neal: Throughout the book, it's pointed out that these are rules for second drafts, right? So you've put it down. You've already got your story down, you've already got your piece down—your email, your text, it doesn't matter what. Then you stop, you pause, you go back to the beginning and you go sentence by sentence and look at them. Anne: I'd like to add that there's a lot in the book, usually on my end of the conversation, that has to do with really using these rules anywhere and everywhere. Whether you're writing a memoir or a grant proposal, I believe these rules apply to getting everything written at any time, in any phase of the work because, from Bird by Bird, I'm all about taking short assignments and writing really godawful first drafts. What is fun about writing is to have spewed out something on the page and then to get to go back right then and just start cleaning it up a bit, straightening it out, probably inevitably shortening it. One place to start is to notice how weak our verbs are. If I say “Jo walked towards us across the lawn,” it doesn't give the reader very much information. But if I say “Jo lurched towards us across the lawn,” or “Jo raced towards us across the lawn,” then right away you've improved the sentence with really two or three quick thoughts about what you actually meant with that verb and a better one. So it really applies to every level and stage of writing, but Neal's right—this is really about going back over your work sentence by sentence and seeing if you can make it stronger and cleaner and clearer. The reason it's rule one is to write strong verbs. Neal: A nice thing about strong verbs is that they often preclude the need for an adjective or an adverb, right? If I say “I trudged,” it's shorter than saying “I walked slowly and depressed.” Jo: Absolutely, and how you answered that question is kind of how the book works, right? Because Neal does an outline of the rule, and then Anne comes in and comments. Maybe you could talk a bit about that process. You are both strong characters, obviously you've been writing a long time. Talk a bit about how you made the book and how that worked as a couple as well. Neal: I'd had these rules collected for a number of years and I had them on my website. When I met Anne, she liked them and would hand them out when she was doing writing sessions. I was intrigued at some point a few years ago and looked around to see whether there was a list like mine out there. I noticed that all the other lists I saw were much shorter. Hemingway had his four rules for rewriting. Elmore Leonard, his eight, which are wonderful. Margaret Atwood has 10. The longest I saw was Martin Amis had, depending on what year it was, 14, 15 or 16—he'd go back and forth with a couple of them. I had 30-some and I wondered, well, 30-some might be enough for a book. I didn't want to write a scolding book like on grammar. I didn't want it to be academic or written like “I'm the expert, I know.” I'll just let my mind range. I'll explain the rule and then let my mind go where it went. Which, by the way, is one of the rules—show then tell. Not “show, don't tell.” It's show, then tell. Let your mind riff after you've explained something to the reader or shown something to the reader. So I wrote the book. It was too short to be published, and I showed it to Anne and I asked her, “What do I do with this?” Anne: I said, “Hey, I know something about writing, Bub,” and I asked if I could contribute my thoughts and retorts and examples and prompts to each of his rules. We were just off and running because his stuff was so solid. Mine is more maybe welcoming and giving encouragement and hope to writers because writing's hard. It's still hard for me. This is my 21st book and I'm only a third of it. Writing's hard, and what we hope is that our conversation can help people understand: a) it's hard for everybody, and b) it'll work if you just keep your butt in the chair and do the best you can, and then go back one day at a time and try to make it a little bit better. Neal: It turned out to be pretty serendipitous because just naturally I'm more of an explainer and Annie is more driving toward catharsis. So the call and response is always: I set out the rule, I explain the rule, and Annie drives it toward catharsis and usefulness. Jo: In some chapters you do disagree in some form. How did that work in the process of writing? Anne: Usually I disagree because Neal might be using words that are too big, or it might be a little bit elitist, I would think. Or of course I would point out that he's completely overeducated, whereas I'm a dropout and so I have a much plainer, more welcoming version of the rules. All of the rules are so strong, but I would feel that the way he explained it was beyond me. So I would come in and try to explain what Neal had been explaining. It was actually really funny and fun. We do come from really different directions. Neal is an explainer. He's like an ATM of information, and I am the class den mother who brings in treats and party favours on everybody's birthday. My message is always: you can really, really do this, I promise, trust me. But you start where you are, you get your butt in the chair, and then Neal comes along and says what has worked for him. He was a journalist forever, so he writes in a very different way than I write. It just turned out that the two of us together kind of make a whole. People have asked us if there were a lot of conflicts or if we really objected to the other person's take. I can tell you, Jo, there wasn't a day when we had only conflict. We were just laughing and we were excited because one of us would remember a great example from literature. We came to believe that these two very distinct voices would form one voice of encouragement for any writer. Jo: That brings us to rule number eight, which is trust your voice. I feel like this is easier when you've been writing a while. We're told to find our voice, but I remember as an early writer when I read Bird by Bird and other books and I was like, “How on earth do I find my voice?” Maybe you could talk about this more for early stage writer. How do you find and trust that voice? Neal: Boy, that is a halt for almost all of us. This follows from any intellectual pursuit that requires lots of practice and repetitions. Malcolm Gladwell's great statement, or discovery, or restatement from somebody else who discovered it, that the human brain requires 10,000 hours of repetitions before something can be allowed to just flow without thought. Flow as if intuitive rather than thinking. I don't think that's any different in writing than it is in basketball or football or anything else—sports, creative pursuits, everyday pursuits. There's just a lot of repetitions required. Some people have the experience that I did, where you're just going along getting better and better, doing it over and over again, learning this, learning that, adding in this, adding in that, moving toward a goal of virtuosity or whatever. And all of a sudden, bang, one day, it all works and your voice emerges. Other people don't have that experience, don't have that one day that it happened or that feeling that it suddenly happened. For some people it takes less than 10,000 hours, but for most people it is a hell of a lot of repetitions. Anne: I think for me, the most important aspect to finding your own voice is noticing how desperately you don't think your voice is good enough and that you want to write like somebody else. I always mention that when I was coming up, at about 20, I wanted to sound like Isabel Allende because I loved her work so much. Or Ann Beattie, who was writing those wonderful short stories in the New Yorker. Or Salinger, who I'd started reading probably at 10 years old. I had to come to the understanding that I can't tell my stories and my truth and my version of life—which is really what writing is—in somebody else's voice. Unless it's a kind of advanced writing exercise to write in the voice of an alcoholic billionaire in Spain. For most of us, it's about finding out that our voice is what people want to hear. It's hard to believe, but it is absolutely true. If you have a story to tell me, Jo, I just want you to tell me your story. I don't want you to try to sound like Virginia Woolf or Margaret Drabble. I want you to be Jo. If it's the written version you're sending me, I can probably go through and help you maintain your voice while making the writing stronger by following certain really basic rules. But spiritually and psychologically, this is just about the most important rule of all because that's why we're here. That's why we are on this side of eternity—to discover who we are and why we're here. Part of that is discovering who, deep down, when all the layers are peeled away, we are, and then how to communicate that to a reader. Without trying to sound more impressive or more brilliant or more ironic than we actually are, our voice is good enough. It's hard to believe. Our voice is what we want you to tell us your stories in. Neal: I distinctly remember the day I found my voice, for odd reasons. I just can remember it, and the first thing I did when this story felt like it had written itself to me was look at it and go, “Crap. That doesn't sound like Faulkner.” Jo: It sounded like you. Anne: Or bad Faulkner. Jo: Do you think we have to find our voice maybe multiple times, depending on genre? For example, I recognised that feeling with one of my novels. It was novel number five. I was like, “Oh, that's my voice.” But then it took me a lot longer to find that in memoir because, well, I think memoir is super hard. Do you think we have to go through these 10,000 hours in different genres? Neal: Not for me. I don't think any differently about how I'm entering into a business letter, a text, a novel, a self-help book, or any of the things that I do. I feel like I just have to turn this switch and let it go, and I can trust myself. So that's interesting. I can imagine you could develop a second voice. I haven't ever needed to. Anne: I would agree that I write my novels and my nonfiction really from a kind of central bus station deep inside of me. One of our rules is write the hard things—write about life and death and loss and grief and relationships and getting old and being here during these incredibly cold, dark times. Because the reader, i.e. me, is just desperate for truth and for real. I started out wanting to sound like John Updike or sound like a New York glitterati male writer, and I can't tell you what is really real in somebody else's voice. I disagree with Malcolm Gladwell. I think it's 10 hours—a little bit different there. But when I'm writing autobiographical spiritual pieces or my novels, I have to kind of settle myself down, like gentling a horse, and find that bus station inside of myself where I'm observing and I'm tugging on the sleeve of the person sitting next to me and saying, “I just saw something really interesting. Do you have a minute?” That's really what writing is. I just saw something or thought of something or imagined something or remembered something really interesting. Do you have a minute? If I'm talking to the person next to me, I'm not going to try to sound like Laurence Olivier or anybody else. I'm just going to tell them my story. The best four or five word great quote is from our screenwriter friend, Randy Mayem Singer, and she said: “Tell me a story. Make me care.” Those six words really transcend all genres. It's just: I can tell you a story my way if you're interested. Got a minute? Jo: You mentioned that, really interesting, you said, “I need to settle myself down,” particularly in these dark times. This is not a political show, and obviously we're all from different countries here and we all have different views of what difficult times are, but we all go through them. When big things in the world make us feel like perhaps what we are doing is not so important, how do we get through that? That “shouldn't I go do something more important than writing a story” feeling? Neal: Everybody is encouraged to be a political scientist nowadays, or to be an ethicist or to be a moralist as their job, and that's kind of ridiculous, right? We've been handed our role. By the time you're 30, you've been handed your role in the world, and that's your productive role. You have certain citizenship requirements, which might include voting or marching or watching the news every day. That's not the rest of your day unless you actually work in parliament as an aide or doing some kind of social policy work. I am not going to let the external world ruin my day. I'm going to keep that to a certain number of minutes of my day that is appropriate to my role in the world. I am perfectly productive in the world. I have lots of things that I do. I work hard. Everybody works hard. There are no lazy people in this world any more—civilisation's too difficult. You want lazy? Go back to 300,000 years of tribal life, where as soon as you had fulfilled your last need for calories for the day, you made it back to camp slowly so you didn't burn calories, and lulled from about 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The rest of the day you reclined so you weren't burning calories and gossiped with your fellow tribespeople. None of us is like that now. I'm perfectly productive without having to say I should be more productive and more concerned about the foibles of the species. Anne: Neal does something with his clients, with whom he does this work on taming the inner critic. It's about having them make a list of what they do every day. Rain or shine or catastrophe or peace or war or whatever, you just do it. I wake up, I pray, I put my glasses on. I get a little bit of work done every day. I meditate for 15 minutes every day. I get outside every day because that is the most nourishing, spiritual reset button I can get to. I catch up with my friends. We have a grandson here. We hang out with him. I do certain things every day, and one of them is I get a little bit of work done. Of course what I'd rather do is just stay glued to CNN and have my tiny opinions on every single thing that is happening and how things would be better if they followed my always excellent advice. Instead, what I do is I will meditate for 50 minutes a day and it won't be really beautiful and inspiring—it'll be like a monkey at the mall who's over-caffeinated. I will also get outside. I don't know if I'll get a really good long walk with 10,000 steps in, but I will get outside and I will pay attention. I will breathe in fresh air. I will have moments of wonder. I will also sit down, and I will be doing it after we talk. I'm going to get my own writing done for the day. I really recommend that to writing students: write down what you do every day. And in it, figure out at least one pod—a 45-minute pod—where you can get a little bit of writing done. Something that may serve the writers in your audience is that I make long lists and I encourage all beginning writers to make long lists of every memory and thought and idea that they've had. But mostly memories, often starting very young. Thinking about early holidays and school are great prompts. Make a list of 25 memories you have that you've told people over the years that are meaningful to you. If you remember them, they're meaningful. You may think that they're meaningful because of this or that, but you sit down and you write about them for 45 minutes and you're going to discover that there was a kernel of insight, or even healing, in them that you hadn't known when you set out to write them. I taught writing forever at this bookstore called Book Passage in Marin. We would spend a part of every hour having the writers, the students, explain to me why they weren't getting any writing done, and they were excellent ideas. Any excuse your listeners have about why they're not getting any writing done—believe me, it's a good excuse and I've heard it 10 times. If you are committed to writing, you have to meet us halfway, and that means that you set aside 45 minutes or an hour and a half or whatever you can give me to get a little bit of writing done. Get one passage written—the first or eighth thing on the list of really important memories that you've carried in your pocket all these years. Neal: The typical amount of time that a Booker Prize winner, or a National Book Award winner here in America, spends writing—a novelist—is one to two hours in the morning, getting 45 minutes to an hour and a half of work done, a thousand to 1,500 words. And then they stop. The reason they stop is it's really brain-consuming. To do this is hard work, and it's intellectually vigorous. High-end programmers can work two and a half hours on average before they have to stop because they've used up their brain energy—the blood going to the brain and expending calories and whatever is going on in there. It's not a long time. It's just repetitive time. The Booker Prize winners, they typically work six days a week, not five days a week. An hour and a half a day is about the mean. About 1,200 words is about the mean. Jo: It's interesting because you mentioned what's stopping people from writing, and you also mentioned it's hard work. One of the things I've heard a lot recently is: “This is really hard. I thought writing was meant to be this romantic myth where I would sit down and things would stream into my brain and it would be easy. And if it's not easy and fun, then maybe it's wrong for me.” So maybe you could explain more about the hardness and why hard is still good. Hard doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Neal: The interesting thing about writers is that they are really interested in very complex thinking about sentences. A few things distinguish a writer from a subject matter expert or a plotter—who either writes plots and is interested in the movement of plots, or who is a subject matter expert in something and either novelises it or writes nonfiction. It's that a writer is first concerned about the puzzle of a sentence, second concerned about the flow of a paragraph really, and only thirdly concerned about the subject matter. I don't care what the subject matter is. What I want to concentrate on ultimately is the sentence. And getting a sentence to look right in context requires building sentences upon sentences upon sentences. It's more like painting than it is like writing in that sense. If you look at a painter, once they've put one brushstroke down—and usually it takes them a while to figure out what that brushstroke is, how big it is, how wide it is, how thick it is, how grainy it is—then the second brushstroke becomes a puzzle based on what they just did with the first brushstroke and the remaining canvas. A writer thinks that way about each sentence and realises that each sentence has layers of information in it—diction, colour, rhythm, harmony, melody, plot, all sorts of things are happening. How many of those are taken care of in that sentence? Well, that becomes the interest. It's hard in the sense that to be virtuosic at it, to be really good at it, requires a lot of study and a lot of mistakes. Most of the mistakes are getting rid of clichés and finding your way past them, and that's a long, long process. This isn't something that can be just picked up because you have a talent. You were told at a certain time you were a talented writer, so you can just pick it up. As soon as you get into it, you see that the sentences are demanding a heck of a lot of work. Anne: I would add that I don't find it all that fun and easy—I never find it fun and easy. I've been doing this professionally for 52 years now, since I was 20, when I worked at a magazine. I think that's an illusion. So much of becoming a writer is unlearning what you thought it meant and how it would go. That you would sit alone like Bartleby the Scrivener, hunched over working on your ledger. That was not true at all, because a lot of our book, Good Writing, has to do with the collaboration between you and a writing partner, a writing group or a writing collective, and eventually an editor. It's not about that lonely, hunched-over romantic, Wuthering Heights sense of seriousness. And it's also not giddy. It's not Walt Disney. It's just very real. It's one human sitting down at the desk with paper or at the keyboard, and it is just trying, one day at a time, to write what's on your heart, what's on your mind, what's on your scribbled notes, what you're trying to transcribe from this little bit of a flicker of an idea about something that you've always meant to tell on paper. And then writing it. Some parts of the day's work will be pulling teeth. The secret of writing—and I write about this a lot in Bird by Bird, I write a lot about it in Good Writing—is you just don't give up. Because you wanted to be a writer when you grew up. What that means is that you write a little bit every day and you read about writing. You read good books on writing. You read Stephen King. You read William Zinsser. You read all the Paris Review interviews of writers at work. You enter into the writing life because it's a calling, like a monk to a monastery. You've gotten into the water, it's a little cold at first, and you stay in it. And it starts to be something that is so fulfilling, if maybe not fun. It's fulfilling. You will feel this rare excitement that you're doing what you have put off for so long, or that you're re-entering it in a new way with a different sense of commitment and maybe a little bit more wisdom and probably a lot more stories to tell. Jo: I did want to ask Anne, because coming back to Bird by Bird, many writers listening will have read it. I've also read over the years about your son and your faith. These are really personal things that you have shared. It feels like we live in this age of judgement and cancellation, and writing what you call our truths can be very difficult. People are afraid. What would you say to them? And obviously also rule 33 is “write hard stuff”, so I guess that gets into it too. How do we do this? Anne: A lot of people don't have the calling to write personal stuff or autobiographical stuff or stuff about spiritual or emotional or psychological healing. They want to write about England in the 1300s. I've always told my writing students to write what they would love to come upon, because then they're creating it. If they love to read historical romances, or they love to read journals—I have to say, I read every single journal of Virginia Woolf's in my early twenties, and I read every single volume of her letters in my early twenties. It was thrilling to be in that intimate, umbilical connection to a writer that I loved so much, and into the world of Bloomsbury, and into the world of England between the wars. People may not want to write like I write, and I would assume they don't. My calling is that I love to write about real life and I use my immediate experiences of daily living and my family and my husband and our animals and my nation and my recovery and my church. All of that is the stuff that I love to come upon in other people's work, and so I write it. Neal writes differently. He is a journalist and a novelist, and he is writing a lot in a much more sociological way than I am. He is writing with this font of knowledge about socioeconomic and historical understanding of the world. Yet he's just raggedy old Neal Allen, but he loves to come upon different stuff than I love to come upon. Does that answer your question? Neal: I think one thing to notice is that the whole bully-victim cycle that we are promoting and living in now—and it's a cycle because if somebody claims that they have been bullied, then their only defence is to become a bully themselves. The victims become the bullies. It just gets worse and worse. It's the old revenge story. What I've noticed when I think about it is the authors who I respect the most tend to be humanists. Humanists tend not to be cancelled, and I've never felt a great danger. Of course, I watch my words in certain ways that are fashionable—you can't use this word any more, and all of that. But in terms of ideas, humanists embrace the world in a funny, different kind of way than people who chase after conflict, chase after separation of people from each other, tribalism, all of that. When I look back, my heroes were always humanists. Some of them might be cancelled now, but just for the weirdest reasons—like Henry Miller or Mark Twain might be cancelled for very strange reasons. These are absolute humanists who love everybody in the world in a certain kind of odd way. Virginia Woolf is the most incredible humanist in the world. She's not going to be cancelled. Jo: She cancelled herself. Neal: There we go. Jo: As we come towards the end, I do want to return to something—you've both talked about calling and you've been handed your role, and this sort of “we are writers now.” Both of you have had great longevity in the career, and I've been doing this now 20 years. I've noticed so many people who leave the writing life, so I wondered what tips you had on making it long term. How do we do this long term, assuming we are feeling a calling? People have to balance the money side, they're balancing book marketing, which is always a nightmare for all of us, and the writing. Any tips for longevity? Neal: I have no idea. I have lived outside of the writing life, just kind of using it as a secondary skill, for half of my life. I left journalism because it didn't pay well enough to support a family of six. I moved into the corporate world. I loved the corporate world. I didn't have any problem with it, but it wasn't the writing world. When I came out of the corporate world, I first went into “tame your inner critic” sessions with people—executive coaching, other kinds of coaching. Only lately, only in the last 10 years, have I really resumed my writing career. I think maintaining a writing career, like anything in the arts, is incredibly difficult financially. It just will be. Annie will tell you—you were, what, 15 years into your career before you had your first home office? Anne: Yes. Neal: Right. Anne: More than that. I was 20 years in before I had a door I could close to keep the Huns out—i.e. my child. Here's the thing: nobody cares if you write, if you hate it, or if you've given up. It might be that you would find your creative soul, your imaginative, creative life force at ecstatic dancing on Saturdays in the town park, which we offer here in our tiny town. It might be that you're a painter. My best friend started painting several years ago and she's incredible. If you want to write, the horrible thing is that you just have to keep setting aside a pod. I keep using the word pod because that's how I get any work done at all—an hour. Now, Neal and I can both tell you, and Neal alluded to this: you set aside an hour and that will give you maybe 40 minutes of actual writing. And we'll give the Booker Prize winners 40 minutes of actual writing. You have two hours and that gives you an hour and 15 minutes. That's how it works. If you care and if you long to be a writer, to immerse yourself in the writing life—I hate to sound like a Nike ad, and I don't know if you have this in England—but you just do it. One thing that gets in everybody's way is this fantasy of getting published and how if they get published, it will be like the world has stamped “validated” on their parking ticket and their self-esteem will now be much, much better and more consistently excellent than it ever was before. We can tell you: we've got this book that's out, brand new, and it makes you much more insecure and much more anxious than you were before it got published. Because how's it going to do? Is it going to get reviewed? There are very, very few places reviewing books any more. Carol Shields, who wrote an incredible book 30 years ago called The Stone Diaries. She was teaching large, large writing retreats, a thousand people at a time, and she would tell them that five to 10 of them will be published. Getting published means that you get your book out and you have one week to make it. You have one week in the bookstores for it to get noticed. And there are 180,000 hardback books published in America every year in general interest. So you write a novel that's about a small town. You have great dreams that it's going to be an Oprah book and that this is going to happen and it will lead to a second contract, and then you can start investing in diamonds or buy a set of fish forks. It doesn't happen. My first book that made any money at all for me was my fifth book. It was a journal of my son's first year called Operating Instructions, and it was the first time that I didn't have to have a second job. I was 38, and I had been writing—and writing full time—since I was 20 and publishing since I was 26. If the carrot that is enticing you to get any new work done is publication and finding an agent and getting published, it's not going to happen for you. I can just promise you that. If your dream is to become a writer and to become a member of the writing community and to write—and it will be discouraging—but if you want to write, you just keep pushing back your sleeves. You don't get up. You sit down and you keep your butt in the chair. If your work is really good, it may get published. If your work is excellent, it may not. But that can't be what gets you to commit to being a writer when you grow up. Jo: Fantastic. So where can people find Good Writing and all your books and everything you both do online? Neal: On March 17th the book comes out. You can get it online, anywhere online. It's published by Penguin Avery. March 17th, it gets released. Anne: As we said, it'll be in the bookstores for a while. Neal: It'll be in the bookstores in America. You might have to go online in Great Britain at first. Jo: Oh yes, it's definitely there. And what about your websites as well? Anne: I don't have a website. Neal: I have a modest website at ShapesOfTruth.com. That tells you about my other books also. Anne: I'm at Substack, Anne Lamott. I'm on Facebook, Anne Lamott. I'm kind of all over the place. But this is kind of terrifying: 80% of books bought in America are bought at Amazon on cell phones. Jo: Yes, absolutely. Actually, I was going to ask—have you recorded the audiobook as a pair? Anne: Yes, we have. It's available if you go—I hate to always be plugging Amazon, but it's so easy. If you go to Amazon, it'll give you a choice of hardback or audio or Kindle. Neal: And if you don't want to go to Amazon and want to find another place to buy it that you feel more comfortable with, go to Penguin Random House and just put in “Good Writing, Anne Lamott.” I think it'll take you to a splash page that gives you a choice of a half dozen online places to order it. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much, both of you, for your time. This has been brilliant. Anne: Oh, Jo, thank you. Pleasure and an honour. Thank you for having us. Neal: Thank you, Jo. As you can see, we really get turned on talking about this! Anne: Yes, we do.The post Strong Verbs And Hard Truths. Good Writing With Anne Lamott and Neal Allen first appeared on The Creative Penn.

In this episode of Let's Be Clear, Pastor Jamal Bryant sits down with Brittany Packnett Cunningham for a direct conversation about the Black church, political power, and the future of justice in America.They discuss whether today's political battles are rooted in spiritual warfare, why Black and white churches still operate separately, and how slavery shaped the foundation of Black Christianity.Brittany explains how enslaved people were given edited versions of the Bible and how Black institutions were built as acts of resistance and self determination.They also reflect on the impact of Ferguson on generational leadership, the growing disconnect between young Black Christians and the church, and how church budgets often reveal true priorities.This discussion centers on faith, accountability, and the responsibility of the Black church at this moment.~~~The Jamal Bryant Podcast "Let's Be Clear" is a conversation that rips off the bandaid to serious relevant issues in the community and around the country. It assesses the wounds and offers prescriptions of insight, understanding and direction. No punches are pulled, but jabs are thrown to hit right between the eyes of every listener. New Episode Drops every Thursday at 12pm est. at jamalbryant.orgJoin our Membership or Support our Channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yEY95beOqcUz5TUqxqVgQ/joinFollow or Subscribe on our socials ~https://www.facebook.com/jamalbryantpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/jamalbryantpodcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@jamalbryantpodcast https://twitter.com/jamalbryantpod

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith thinks about the war and those who are dying both on our side and on the other side.  War has costs.  He also talks about the rights and limits to those who call themselves journalists.  The And Campaign's Justin Giboney, author of "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around," offers us the path forward in the midst of our current culture wars where ideologies often lead to compromise in order to "win."  He helps us look back at the witness of the Black Church during the civil rights movement and being on God's side, not a political side.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by bestselling, award-winning author, Fortune 100 C-Suite advisor, and certified global executive coach, L. Michelle Smith. L. Michelle is the founder and CEO of no silos communications and the creator and host of The Culture Soup Podcast®, heard in over 70 countries. She has spent over 25 years helping leaders do the deep, transformational work that moves the needle — making VP before 30 and SVP before 40. She is also the author of the powerful and timely new book "Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church," published by Amistad/HarperCollins in collaboration with JVL Media — the company co-founded by Academy Award and EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, and Lavaille Lavette. In this episode, L. Michelle and I discuss: L. Michelle's remarkable professional journey — from making VP before 30 and SVP before 40, to running her own agency for nearly a decade, to becoming one of the most sought-after leadership strategists and executive coaches in the country The two pivotal moments that sparked the book — including a stunning black-and-white photograph handed to her by her mother on the eve of Thanksgiving, and a question asked after a keynote that garnered 25 million social media impressions The Call & Response Leadership Revival Framework — built on three pillars: history and culture, applied science, and leadership theory — and how those three work together Why this is emphatically NOT a faith-based leadership book — and why that distinction matters deeply The ten leadership lessons spanning three domains — Self, Relationships, and Impact — and how each one is anchored in neuroscience and positive psychology The central tension of the book: can the Black Church still sustain the leadership pipeline it once produced? How the book speaks directly to mid-career professionals navigating what I call the "Magical Middle" — and which leadership lesson they most often overlook And so much more!   L. Michelle's Personal Theme Song "Mama Said Knock You Out" by LL Cool J Resources L. Michelle Smith's Website/Book Hub About L. Michelle Smith L. Michelle Smith is a bestselling, award-winning author, Fortune 100 C-Suite advisor, and certified global executive coach who operates at the apex of science, culture, and heart-centered leadership. She is the founder and CEO of no silos communications llc, a media and consulting company that develops high-performing executive leaders, with a specialty in women and women of color. Positive psychology and neuroscience-informed, and credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, she runs an international coaching and consulting practice where she works with professionals and organizations to create learning and coaching experiences that inspire exceptional lives and leadership. She has more than 25 years as an award-winning strategic communicator, making VP before the age of 30 and SVP before 40. She ran her own agency for nearly a decade, serving clients from Fortune 500 companies across industries. She is the creator, executive producer, and host of The Culture Soup Podcast®, heard in 70+ countries, which debuted at #6 on Apple Podcasts in a business category. Her second show, Her Next Power Move, delivers evidence-based leadership insights on Substack. Her new book, Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad/HarperCollins, in collaboration with JVL Media), is already a bestseller — and one of the most important leadership books of the year.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” The event took place at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle.”This is Part 2 of that discussion.

Send a textIn this episode of the Concrete Genius Podcast, Sauce Mackenzie raises a difficult but necessary question:What role does the Black church really play in the community in 2026?After a viral story about a woman whose grandmother paid tithes for decades but was still asked to pay thousands for her funeral service at the church, Sauce breaks down the uncomfortable conversation many people are afraid to have.Is the church still serving the community the way it once did during the civil rights era?Or has the focus shifted toward money, influence, and prosperity?This episode explores:The purpose of tithingChurch accountabilityThe role of pastors in modern communitiesWhether the Black church is still helping uplift familiesAnd what real community investment should look like todayThis isn't an attack on faith.It's a call for honesty and accountability.

A powerful discussion on race, slavery, and America's history through a biblical lens. Richard Harris and Dr. Wallace examine CRT, the Black church's shift toward political ideology, and why identity in Christ—not race—must shape how believers view justice, culture, and the future of the nation.Register for our 2026 Awards Banquet, where we're honoring David Barton and Tina Peters. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.truthandliberty.net/subscribe  Donate here: https://www.truthandliberty.net/donate  

Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, Dr. Vincent Bacote joined Latasha Morrison on the Be the Bridge Podcast to talk about the role of the Black Church in American Christianity, the contextualization of theology, the importance of understanding race and ethnicity, the challenges faced by the evangelical identity, and more!Dr. Bacote brings truth, wisdom, and hope to the Be the Bridge community through this conversation!Join in the conversation on our social media pages on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to let us know your thoughts on this episode!Executive Producer - Latasha MorrisonProducer & Editor - Sarah ConnatserMusic from "Bridge" by Ellie Holcomb and used by permission*note: this originally published in February but had to be re-uploaded. Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Recurring Donor of Be the Bridge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Black + Evangelical DocumentaryConnect with Be the Bridge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BTB YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online community BTB Connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Dr. Vincent Bacote:WebsiteNot all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” In this labor segment, Will recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. "This is Part 1 of that discussion.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to a rally for immigrant legal services and protection. Then, Willie Terry shares excerpts from a panel discussion of The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. Later on, the TripleE's return with H Bosh Jr. interviewing entrepreneur Flerida Santana Johnas. After that, we're joined live by musician Matthew Klane to discuss his new album, Sunshine Committee. Finally, Carolyn Tennant interviews Shubhendra Rao about The Ravi Shankar Ensemble's Debut tour, and their upcoming Concert in Albany.

The Mission | SZN 2: Revival Through LovingIn this episode, we explore the call of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 28:18–20 and what it means for the Church today. Rooted in the legacy of the Black Church and the power of discipleship, this message challenges us to live out the true mission of the Kingdom.Our mission is clear: Love God. Love People. Build Disciples. Revive Culture.Through love, truth, and courageous faith, we become the light that brings justice, restoration, and revival to the world. ✨

The A.M.E. Zion Church is the oldest Black church in Rensselaer County, and this church is just a few blocks up from the Sanctuary. The current senior pastor Reverend Victor Patterson and Rev. George Smith-Whitfield spoke with Sina Basila Hickey.

In this Black History Month conversation, Latasha Morrison and Dr. Vincent Bacote explore the role of the Black Church in American Christianity. They discuss the contextualization of theology, the importance of understanding race and ethnicity, and the challenges faced by the evangelical identity. Dr. Bacote emphasizes the need for diverse voices in theology and the moral voice of the Black Church in society. The conversation also touches on the theological vacuums present in the evangelical church and offers hope through the resilience of Black evangelicals.Join in the conversation on our social media pages on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to let us know your thoughts on this episode!Executive Producer - Latasha MorrisonProducer  & Editor - Sarah ConnatserMusic from "Bridge" by Ellie Holcomb, used by permissionLinks:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Recurring Donor of Be the Bridge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Be the Bridge:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BTB YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the online community BTB Connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Dr. Vincent Bacote:WebsiteNot all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

“As I unpacked that with them in their interviews, some of them came to tears because something that is so personal and what some people discounted outside of the walls as something emotional, actually had value and meaning outside of the walls of that church and into very hard-hitting corporate America.” – L. Michelle Smith Today's featured bestselling, award-winning bookcaster is a keynote speaker, Certified Personal & Executive Coach, Fortune 100 C-Suite advisor, and the founder of No Silos Communications LLC, L. Michelle Smith. Michelle and I had a fun on a bun chat about her new book, “Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church”, how her upbringing in the Black church shaped her communication and leadership skills, and more!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Michelle to write her latest bookHow a pack of chewing gum got her into TCUSome practical advice for writers seeking to make an impact and grow their audienceThree major lessons Michelle learned from starting, running, and growing her podcastsMichelle's Site: https://www.lmichellesmith.com/Michelle's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08DG76T6N/allbooksMichelle's Podcast, “The Culture Soup Podcast”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-culture-soup-podcast/id1437715578The opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…306 – Be The SPARK with Simon T. Bailey: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-306-be-the-spark-with-simon-t-bailey-simontbailey/420 – The UPside of Failure with Tiana Sanchez: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-420-the-upside-of-failure-with-tiana-sanchez-likearealboss/#Holiday Bonus Ep. – Read Until You Understand with Dr. Farah Griffin (@FJasmineG): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holiday-bonus-ep-read-until-you-understand-with-dr-farah-griffin-fjasmineg/1057 – Higher Education Leadership Lessons for Navigating Crisis and Change with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum (@BDTSpelman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1057-higher-education-leadership-lessons-for-navigating-crisis-and-change-with-dr-beverly-dan/257 – It's Time To Fly Away with Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/257-its-time-to-fly-away-with-dr-froswa-booker-drew-froswa/1056 – Faith Driven Leadership Tips for Living a Both/And Life with Dr. Kevin Foreman (@bishopforeman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1056-faith-driven-leadership-tips-for-living-a-bothand-life-with-dr-kevin-foreman-bishopfo/1016 – Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? with Dr. Portia Preston: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1016-hustle-flow-or-let-it-go-with-dr-portia-preston/466 – Sabotage with Brandon Wilson: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-466-sabotage-with-brandon-wilson-wilbroninc/868 – How Women Can Thrive After Corporate Setbacks with Dr. Elizabeth Carter (@eacaappeal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-868-how-women-can-thrive-after-corporate-setbacks-with-dr-elizabeth-carter-eacaappeal/365 – My Poetry Is the Beauty You Overlook with Kim B. Miller: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-365-my-poetry-is-the-beauty-you-overlook-with-kim-b-miller-pwcpoetlaur2020/316 – Ubuntu Leadership with Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-316-ubuntu-leadership-with-dr-lamarr-darnell-shields-lamarrdshields/680 – The Influence Lottery Ticket for Having High Impact with Kelly Swanson (@motivationspkr): https://shorturl.at/WTUsx

Something I am so grateful for is the leadership experience I received growing up in the church. From a young age, I got involved in worship teams. I led small groups. I developed skills. I was put on stages I had no business being on. Church wasn't just a weekly service we attended. It was a leadership incubator. L. Michelle Smith has written a new book called Call And Response: 10 Leadership Lessons From the Black Church. In it she discusses how the Black Church has historically developed high level business leaders. The book borrows from culture, neuroscience, and positive psychology to describe the power of the Black Church and why it has produced so many high level leaders . Whether you've grown up in the Black Church or have never even visited, we all have something to learn here. Because if the church stops developing leaders in favor of merely hiring out a professional, performative workforce, we could be in some trouble. This is David Santistevan. You can reach me anytime at david@beyondsundayworship.com As always, thank you for listening. Topics Covered: Why the history of Call and Response in the Black Church matters to us today Leadership development in the local church Leadership lessons learned in the Black Church What it’s like being a successful Black women in corporate America Why The Black Church is seen as inferior in both white and black spaces Resources Mentioned: Show Sponsor: Planning Center Call And Response: 10 Leadership Lessons From The Black Church by L. Michelle Smith The Black Church: This Is Our Story This Is Our Song by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Planning Center, an all-in-one church management software made to help churches help people. You can organize your ministries and keep everyone on your team communicating and aligned around what's going on. As a worship leader, good communication is key to building a strong worship team. You can cultivate relationships while ensuring everyone has what they need to successfully prep for your services. But why not take it up a notch using the chat feature? Built right into the Services mobile app—which, by the way, you should totally download if you haven't already—chat helps you coordinate all the service details with your team. Plus, you can have fun while doing it! No more juggling emails, group texts, and multiple apps to ensure your whole team is aligned. Chat will simplify your communication in one convenient place through the Services mobile app. And everyone can ask questions, request prayer, or join the banter in real-time with one another. The really cool part about chatting with your teams? Team members are dynamically added or removed from conversations as availability changes! So if your original bass player suddenly declines (why is it so hard to find a bass player, anyway?), your newly scheduled bass player is automatically added to the chat conversation. All of your chat conversations stay in sync. No more outdated group threads or irrelevant messages! So what are you waiting for? Download the Services app and start chatting! The post #384: Leadership Lessons For All From The History Of The Black Church with L. Michelle Smith appeared first on Beyond Sunday Worship.

Kevin Fredericks, aka KevOnStage, joins Van and Rachel for a discussion that touches on everything from fear of failure, jokes, the Black church, gospel, and hip-hop. (0:00) Intro (:38) Getting past fear (15:50) God's sense of humor (26:23) Pressure to get political (32:20) Gospel, hip-hop, and R&B (52:37) Going to church (58:45) Scripture, sexuality and the church (1:29:50) Oversharing and overexposure (1:42:09) “The Christian I will not be” (1:46:12) Boyz II Men vs. Dru Hill  (1:49:59) Anita Baker Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: KevOnStage Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Vibe Check LIVE, Saeed and Zach head to Boston for a special live taping with special guest, classical composer Carlos Simon. They talk about Carlos writing music for America's 250th anniversary, how faith and spirituality shape his work, his newest piece, Good News Mass, and more. Plus, they close out the conversation with an audience Q&A. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Continuing Discussion About Men and Friendship; Frustrations & Confusions In Friendships (Small Rants Throughout Show Lol); Secret Competition Or Hate From Men & In Their Friendships; Follow Up Questions With Your Male Friends In Difficult Times (Clip Of Therapist Kier Gaines); Support With Friendships & Lack Thereof (Supporting What's Popular/Celebrities Over Supporting Your Friends From The Ground Up); The Strong Friend And Hiding Behind The Label; Emotional Depth & Lack Thereof; What's A Good Friend?; A Thought At End Of Episode Added Days After Initial Recording Regarding Emotional Depth & Suffering In Silence; (Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 - Am I A Good Friend?; My Experiences In Friendship; How I View Friendship Now; What Could Be Done Better In My Friendships & In General; Good & Bad Intentions In Friendships; Clip On Expectations In Friendships; Etc...)

SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. In this episode we examine why cultural pride and uncritical veneration of Black religious figures can lead people away from the orthodox gospel of Jesus Christ. We make the scope clear: the standard is Scripture, and salvation is found in Christ alone. Through historical examples, theological contrast, and pastoral urgency, we show how honoring institutions or leaders who elevate ethnicity or human mediators above Christ risks false assurance and spiritual harm for present and future generations. This is an episode for the Church. However, I pray that this is heard and prayerfully received by Black Christians, pastors, Bible‑study leaders, and anyone wrestling with the tension between cultural loyalty and biblical fidelity. *DISCLAIMER* This episode is a plea to preserve souls by placing Christ above culture. Tune in to be challenged, equipped, and moved to love your community by calling it to the truth.General OutlineThe Anti-Christ nature of Black History Month's Current narrativeA preemptive rebuttal to common objections about criticizing Black cultural heroes.A clear theological standard: why orthodox biblical teaching must govern our loyalties.Case studies contrasting figures often celebrated in cultural histories with the biblical narrative.A critique of cultural frameworks that risk turning ethnic identity into spiritual authority.Pastoral next steps for confronting error with courage and compassion.Post Credit Audio|| S.M. Lockridge - That's My King!Episode Notes, Links and ResourcesSupport the showHosts: Brandon and Daren Smith Learn of Brandon's Church Planting CallPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast

The internet laughed. The boycott was real.When Druski's mega church skit went viral, millions joked about the culture of Black mega churches. But at the same time, Pastor Jamal Bryant was mobilizing thousands in a nationwide boycott of Target over DEI rollbacks.So which is it?Is the Black Church a punchline… or one of the most powerful institutions in America?In this conversation, we break down:• The Target boycott and its real economic impact• Whether corporate America still responds to organized faith communities• Why mega churches get mocked — and whether it's deserved• The tension between influence, accountability, and public perception• What role the Black Church plays in culture, politics, and economic power in 2026This isn't just about religion.It's about money. Influence. Culture. And who actually moves the needle.Watch the full episode and decide for yourself:Mocked… or powerful?Drop your thoughts in the comments.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Tim Whitaker engages in a profound conversation with Reverend Darrell Hamilton about enemy love, Black liberation theology, and the complexities of navigating faith in a politically charged environment. They explore the diversity within Baptist traditions, the importance of grace in disagreements, and the challenges of engaging with opposing views. Chapters 05:50 Navigating Complexities of Faith and Politics 12:22 The Role of Grace in Disagreement 22:28 The Importance of Listening and Understanding 28:02 The Fire of Deconstruction and Liberation Theology 39:36 The Black Church and White Evangelical Dialogue 52:19 The Moral Compass of Black Liberation 58:14 Conclusion: Following Jesus in Solidarity ____________________________________________________ TNE Podcast hosts thought-provoking conversations at the intersection of faith, politics, and justice. We're part of the New Evangelical's 501c3 nonprofit that rejects Christian Nationalism and builds a better path forward, rooted in Jesus and centered on justice.  If ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you'd like to support our work or get involved, visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thenewevangelicals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals This show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joshgilbertmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transformative leadership takes center stage as we welcome L. Michelle Smith, a dynamic force in executive coaching and cultural communication. With extensive experience as a Fortune 100 advisor and an upcoming book titled "10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church," Michelle blends science and cultural insights to inspire leaders toward meaningful change. We dive deep into the foundational concepts of call and response, a powerful framework traced back to African traditions and prevalent in both spiritual and secular contexts. Through our conversation, we explore how these cultural practices can foster resilience, accountability, and hope in leadership, proving that effective leadership isn't just about authority but about connection and collaboration. Join us as we uncover the strategies that can elevate our leadership game and reshape organizational culture for the better.Exploring the intersection of culture, science, and leadership, the conversation delves deep into the transformative power of embracing one's roots while striving for excellence. L. Michelle Smith, a seasoned executive coach and author, draws on her extensive experience in communications to highlight how cultural frameworks, particularly those of the Black church, can inform and enhance leadership practices across diverse organizations. As she recounts her journey of growth, Michelle emphasizes the importance of acquiring skills and experiences along the way—advice from her father that resonates throughout her narrative. By incorporating principles of positive psychology and neuroscience, she reveals how understanding the human mind can lead to more effective leadership. The discussion pivots around the concept of 'call and response'—a practice rooted in African traditions and prevalent in Black church culture—showcasing its relevance as a leadership model that fosters engagement and accountability. With rich anecdotes and strategic insights, this episode encourages leaders to adopt a holistic approach to development, one that is as much about emotional intelligence as it is about professional competency.Takeaways:Effective leadership intertwines science and culture, fostering trust and connection in organizations.L. Michelle Smith emphasizes the importance of collecting skills and tools throughout one's career journey.The concept of call-and-response serves as a powerful framework for leadership development and community engagement.Gospel music exemplifies how hope, perseverance, and resilience are integral to effective leadership practices.Implementing cultural traditions from the Black church can create more emotionally intelligent and innovative leaders.Humility in coaching involves asking powerful questions that allow clients to discover their own answers, rather than providing solutions.Links referenced in this episode:https://www.lmichellesmith.com/nosiloscommunications.comculturesouppodcast.comhttps://www.lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse/Mentioned in this episode:My friend Dr. Noah St. John calls this 'the invisible brake.' He's giving our listeners a free Revenue Ceiling Audit to help you see what's REALLY holding you back. You'll also get a FREE 30-day membership to Noah Bot, giving you access to Dr. Noah's 30 years of experience to help you reach your next level. But hurry, because there are only 50 available this month. So if you're tired of being stuck at the same revenue level and want

In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with Justin Giboney for a timely, thoughtful conversation about what kids need right now in an increasingly polarized world. Justin weaves together faith, history, and parenting wisdom to explore how compassion and conviction are not opposites but essential partners in forming resilient, grounded kids. Drawing from the Civil Rights Movement, personal stories, and his own parenting, he encourages parents to focus on formation over reaction, to model humility and fortitude, and to help kids build an identity rooted first in who God says they are. Resources mentioned: Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement by Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, Chris Butler, & Barbara Williams-Skinner Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around: How the Black Church's Public Witness Leads Us out of the Culture War by Justin Giboney . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here! Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠raisingboysandgirls.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience⁠ ⁠Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage⁠⁠ . . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The country is on edge after another protester was killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye look at how different Christian journalists and media outlets are covering, or not covering, the story, and what protests against ICE share in common with the Civil Rights movement, and how they're different. Speaking of the Civil Rights era, Justin Giboney is back to discuss his new book, "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around." He believes too much of the American church and our politics has been captivated by the culture war, and learning from the example of the Black church, which rejected the "conservative vs. progressive" binary, can help lead us out. Also this week, the cows are coming for us!   Holy Post Plus: Livestream with Carmen Imes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/149254632/   Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/149277266/ 0:00 - Show Starts   3:38 - Theme Song   4:26 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 15% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST   5:35 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 welcome pack when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   7:07 - Cow Tools   12:55 - Christian Journalists on Alex Pretti   25:03 - Media Ecosystem   44:12 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST   45:11 - Sponsor - DripDrop - Fast hydration in 16 original flavors! Get 20% on your first order and use promo code HOLYPOST. Go to https://www.dripdrop.com   46:14 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!   47:17 - Interview   55:46 - The Black Church's Tradition of Witness   1:06:30 - Humanizing Your Political Opponents   1:15:00 - Persuasion in Politics   1:24:00 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in News Segment: Cow Tools: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0n127y74go   Religion News Service on Clergy Protesting ICE: https://religionnews.com/2026/01/23/inside-the-effort-to-organize-clergy-nationwide-to-resist-ice-minneapolis/   The Atlantic on ICE Protests: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/minneapolis-uprising/685755/   Christianity Today on Authority and Responsibility: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/01/authority-responsibility-not-excuse-alex-pretti-ice-shooting-minnesota-trump/   Other Resources: Don't Let Anybody Turn You Around: How the Black Church's Public Witness Leads Us Out of the Culture War: https://amzn.to/45ZnNrG   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

Teyana Taylor goes A-List; NAACP Awards are so necessary; Druskii clowns the Black Church; Venezuelan oil; Fed Chair Jerome Powell under criminal investigation; the murder. (and gas lighting) of Renee Good; The Clintons strike back. Thanks to my sponsor: Feel like your best self again. Visit forhers.com/RATCHET to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. ABOUT ME: http://www.demetrialucas.com/about/ STAY CONNECTED:  IG: @demetriallucas Twitter: demetriallucas FB: demetriallucas YouTube: demetriallucas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices