Podcasts about how to cook

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I delve into the subject of church camp with guest Cara Meredith, a speaker, writer, and public theologian. The discussion revolves around Cara's book 'Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation,' examining the complex nature of church camps. Cara emphasizes the importance of holding both the positive and negative aspects of camp life, discussing the formative experiences alongside the theological and social harms encountered. The conversation provides insights into maintaining nuanced views, fostering dialogue with children about their experiences, and imagining better ways to cultivate genuine spiritual growth and inclusivity in camp environments.A sought-after speaker, writer, and public theologian, Cara Meredith is the author of Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation and The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Racial Justice. She has been featured in national media outlets such as The Oregonian, The New York Times, The Living Church, The Christian Century, and Baptist News Global, among others. Passionate about justice, spirituality, and storytelling alike, Cara holds a master of theology from Fuller Seminary and is a postulant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church. With a background in education and nonprofit work, Cara also works part-time as the Director of Development for Made for PAX Co, an organization dedicated to providing mentorship and vocational resources to emerging creatives, contemplatives, church leaders, and community builders of color.   When she's not working, you'll likely find her reading a book, tinkering around in the garden, or hanging out with her family. She is proud to call Oakland, California home.Follow Cara Meredith @carameredithwrites:FacebookInstagramSubstackThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I converse with Michael Beck, a pastor, professor, and author, about experiencing God's love through community, especially in unconventional settings like tattoo parlors, dog parks, and burrito shops. Michael shares his personal story of childhood trauma, addiction, and solitary confinement, and how he found community and redemption. They discuss the benefits of 12-step recovery programs in fostering deep, supportive relationships and explore how these principles can be applied to build inclusive, loving, and spiritually nourishing communities. The conversation touches on the themes from Michael's recent book, 'Never Alone,' the epidemic of loneliness, and practical steps to create meaningful connections in today's digital and often isolating world.Michael Beck is a pastor, professor, author, and one of the rare leaders bridging frontline ministry with academic scholarship. Alongside his wife Jill, he has led multiple revitalizations and planted unconventional faith communities among those often overlooked. They currently serve as co-pastors of Compassion and St. Mark's UMCs, where they lead Open Arms Village, a holistic recovery housing program, and oversee a network of fresh expressions—worshiping communities that gather in places like tattoo parlors, dog parks, burrito shops, EV charging stations, digital spaces, and recovery centers. Beck also serves as Director of Fresh Expressions Florida, Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at Perkins School of Theology at SMU, and Director of Fresh Expressions. His most recent book, Never Alone, explores how churches can address the epidemic of loneliness with the Gospel's radical promise of community. This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I welcome Isaac Villegas, an ordained Mennonite minister and community organizer for Immigrant Justice. They discuss Villegas's book 'Migrant God,' which explores biblical reflections on immigrant justice and Christian duty. The conversation covers Isaac's personal experiences with his immigrant family, work with sanctuary churches, and the impact of language in addressing immigration issues. They delve into concepts like solidarity, the humanizing power of meals, and the role of Christians in advocating for immigrants. The episode is rich with storytelling, including anecdotes about shared meals, the spiritual significance of communion, and projects like placing crosses in the Sonoran Desert to remember migrants who died crossing the border.Isaac Villegas is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA who is involved in the work of community organizing and activism for immigrant justice. He is also a columnist for The Christian Century and the author of Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice. He has served as the president of the NC Council of Churches and on the executive board of his denomination. He lives with his wife in North Carolina.Follow Isaac on SubstackThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of The Biggest Table podcast, I welcome Andrew Arndt, the lead pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs, to discuss his experiences in ministry, his love for the church, and his new book, A Strange and Gracious Light. Arndt shares his deep-rooted passion for the church, influenced by his upbringing during the charismatic renewal of the 1960s and 1970s. He reflects on seeing the church with clear eyes, acknowledging both its flaws and its beauty. The conversation delves into the importance of the church calendar, embodying the story of Jesus, and practicing hospitality. We also explore the challenge of avoiding a consumerist mentality in the church and the importance of embodying kingdom values in daily life. Andrew Arndt is the lead pastor of New Life East, one of seven congregations of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, where he also hosts the Essential Church podcast, a weekly conversation designed to strengthen the thinking of church and ministry leaders. He previously served as lead pastor of Bloom Church, a neo-monastic, charismatic, liturgical, justice-driven network of house churches in Denver. He received his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and DMin from Western Theological Seminary, and has written for Missio Alliance, Patheos, The Other Journal, and Mere Orthodoxy. He is the author of Streams in the Wasteland and All Flame, and  A Strange and Gracious Light, which was just released on April 15. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Mandi and their four kids.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' podcast, my guest Laurie Johnson, a political science professor at Kansas State University, delves into the socioeconomic impacts of capitalism, particularly in rural America. Drawing from her books, she examines how historical and economic shifts have led to political and cultural divisions, emphasized by urban-rural divides and the rise of Christian nationalism. Laurie also highlights the detrimental effects of agribusiness on rural communities and the loss of traditional lifestyles. She proposes Christian direct action as a solution, inspired by Dorothy Day's Catholic Worker Movement, promoting community cooperation and support. The conversation underscores the need for rethinking economic systems, community belonging, and direct involvement to address current societal challenges.Laurie M Johnson is a Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University. Most of her eight books have aimed at developing a thorough understanding and critique of classical liberal theory. Building on that background to understand current ideological divisions, her book Ideological Possession and the Rise of the New Right, was published in 2019. Her latest book, The Gap in God's Country: A Longer View on Our Culture Wars, was published in 2024 by Wipf & Stock. She provides weekly content on her Political Philosophy YouTube channel, currently with over 24,000 subscribers, and its associated podcast. She is a co-founder and president of The Maurin Academy, which provides free and low-cost online classes and reading groups. She also is associated with the John Paul II Catholic Worker Farm in Kansas City, MO. This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Hello and welcome to another episode, well actually a re-release of my conversation with Chris Smith which was originally released on March 12, 2024. Chris and I are re-releasing this episode as Chris just published a new book entitled The Virtue of Dialogue as part of the Cultivating Communities series. This series is part of a project by Englewood Church in Indiana in partnership with Missio Alliance and the Ekklesia Project. The hope of this series is to offer congregations, churches, or any community for that matter field guides to aid in their transformation away from the societal forces of polarization and division and into the way and personhood of Jesus. One of the central practices for communities is being conversation with one another. This book outlines how Englewood Church has sought to practice conversation for decades. At its core, this conversational practice is a practice of hospitality—of welcoming one another, being seen and heard. Conversation at its core is a creation of a free space to allow the other to become the person they were meant to be. Week after week, month after month, year after year.  Chris and my conversation touch on these themes and so we both thought it was a good time to revisit this conversation. If this piques your interest, please buy The Virtue of Dialogue, available now on Amazon and through Englewood's website which is in the show notes.Buy The Virtue of Dialogue: Englewood website or AmazonIn this episode I have a rich conversation with Chris Smith. We cover a range of topics, starting with his own personal journey of food over the past ten years. But we spend the majority of our time using a couple of Chris's books, namely Slow Church and How the Body of Christ Talks, to dialogue about the importance of conversation for the health of ourselves and our community. Through recovering of conversation, we begin to see how God wants to collaborate with us in his work of redemption.C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He and his wife Jeni have three adult children and are members of Englewood Christian Church on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Chris is the co-author of the award-winning book Slow Church, and author of several other books including most recently, How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. Most of his latest writings end up on The Englewood Review's Substack, TheConversationalLife.substack.comThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I welcome Malcolm Foley, a pastor, historian, and special advisor to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. We discuss Foley's new book, 'The Anti Greed Gospel,' which addresses the connections between greed, racism, and the economic exploitation inherent in global systems. Foley advocates for a form of Christian socialism focused on sharing resources and combating exploitation and violence. Key topics include the role of the church in challenging societal injustices, the importance of deep economic solidarity, creative anti-violence, and prophetic truth-telling. The conversation also delves into how Christians can navigate their witness in a world dominated by greed and economic disparity, with practical steps for community engagement.Malcolm Foley (PhD, Baylor University) is a pastor, historian, and speaker who serves as special adviser to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. He has written for Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy. He just released his first book from Brazos Press, entitled, The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward. Foley copastors Mosaic Waco, a multicultural church in Waco, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Desiree.Follow Malcolm:Bluesky: @malcolmbfoley.bsky.socialInstagram: @revdocmalcThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' Brian McLaren, a noted author, speaker, activist, and theologian, joins me to discuss his latest book, 'Life After Doom.' McLaren delves into the concept of 'doom,' describing it not as an apocalyptic end but as a psychological feeling of overwhelming crises such as climate change, economic inequality, and the rise of surveillance capitalism. He shares insights from his journey of theological shifts, his understanding of historical and ecological cycles, and the importance of fostering resilience through community, character, and simple joys in nature. The conversation also highlights the significance of diverse perspectives in interpreting the Bible and nurturing a sense of collective and individual hope amidst prevalent global challenges.Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022), and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (2024). His co-authored children's book Cory and the Seventh Story was released in 2023. The first book of a new science fiction trilogy, The Last Voyage, will be published in summer, 2025.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table', I interview Sarah Westfall, a writer, speaker, and host of the 'Human Together' podcast, known for her book 'The Way of Belonging.' We discuss themes of hospitality, belonging, and experiencing God's love through food and community. Sarah shares her personal journey of belonging, from her uncomplicated childhood to the complexities of adulthood, and the significance of shifting the question from 'Where do I belong?' to 'How can I be a place of welcome?' We explore the importance of internal spiritual work, societal pressures affecting belonging, and the practice of hospitality in daily life. Sarah emphasizes the role of curiosity, imagination, and genuine human connection in fostering belonging. The conversation concludes with practical insights into living out hospitality and addresses listeners who may feel stuck or lonely, reminding them of God's ever-present welcome. Sarah is a writer, speaker, and host of the Human Together podcast. Her book The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate (InterVarsity Press, 2024) is a spiritual narrative that invites us to put down the exhausting search for acceptance and approach belonging as a way of being–a divine welcome that is already ours to embrace and to extend right where we are. Her previous work includes serving as director of community for online writing groups and as a student development professional on college campuses. Sarah lives in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and four sons. Sarah Westfall's website: https://www.sarahewestfall.com/This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I welcome Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter to discuss the intricate connections between food, identity, and justice. Dr. Carter, an expert in black, womanist, and environmental ethics, shares insights from his upbringing in Michigan, where food insecurity during his childhood shaped his understanding of food's importance. We delve into Dr. Carter's book, 'The Spirit of Soul Food,' which explores ancestral food traditions and the concept of black veganism. Highlighting the intersectionality of race, food, and non-human animals, Dr. Carter argues for ethical eating practices that honor sacred worth and oppose oppressive systems like factory farming. He emphasizes the importance of context-specific and agent-specific actions in aligning one's diet with ethical and spiritual values. Dr. Carter also calls for systemic changes and personal compassion in the pursuit of justice for both human and non-human communities.Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter's research, teaching, and activist interests are in Black, Womanist, and Environmental ethics, with a particular focus on race, food, and nonhuman animals. His publications include “Race, Animals, as a New Vision of the Beloved Community” in Animals and Religion (Routledge, 2024), The Spirit of Soul Food (University of Illinois Press, December 2021), and “Blood in the Soil: The Racial, Racist, and Religious Dimensions of Environmentalism” in The Bloomsbury Handbook on Religion and Nature (Bloomsbury, 2018). In them, he explores the intersectional oppressions experienced by people of color, non-human nature, and animals. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Theology, Ecology, and Race at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Lead Pastor of The Loft at Westwood United Methodist Church, and he is also on the board of directors of Farm Forward, an anti-factory farming non-profit. He is married to Dr. Gabrielle Carter, a small animal veterinary oncologist, and while their son Isaiah is not a doctor of any sort, he definitely believes he is more intelligent than his parents.Christopher Carter's websiteProgressive Christian Podcast on Apple PodcastsThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I welcome Adrian Miller, a food writer, James Beard award winner, and certified barbecue judge. We discuss Miller's transition from being a lawyer and policy advisor to President Clinton to becoming a renowned author on African American cuisine. Miller elaborates on the history and evolution of soul food, its cultural significance, and common misconceptions. The conversation also touches on how soul food and the black church contribute to community-building and address issues of food insecurity. Miller shares ideas on how food can foster racial reconciliation, including creating diverse dining experiences. The episode concludes with a discussion of contemporary issues in church and society, such as the patriarchy and health outcomes in the African American community.Adrian Miller is a food writer, 2X James Beard Award winner, recovering attorney, and certified barbecue judge who lives in Denver, Colorado. He is the author of three books: Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time, The President's Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, From the Washingtons to the Obamas, and Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue. Adrian is featured in the Netflix hit High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.Connect with Adrian Miller:Adrian Miller's WebsiteInstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I welcome Neeta Mittal, co-founder of LXV Wine, to discuss her unique journey from growing up in India to establishing a prestigious winery in Paso Robles, California. Neeta shares insights about her upbringing surrounded by diverse culinary traditions and the influence of her meticulous mother. She recounts her educational path at UC Berkeley, the serendipitous discovery of Paso Robles, and her deep passion for wine culture inspired by European traditions. Neeta explains LXV Wine's focus on creating textured, age-worthy wines with a blend of global spices, aimed at fostering a shared, immersive experience. The conversation delves into her advocacy for innovation, community involvement, and the meaningful connections formed through wine. Additionally, Neeta reflects on her role in a predominantly white male industry, embracing her distinctive background as an advantage. She concludes by highlighting the significance of wine as a rich, sensory-driven journey intertwined with history, culture, and personal experiences.Born in India, Neeta Mittal grew up immersed in tradition, creativity, and a drive for excellence. After graduating from UC Berkeley and honing her storytelling craft in Hollywood, Neeta channeled her passion for wine into founding LXV Wine with her husband, Kunal. LXV pairs premium wines with globally inspired spices, creating immersive experiences that celebrate flavor and terroir. Named one of USA Today's Top 10 Wine Tasting Experiences in America, LXV reflects Neeta's philosophy: “Double down on who you are.” As a leader in Paso Robles, she champions innovation, community, and a legacy of connection through wine and storytelling.LXV Wine websiteFollow LXV Wine on InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I am joined by award-winning non-fiction writer Liz Charlotte Grant. We discuss Liz's new book, Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible. The conversation delves into the themes of food, eating, and hospitality as realms for experiencing God's love and our interconnectedness. We also explore the concepts of abundance and generosity in the world, the complexity of theological questions, and the importance of reinterpreting scriptures for contemporary faith. This episode is filled with insights on how to navigate creative processes, the significance of community, and practical ways to address food insecurity.Liz Charlotte Grant is an award-winning nonfiction writer who writes the substack, the Empathy List, and whose first book, Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible, just released on January 7. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two kids, and nine hens.Connect with Liz:Liz's WebsiteLiz's Substack: The Empathy ListBuy Knock at the SkyThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

If you listen regularly to the podcast, you know that towards the end of each episode, I ask the guest this question: What is the story you want the church to tell? As we wrap up 2024, and look toward 2025 with much uncertainty and maybe a little hope, I have compiled some of my favorite answers to the question in hopes that you consider for yourself your own story and the story of your faith community.Answers from: Andy Root, Gisela Kreglinger, Kathy Khang, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, David Swanson, Richard Beck, Chris Battle, Jeannine Hanger, Kendall Vanderslice, Caleb Campbell, Heather Gorman & Mark Nelson, Derrick Weston, and Scot McKnight.I hope you enjoy the episode and that it provokes you to think through what you want in 2025.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I talk with David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church and author of the new book Plundered. We discuss the interconnections between racial and environmental injustice, the impact of politics, and the role of faith and community in addressing these issues. Swanson shares the importance of understanding community history, embracing diversity in worship, and practical measures for communal and individual transformation. Additionally, he explains the significance of Sabbath, belonging, and virtue in fostering justice and reconciliation, emphasizing the power of the table in facilitating these transformations.Connect with David Swanson: https://dwswanson.com/David is the founding pastor of New Community Covenant Church who lives with his family on the South Side of Chicago. He is the founder and CEO of New Community Outreach, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing community trauma through restorative practices. David is the author of Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity and Plundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental Injustice. He is a former Director of Church Planting for the Evangelical Covenant Church and on most Tuesday mornings you'll find him wandering around Jackson Park looking for birds.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' podcast, I discuss the intersection of food, table gatherings, and Christian unity with guests Heather Gorman and Mark Nelson, authors of 'Lunchroom Theology, Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind their book, which uses the metaphor of a high school lunchroom to illustrate social and theological divisions. They highlight practical steps for fostering inclusive and meaningful table fellowship as modeled by Jesus, while addressing modern sociological factors contributing to division. The discussion underscores the church's role in embracing and living out the unity that Jesus prayed for, by having generous conversations, practicing hospitality, and avoiding divisive behaviors. Both guests share personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to navigate deep and sometimes uncomfortable conversations around the table, stressing that change is both possible and essential for the church to effectively extend the Kingdom of God.Mark Nelson and Heather Gorman co-authored Lunchroom Theology: Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World. Heather Gorman (PhD, Baylor University) is Professor of New Testament at Johnson University and author of Interweaving Innocence: A Rhetorical Analysis of Luke's Passion Narrative as well as numerous journal articles and essays on the Gospels, Acts, ancient rhetoric, and reception history.Heather Gorman's faculty page. Mark Nelson is the executive director of Three Rivers Collaborative and a coauthor of Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission Through Reenchanted Frames with Alan Hirsch. Mark is the founding pastor of Crossings, a faith community in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he served for fifteen years.Lunchroom TheologyThree Rivers CollaborativeThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I interview Alex Early, a pastor, author, and theology professor who enjoys cooking. We discuss Alex's journey from naivete in ministry to experiencing burnout, which led him to find solace in the kitchen. Alex explains how cooking became a therapeutic and reflective practice, helping him process his thoughts and experience God's presence in everyday moments. We also delve into the themes of food and hospitality in scripture, the importance of slowing down to genuinely connect with others at the table, and the balance of maintaining relationships in a polarized world. The conversation wraps up with personal reflections on memorable meals and the spiritual significance of shared food experiences.Dr. Alex Early is an author, pastor, and theology professor who loves to cook! Alex consistently says that “all of his wealth is in his relationships” and therefore the church, kitchen, and dining table all come together toward that end. His books include The Reckless Love of God and The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life, The Cross and Kaleidoscope, and Thinking About God. He lives with his wife, Jana, and their two children in Seattle, Washington.Buy Alex's cookbook Among the Pots and Pans on Amazon.Regina Schrambling's Lasagna recipe from The NY Times. (subscription may be required)This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp explores the intersection of faith, food, and sensory experience with guest Jeannine Hanger, an associate professor of the New Testament at Talbot School of Theology. Hanger discusses her latest book, 'Engaging Jesus with Our Senses,' which examines the sensory metaphors in the Gospels and their implications for spiritual practice. The conversation covers the role of taste and how using our senses can deepen our engagement with Scripture and our relationship with Jesus. They also touch on the importance of moving away from purely cognitive approaches to faith, the historical and cultural context of sensory experiences, and practical ways to integrate sensory awareness into communal worship. The episode concludes with personal reflections on favorite foods and the sensory dimensions of faith.Jeannine Hanger is Associate Professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Her research interests focus on the Gospels, more specifically participation with Christ. Her newest book, Engaging Jesus With Our Senses: An Embodied Approach to the Gospels, published by Baker Academic, is the latest articulation of this. Outside of teaching at Biola, Jeannine has been married for 26 years to her husband Garrick, a pastor at Coastline Covenant Church in Redondo Beach. Together they have three kids, ages 21, 19, and 17.Buy Engaging Jesus with Our Senses on Amazon. This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp explores various aspects of Christian faith and community with Dr. Scot McKnight. The discussion emphasizes maintaining curiosity, humility, and ensuring Jesus remains the focal point in church activities and teachings. Key themes include addressing deconstruction in modern Christianity, the importance of communal gatherings around a table akin to early Christian traditions, and the transformative nature of interactive church settings. The symbolism of Jesus as the 'bread of life' is examined both in spiritual and social contexts, advocating for equitable practices and support within the church. The conversations underscore fostering community, imagination, and fellowship, reflecting on personal experiences and the symbolic power of shared meals in embodying God's love.Scot McKnight (born 1953) is an American New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, theologian, and author who has written widely on the historical Jesus, early Christianity and Christian living. He is the author of more than 90 books, including Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, Kingdom Conspiracy, A Fellowship of Differents, A Church Called Tov, and Pivot (the last two of which he coauthored with his daughter Laura). His newest book is Invisible Jesus (coauthored with Tommy Preson Phillips), which explores the prophetic voice of deconstructors.McKnight is an ordained Anglican deacon and canon theologian for the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others with anabaptist leanings, and has also written frequently on issues in modern anabaptism.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this podcast episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp engages in a conversation with Derek Vreeland, a discipleship pastor and author, about the significance of food, hospitality, and the Lord's Supper in experiencing God's love. Derek reflects on his dramatic calling to ministry and his experiences over 34 years of discipleship work. The discussion delves into the role of the Lord's Supper in combating secularism, individualism, and nationalism, highlighting its power to unite the congregation and deepen one's relationship with God. They also address how the practice of communion can transform lives and offer insights on structuring inclusive worship activities like election day communion services. Derek shares personal anecdotes, theological insights, and community practices that emphasize the importance of communal worship over individual spirituality.Derek Vreeland is the Discipleship Pastor at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he is known for his thoughtful, humorous, and authentic teaching style. He is the host of the Peaceable and Kind podcast. Derek enjoys reading, running, hiking, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. He and his wife Jenni have three sons, one daughter-in-law, and two grandsons.Connect with Derek:Derek Vreeland's websitePeaceable and Kind PodcastDerek Vreeland Social Media: Facebook & InstagramClick here for more information on Election Day Communion Services.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp is joined by Caleb Campbell, a pastor and the author of 'Disarming Leviathan,' to discuss Christian nationalism. Pastor Campbell shares his insights on American Christian nationalism, defining it as a political ideology, a tribal identity, and a spiritual idolatry. He recounts the challenges he faced leading his church through the polarization of the 2016 and 2020 elections. Campbell describes his approach to addressing Christian nationalism, which involves engaging with compassion rather than combativeness, and emphasizes the importance of hospitality and heart-to-heart conversations. He offers practical advice for Christians on how to disciple and cultivate unity within their congregations amidst political and ideological divides.Pastor Caleb Campbell graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters of Arts in Ministry from Phoenix Seminary in 2015 and is currently a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served at Desert Springs Bible Church, in Phoenix, AZ since 2006, serving as Lead Pastor since 2015. He also serves on the board of United Pastors of Arizona and as the state-wide regional director of the Surge Network.  He is the founder and director of Disarming Leviathan Ministries (DisarmingLeviathan.com) which produces a podcast, explainer videos and training material to equip people to missionally engage American Christian nationalists. His book, Disarming Leviathan (InterVarsity Press) equips Christians to minister to their Christian Nationalist neighbors. It introduces the basics of Christian Nationalism, and explores the reasons so many people are attracted to it and provides a 'field guide' for responding to American Christian Nationalist talking points along with questions and responses that “humbly subvert” their claims, and cultivate deeper, heart-level conversations.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp discusses the transformative power of hospitality with guests Dave and Jenn Collie. The couple shares their journey, experiences, and insights into living a hospitable life, rooted in their faith and diverse backgrounds. They talk about the inception and mission of their organization, Hospitality Matters, which aims to provide practical training to help communities foster welcoming environments. Dave and Jenn highlight the importance of consistency, listening, and adjusting one's heart posture to practice hospitality effectively. They also share practical tips and resources, such as their 'Mug Swap Kit' and their field guide book 'Of Roots and Branches,' to help others in creating meaningful connections. The conversation emphasizes the significant role of hospitality in experiencing and spreading God's love.Dave received his BA in pastoral ministry and theology from Campbellsville University. His diverse experiences as a youth pastor, church planter, and missionary both overseas and stateside have provided countless opportunities to practice hospitality and cultivate relationships. A graduate of Belmont University with a degree in mathematics, Jen brings a spectrum of experience to the table with her work as a Children's Pastor, Camp Director, curriculum writer and school teacher. Because they have experienced the power of God's love through the practice of hospitality, Dave and Jen are passionate about seeing this transformation spread through every neighborhood around the world. By helping others create safe and welcoming environments, they are empowering neighbors to grow stronger together. With their two children and family dog, adventure is a daily experience. When they are not teaching high school math, managing projects at a commercial construction firm, or leading workshops, they love backpacking, playing pickleball, and exploring new cities. They especially love chatting with their neighbors on Saturday mornings over a delicious latte at the free coffee shop they host out of their garage.Hospitality Matters:Website: https://hospitalitymatters.org/Instagram: @hospitalitymatters1Of Roots and Branches Curriculum: buy on AmazonThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I delve into themes of food, hospitality, and spiritual growth with guest Rusty McKie. Rusty, a spiritual director and trauma-informed formation coach, discusses his new book 'The Art of Stability,' which is born out of his personal and relational experiences since 2016. He introduces the idea of finding stability in God and discusses the importance of contemplative prayer, sitting with pain, embracing fragility, and cultivating community. The conversation also covers practical advice on handling trauma, maintaining agency, and being vulnerably specific with trusted friends. The episode is infused with personal stories, reflections on deep spiritual practices, and ends with lighthearted rapid-fire questions about food preferences and memorable meals.Rusty McKie is trained as both a spiritual director and trauma-informed formation coach. He is the founder of Steadfast Ministries where he helps leaders survive and thrive in ministry. He authored Sabbaticals, leads retreats, and hosts The Art of Stability podcast. Rusty is also the Director of Men's Ministry for CrossPointe Church. He is passionate about resourcing others to grow in emotional, spiritual, and relational health. You can find more of his work at steadfastmin.com. He and his wife, Rachel, live with their three lovely and lively kids in Central Florida.Buy The Art of Stability on Amazon.Learn more about Rusty's work at steadfastmin.com.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' I am joined by renowned theologian and author Grace Ji-Sun Kim to discuss her work, her experiences with race and identity, and her thoughts on hospitality through food. Grace shares personal anecdotes, including her struggles with racism growing up in Canada and the cultural significance of Korean food. Our discussion delves into some of her latest book 'When God Became White,' exploring the concept of a white male God and its implications for society and the church. Grace emphasizes the power of shared meals in fostering understanding and dismantling racial and cultural barriers.Grace Ji-Sun Kim (PhD, University of Toronto) is professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana. She is the host of the Madang podcast and has published in TIME, Huffington Post, US Catholic, and The Nation. She is an ordained PC(USA) minister and enjoys being a guest preacher on most Sundays. She is author or editor of 24 books, including Healing Our Broken Humanity, Embracing the Other (Eerdmans, 2015), Christian Doctrines for Global Gender Justice (Pallgrave Macmillian, 2015), and Intercultural Ministry (Judson PR, 2017) and most recently When God Became White (IVP, 2024). She and her spouse, Perry, have three young adult children and live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.Follow Grace Ji-Sun Kim on social media: Facebook and InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I speak with Kendall Vanderslice, a baker, writer, speaker, and founder of the Edible Theology Project. Kendall shares her journey into bread making and how it connects to her spirituality and faith. She discusses her early influences, the historical and theological significance of bread, and the idea of baking as a form of prayer. We explore the commercialization of bread, its impact on nutrition and community, and the metaphorical and literal importance of bread in the Christian faith. Kendall also previews her upcoming book, 'Bake and Pray,' which includes workshops, recipes, and prayers all designed  to integrate bread baking into spiritual practice.Kendall Vanderslice is a baker, writer, speaker, and the founder of the Edible Theology Project, a ministry that connects the Communion table to the kitchen table. She is a graduate of Wheaton College (BA anthropology), Boston University (MLA gastronomy), and Duke Divinity School (master of theological studies). Kendall is the author of By Bread Alone and We Will Feast and lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her big-eared beagle named Strudel, where she teaches workshops on bread baking as a spiritual practice.Pre-order Kendall's newest book Bake & Pray, set to be released October 8.Learn more about Kendall and her work at kendallvanderslice.com.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I enjoy a rich conversation with author Lore Wilbert about her latest book, 'The Understory.' The discussion delves into themes of nature, grief, and presence, as Lore shares her personal journey of finding comfort and healing in the forest. She elucidates how the forest's regenerative processes paralleled her own experiences with faith and personal hardship. The conversation highlights the importance of being present, even in moments of pain, and how moving forward in life doesn't always mean solving everything at once. Lore also reflects on the significance of community and the role of the table in fostering honest and deep conversations. The episode concludes with insights into Lore's upcoming move and looking forward to an unknown future with hope rooted in faith.Lore has written three books, the award winning Handle With Care, as well as A Curious Faith and The Understory. She has a Masters in Theology, Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University and a Bachelors in English from Lee University. Her work has been published in many national publications as well as in several anthologies. She and her husband live on the edge of a river flowing from the Adirondacks in upstate New York with their two pups, Harper and Rilke. When she's not writing, she likes to kayak, be in the forest, make art with paper, and garden.Connect with Lore:lorewilbert.comInstagram: @lorewilbertThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp welcomes longtime friends from Park City, Utah, Nyesha, Tanisha, and Sharon, who run 11 Hauz, a Jamaican restaurant. They discuss their journey from Brooklyn to Utah, their Jamaican roots, and the rich confluence of cultures that define Jamaican cuisine. The conversation also delves into the family's deep faith, the humble and resourceful upbringing led by their grandmother, and their mission to bring authentic, non-processed, soulful Jamaican food to Park City while spreading love and the teachings of Jesus. They share stories of their vibrant cultural heritage, the significance of hospitality, and their desire to foster open, authentic connections within their community.11Hauz in Park City, UT: https://11hauz.com/Follow 11Hauz on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/11hauzjamaicanfood/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/11HauzjamaicanfoodThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' hosted by Andrew Camp, culinary historian Michael Twitty shares insights into how food serves as a medium for exploring cultural identity, heritage, and spirituality. Twitty, the creator of the blog Afroculinaria and author of award-winning books like 'The Cooking Gene' and 'Kosher Soul,' delves into his journey of connecting African American and Jewish food traditions. He discusses profound themes around the biblical narrative of Exodus, the legacy of slavery, and the importance of storytelling and memory in food. The episode also touches on the significance of Juneteenth, addressing intergenerational trauma and resilience, and the sacredness of food in cultural practices, offering listeners a rich, multifaceted conversation about identity, history, and liberation.Michael Twitty is a culinary historian, living history interpreter, and Judaics teacher. He is the creator of Afroculinaria, the first blog devoted to African American historic foodways and their legacy. In 2018, his book The Cooking Gene won both the James Beard Foundation Book of the Year Award and Best Writing Award. He is the first Revolutionary in Residence at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a TED Fellow, and was named to The Forward's list of influential Jews in 2020 and a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2021. He is also the author of Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew, which was released in 2022. He lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia.Follow Michael Twitty on Instagram: @thecookinggeneThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, hosted by Andrew Camp, guest Amy Dolan discusses the intersection of food, faith, and community. Amy, who hosts the Feeding People podcast and founded Sunday Supper Church, shares her journey through the traditions of a Jewish and Christian upbringing, how cooking became a creative outlet during her ministry, and her work advocating for food equity in Chicago. Together, they explore how preparing and sharing meals can diminish loneliness, restore dignity, and create joy. Amy also shares insights on the importance of mutual care in food justice and the vulnerability and joy of cooking for others.Amy Dolan is the host of the Feeding People Podcast, Founder of Sunday Supper Church, and former Strategic Consultant for the Chicagoland Good Food in Healthcare Initiative. Amy believes that eating together has the power to dispel loneliness, restore dignity, and create joy as we share sacred moments with each other around beautiful tables. Of all the tables she's created and hosted, weeknight dinners with her husband Kelly and pit bull Maddox in their Chicago apartment are her favorite. Feeding People Podcast Follow Amy on InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp is joined by Derrick Weston, a community organizer, theological education and training coordinator for Creation Justice Ministries, and co-author of The Just Kitchen. They discuss the intersection of food, faith, and social justice, highlighting the significance of food in experiencing God's love and addressing food insecurity. Derrick shares his personal journey through difficult times and how gardening and food became sources of comfort and inspiration for his work in food justice and faith. They explore how food and gardening connect individuals to the divine, the importance of storytelling in the kitchen, and the role of cooking in reinvigorating the exploration of Scripture. The conversation also delves into systemic issues in the food industry, the transformative power of understanding the origin and impact of our food, and the potential for food and cooking to be acts of social justice and faith. Finally, the podcast touches on personal topics such as the meaning of cooking and the significance of the old fashioned cocktail.Derrick has long been an engaged community organizer focused on growing food and addressing food insecurity. Now he serves as the theological education and training coordinator for Creation Justice Ministries. A documentary filmmaker, producer, and cohost of The Food and Faith Podcast, Derrick is a firm believer in using one's voice and the media to inspire and enact social change. He is also the coauthor of The Just Kitchen: Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebration with Anna Woofenden. He and his wife, Shannon, have four children and live outside of Baltimore, Maryland. 2023 Farm Bill Information from Creation Justice Ministries.Follow Derrick Weston on: Facebook or InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp explores the intersection of food, wine, hospitality, and spirituality with guest Adam McHugh. McHugh, a former Presbyterian minister turned wine tour guide and sommelier, discusses his transformative journey into the wine industry, chronicled in his memoir 'Blood from a Stone'. They delve into the significance of the Santa Ynez Valley's wine culture, the impact of the movie 'Sideways' on the region, and how wine and the act of tasting can mirror the introspective and slow-paced aspects of listening and spirituality. McHugh reflects on his faith, the process of leaving the ministry, and finding new forms of connection and belonging through wine. The conversation also touches on terroir, the embodied aspects of winemaking, and the power of wine to foster community and mindfulness.Adam McHugh is a wine tour guide, a sommelier, and a Certified Specialist of Wine. He is the author of Introverts in the Church, The Listening Life, and most recently Blood from a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead. He is also a regular contributor to Edible Santa Barbara & Wine Country. He lives in the Santa Ynez Valley on the California Central Coast.Follow Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adammchughwine/Adam's Contact: adammchugh@gmail.comThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp engages in a profound discussion with Gisela, a theologian and writer with deep roots in Christian spirituality and a passion for exploring the holistic embodiment of spirituality through creation. Focused on her experiences growing up in a family-owned winery in Germany and how it shaped her view on work, community, and spirituality, Gisela unfolds the intricate relationship between wine, theology, and the vocational life in the marketplace. She delves into the redeeming act of consuming, connecting theology with the physical, and sensual aspects of wine tasting, drawing on her rich familial and professional background. The conversation traverses through topics like the spirituality of wine, the deep connection between the vineyards and theological insights, and practical advice on appreciating wine as an element of spiritual practice. Gisela shares her vision for a church that deeply understands what it means to be the body of Christ, intertwined with the earth and each other through communal meals and hospitality. The episode concludes with thoughtful reflections on enduring food traditions, the profound link between food, wine, and memory, and an encouragement toward a more embodied form of Christian spirituality that embraces God's creation with gratitude and joy.Gisela's website: https://www.thespiritualityofwine.com/This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

This week my guest is Nathan Myhrvold of Modernist Cuisine. Nathan graduated high school and went to college at 14. He holds a doctorate in theoretical and mathematical physics, as well as a master's degree in mathematical economics, from Princeton University. His master's degree is in geophysics and space physics, and he did postdoctoral cosmology work with Stephen Hawking. Nathan then spent 14 years at Microsoft, where he was their first Chief Technology Officer.While working at Microsoft, he took a leave of absence to earn his culinary diploma from École de Cuisine La Varenne in France. Myhrvold retired from Microsoft in 1999 to found Intellectual Ventures and pursue several interests. Inspired by the void in literature about culinary science and the cutting-edge techniques used in the world's best restaurants, Myhrvold assembled the Modernist Cuisine team to share the art andscience of cooking with others. In the culinary world, Nathan is known for his cooking lab, and the in-depth book sets Modernist Cuisine, Modernist Bread, and Modernist Pizza, as well as Modernist Cuisine at Home, and Modernist Bread at Home. His photography is sold at Modernist Cuisine Gallery by Nathan Myhrvold with locations in Seattle, New Orleans, and La Jolla.Topics discussed:The upcoming Modernist Pastry booksPizza-making at homeWhat is Modernist Cuisine?Breaking culinary traditions, and exploring cooking myths and loreMicrowaves, safety, and how they workCooking equipment such as combi ovens and induction cooktopsSustainability as it relates to the food and beverage industry NATHAN MYHRVOLD and MODERNIST CUISINENathan's WebsiteModernist Cuisine Website, Instagram and Facebook The Modernist Pizza PodcastCHEFS WITHOUT RESTAURANTSIf you enjoy the show and would like to support it financially, please check out our Sponsorship page (we get a commission when you use our links).  Get the Chefs Without Restaurants NewsletterChefs Without Restaurants Instagram and ThreadsThe Chefs Without Restaurants Private Facebook GroupChris Spear's personal chef business Perfect Little BitesSPONSOR INFOHeaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond BourbonI'm excited to introduce you to Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond bourbon. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond delivers a flavor profile that's unmatched. This bourbon is aged for seven years, three more than required, creating a richer, more sophisticated flavor profile. When you select this premium bottled-in-bond bourbon, Heaven Hill's commitment to excellence is evident in every sip. Available Nationally, look for a bottle of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond at your local store.Heaven Hill reminds you to Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.Support the show

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp discusses with Andy Root, a professor of Youth and Family Ministry, the intersection of faith, hospitality, and our secular age. Root elaborates on his six-volume series, 'Ministry in a Secular Age,' emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for experiencing God in the modern world, particularly through the lens of Charles Taylor's philosophies. The conversation also touches on the concepts of secularism, the sacredness of ministry, the impact of modernity on faith communities, and the significance of embodying Christ's presence in everyday practices, especially around the table. Andy shares insights into how faith has evolved for him personally, the importance of community, and the potential for meaningful connections in everyday moments. The discussion concludes with Andy Root providing a reflection on navigating faith amidst modern challenges and the power of waiting and attentiveness to God's presence in life's various aspects.Andy is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Lately his work has centered around the intersection of faith and our secular age, having completed his six volume series Ministry in a Secular Age. He has written a number of books and has given lectures and presentations across the country and globe both to church groups, universities/colleges, youth workers, and academic communities. He lives in St. Paul, his wife Kara is a Presbyterian minister and they have two kids (Owen and Maisy) and a dog. When he's not teaching and writing, he watches a ton of TV.Andy's website: andrewroot.orgThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Join me in my conversation with Richard Beck. We explore the themes of hospitality, hope, and enchantment in Christian practice. From embracing marginalized individuals with grace to recovering an enchanted faith in a skeptical age, the conversation delves into the significance of ordinary moments, like sharing meals, in cultivating a sense of wonder and community.Richard Beck is an author and professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University. Richard's latest book is Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age. As a prison chaplain, Richard leads a weekly Bible study for inmates at the maximum-security French Robertson Unit and has written and spoken extensively about his work among the incarcerated.Richard Beck's Substack: https://richardbeck.substack.com/Richard Beck's Blog: https://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode I have a rich conversation with Chris Smith. We cover a range of topics, starting with his own personal journey of food over the past ten years. But we spend the majority of our time using a couple of Chris's books, namely Slow Church and How the Body of Christ Talks, to dialogue about the importance of conversation for the health of ourselves and our community. Through recovering of conversation, we begin to see how God wants to collaborate with us in his work of redemption.C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He and his wife Jeni have three adult children and are members of Englewood Christian Church on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Chris is the co-author of the award-winning book Slow Church, and author of several other books including most recently, How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. Most of his latest writings end up on The Englewood Review's Substack, TheConversationalLife.substack.comThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Being an election year, there will be calls for civility, especially in Christian circles. But Kathy Khang (and her coauthor Matt) believe that Christians are not called to be civil, but rather through the fruit of the Spirit embrace the discomfort and hard work of loving disagreement. Listen in as Kathy and I have a rich conversation about the fruit of the Spirit and its call on Jesus followers to engage in the hard work of the betterment and shalom of the whole community and not just the select, privileged few.Kathy Khang is a writer, speaker, and yoga teacher.  She is the co-author of Loving Disagreement (NavPress, 2023), awarded 2023 Book of the Year by Englewood Review of Books, the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent & How to Speak Up (InterVarsity Press, 2018) and Alabaster Guided Meditations, Psalms Vol. 1 and 2 (InterVarsity Press, 2020), and a contributing author of More Than Serving Tea (InterVarsity Press, 2006) and Voices of Lament (Revell, 2022). Kathy is also the board chair for Christians for Social Action, co-host of The Fascinating Podcast, and president of the Northwestern University Asian and Asian American Alumni (A-5) Club. A former newspaper reporter in Green Bay and Milwaukee, WI, Kathy also spent more than two decades in vocational ministry where she focused on leadership development and training leaders in diversity and justice. She holds a BS in journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. She is based in the north suburbs of Chicago and blogs at www.kathykhang.com, is on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok as @mskathykhang, and posts at www.facebook.com/kathykhangauthor.For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode, I am joined by the owner and founder of Wild Goose Coffee, Nate Westwick. We talk about coffee a lot, but more than just coffee, we talk about why coffee is important for communities, and how coffee might help us pay attention to the world around us. We also talk about Nate's new book, Clearing the Path, and his journey as an author.Nathan Westwick is the owner and founder of Wild Goose Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee roaster in Redlands, CA. He is a former high school math teacher who also works in the Spiritual Formation department at Sandals Church, a multi-site church in Southern California, creating content aimed at bringing people along in their personal discipleship journey. Nathan recently published his first book, Clearing the Path: Connecting with God in a Cluttered World. He lives in the Redlands area with his wife of 24 years and his three teenage boys.Wild Goose CoffeeBuy Clearing the Path on Amazon.For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

A chance encounter with a gentleman back in 2008, while he and his church were cleaning and restoring a cemetery, sent Chris questioning how and why he did church, In 2018 he began to find answers to these questions when he started a garden. Since 2018, Chris has sought to fight food insecurity in his zipcode in Knoxville, seeking to transform a food desert into a food oasis through Battlefield Farm and Garden.I was fortunate enough to sit down and have a wonderful conversation about Chris's journey and the incredible work he is doing for his community. In some ways he has become pastor to more people through planting a garden, people who would never step foot into a church.Originally from Cincinnati, Chris has earned degrees from Morehouse College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Cincinnati Bible College. Since then, he has pastored churches in Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee, while also being an adjunct professor both in the US and abroad. He has also been an active member of his communities, working with diverse faith groups to tackle pressing issues, including gun violence and creation care.  In 2018, his life trajectory changed when he started a community garden, named Battlefield Farm, across the street from Tabernacle Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, which opened his eyes to the effect of food disparity in his community. Since 2018, the garden has grown and now includes the Eastside Sunday Market. Chris now also is helping other churches and organizations establish gardens.Battlefield Farm: https://battlefieldfarm.org/Chris Battle Instagram: @battlefieldfarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/battlefieldfarmandgardensThis episode is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee, creating better community through coffee since 2008. Please visit www.wildgoosecoffee.com to buy fresh roasted coffee and to contribute to better communities. 

In this episode, I am joined by my friend from graduate school, Jen Manglos. Jen leads people as a pilgrimage guide, having walked all or parts of the Camino de Santiago multiple times. Jen shares how being a pilgrim has shaped her view of food and hospitality, while also sharing ways in which she has grown in embracing her own embodiedness and limitations. Through walking as a pilgrim she reveals to us that a lot of the way of the pilgrim is lived through a posture of receptivity and not taking.As a spiritual director, pastor, and pilgrimage guide, Jen Manglos delights in helping others discover their own belovedness in God through an embodied, creative approach to spirituality. Since receiving her MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology she has moved into providing care and support for wanderers, women, and leaders in the ministry and nonprofit worlds. She currently resides in Seattle where she is enjoying that PNW life. To learn more about Jen and her work as a pilgrimage guide, please visit: www.jenmanglos.com.This episode is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee, creating better community through coffee since 2008. Please visit www.wildgoosecoffee.com to buy fresh roasted coffee and to contribute to better communities. 

Food occupies a central place and sometimes disproportionate place in our lives. Researchers have noted that we make over 200 food choices a day, many without much deliberation.  And so whether our thoughts about food center around having too little or too much, whether we have a distorted view of food or a healthy view of food, food and eating is something we all have to partake in in order to survive. And so the question I think we must ask ourselves is will food, the table and hospitality be used as a space for growth and for transformation, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.  As a person seeking to follow Jesus through loving God and loving my neighbor, I see time and time again, food being used in the Bible to communicate some really deep truths. From the very beginning, God places humanity in a garden full of amazing and diverse foods for us to eat.  But it's not too long before food becomes the avenue through which sin, destruction and brokenness enter into the world and affects all of creation, including ourselves.  But God doesn't leave humanity to figure out a way back to him.He seeks to restore that relationship. And when he wants to communicate  salvation, he seems to always use food. Think about it, the Passover. Images of the messianic age showing up in the prophets, to the Lord's Supper, and at the very end, at the final book of Revelation, we see the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. In all of these, food play a prominent role in how God communicates His salvation.  But then let's think about while Jesus was here on Earth, and what do we find Jesus doing time and time again?  He eats.  He loves to eat. He loves to tell stories about food. He loves to be with people in their homes and at their tables regardless of any human created identity markers. And so as I've read and I've studied and I've talked with others, I have come to see food, the table, and hospitality as a deep expression of God's love for us and our love for one another.  As we prepare food, as we share food, as we eat together, there is this space that is created where foes can become friends and transformation occurs not only for our guests, but more importantly for ourselves.And in an age defined by factions and tribalism, what better way to break down these barriers than through sharing a meal together?  That's what I want to explore in this podcast, The Biggest Table. Through stories, through biblical, theological, and psychological reflection, I want to explore the table as a means of experiencing God's transformative love. I hope you will join me on this journey as we discover in new and fresh ways what it means to be transformed by God's love around the table and through food and taking that transformation for more and more people to partake in themselves.  Welcome to The Biggest Table. 

In this episode I talk with my good friend Monica Romig-Green, and her journey with food, starting with her family to sharing meals with her good friend Mike. After, we talk ministry, food, and being with people.Monica was born and raised in Southern California and fell in love with Canada after living in Toronto in the early 2010s.  She was ordained as a transitional deacon in June 2023 and is deeply honoured to be serving as Assistant Curate at Christ's Church Cathedral, Hamilton, Ontario.   Before following a call to ordained ministry, Monica had three previous careers:  as a professional actor, a theatre administrator, and a spiritual director.  All these experiences have shaped the way Monica approaches ministry, focusing on communication, community care, and spiritual growth.  She holds degrees from Stanford University, Talbot School of Theology, and Trinity College Faculty of Divinity, and has written and taught on prayer, improvisation, and spiritual formation.    Monica is also passionate about theatre and movies and delights in discussing the latest in pop culture.  She loves living in Hamilton with her brilliant husband Matthew - a scholar and writer on Christian spirituality and neuropsychology.Monica's Websites:https://www.playwithoutceasing.com/https://monica-romig-green.com/ 

In this episode, I have a conversation with Alex Mandes, who has worked extensively with churches to help them embrace the multi-cultural reality all around them. We especially focus on the nature of meals within Latino culture (which is naturally diverse in and of itself), while also talking about Jesus on the margins. Alex Mandes is a leader within the multicultural churches. He has worked with the Evangelical Free Church of America, and has also trained thousands of Latino pastors. He is the author of Embracing the New Samaria.

In this episode, I talk with Michael Frost, author and international speaker, who has written extensively on the mission of the church and how the church might move forward in today's culture. He shares his insight into meals and how they shaped the early church, and how we might recover that today. Check out his newest book Mission Is the Shape of Water, a fascinating look at the history of the church. Mike Frost's website: mikefrost.net.

In this inaugural episode of The Biggest Table, I am joined by my good friend, Ty Hoad. Ty recounts his own journey with food and unreasonable expectations he put on people. We also look back at the meals we have shared together, including peach donuts, white truffle risotto, and smoked Waygu short ribs.

The year was 1976 or was it 86 or even 96 , there was great music to be heard throughout the land. And we have on this episode of Rock Phoenix Live. If you are wondering what the sound was back in 1976,1986 and 1996 then give this show a listen because it will fill you in and so you can have a knowledgeable conversation with people older than you if your a millennial. Or if you know about the 1976 already then listen because it will take you back. Personally I dig the 96 music, better sound. But hey the 90's got their music from the 80's and the 80's got their music from the 70's so its a learning curve. Happy Listening and Rock On  Together As One Around The World. AC/DC- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt CheapRunaways- Cherry BombTom Petty- BreakdownKISS- Shout It Out LoudClimax Blues Band- Couldn't Get It RightOrleans- Still The OneEagles- Life In The Fast LaneVan Halen- Why Cant This Be LoveDavid & David- Welcome To The BoomtownEddie Money- Take Me Home TonightGTR- When The Heart Rules The MindGenesis- Throwing It All AwayTOOL- StinkfistBush- SwallowedMatchbox Twenty- PushVerve Pipe- FreshmenDuncan Sheik- Barely BreathingWallflowers- One HeadlightRage Against The Machine- Bulls On ParadeMarilyn Manson- Beautiful PeopleSepultura- Roots Bloody RootsSocial Distortion- I Was WrongStone Temple Pilots- Trippin On A Hole In A Paper Heart 

No matter where you are with your cooking skills, this steak on a Traeger Grill recipe will forever hold a special place in your heart.Because, let's face it, cookin' a steak can be a bit tricky.But I don't want any of you guys to waste another piece of steak.So in today's episode, I'm gonna share everything you need to know on how to cook a steak on a Traeger Grill.And I don't care if you've never cooked a brisket before.‘Coz this steak recipe here is 100% failproof!Make sure to check this out! Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)The perfect steak size (00:58)How to cook steaks on a Traeger Grill (02:30)How not to waste a brisket (06:29)Searing steaks on Traeger's induction stove (08:51)Matty Matheson's genius cast iron pan (10:47) Additional Resources:Share this podcast with someone on social media!Visit Kosmo's website here.Check out Kosmo's YouTube channel. Connect with Kosmo:Instagram: @kosmosqFacebook: @kosmosqTikTok: @kosmos_q--Follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts.If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts! 

Ain't nothin' like a juicy, meaty, and cheesy homemade burger!But today's recipe will change how you view burgers.Well, you've probably known (or heard about) Guga if you've been in this food space for a while.He's been my guy for years and has been leading the way in our type of content.And when he said that a burger changed his life AGAIN, dude, I'm givin' it a try!However, instead of doing his Smashburger test, we went ahead and recreated his winning burger recipe.I tried it to be as close as possible to Guga's smash burger recipe, and boy, oh boy… Wanna know my freakin' honest review of this burger? Check the full episode now! Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Guga's game-changing burger ingredient (00:30)What does Guga's smash burger sauce taste like? (01:43)A bit about Guga (03:22)Is hand-ground meat worth the trouble? (05:20)The ideal hamburger meat ratio (05:56)Why you should make your own hamburger patty? (08:06) Additional Resources:Share this podcast with someone on social media!Visit Kosmo's website here.Check out Kosmo's YouTube channel. Connect with Kosmo:Instagram: @kosmosqFacebook: @kosmosqTikTok: @kosmos_q--Follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts.If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts! 

There are dozens- maybe hundreds- of Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks online, everything from how to easily skim the fat from your gravy (hint: put it in the freezer for 10) to cooking your potatoes in the...dishwasher?! I will not be recommending that one, promise- but I DO know some seriously good hacks to make your Thanksgiving Meal preparation a little easier, so tune in to today's episode for hacks that will save you time, and make you actually thankful for the time spent together on Thanksgiving. FREE Holiday Recipe e-bookJoin the Healthy Mama Cooking Club for as little as $3 a month for weekly meal inspiration, member exclusive recipes, bonus cooking videos and quick kitchen tips, monthly bonus podcast episodes and more!Thanks to this week's sponsor! Get 25% off my morning greens blend, go-to plant-based protein protein powder and everything else at AMAZINGGRASS.COM using code HEALTHYMAMAConnect with Kris:Website InstagramFREE Meal Planning GuideBudget Guide + EbooksSupport the show

There's nothing quite like peak summer produce, except a taste of peak summer produce in the middle of winter. In this one, we cover all the easy ways to preserving summer produce, no elaborate canning process required.