Podcasts about quaker

In this episode, we speak with writer Lamorna Ash about her two-year immersion in Christianity—an unexpected journey that took her from conservative Bible studies and charismatic worship to Quaker silence, Jesuit retreats, and the poetry of mystical experience. Inspired by the sudden conversions of two close friends, Lamorna set out to understand what faith might look like from the inside. Along the way, she wrestled with the limitations of belief, the beauty of ancient rituals, and the uncomfortable weight of institutional Christianity. Her story is one of tentative openness—a slow, uncertain movement toward mystery rather than certainty. Following the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflects on their own journey through doubt, deconstruction, and the quiet possibility of faith on the edges. Interview starts at 16m 22s  Books, quotes, links → The creation of Nomad's thoughtful, ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful and wonderful listeners. By supporting us, you gain access to Nomad's online spaces—like the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge, and Book Club—as well as bonus episodes such as Nomad Contemplations, Therapeutic Reflections, and Nomad Revisited. If you'd like to join our lovely community of supporters, head over to our Patreon page. You might even be rewarded with a Nomad pen or our coveted Beloved Listener mug! If a monthly commitment isn't possible right now, a one-off donation is always deeply appreciated—you can do that here. Looking to connect with others nearby? Check out the Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook group. And if you're up for sharing your own story, we regularly post reflections from listeners on our blog—all with the hope of fostering deeper understanding, connection and supportive relationships. If you'd like to share your story on the blog, contact us for more information here.

Leyla Kazim visits York, the UK's 'chocolate city', on the centenary of Joseph Rowntree's death, to find out how the Quaker entrepreneur pioneered both social reform and iconic chocolate brands like Smarties and Kit Kat.Today, many independent chocolate makers still call York home, as do some of the word's biggest multinational confectionary makers. Leyla Kazim wanders through York Chocolate Festival to trace the city's unique chocolate heritage and find out what changed when global companies got involved.As the so-called 'Dubai chocolate' drives a frenzy of demand for filled bars and imitations, Leyla meets a Newcastle chocolate maker with a penchant for wacky flavours and who inspired the original sell-out hit.Leyla also hears how falling global production and high prices of cocoa could be the end of chocolate as we know it.Produced by Nina Pullman for BBC Audio in Bristol.

In this episode, Joe Moore sits down with Paul Gillis-Smith from The Center for the Study of World Religions to discuss a range of fascinating topics. They begin by discussing the Harvard Divinity School and the CSWR's mission and history. The conversation delves into the work and legacy of Lisa Bieberman, a pivotal figure in the 1960s psychedelic harm reduction movement. It explores her contributions to the field through her Psychedelic Information Center. They also touch on the Quaker traditions and their intersection with LSD use, showing how spirituality and psychedelics can coalesce. Paul also talks about upcoming psychedelic and chaplaincy workshops, emphasizing the importance of spiritual care in psychedelic experiences. This episode is rich with historical insights and contemporary applications, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in psychedelics and spirituality. Paul Gillis-Smith @ CSWR Center for the Study of World Religions Psychometric brahman, psychedelic science: Walter Stace, transnational Vedanta, and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire 00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:34 Meeting at Penn's Psychedelic Conference 01:14 Postdoctoral Presentations and Indigenous Plant Medicine 03:27 Understanding CSWR and Its Evolution 07:21 Harvard's Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture 09:11 Personal Academic Journey and Interest in Psychedelics 11:58 Role at CSWR and Ongoing Projects 18:59 Lisa Bieberman: A Pioneer in Psychedelic Education 40:53 Quaker Theology of LSD 41:58 Meeting Structure and Frequency 42:46 Profound Simple Truths 45:41 Transition to Quakerism 48:45 The New Jerusalem Prophecy 53:02 Quakerism and Its Influence 01:11:25 Clinical Chaplaincy and Psychedelics 01:18:39 Conclusion and Future Projects

Share your thoughts about our conversation!Hailing from Quaker circles and Berkeley's grassroots community movements in the 1960s, is the sagacious Parker J. Palmer – activist, facilitator, teacher and author. His unconventional entry into facilitation was piqued by a fascination with circle-work, which inspired a 30+ year career spent holding space for the mutable truth to emerge.This is a wise, thoughtful conversation grounded in a lifetime of Parker's lived experiences. From authoring your own life, to questioning the truth with kindness, being aware of hubris and approaching facilitation with fresh curiosity every day.There's an incredible amount to learn from Parker in our conversation alone, and I hope you're as inspired as I was!Find out about:The confluence of facilitation, writing and teachingWhy safe spaces are an on-going practice, requiring facilitator's to protect individuals from judgement and criticismUnderstanding the concept of ‘truth' amongst a group of different perspectivesThe importance of allowing groups to sit in reflection, before rushing to problem-solveWhy every group workshop must be approached with fresh eyesDon't miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Center for Courage and RenewalLiving the Questions with Parker J. PalmerParker J Palmer PublicationsConnect to Parker J. Palmer:LinkedInWebsiteSupport the show✨✨✨Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a free 1-page summary of each upcoming episode directly to your inbox, or explore our eBooks featuring 50-episode compilations for even more facilitation insights. Find out more:https://workshops.work/podcast✨✨✨Did you know? You can search all episodes by keyword to find exactly what you need via our Buzzsprout page!

Alina Z is an award-winning, Board-Certified Health Coach, Chopra Life Coach, Detox Specialist, and former chef named creator of the #1 Best Diet in America by Harper's Bazaar. She also holds a degree from Parsons School of Design and a Master's in Communication, blending style, soul, and science into one transformational experience. Through her signature Wholistic Self-Discovery Coaching Program, Alina helps high-achieving women reconnect with their true purpose by transforming how they eat, dress, and live. Her philosophy? When you eat to nourish your soul and dress to express your truth, you shift your inner state — and from that space, everything changes. Peace returns. Confidence rises. Sparkle comes back. Alina's mission is to help women become the version of themselves they dreamed of at 8 years old — radiant, powerful, and fully aligned. While today Alina is happy with her body, a fulfilling career, and a life full of sparkle, it wasn't always like this. At 15 she left her home country and a $100,000,000 company that her parents wanted her to inherit and came to USA alone to create a life she desired to build on her own terms. She attended a Quaker school in Maryland and then graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York. Working in the marketing industry, at the age of 27 she grew into a position of a VP of Marketing for one of Washington DC's largest catering companies. During her tenure there her entire days were wrapped around talking about, writing about and tasting food! From early morning networking breakfasts to late-night cocktail receptions and galas, Alina barely had time to eat healthy. This busy lifestyle lead to an unwanted extra 20 pounds, which she struggled to lose with traditional diets and an endless supply of dieting books. She also felt that there was more to life than working long hours and making money. She felt she was lacking a purpose. As fate would have it, in 2009, Alina went on a inspirational cruise to Alaska, where she personally met and learned from world-renowned teachers like Dr. Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay. It was during Dr. Dyer's speech that Alina realized she wanted to be of service to the community. She thought that if she could find solutions to her own challenges, maybe she could help others with the same struggles. Inspired by the cruise, in 2010 she enrolled to study nutrition at the world's largest nutrition school -- Institute For Integrative Nutrition, in New York City. The experience was truly life-changing -  she found a unique way to health and fell in love with the field of nutrition. The one thing she saw missing most in the health market was FUN! Alina noticed two crucial things: first, food is typically labeled as either healthy or delicious and second, there is a total lack of connection being made between nutrition and the key to a happy life. With a passion for making the connection, Alina's mission as nutrition and life coach is to help you pursue your life passions and discover that food can be healthy, delicious, on budget, quick and easy! Quiz on my website at AlinaZ.com to find out your body type: https://www.alinaz.com/quiz #EatWithPurpose#SoulfulLiving#DetoxYourLife#ChopraLifeCoach#IntegrativeNutrition https://calendly.com/rebeccaelizabethwhitman/breakthrough https://wellnessmarketingltd.com/magnetic-abundance-manifest-your-dream-life-retreat/ https://www.amare.com/et/kd4k0a/2088608 https://mall.riman.com/rebeccawhitman/home http://pillar.io/rebeccaewhitman To learn more about Rebecca…https://www.rebeccaelizabethwhitman.com/#home

Our Spring Town Hall brought together two of AI&F's Advisors: Jon Palmer, the General Counsel of Microsoft, in conversation with Kenneth Cukier, the deputy executive editor of The Economist. They discussed the intersections of religion, ethics, law, and policy on business and society. What have been the influences (both positive and negative) that religion has had on US law, legal ethics and the legal profession? How has this influenced Jon's professional life, and the role of Christian doctrine in the way he views ethics, practices law, and sees his role as a lawyer? What are the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in these contexts and the need for AI to develop in a way that aligns with ethical considerations? Their diverse backgrounds made an especially interesting conversation: Jon is the son of a prominent Presbyterian pastor; Kenn's father fled the Holocaust and took him to Quaker meetings as a child.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Kenneth Cukier and Jon PalmerEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Ohio Yearly Meeting takes another step in our journey through "The Eye of Faith," continuing William P. Taber Jr.'s history with Chapter 3, "Refining the Form: 1828-1845," which examines the theological tensions that nearly split our community.• Elisha Bates, once a respected Quaker minister from Mount Pleasant, repudiates traditional Quaker views on spiritual inspiration and even receives water baptism• The Meeting for Sufferings responds with essays defending Quaker doctrines of "divine light, inwardly revealed" as the foundation of true religion• Joseph John Gurney's visits to Ohio in 1837 further polarizes Friends into two distinct theological camps• Differences emerge between "Gurneyite" Friends who emphasize the Bible as first rule of faith and "Wilburite" Friends who prioritize the inward Christ• The Gurneyites welcome intellectual study, activism, and cooperation with other Christians, while Wilburites fear any change that weakens Quaker distinctiveness• Joseph Edgerton's journal entries reveal deep concern about "a spirit which is weary of the plainness and simplicity of the truth"• Tensions escalate when Ohio ministers visiting New England are denied returning minutes after associating with John Wilbur• Ohio Yearly Meeting faces a decade of irreconcilable tensions over theological teachings and disciplinary procedures"Art thou in the darkness, mind it not, for if thou dost, it will feed thee more. But stand still and act not, and wait in patience till light arises out of darkness and leads thee." - James Naylor, 1659A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, she invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, to find harmony in dissonance like a jazz musician, and to embrace the profound Quaker practice of discernment in a world crying out for genuine connection and "fiery love."Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions.Join Friends General Conference for the 2025 Young Adult and Youth (YAY) Gathering from July 2-6 in Clarkston, Michigan, where our theme "Peace Like a River, Joy Like a Fountain" celebrates creativity, worship, and play in an inclusive, intergenerational Quaker community. Registration and more information is available at www.fgcquaker.org/yay, and is open to young adults (18-35), youth (0-18), their families, and volunteers of all ages. The deadline for registration is June 1st, so don't delay. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

the word “home” mean to you? From a laundry ministry on the streets of San Francisco to a Quaker refuge during World War II, Friends are reimagining what it means to offer shelter, connection, and belonging. Our episode gets its inspiration from the May 2025 issue of Friends Journal. Peterson: Gabe Ehri writes in the opening editorial, “In a world as profoundly abundant as ours, it is a societal failure of monumental proportions that anyone go without safe and comfortable housing.” Sweet Miche: And he ends with this reminder from scripture and Woolman: “Think on these things and do them.” That's what we're exploring today—what it means to actually do something. In This Episode: Zae Illo, an Earlham School of Religion graduate and a longtime public theologian, shares how his lived experience of homelessness informs his ministry among unhoused neighbors in San Francisco. Outside the Friends meetinghouse, his laundry ministry provides more than clean clothes—it offers presence, listening, and dignity. Read his article: Laundry Chaplaincy for Unsheltered Souls Sharlee DiMenichi, staff writer at Friends Journal, highlights how Quaker meetings across North America care for unhoused neighbors. From shelter partnerships in Arizona to memorials for unhoused Friends in California, her reporting centers spiritual practice and community action. Read her article: Solidarity with Our Unhoused Neighbors Michael Luick-Thrams reflects on Scattergood Hostel, the Iowa Quaker school that transformed into a refuge for Jewish children fleeing the Holocaust. Watch the QuakerSpeak video: Scattergood: A Quaker Response to the Holocaust Read the book: Scattergood by H.M. Bouwman Book Review We feature Bird, Bee, and Bug Homes and Habitats for Garden Wildlife, a vibrant guide for helping our smallest neighbors. It is recommended for ages 6–12 and curious adults. Read the review: Bird, Bee and Bug Homes Monthly Question We asked listeners: Beyond a roof and four walls, what does the word “home” mean to you? Thank you to Mario, Sonia, Erin, and Ben for sharing heartfelt reflections. From childhood memories to chosen neighborhoods, your answers grounded this episode in personal truth. Next question: What is your favorite Quaker term—one common among Friends but strange to outsiders? Leave a voicemail at 317-QUAKERS or comment on our socials. Credits & Links Quakers Today is a podcast from Friends Publishing Corporation Hosted by Peterson Toscano and Sweet Miche QuakerSpeak Video recorded by Layla Cuthrell Season 4 is sponsored by Friends Fiduciary and the American Friends Service Committee Music comes from Epidemic Sound. Closing song: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis. Visit QuakersToday.org for a full transcript and more. Learn more about Zae Illo at ZaeIllo.com Contact us: podcast@friendsjournal.org Season Four of Quakers Today is Sponsored by: Friends Fiduciary Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for Quaker organizations, consistently achieving strong financial returns while upholding Quaker testimonies. They also assist individuals in supporting beloved organizations through donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. AFSC works at the forefront of social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Learn more at AFSC.org. Feel free to email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org with​​ comments, questions, and requests for our show. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound.  Follow Quakers Today on TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more episodes and a full transcript of this episode, visit QuakersToday.org.

Zach Stone's life arc runs from teenage “knucklehead” to crisis negotiator, trauma-informed facilitator, and head-of-product for thirty health-ed dev teams. In this rich, funny, and occasionally hair-raising conversation we drill down into the how of navigating chaos — on a subway platform, in a corporate boardroom, and inside your own nervous system.Trigger warning: there's a conversation about suicide at about 15 minutes into the episode. Skip to minute 17 if you want to avoid this section.Here's a tasting menu of our conversation:Gang manuals & purple binders – How a Quaker-adjacent conflict resolution course turned a 15-year-old troublemaker into a group dynamics geek.From union hall to board hall – Lessons learned refereeing SEPTA labor fights and why the same “rubber-and-glue” listening works on Zoom stand-ups.OARS in rough water – Using Motivational Interviewing (Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries) to defuse rage, whether from a bus driver or the voice in your own head.Simulated danger, real breakthroughs – How well-designed role-plays can heal trauma if you hold the container (and what happens when a participant suddenly starts to undress).Signs you're in a chaotic system – Chronic absenteeism, cortisol tummy, “my work doesn't matter” syndrome, and 70% burnout in tech.Habit > culture – A shout-out to Paul Gibbons, Prochaska & DiClemente, and the myth of top-down culture change.Martial arts as somatic therapy – TaeKwonDo to Muay Thai to boxing; what Zach saw when veterans laid down their canes and kids in shelters stopped fighting.Virtual heartbreak – Coaching a Kharkiv dev team while missiles shook their bomb shelter.Chaos surfing 101 – Why you don't control chaos, you ride it; plus simple team-level practices to build collective resilience.TakeawaysName the elephant first. Start every workshop by voicing the resistance in the room; it evaporates faster than you'd think.Watch for survival mode. Tight shoulders, skipped meals, rolling eyes? Slow down before you roll out another initiative.Move the meat-sack. Five minutes of mindful movement (shadow-boxing, Tai-Chi, hallway laps) resets the neuro-chemistry better than another latte.Change habits, not slogans. Draft tiny incentives that make the preferred behavior the easy behavior; culture follows.Links & ResourcesZach on LinkedIn – the easiest place to connect and geek out about behavioral science.Red Kite Project – trauma-informed organizational change (Charlotte DiBartolomeo).AFSC Help Increase the Peace curriculumBooksPeter Levine – Waking the TigerBessel van der Kolk – The Body Keeps the ScorePaul Gibbons –

Jon Bernthal (The Accountant 2, The Bear, Real Ones) is an Emmy Award-winning actor and podcast host. Jon joins the Armchair Expert to discuss making peace with the beard, how looking like a real person has been an asset in his career, and teaching his kids to not react to negative emotions. Jon and Dax talk about the positive values he was exposed to growing up in a Quaker school, keeping an anger journal through boxing, and the impact of attending acting school in Russia. Jon explains playing baseball in Moscow to make some extra rubles, he and his brothers outgrowing their issues, and the meaning he gleans from talking to real ones on his podcast.Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's up Theology Nerds! Today I'm thrilled to share my conversation with the brilliant Philip Clayton on his new book Science and the Sacred: Beyond the Gods in Our Own Image. This isn't your typical science vs. religion debate - it's something way more interesting! Philip co-authored this book with Claudia Pierce, an atheist religion journalist, creating a beautiful dialogue between theistic and non-theistic perspectives that finds surprising common ground. We explore how their five-year collaboration revealed shared values even as they maintained different views on God. Phil walks us through how modern scientific understanding can coexist with spiritual meaning, challenging both religious fundamentalism and reductive scientism. We dive into questions from both conservative Christians and skeptical atheists who read the book in advance, creating a lively three-way conversation about doubt, faith, and what it means to approach mystery with openness rather than certainty. If you're tired of culture war takes on science and religion and hungry for nuanced dialogue across differences, this episode is your jam! And guess what? Phil's coming to Theology Beer Camp this year, so grab your tickets before May 15th when prices go up! You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube As a scholar, Philip Clayton (Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology) works at the intersection of science, philosophy, and theology. As an activist (president of EcoCiv.org, President of IPDC), he works to convene, facilitate, and catalyze multi-sectoral initiatives toward ecological civilization. As a disciple of Jesus, he finds himself energized by the Spirit in the Quaker community. Previous Podcast Convos w/ Philip Clayton Celebrating the Life, Legacy, and Thought of Jürgen Moltmann The Christology Ladder Christ, Christmas, & the Incarnation How to Think Theologically On the Meaning of Life on the Mindfulness of Nature The Theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg w/ Philip Clayton Finding God in Everyone and Everywhere w/ Philip Clayton and Andrew Davis Can a process theologian be an Evangelical & other questions with Philip Clayton The #GodDebacle w/ Philip Clayton and LeRon Shults Philip Clayton on the Shape of Postmodern Theology Party Time with Philip Clayton for “The Predicament of Belief” Bootlegged Christianity with Philip Clayton, Jack Caputo, Bill Mallonee, Peter Rollins, & Jay Bakker Philip Clayton on The Resurrection, Trinity, Eschatology & the Predicament of Belief Coming to Jesus with Daniel Kirk & Philip Clayton ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?" Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world. Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith. As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ⁠⁠ManyFacesOfChrist.com⁠⁠ for more details and to sign up! _____________________ ⁠⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠. ⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan and Connor are joined by Ana Gasteyer (Once Upon a Mattress, “Saturday Night Live”). The Queen is coming. Actually, the Queen has ARRIVED. The twins are absolutely gagged to be joined by icon, legend, mother Ana Gasteyer. Fresh off of singing into a bullhorn in Times Square (IYKYK), Ana dives right into discussing the hot-off-the-presses cast album for Once Upon a Mattress, how it felt returning to Broadway with such a beloved show and cast, and what it was like playing alongside Michael Urie. Listen as she spills on her 6 seasons on “Saturday Night Live,” including the recent SNL50 celebration. Ana speaks on when she realized she was ready to leave SNL, followed by becoming one of the very first women to play Elphaba in the original company of Wicked in Chicago. Ana speaks about her Quaker upbringing leading to a life of performing, whether it be with The Groundlings, on television, or even the Broadway stage. She shares tidbits about working with Rachel Dratch, Kate Reinders, and appearing on early demos of Hairspray. We gush over the new film Sinners, Floyd Collins and its extraordinary cast, and happily celebrate Drag: The Musical's award nominations. We only love Ana more after some DRAMA!Follow Ana on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSubscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

John 6:40 - 7:18We explore Jesus' challenging teaching about being "the bread of life" and what it means to eat his flesh and drink his blood, examining the Quaker understanding of spiritual nourishment beyond ritual.• Distinction between the two meanings of "Jews" in John's Gospel—either ethnic Jews or specifically those opposed to Jesus• Jesus' shocking language about eating his flesh and drinking his blood as a spiritual metaphor• The Quaker understanding that inward spiritual feeding matters more than outward rituals• Difference between physical symbols and the spiritual reality they represent• The meaning of "It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless"• How Jesus' teaching relates to communion/eucharist practices• The significance of Jesus' brothers not believing in him initially• The contrast between human language and spiritual realities• The divine drawing that brings people to spiritual understanding"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me." Revelation 3:20A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Podcast Notes Episode 462 Coaching as Spiritual Practice Host: Brian Miller, Executive Director of CAM Guests: Eddie Hammett, MCC and Scott Wagoner, ACC In this episode, Brian speaks with coaches Eddie Hammett and Scott Wagner about their new book, Coaching as Spiritual Practice: Deepening Faith While Deepening Impact. The discussion explores how coaching serves not only as a professional tool but also as a deeply spiritual practice that fosters transformation through reflection, silence, and connection between head, heart, and spirit. Eddie introduces the FAITH framework as a guide to meaningful coaching conversations, while Scott emphasizes coaching's potential to bring wholeness and clarity, especially in today's fast-paced and spiritually questioning world. Both coaches share personal stories illustrating how coaching has helped them and their clients navigate profound life shifts, deepen faith, and uncover purpose. Key Highlights: Coaching as a Spiritual Practice Eddie and Scott reflect on how coaching—especially during the pandemic—revealed itself as a form of spiritual practice. It's not just about achieving goals, but fostering transformation. It invites clients to align their head, heart, and even gut, creating space for clarity, wholeness, and spiritual depth. The Power of Silence and Spaciousness Scott, drawing from his Quaker tradition, describes the powerful role of silence in coaching. Holding space—literally through quiet—allows deeper truths and insights to rise, enabling clients to access their inner wisdom and divine guidance. The FAITH Framework (developed by Eddie Hammett) A flexible coaching structure designed to guide reflective spiritual engagement: F – Forward: What's the forward movement from the current dilemma? A – Alignment: Where is there dissonance? Where do head, heart, and life experiences need alignment? I – Interest: What fuels passion or blocks engagement? T – Timing: What is right now asking of you? (Kairos vs. Chronos) H – Heart: What's at the core of the issue? How is it impacting decision-making and clarity? Transformation through Coaching Both guests highlight coaching's role in uncovering hidden beliefs, integrating life experiences, and catalyzing transformation—not just behaviorally but spiritually. Eddie shares a powerful parallel between his open-heart surgery and the clarity that spiritual coaching brings. Takeaways: Create intentional pauses during sessions—silence can be sacred. Approach each conversation as an opportunity to explore meaning, vocation, and inner alignment. Use the FAITH framework to guide clients through reflection and forward movement, not just surface action. More Resources: Title: Coaching as Spiritual Practice: Deepening Faith While Deepening Impact Authors: Eddie Hammett & Scott Wagner Where to Get It: Click on this link to purchase on Amazon! Also check out their website: Transforming Solutions: Leaning Into Life's Lessons   Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Are we living through apocalyptic times? If so, how can we navigate this time of turmoil and come out on the other end with a society more whole, more just, and more guided by love? Quakers may have (part of) the answer.Quaker author and retired pastor, Doug Gwyn joins Jon Watts to explore how the "apocalyptic spirituality" of early Friends offers profound wisdom for navigating our own era of upheaval. From the nonviolent "Lamb's War" of the 1650's to the direct action of the 1960's, and right up until today, he leads us to a vision of a grassroots spiritual and cultural revolution against alienation and injustice.Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

As congregations age and dwindle, what are we to make of the decline of Christianity in England? Bijan Omrani argues that Christianity has had a profound and ongoing impact on English society, laws and culture. In his new book, God is an Englishman, he makes the case for the things we stand to lose as a nation as Christianity loses its hold on our hearts and minds. In Don't Forget We're Here Forever, Lamorna Ash talks to those bucking the trend: the young people discovering Christianity. She considers various encounters with faith from evangelical festivals to monastic retreats and Quaker meetings. Through interviews she explores what it means to embrace Christianity today. Dr Helen-Ann Hartley is the Bishop of Newcastle who has led calls for reform, as the Church of England has been mired in safeguarding scandals. She believes that the Anglican church still has a vital role to play supporting communities, offering a lifeline to the lonely, the homeless, those living with mental illness, and welcoming those of all faiths and none. In order to play its full role in the modern world, she wants to see the church modernised and its governance overhauled. Producer: Ruth Watts

This week Johnboy chronicles the saga of the Public Universal Friend, born a woman of the Quaker faith, the tumultuous times of the American Revolution would have them found the first religious order in the burgeoning country as a non-binary being sent from heaven!

In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Tania Haladner, Chief Marketing Officer of the Chicago Sky (WNBA), to talk all things women's sports marketing, fan engagement, and brand building. Tania shares what it takes to lead the marketing efforts for one of the WNBA's top franchises and why now is the time for brands to invest in women's sports. From storytelling strategies to community growth and digital innovation, Tania breaks down how the Chicago Sky is building a loyal fanbase both online and off. If you're a marketer, entrepreneur, brand strategist—or just someone who believes in the power of sports to drive culture—you don't want to miss this episode. In This Episode, We Cover: Why women's sports are seeing a massive rise in attention and media coverage The WNBA's marketing strategies that are helping it grow faster than ever How to use storytelling and digital marketing to build community around a brand The unique challenges and opportunities of marketing a professional sports team What every brand can learn from the Chicago Sky's marketing playbook How to attract brand partnerships and connect with the next generation of fans The future of sports marketing and where digital platforms play a role About Tania Haladner: Tania is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Chicago Sky and a seasoned brand strategist who previously held senior roles at PepsiCo, leading marketing efforts for brands like Quaker and Tropicana. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role in growing the visibility and impact of women's basketball.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores parenting principles highlighted in an article about Quaker practices, such as emphasizing questions over commands, fostering autonomy, recognizing strengths, and modeling behavior. Pastor Zach suggests that these seemingly progressive Quaker approaches actually align with core biblical teachings about raising children as image bearers of God through love, discipline, and by example, encouraging listeners to seek God's wisdom for parenting.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

Philip Gulley, Peterson, and Sweet Miche share their personal journeys of unlearning traditional theological concepts and reflect on what makes Quakerism a meaningful path to a more authentic faith. Gulley highlights fear as a significant motivator for religious beliefs and a tool for control and how the current political moment is a masterfully evil manipulation of human fears. Gulley also offers his perspective on the continued usefulness of organized religion, emphasizing the importance of bringing people together, respecting personal autonomy, and aligning its social efforts with the ethos of Jesus and radical love. Philip Gulley is a Quaker pastor, writer, and speaker from Danville, Indiana.  Gulley has written 22 books, including the Harmony series recounting life in the eccentric Quaker community of Harmony, Indiana, and the best-selling Porch Talk essay series. Gulley's memoir, I Love You, Miss Huddleston: And Other Inappropriate Longings of My Indiana Childhood, was a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Hor.  In addition, Gulley, with co-author James Mulholland, shared their progressive spirituality in the books If Grace Is True and If God Is Love, followed by Gulley's books If the Church Were Christian and The Evolution of Faith. In  Living the Quaker Way: Timeless Wisdom For a Better Life Today, Gulley offers the opportunity to participate in a world where the values of the Quaker way bring equity, peace, healing, and hope. In his most recently published non-fiction work, Unlearning God: How Unbelieving Helped Me Believe, Gulley describes the process of spiritual growth, especially the re-interpretation of the earliest principles we learned about God. Resources Here are some resources for friends in the process of unlearning and seeking spiritual growth: Therapy Therapy and spiritual growth can be deeply complementary. While therapy doesn't typically provide spiritual direction, it creates fertile ground for unlearning and spiritual development. You can use online therapist directories to find a therapist by location, insurance, specialty, cost, and more at Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or Open Path Psychotherapy Collective. Poets and Authors Audre Lorde is a profoundly influential Black lesbian feminist writer, poet, theorist, and civil rights activist. Her work powerfully explores the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. You can read her essays in Sister Outsider and her "biomythography" Zami: A New Spelling of My Name. Federico Garcia Lorca is one of Spain's most important poets and playwrights of the 20th century. His work is celebrated for its intense lyricism, surreal imagery, and passionate exploration of themes like love, death, desire, oppression, and Andalusian culture, particularly in works like Gypsy Ballads and plays such as Blood Wedding and The House of Bernarda Alba. Walt Whitman is a central figure in American poetry, often called the "Bard of Democracy." Whitman revolutionized poetry with his use of free verse and expansive lines. His lifelong work, Leaves of Grass, celebrates the individual, democracy, nature, the body, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all life, aiming to capture the diverse spirit of America. Mary Oliver is an American poet who focuses on the natural world, particularly the landscapes of New England.  Her work finds wonder, spirituality, and profound insight in quiet observation and moments of attention to nature, inviting readers to connect more deeply with the world around them. Christian Wiman is a contemporary American poet and essayist known for his unflinching honesty and intellectual rigor in exploring themes of faith, doubt, suffering (often drawing on his own experience with chronic illness), mortality, and love.  Joy Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and served as the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate. Her work weaves together Indigenous history, spirituality, myth, social justice, resilience, and a deep connection to the land, often infused with the rhythms of music and prayer. Akwake Emezi is a non-binary Nigerian writer and artist known for their powerful, innovative, and often genre-bending work. Their novels (like Freshwater and The Death of Vivek Oji) explore complex themes of identity, spirituality (often drawing on Igbo cosmology), gender, mental health, trauma, and the body, challenging conventional Western frameworks of selfhood. Elaine Pagels is a renowned historian of religion, particularly noted for her scholarship on early Christianity and Gnosticism. Her groundbreaking book, The Gnostic Gospels, brought non-canonical early Christian texts to wider attention, revealing the diversity of early Christian thought and exploring how political and social contexts shaped religious history and scripture. LGBTQ+ film festivals are events dedicated to showcasing films by, for, or about queer individuals and communities. They serve as vital platforms for representation, providing visibility for filmmakers and stories often marginalized in mainstream media. These festivals (like Frameline, Outfest, NewFest, and countless others globally) are also important spaces for community building and celebrating queer culture. Quaker Voluntary Service is a year-long program rooted in Quaker values. It brings young adults together to live in an intentional community, work full-time in social justice-focused non-profit organizations, and engage in spiritual exploration and leadership development, putting faith into action. Listener Responses We hear directly from Roxanne, who unlearned the idea that any single group holds the definitive spiritual answer, instead discovering valuable truths across diverse practices and traditions through their continuous seeking. On Facebook, friends shared their experience wrestling with the traditional ideas about God they grew up with. Many people mentioned letting go of a harsh or judgmental image of God, questioning core doctrines, and letting go of feelings of unworthiness. Thank you to Angela, Rae, Tim, Amy, Iris, Christine, Steve, David, Tyler, Joe, Deepak, and Whittier for sharing so openly with our question of the month. Question for Next Month Beyond a roof and four walls, what does the word 'home' mean to you? Share your response by emailing podcast@quakerstoday.org or call/text 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). Please include your name and location. Your responses may be featured in our next episode. Quakers Today: A Project of Friends Publishing Corporation Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and Friends Publishing Corporation content. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Four of Quakers Today is Sponsored by: Friends Fiduciary Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for Quaker organizations, consistently achieving strong financial returns while upholding Quaker testimonies. They also assist individuals in supporting beloved organizations through donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. AFSC works at the forefront of social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Learn more at AFSC.org. Feel free to email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org with​​ comments, questions, and requests for our show. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound.  Follow Quakers Today on TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more episodes and a full transcript of this episode, visit QuakersToday.org.

In this unedited conversation Philip Gulley, Peterson Toscano, and Sweet Miche share their personal journeys of unlearning traditional theological concepts and reflect on what makes Quakerism a meaningful path to a more authentic faith. Quakers Today: A Project of Friends Publishing Corporation Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and Friends Publishing Corporation content. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Four of Quakers Today is Sponsored by: Friends Fiduciary Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for Quaker organizations, consistently achieving strong financial returns while upholding Quaker testimonies. They also assist individuals in supporting beloved organizations through donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. AFSC works at the forefront of social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Learn more at AFSC.org. Feel free to email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org with​​ comments, questions, and requests for our show. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound.  Follow Quakers Today on TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more episodes and a full transcript of this episode, visit QuakersToday.org.

When George Washington died in December 1799, the nation mourned - but one man had a different idea. William Thornton, a Quaker doctor-turned-architect who designed the U.S. Capitol Building, arrived at Mount Vernon with a shocking proposal: to resurrect the first president using a combination of warmth, lamb's blood, and bellows. Join us as we explore the fascinating life of Thornton and his bizarre plan that thankfully never came to fruition. Sources: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2020/12/a-prescription-for-the-resurrection-of-george-washington/#:~:text=By%20the%20time%20Thornton%20arrived,his%20recommendation%20was%20not%20seconded Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fantastichpod/) , TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@fantastichistorypodcast) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeGGchirsGO1bMzKxosclpw) for extra content and updates! Email us with questions/suggestions at FantasticHistoryPod@gmail.com (mailto:FantasticHistoryPod@gmail.com) Fantastic History merch is available Here (https://www.etsy.com/shop/RainyDayCornerstore)! Music: Order by ComaStudio (http://pixabay.com/users/comastudio-26079283/) (royalty free) This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

 John 5:29 to 6:40We dive deep into John chapters 5-6 to explore Jesus' teachings about being the source of eternal life and spiritual nourishment.• Jesus models complete submission to God's will as an example for believers• The Greek word "dikaios" means righteous or just in God's eyes, not self-righteous• Jesus invites people to come to him for life, not just study scriptures about him• The story of feeding 5,000 demonstrates Jesus rejecting political kingship• Jesus declares "I am the bread of life" to shift focus from physical to spiritual nourishment• The Greek word for "see" in John 6:40 implies spiritual perception, not just physical sight• Spiritual communion involves perceiving Christ within and dining with him spiritually• Believers must "conquer" worldliness, cravings and addictions through repentance• Jesus repeatedly promises to "raise up" believers on the last day• Friends (Quakers) historically emphasized inward communion over outward ritualsA complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

In this episode you will hear:   (02:32) In The News Andy Strickler shares some of the changes admissions offices are making due to financial pressures. Part 3 of 3 (16:28) Question from a listener:  Mark and Hillary answers questions from listeners about if a student applies for aid and doesn't submit the CSS PROFILE, should that student not be admitted? (42:05) Interview: Mark Stucker and David Blobaum, The Co-Founder of Summit Test Prep Debate whether selective colleges should make the SAT or the ACT mandatory Preview of Part 1 of 3 ²  David Blobaum gives his backstory ²  David says what his test score policy would be if he were working at a highly selective school and here is a hint, I don't agree with him ²  I ask David what he thinks about using AP scores instead of SAT or ACT scores ²  David gives some proof that colleges are using test scores ²  David shares why he feels selective colleges need to use test scores in their admissions decisions. ²  I share some other factors that can be used besides test scores that in my opinion, are better to use than test scores ²  I share the primary reason why I am not in favor of test-mandatory admissions ²  I share a creative idea that he would like to see colleges use that allows some use of scores without them having inappropriately too much weight in the admissions decisions. (01:12:08) College Spotlight-Jim Bok Interview, Understanding Swarthmore College Preview of Part 1 ²  Jim Bock tells his story from leaving Austin, Texas and heading to Swarthmore, first as a student ²  Jim shares how he answers the question, I've never heard of Swarthmore, what can you tell me about Swarthmore ²  Jim explains how Swarthmore's founding is different from Haverford, another Quaker school that they are often compared to ²  Jim shares the intellectual qualities that when he is reading a file, makes him think, this could be a good match for Swarthmore ²  Jim shares the Personal Qualities that Swat values ²  Jim explains how Committee Based Evaluation, also known as CBE works at Swarthmore College and how they use CBE to evaluate an admission applicant ²  Jim explains the difference between reading a file with CBE vs the traditional way they read files before they implemented CBE ²  Jim shares why he finds reading by school group helps the admission file reading process   (57:46) Recommended Resource-The Admissions section of each website: Here is a section that says what Swarthmore looks for in a student:      Speakpipe.com/YCBK is our method if you want to ask a question and we will be prioritizing all questions sent in via Speakpipe. Unfortunately, we will NOT answer questions on the podcast anymore that are emailed in. If you want us to answer a question on the podcast, please use speakpipe.com/YCBK. We feel hearing from our listeners in their own voices adds to the community feel of our podcast.   You can also use this for many other purposes: 1) Send us constructive criticism about how we can improve our podcast 2) Share an encouraging word about something you like about an episode or the podcast in general 3) Share a topic or an article you would like us to address 4) Share a speaker you want us to interview 5) Leave positive feedback for one of our interviewees. We will send your verbal feedback directly to them and I can almost assure you, your positive feedback will make their day.   To sign up to receive Your College-Bound Kid PLUS, our new monthly admissions newsletter, delivered directly to your email once a month, just go to yourcollegeboundkid.com, and you will see the sign-up popup. We will include many of the hot topics being discussed on college campuses.   Check out our new blog. We write timely and insightful articles on college admissions:   Follow Mark Stucker on Twitter to get breaking college admission news, and updates about the podcast before they go live. You can ask questions on Twitter that he will answer on the podcast. Mark will also share additional hot topics in the news and breaking news on this Twitter feed. Twitter message is also the preferred way to ask questions for our podcast:   https://twitter.com/YCBKpodcast   1. To access our transcripts, click: https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/category/transcripts/ 2. Find the specific episode transcripts for the one you want to search and click the link 3. Find the magnifying glass icon in blue (search feature) and click it 4. Enter whatever word you want to search. I.e. Loans 5. Every word in that episode when the words loans are used, will be highlighted in yellow with a timestamps 6. Click the word highlighted in yellow and the player will play the episode from that starting point 7. You can also download the entire podcast as a transcript   We would be honored if you will pass this podcast episode on to others who you feel will benefit from the content in YCBK.   Please subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us move up in Apple's search feature so others can find our podcast.   If you enjoy our podcast, would you please do us a favor and share our podcast both verbally and on social media? We would be most grateful!   If you want to help more people find Your College-Bound Kid, please make sure you follow our podcast. You will also get instant notifications as soon as each episode goes live.   Check out the college admissions books Mark recommends:   Check out the college websites Mark recommends:   If you want to have some input about what you like and what you recommend, we change about our podcast, please complete our Podcast survey; here is the link:     If you want a college consultation with Mark or Lisa or Lynda, just text Mark at 404-664-4340 or email Lisa at or Lynda at Lynda@schoolmatch4u.com. All we ask is that you review their services and pricing on their website before the complimentary session; here is link to their services with transparent pricing: https://schoolmatch4u.com/services/compare-packages/

Ralph welcomes Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, whose group has filed eight lawsuits that have significantly slowed the Trump/Musk cabal's attempt to dismantle the government. Then, our resident Constitutional scholar Bruce Fein reports on Public Interest Law Day at Harvard Law School and how important it is for law schools in general to step up to meet this constitutional crisis. Plus, Ralph answers listener questions!Robert Weissman is a staunch public interest advocate and activist, as well as an expert on a wide variety of issues ranging from corporate accountability and government transparency, to trade and globalization, to economic and regulatory policy. As the President of Public Citizen, he has spearheaded the effort to loosen the chokehold corporations and the wealthy have over our democracy.The efforts in the courts are really vital to stem the illegal, unconstitutional actions of the administration, but also to show that there's a way to fight back. In these early days and months of the administration, there's been a sense that Trump is inevitable and unstoppable. And the actions in the courts, I think, have been really critical to illustrating that that's not true.Robert WeissmanIt's open season for the polluters. And of course, they're also promoting in a variety of ways a rush towards climate catastrophe by undoing the positive measures that have come recently from the Biden administration to deal with the climate crisis.Robert WeissmanIf you pull back all the enforcement rules, and you say we're not going to enforce the rules that are left over, corporations get the message. And they're going to bemore reckless, and it's a near certainty that we're going to have many more serious industrial disasters as a direct result of what they're doing at EPA and other agencies.Robert WeissmanBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.If we don't inform the public (with the law students as well as others in the lead), we're not going to have rule of law and Harvard Law School will become an irrelevancy. It will be a museum piece.Bruce FeinI think the country and the law students are going to pay a price. They're being very narrow and myopic with regard to their immediate preoccupation with their trade school, where they're going to work the next day, and very little given to the fact that if we don't have a country anymore, they aren't going to have a legal career.Bruce FeinIt's a more cowardly, timid type of law school whose explanations are still ready to be discovered. It's a real puzzle…because they have tenure, they have status, they have wealth, and they have the ability to defend themselves because they're skilled lawyers.Ralph NaderNews 4/2/251. Our top stories this week are on the topic of corporate crime. First, the American Prospect reports that the Trump administration is seeking to reverse a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau case against Townstone, a mortgage brokerage firm that blatantly discouraged potential Black borrowers. According to the Prospect, Townstone's owners Barry Sturner and David Hochberg vigorously promoted their firm though “personal-finance call-in infomercials,” on Chicago's WGN radio station. During these infomercials, which generated 90 percent of Townstone's business, Sturner and Hochberg “characterized the South Side of Chicago as a ‘war zone,' downtown Chicago as a ‘jungle' that turned on Friday and Saturday into ‘hoodlum weekend,'” and so on. As the Prospect notes, if Sturner and Hochberg were simply airing these views that would be perfectly legal, however unsavory. Instead, this program is “an informercial, which generates 90 percent of the brokerage's leads, which the brokerage pays WGN to air, presumably punctuated at regular intervals by some phrase along the lines of ‘an equal housing lender.'” Therefore, this rhetoric was determined to have violated the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Community Reinvestment Act. The remarkable thing about this case is that it was brought by the Trump administration's CFPB between 2017 and 2020. Townstone eventually settled the case for a little over $100,000. Yet, just last week, the Trump administration 2.0 returned the money to Townstone posting “a long press release about how ‘abusive' and ‘unjust' the whole case had been.” This episode highlights just how much more extreme the new Trump administration is, even compared to the old one.2. Another outrageous case of corporate criminal leniency comes to us from Rick Claypool, a corporate crime expert at Public Citizen. For background, CNBC reports that Trump has “pardoned three co-founders of the BitMEX global cryptocurrency exchange, as well as…a former high-ranking employee.” As this piece explains, the co-founders received criminal sentences of probation…and were ordered to pay civil fines totaling $30 million,” after “Prosecutors accused the men of effectively operating BitMEX as a ‘money laundering platform' …[and] ‘a sham.'” But Trump went beyond pardoning the corporate criminals involved. As Claypool noted, “the crypto corporation pled guilty and was sentenced in January to two years' probation,” leading Claypool to wonder whether Trump would pardon the corporation itself. His question was answered on March 29th when Law360 reported that yes, Trump pardoned the business entity. This is the logical endpoint of regarding corporations as people. Not only will individual crooks be let off the hook, the whole crooked enterprise will come out unscathed.3. New evidence confirms the redistribution of wealth from working people to the capitalist class. A February 2025 RAND Corporation study titled “Measuring the Income Gap from 1975 to 2023” finds that, “the bottom 90 percent of workers would have earned $3.9 trillion more with..more even growth rates [since 1975],” resulting in a “cumulative amount of $79 trillion.” This study extends prior estimates by factoring in “inflation, growth in inequality, and a longer time frame.” And even more recently, an April 2025 article in the Journal of Political Economy, titled “How the Wealth Was Won: Factor Shares as Market Fundamentals,” finds that “40% of [the increase in real per capita value of corporate equity, which grew at an annual rate of 7.2% between 1989 and 2017]…was attributable to a reallocation of rewards to shareholders in a decelerating economy, primarily at the expense of labor compensation.” This study estimates “Economic growth accounted for just 25% of the increase,” and compares this period to the preceding era, “1952–88, [which] experienced only one-third as much growth in market equity, but economic growth accounted for more than 100% of it.” Taken together, these studies starkly illustrate an American economic machine built to make the rich even richer and the poor ever poorer.4. On the other end of the criminal penalty spectrum, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that they will seek the death penalty for alleged UnitedHealthcare assassin Luigi Mangione, the BBC reports. The first Trump administration saw the resumption of the federal death penalty after a 16-year hiatus; the Biden administration then issued a new moratorium and commuted the sentences of most federal death row prisoners. Since returning to power, Trump has aggressively pursued federal executions once again.5. In more positive legal news, NBC reports French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was found guilty Monday of embezzling over €3 million of European Union funds. The National Rally party leader was sentenced to four years in prison (with two on house arrest and two suspended), a €100,000 fine, and a ban on holding political office for five years – making her ineligible for the 2027 French presidential election, which polls showed her leading. Her party will, for the time being, be led by her protégé 29-year-old Jordan Bardella. It is unclear if he will enjoy the same popularity Ms. Le Pen held. She announced that she plans to appeal the verdict, but will remain ineligible for public office unless and until she wins that case.6. In more international news, British police last week executed a shocking raid on a congregation of the Quakers. The Guardian reports, “More than 20 uniformed police, some equipped with Tasers, forced their way into the Westminster meeting house…[and] seized attenders' phones and laptops.” In a statement, Paul Parker, the recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said “No one has been arrested in a Quaker meeting house in living memory… This aggressive violation of our place of worship and the forceful removal of young people holding a protest group meeting clearly shows what happens when a society criminalises protest.” The stated charge is the absurd “conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.” A report on the incident in Church Times adds a statement from Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, who said “This raid is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing trend of excessive policing under new laws brought in by the previous government, which are now being enforced by the current administration.” Even former Tory minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, criticized the raid, stating “There has long been a tradition in this country…that religious spaces should not be invaded by the forces of law and order unless absolutely necessary.”7. Of course, the outrageous use of lawfare on Israel's behalf continues in the halls of Congress as well. In a letter, Congressmen Jim Jordan, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast – famous for his role as an American volunteer for the IDF – have announced their intention to investigate activist groups critical of the Israeli government – within Israel. According to the Jerusalem Post, these NGOs are being investigated to, “ascertain whether funding they allegedly received from the Biden administration was utilized for the judicial reform protests in 2023.” These groups include the Movement for Quality Government in Israel and Blue and White Future, among others.8. The government's use of brute force to muzzle criticism of Israel continues to rock academia. At Harvard, the Crimson reports 82 of Harvard Law School's 118 active professors have signed a letter which “accused the federal government of exacting retribution on lawyers and law firms for representing clients and causes opposed by President Donald Trump…described Trump's threats as a danger to the rule of law…[and] condemned the government for intimidating individuals based on their past public statements and threatening international students with deportation over ‘lawful speech and political activism.'” The letter reads, in part, “we share a conviction that our Constitution, including its First Amendment, was designed to make dissent and debate possible without fear of government punishment. Neither a law school nor a society can properly function amidst such fear.” This letter stands in stark contrast to the recent statement by Harvard President Alan Garber, in which he pledged to “engage” with the federal government's demands in order to protect the university's $9 billion in federal funding.9. Last week, we reported on the “lynching” of Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land – and how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences dithered before ultimately releasing a milquetoast statement decrying violence against “artists for their work or their viewpoints,” with no mention of Palestine or even Ballal's name. This caused so much uproar among Academy members that nearly 900 of them signed a letter “denouncing the Academy's silence,” per Variety. The letter and full list of signatories can be found here. Shamed, the Academy leadership was forced to issue a follow-up statement expressing their “regret that we failed to directly acknowledge Mr. Ballal and the film by name.” This statement continues “We sincerely apologize to Mr. Ballal…We abhor the suppression of free speech under any circumstances.”10. Finally, speaking of shame, the Hill reports that the shame of Congressional Republicans is giving Democrats a golden opportunity. According to this piece, “House Democrats are ramping up their aggressive strategy of conducting town halls in Republican-held districts, vying to exploit the GOP's advised moratorium on the events to make inroads with frustrated voters, pick up battleground seats, and flip control of the House in next year's midterms.” One Democrat, Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign co-chair Ro Khanna, has held three town halls in Republican-held districts, whose main takeaway was “People are mad.” Republicans who have bucked the GOP leadership and held town halls anyway, such as Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman and Indiana congresswoman Victoria Spartz have found themselves looking down the barrel of constituents furious at the conduct of the administration in general and DOGE in particular. This, combined with the upset Democratic victories in recent special elections, has the GOP on a defensive backfoot for the first time in months. Could we be looking at the beginning of a Democratic tea party? Only time will tell.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

For much of Christian history, the Church had little involvement in marriage, which was primarily a contract between families. It wasn’t until the fourth century that church weddings emerged, and even then, they were mostly reserved for the elite. Fast forward to the High Middle Ages, and marriage became a sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church. Since then, the church has been seen as inseparable with matrimony. What changed over the centuries? To explore this dynamic is today’s guest, historian Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of “Lower Than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity.” We explore how Christianity’s views on sex, marriage, and gender evolved over time; that early Christian marriage was not a universal sacrament but a social institution governed by authority figures. He highlights how for much of history, the Church was more concerned with celibacy than marital sexuality. The Reformation reshaped these ideas, introducing new roles for women in religious life, from pastor’s wives to Quaker preachers. We uncover how Christianity’s past can inform its present and future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you know the Lake District? Think again. Join us on an epic audio journey as we peel back the layers of Cumbria to reveal a side you probably never expected—one bursting with art, heritage, and culture. When most people picture the Lake District, they see shimmering lakes, rugged fells, and charming country inns. And yes, all that is spectacular—but what if we told you this region is so much more than scenic hikes and boat trips? Beyond the well-trodden trails, Cumbria has long been a magnet for creatives, from poets and painters to musicians and makers. And it's not just about Wordsworth and his daffodils—Cumbria's cultural scene is alive and kicking.  Artists, musicians, and theatre-makers have put down roots here, turning former textile mills into buzzing creative hubs and filling historic venues with new concepts and fresh exhibits. We're stepping off the tourist trail to explore a different side of Cumbria. Think ancient abbeys, maritime museums that tell the region's shipbuilding past, and grand houses that played a key role in the early Quaker movement.  There's even an auto museum packed with classic cars and unexpected stories and vintage treasures. So, if you thought the Lake District was all about hiking boots and boat trips, get ready to see it in a whole new way. Thanks to Cumbria Tourism for supporting this episode of Travel Goals. The Let's Go Culture project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council. #UKSPF ***** Hi, I'm your podcast host, Portia Jones [nicknamed Pip Jones]. I'm a freelance travel journalist, podcaster, and Lonely Planet author.  If you love to travel, check out my travel website and subscribe to my travel newsletter to get travel guides and new episodes of the Travel Goals podcast delivered straight to your inbox. Connect with us on social media: Travel Goals on Instagram | Travel Goals on Facebook  Travel Goals is produced and owned by South Girl Production Music and Podcasting Ltd.  Email us to discuss working together or with any questions about the podcast.  Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

When Maxie Allen complained to his daughter's primary school about the recruitment process for a new head teacher, he hoped it would result in more openness and transparency. Instead six uniformed officers from Hertfordshire police were sent to arrest Allen and his partner after the school objected to them sending numerous emails and to their criticisms including “disparaging” comments on a parents' WhatsApp group. So, is this another case of police overreach? And what does it mean for our ability to criticise and communicate privately?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Maxie Allen, producer, Times Radio, andFiona Hamilton, Chief Reporter, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Edward Drummond and Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Police chief defends arrest of parents in school WhatsApp rowMet Police smash down door of Quaker meeting house to arrest activists.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is Stephen Muers, CEO of Better Society Capital – the UK's leading social impact-led investor. His path to impact started long before his career, shaped by his upbringing in a Quaker family rooted in values of equality, social conscience, and integrity.Before stepping into the world of impact investing, Stephen spent years in the UK government working on complex policy challenges like prison reform, energy, and child poverty. But no matter how solid the strategies, he saw firsthand how culture often stood in the way of real progress. That realization led him to seek change from a different angle – at Better Society Capital — the UK's leading social impact investor, formerly known as Big Society Capital.Founded with £400 million from dormant UK bank accounts (yes, really) and £200 million from the four main UK high street banks, BSC was built on an ambitious mission: not to grow its own assets, but to grow the entire UK social impact investment market.Since 2011, that's exactly what they've done — helping expand the market twelve-fold to over £10 billion. This capital now fuels social purpose organisations tackling everything from homelessness and domestic abuse to mental health and fuel poverty.Stephen stepped into the CEO role shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, juggling remote leadership and homeschooling his son — because why not tackle systemic change during a global crisis?Today, he leads BSC's work across four strategic verticals: Social and Affordable Housing, Social Lending, Social Outcomes, and Impact Venture.Along the way, they're also proving a critical point: impact and returns aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, some of BSC's most successful investments are delivering both — solid financial performance and deep social impact. A reminder that social investing, done right, doesn't mean sacrificing returns.As Stephen puts it, “The trade-off between social and financial returns is not linear.” And maybe that's the real takeaway here — the future of finance won't be about choosing sides. It'll be about building markets where solving problems is part of the profit model, not separate from it.Tune in to hear how BSC is making that future a reality.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights into how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Stephen Muers LinkedIn- Better Society Capital LinkedIn- Better Society Capital Website- ‘Culture and Values at the Heart of Policy Making: An Insider's Guide'

During her early days in Quaker schools, Alexina Jackson learned to question everything and examine how systems work. Years later, those same principles are guiding her work to help build a clean, resilient, and modern electric grid.Following an 11-year run at AES, Alexina recently launched a clean energy advisory called Seven Green Strategy, a reference to the seven greenhouse gases that cause climate change. As a lawyer and utility innovation leader, Alexina founded Seven Green Strategy to help large and small organizations accelerate their efforts to decarbonize. And sometimes, that starts by questioning the status quo.This week on With Great Power, Alexina talks with Brad about what excites and frustrates her about grid enhancing technologies; why she thinks data efficiency and a strong data architecture are essential for the digital grid; and why she wants to see utilities change how they think about everything from competition to customer data. With Great Power is a co-production of GridX and Latitude Studios.  Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get podcasts. For more reporting on the companies featured in this podcast, subscribe to Latitude Media's newsletter.Credits: Hosted by Brad Langley. Produced by Erin Hardick and Mary Catherine O'Connor. Edited by Anne Bailey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is executive editor. The Grid X production team includes Jenni Barber, Samantha McCabe, and Brad Langley.

Giles Fraser and guests hear from novelist and opinion writer Lisa Solod on her negative experience of marrying outside of her Jewish faith, and from Amy and Takbir, on how they navigate marriage between a Christian and Muslim. What if your Mr or Mrs Right doesn't share your religious tradition and values? Is interfaith marriage a problem? And, what are religious traditions doing in an increasingly liberal, secular society to help couples navigate mixed relationships? To explore Giles is joined by: Eleanor Nesbitt, a Professor in Religions and Education at Warwick University, a Quaker who has been in an interfaith marriage with a Hindu partner. She is a specialist in the religious socialisation of young people of Christian; Hindu and Sikh background.Rev Dr Paul Smith, an Interfaith Advisor for the Diocese of Oxford and author of Intimate Diversity, a book looking at the realities of interfaith marriage in modern Britain. Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, an Imam from Leicester and former Assistant Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain. He has contributed to guidelines on inter-faith marriage for the Christian-Muslim forum. Producer: Linda Walker & Alexa Good Editor: Tim Pemberton

Tisha Welshan - Rome Experience Read More......Read Less Reflections on a Trip and Spiritual Growth The trip was enjoyable, but the primary purpose was not just fun. Victor, despite being 74, was very active and kept a fast pace. The physical demands of the trip were challenging, involving walking 42-44 miles and climbing many stairs. Example: "I was not prepared to walk 42 to 44 miles and climb 25 stairs in one day." This unpreparedness was likened to spiritual unpreparedness for the race of life. Victor's Example of Service and Witnessing Victor consistently showed respect and kindness to others. He gave coins to homeless people and spoke with them. He witnessed to a Muslim cab driver about Jesus, even though the driver was unreceptive. Victor emphasized the importance of being "in season, now season" for sharing one's faith. Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned Devotions were shared every morning and night, focusing on obstacles. Fear of rejection is a personal struggle, hindering boldness in sharing faith, especially with certain people. Luke 12:48 ("if much is given, much is required") resonated deeply, emphasizing the need to act on what has been learned. A desire to maintain a consistent fire for God, not just a temporary enthusiasm. Victor showed a prison during the trip, knowing of the speaker's interest in jail ministry. This was significant because the speaker ministers in jails and appreciated Victor's thoughtfulness. There was prayer over the prison. There is a need to pray for Victor to be allowed into the prison. Prayer and Divine Intervention Much prayer occurred throughout the city. A close call with a moped prompted a prayer to "not take me out with a moped." Digging Wells: Honoring Those Who Paved the Way Genesis 26 about Isaac digging wells, relates to honoring those who influenced one's faith. Isaac was thinking of his father. Personal influences include: An aunt who ensured attendance at church. "She said no matter what's going on in your house you're going to find yourself in the house of the Lord." A challenging home environment with a mother who was a Christian but faced opposition. Grandparents, preachers, and others who invested time and guidance. A special person who was a father figure and prayed for the speaker daily in school. He would say "greater is he that's in you than he that's in the world." Saved at age 12 in a Quaker church during a prayer meeting. Six people stayed to pray. Experienced a direct call from God, leading to immediate surrender. "God came to me. He had already come to me and said, Tisha, this is enough. You know better. This is your end. If you die, you're going to go to hell." Investing in Future Generations A desire to pass on faith to family, especially a daughter who is saved but not fully living for the Lord. Grandchildren are saved and serving the Lord. The grandchildren prayed over the speaker before the trip, showing their desire to be part of something special. The goal is for them to say "Mommy, we love Jesus." Lessons from Others and the Importance of Perseverance An Asian woman met on the trip, married to a devout Catholic, demonstrated powerful prayer and boldness. She showed patience and perseverance in her faith, despite challenges. She would pray at the school. Need to be patient and persevere. Need to spend time and invest in people. Need to find out what people need and make sacrifices. Need to ask God to clear the mind and heart to be more effective. Quality over quantity is emphasized; impacting even one or two people can create a ripple effect. Communication and Cultural Awareness The importance of knowing your audience and speaking clearly, especially when there is interpretation. Slowing down and focusing on what's important.

Trans stories are not confined to political rhetoric and headlines. The world of creative writing is replete with narratives that explore complex worlds of gender and how identity intersects with people's lives and relationships. In a new collection of one novel and three stories, bestselling author Torrey Peters's keen eye for the rough edges of community and desire push the limits of trans writing.  In Stag Dance, the titular novel, a group of lumberjacks working in an illegal winter logging outfit plan a dance that some of them will attend as women. When the most unlikely of the axmen announces his intention to dance as a woman, he finds himself caught in a strange rivalry, inviting a cascade of obsession, jealousy, and betrayal that culminates on the big night in an exploration of gender and transition. A trio of shorter tales surround Stag Dance: “Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones” imagines a gender apocalypse brought about by an unstable ex-girlfriend. “The Chaser” presents a secret romance between roommates at a Quaker boarding school, and “The Masker” details a Vegas party weekend that turns dark when a young crossdresser must choose between two guides: a mystery man who thrills but objectifies her, or a veteran trans woman who offers sisterhood and cynicism. Peters' talk and work is especially timely surrounding ongoing conversations about trans rights in our nation but is an invitation to any fiction reader. Torrey Peters is the bestselling author of the novel Detransition, Baby, which won the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel and was named one of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century by The New York Times. It was also a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize, a finalist for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize, and longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. She has an MFA from the University of Iowa and an MA in comparative literature from Dartmouth. Peters rides a pink motorcycle and splits her time between Brooklyn and an off-grid cabin in Vermont. Aster Olsen is the author of the novella Performance Review. She lived most of her life in the gorgeous swampy parts of Florida people don't visit on vacation, but now lives in Seattle, where she spends her time swimming in alpine lakes alongside aquatic insect larvae. A professional scientist, she rejects the binary oppositional positioning of STEM and Art and seeks to collapse and expand imposed categories and narratives to further understanding. Her writing is found in Lilac Peril, Hey Alma, Autostraddle, Inner Worlds, Itch.io, and elsewhere. She is the creator, editor, and publisher of TRANSplants Zine, a zine series about transness and place, and runs the trans open mic reading and art series please (t)read with me.  Find more at asterolsen.com. Ebo Barton comes from salt— from the moment before worlds converge. You may have seen Ebo's work in the book Black Imagination and heard in the audiobook read by Grammy and Tony award winner Daveed Diggs. You have also seen Ebo's work online on Write About Now, Button Poetry, and All Def Poetry channels. In 2016, they placed 5th in the World at the Individual World Poetry Slam. In 2017, they co-wrote and co-produced the award-winning play Rising Up. In 2018, they played “Invisible One” in Anastacia Renee's Queer. Mama.Crossroads and reprised the role in 2019. Ebo debuted his first published collection of poetry, Insubordinate, in 2020. As the Director of Housing Services at Lavender Rights Project, and a Washington State LGBTQ Commissioner, Barton's impact transcends artistic endeavors. A leader in arts and activism, Ebo Barton is committed to creating opportunities for others to organize, heal, and rejoice. Corinne Manning is the author of the acclaimed story collection We Had No Rules. Once upon a time, they reimagined the publishing industry with the literary project The James Franco Review (it made sense from 2014-2017). Their creative work and literary criticism are published widely, including in The New York Times. Corinne lives in Seattle and works as a teaching artist through Seattle Arts & Lectures and their own mentorship project Deeper, Wider. Amber Flame is an interdisciplinary artist garnering residencies with Hedgebrook, Baldwin for the Arts, Millay Arts, and more. A former church kid from the Southwest, Flame's first collection of poetry, Ordinary Cruelty, was published in 2017 through Write Bloody Press. Flame's second book, apocrifa, a love story told in verse, launched in May 2023 from Red Hen Press. Flame is Deputy Publisher at Generous Press, a new romance venture publishing inclusive love stories, and Program Director for Hedgebrook, a literary organization serving women. Amber Flame is a queer Black dandy mama who falls hard for a jumpsuit and some fresh kicks. Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Seattle Public Library. Buy the Book Stag Dance Charlie's Queer Books

Send us a textGary welcomes Tim Cummings and Fin Moore to the bothy for a chat and a wee tune.PlaylistRura with Rise from Dusk MoonField Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band with Benn C Nevin, McPhedran's Strathspey, AA Cameron, A Cup of Tea, Miss Girdle, The Swallowtailed Coat, The Cliffs of Doneen, Colum Ian, Merrily Danced the Quaker's Wife and Queen of the Rushes from Debut.Timothy Cummings, Pete Sutherland and Brad Colodner with The Bird's Flight from The Bird's FlightThe Far North Retreats Gathering feat. Mike Vass with ‘Air and Polka' Field Recording March 2025Tim Cummings, Fin Moore and Gary West with March of the King of Laoise (EYP Bothy Recording)Teresa Horgan feat Seumas Begley with Eamonn an Choic from AmethystJohn Patrick with The Conundrum, Miss Tracey Lundie, Dougie Ferguson's Reel and John Burgess's Reel from the Piping Centre Recital Series 1997 Volume 2.  Cairdeas Summer School, Vermont   Support the show

This week Annie Lederman joins Moshe and Natasha to talk about growing up Quaker, living with ADHD (and 10 snakes), and the only kind of cults Annie's willing to join. Natasha and Annie also trade notes on visiting with Mother Ayahuasca, and the group helps one listener try to stop her husband's balding and another listener decide if she can date someone with her brother's name.Submit your deepest secrets to the Endless Honeymoon Secrets Hotline: (213) 222-8608 and ask Natasha and Moshe for relationship advice: endlesshoneymoonpod@gmail.com. Come to our next dinner party, get merch discounts, mystery boxes, etc.: https://www.patreon.com/endlesshoneymoon SPONSORS: http://LumeDeodorant.com (use code HONEYMOON)http://shopbeam.com/honeymoon CremoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We examine the multi-layered interpretations of Jesus's parables and teachings, focusing on how true spiritual understanding goes beyond literal meaning to transform hearts and lives.• Three levels of biblical interpretation explored: literal, ethical, and spiritual-allegorical• The parable of the sower reveals how God implants divine seed in all humanity, but receptivity determines its growth• Royal official's healing story demonstrates faith as trust rather than mere belief• Healing at Bethsaida challenges religious conventions while revealing Jesus's compassion• Jesus's relationship with the Father shows divine unity working through him• Spiritual resurrection occurs when the spiritually dead hear Christ's voice within• Important distinction between the New Testament use of the word "Jews" as an ethnic group versus religious authorities opposing JesusA complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org. Any who might be interested in joining any of the Ohio Yearly Meeting Zoom online studies should check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website. All are welcome!We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

This Day in Legal History: Last Quaker Executed for Religious Beliefs in USOn March 24, 1661, William Leddra was executed in Boston, becoming the last Quaker in the American colonies to be put to death solely for his religious beliefs. Leddra, a devout Quaker, had previously been banished from Massachusetts under the colony's anti-Quaker laws but returned in defiance of the order. His return led to his arrest, imprisonment in harsh conditions through the winter, and eventual execution by hanging on Boston Common. His death marked the culmination of a brutal period of religious persecution in Puritan-controlled Massachusetts, where Quakers were seen as heretical threats to civil and religious order.Between 1659 and 1661, four Quakers—Marmaduke Stephenson, William Robinson, Mary Dyer, and William Leddra—were executed under laws banning Quakers from the colony. Their trials and punishments drew condemnation from other colonies and even from England. Leddra's hanging, in particular, caught the attention of King Charles II, who soon after issued a royal order halting capital punishment for religious dissent in Massachusetts. This effectively ended the execution of Quakers in the colonies.The persecution stemmed from Puritan authorities' intolerance of dissent and fear of Quaker evangelism, which rejected formal clergy and embraced equality, pacifism, and direct spiritual experience. Quakers continued to face fines, whippings, and imprisonment, but the death penalty was no longer enforced. Leddra's martyrdom, like that of his fellow Friends, became a symbol of religious freedom's cost and the struggle for tolerance in early America. His execution helped galvanize early opposition to theocratic rule and contributed to evolving colonial attitudes toward religious liberty.Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp alleged in a firmwide email that rival law firms attempted to take advantage of the firm's vulnerability following a March 14 executive order from President Donald Trump. The order directed federal agencies to sever contracts with Paul Weiss clients, prompting the firm to negotiate a deal with Trump rather than pursue litigation. Karp expressed disappointment that instead of receiving support, competitors tried to poach both clients and attorneys during the turmoil.The deal Paul Weiss struck included backing off diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and committing $40 million to pro bono work aligned with Trump administration priorities. Karp stressed that the administration is not selecting or approving the firm's matters. He acknowledged internal backlash and intense emotions over the firm's course of action but maintained that litigation would have likely jeopardized the firm's future, even with a legal victory.Perkins Coie, targeted by a similar March 6 order, has chosen to sue and has already lost clients as a result. On March 21, Trump issued an additional executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to sanction attorneys and firms pursuing what the administration deems frivolous or vexatious litigation against the government.Paul Weiss Chairman Accuses Rival Firms of Pursuing Clients (1)Law firm Paul Weiss defends deal with Trump as lawyers sound alarm | Reuters23andMe Holding Co. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri as it seeks to restructure and pursue a sale of the business. Despite financial challenges, the company plans to keep operating during the court-supervised process. The move is intended to help reduce costs, address legal and lease obligations, and stabilize operations.Once valued at $3.5 billion after going public in 2021, the DNA testing company has since struggled financially. Court filings list $277.4 million in assets and $214.7 million in liabilities. It secured up to $35 million in debtor-in-possession financing from JMB Capital Partners to support its operations during the bankruptcy.Co-founder Anne Wojcicki, who attempted unsuccessfully to take the company private earlier this month, has stepped down as CEO but will remain on the board. Joe Selsavage has been named interim CEO. The board's special committee chair, Mark Jensen, expressed hope that the bankruptcy process will allow 23andMe to address its challenges more effectively.23andMe Starts Chapter 11 Process, Co-Founder Steps Down - BloombergAt a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg criticized Trump administration lawyers for being “intemperate and disrespectful” in filings related to a case blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. The administration used the rarely invoked 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify removing alleged members of Tren de Aragua without immigration court orders. Boasberg issued a 14-day freeze on those deportations, questioning the administration's interpretation of the law and whether the individuals had any real opportunity to challenge their designation as gang members.The administration filed documents accusing Boasberg of a "judicial fishing expedition," prompting his public rebuke. Boasberg emphasized the importance of professional conduct in court and asked the Justice Department to explain by Tuesday whether it had violated his order by allowing two deportation flights to land in El Salvador after his ruling.Though Trump has said he would not defy court orders, the situation has raised constitutional concerns about executive overreach. Some deportees were reportedly refused by El Salvador's government for not fitting the criteria or being the wrong nationality or gender. Lawyers for the migrants argue the administration's reliance on the Alien Enemies Act could lead to broad and discriminatory applications.Judge in deportations case says Trump administration lawyers were 'disrespectful' | ReutersA U.S. federal judge in Chicago has approved a highly unusual class-action settlement against facial recognition firm Clearview AI that doesn't include an immediate cash payout for affected individuals. Instead, under the agreement, class members—estimated to number between 65,000 and 125,000—may receive a 23% equity stake in the company. This could eventually translate into monetary compensation if Clearview is sold, merges, or goes public.The lawsuit accused Clearview of violating Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by scraping billions of facial images from the internet and using them without consent. Clearview denied any wrongdoing. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman called the settlement “novel” but fair, emphasizing that the equity share isn't speculative, given the company's estimated valuation of up to $225 million. Based on that figure, the fund could reach $51.75 million.As an alternative to equity, a court-appointed official may require Clearview to pay 17% of its post-settlement revenue in cash by 2027. The deal also drew criticism from 22 states and D.C., which argued that the plaintiffs' attorneys' fees—nearly 40% of the settlement value—were excessive. Coleman defended the fees, noting that such awards are typical in the 7th Circuit.The judge further noted that continuing the litigation would be complex, costly, and time-consuming, justifying the settlement's structure.US judge approves 'novel' Clearview AI class action settlement | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

In this episode, co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Sweet Miche (they/them) explore best practices for welcoming and supporting neurodivergent individuals in Quaker worship and educational settings. Poet and writer Kate Fox shares insights from her article "A Place of Unmasking," drawing connections between early Quakers' spiritual practices and contemporary understandings of neurodiversity. Kate discusses her experience of Quaker meeting as a space where she can authentically be herself, free from the pressures of masking neurodivergent traits. Kate Fox raises essential questions: How can places of worship and schools better accommodate neurodivergent individuals? How do sensory practices, like stimming, help with spiritual grounding and concentration? We also explore Julia Watts Belser's book, Loving Our Own Bones, Disability Wisdom, and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole, which invites readers to reconsider disability—not as something needing fixing, but as an integral part of human diversity, rich with spiritual wisdom and power. You can read Greg Woods' review in Friends Journal.  Listener Responses: Neurodivergent Voices and Best Practices We hear directly from listeners who share their experiences and recommendations: Clayden, a South African teenage artist and TikTok creator emphasizes the value of dedicated spaces in schools and churches designed for people with sensory sensitivities and learning disabilities. You can follow him @claydendesigns  Kody Hersh shares about creating a sensory-friendly space at a Quaker gathering, allowing attendees to adjust lighting, use fidgets, and regulate their environment to feel comfortable in worship. Another listener highlights how simple tools like printed bulletins can support neurodivergent attendees by providing structure and predictability during worship services. Question for Next Month What belief have you had to unlearn in your spiritual or personal journey? Share your response by emailing podcast@quakerstoday.org or call/text 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). Please include your name and location. Your responses may be featured in our next episode. Resources For neurodiverse individuals, here are some useful apps designed to support communication, sensory regulation, social skills, executive functioning, and emotional well-being: Communication & AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Apps Proloquo2Go – A symbol-based text-to-speech app for non-speaking individuals. Official Website https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go CoughDrop – A cloud-based AAC app for customizable communication. Official Website https://www.coughdrop.com/ Sensory Processing & Regulation Apps Sensory App House – A collection of apps designed to support sensory needs. https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/  Autism 5-Point Scale EP – Helps users understand and regulate sensory and emotional states. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/autism-5-point-scale-ep/id467303313  Social Skills & Interaction Apps Social Story Creator & Library – Allows users to create social stories for different situations. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/social-story-creator-library/id588180598  ABA Flashcards--Offers a customizable library of flashcards to reinforce learning and skill development across various areas, from academics to daily living skills https://chicagoabatherapy.com/aba-services/aba-therapy/  Routine & Executive Function Support Apps Visual Schedule Planner – A visual scheduling tool for structured routines. ​​https://www.goodkarmaapplications.com/visual-schedule-planner1.html  Routinely – Helps track habits and provides gentle reminders. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/routinely-habit-tracker/id6449163027  Emotional Regulation & Anxiety Management Apps MoodMission – Suggests activities for managing anxiety and emotional challenges. https://moodmission.com/  Rootd – A panic attack and anxiety relief app. https://www.rootd.io/  This podcast follows the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a way of creating content that works well for all audiences. It helps us make clear, easy-to-understand episodes that are welcoming for everyone. We follow UDL principles by carefully choosing audio, using plain language, offering transcripts for each episode, and inviting your feedback in multiple ways.  Quakers Today: A Project of Friends Publishing Corporation Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation content. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Four of Quakers Today is Sponsored by: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. AFSC works at the forefront of social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Learn more at AFSC.org. Friends Fiduciary Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for Quaker organizations, consistently achieving strong financial returns while upholding Quaker testimonies. They also assist individuals in supporting beloved organizations through donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org. For a full transcript of this episode, visit QuakersToday.org. For more Quaker content, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

In this deeply moving episode, Kate Shepherd sits down with Gabrielle Savory Bailey for a Listener Lab conversation that explores creativity as a force for connection, healing, and resistance in difficult times. Gabrielle shares her experiences as a Quaker, an artist, and a facilitator of creative communities, weaving together insights on spirituality, vulnerability, and the power of shared creative expression.Together, they discuss:✨ How creativity helps combat loneliness and fosters belonging✨ The role of spirituality in creative practices✨ The power of creativity as resistance in a divided world✨ How difficult conversations can lead to deeper understanding✨ Why creativity is not frivolous—it is necessaryThrough stories, laughter, and moments of deep reflection, this conversation highlights the essential role creativity plays in restoring balance and helping us navigate life's challenges.Takeaways:

As our democracy faces an existential threat it's important that we look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker peace activist George Lakey. Lakey has been singing freedom songs in the streets since the civil rights movement, and on this week's podcast episode we talk with George about the nonviolent database he helped to assemble which shows 39 recent cases of countries whose people nonviolently overthrew a dictator.Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Actions and rumors of actions in Washington, D.C., are continuing to dominate the news cycle and keep people on edge. On this episode of Respecting Religion, Amanda and Holly discuss the devastation of dismantling the Department of Education and the problematic push for a nationwide school voucher program. They also look at the latest in the battle between faith communities and the Trump administration to protect sensitive locations from immigration raids, and they preview the three religious liberty cases on the Supreme Court's docket this term.   SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): Federal school vouchers, shutting down the Department of Education, and a potential new travel ban Holly mentioned this story on the school voucher proposals by Laura Meckler for The Washington Post: GOP voucher plan would divert billions in taxes to private schools If you want to contact your representatives in Washington about the trouble with school voucher programs, click here to use our convenient form to email them directly. Amanda mentioned this story from Inside Higher Education about potential plans to shut down the Department of Education: Draft Order Offers Hints to How Trump Wants to Shut Down the Department After we recorded this episode, the administration began gutting the Department of Education through layoffs instead of an executive order. Amanda released a statement calling it a “reckless move,” which you can read on our website.  We also sent out an alert about the issue to the members of BJC's email list, and it included a form they can use to contact their members of Congress about the problems with shutting down the Department of Education. Click here to use our convenient form to email your members directly about this issue. Sign up for BJC's email updates for immediate alerts when there are ways to take action: BJConline.org/subscribe The New York Times previews the possible new travel ban in this article: Trump Administration Prepares to Revive and Expand Travel Bans. BJC consistently called out the dangers of the travel ban during the first Trump administration, including the very first one on Jan. 27, 2017.    Segment 2 (starting at 16:26): Sensitive locations and calling on Congress to do their job  There are two current lawsuits challenging the administration's guidance on sensitive locations. In the lawsuit from Quaker congregations, a Sikh temple and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the judge issued an injunction on February 24 that blocks immigration officials from entering their houses of worship to conduct immigration enforcement operations. Read about that order on Democracy Forward's website. Holly mentioned a new bill in Congress called Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. You are invited to join Faithful Witness Wednesdays throughout the month of March, as people of faith gather on the Capitol grounds to call on Congress to take action. Sign up for the March 19 or the Mach 26 events, which are organized by Sojourners and the Washington Interfaith Staff Community.  Amanda spoke at the March 5 Faithful Witness Wednesday – you can watch a recording on the SojoAction YouTube channel and see photos on BJC's Facebook page.     Segment 3 (starting 25:35): Three religious liberty cases headed to SCOTUS  Amanda and Holly mentioned the emergency order from the Supreme Court to re-start payments for aid work that had been completed. Read more in this story by Justin Jouvenal, Annie Gowen and Ann E. Marimow for The Washington Post: Supreme Court says judge can force Trump administration to pay foreign aid Amanda and Holly mentioned three religious liberty cases that the Supreme Court will hear this term:  Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission (March 31) The consolidated cases of Oklahoma Virtual Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond (April 30) Mahmoud v. Taylor (April 22) Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC's generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations with a gift to BJC.

José Santos (Woss) Moreno is the Friends Committee on Nations Legislation's director for justice reform. He leads FCNL's work on justice reform, election integrity, and policing. He helps to lead the Interfaith Criminal Justice Coalition, an alliance of prominent national religious groups advocating to end mass incarceration. His passion for racial justice led him to help lead a coalition advocating for the human rights of Dominicans of Haitian descent facing statelessness. Before joining the Quaker community he lobbied on public health and appropriations for a large, international law firm. José started his career in public policy working in the United States Senate.. A long with Kristen Archer, and Anika Forrest, Jose' Moreno co-authored an article titled “Rooted in Restorative Justice, Violence Interrupters Increase the Peace.

The most potent and transformative movements were not only political battles and spiritual awakenings. Learn how Gandhi, King, and Quaker women leveraged a force greater than policy to create political and societal change. Spiritual Life Center is an Interfaith, Unity community located in Sacramento, California for spiritual seekers and life explorers. We honor the many paths to God and support people of all faiths in learning and applying positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. Follow SLC on Instagram @spiritual.life.center and on Facebook at facebook.com/SpiritualLifeCenter.

From All Bones Considered: Laurel Hill Stories #072, segment 1   With the help of several Quaker philanthropists, a medical school for women was chartered in 1850. Through the courage and strength of the founders and early graduates, it slowly grew into a respected medical school whose memory lives today through the Drexel University School of Medicine. 

Topics:  Shock Jock, Because of Jesus, Suing Quaker Oats ,Bikes, Becoming a Different Person, Seat of Honor BONUS CONTENT: Prophecy Question   Quotes: “I said, ‘Wow'.” “You're making yourself lower and you don't even realize it.” “No Crunchberries are real.” “Humility is a miracle.” . . . Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!

This Urban Legends Hotline episode features listener Brandon's inquiry about the legend of the Jersey Devil, a cryptid that has haunted the Pine Barrens of New Jersey for three hundred years. We will explore the various historical events that produced this creature's folklore: a dime museum's elaborate hoax, a radical Puritan woman said to have birthed a monster, a bitchy Quaker feud rife with satanic accusations, and the impoverished people of the Pine Barrens who helped cultivate the tale as a mode of protection. Become a Patron to support our show and get early ad-free episodes and bonus content Or subscribe to American Hysteria on Apple Podcasts Leave us a message on our Urban Legends Hotline at americanhysteria.com Check out our main source for this episode: The Secret History of the Jersey Devil Sound Designer and Associate Producer: Riley Swedelius-Smith Producer and Editor: Miranda Zickler Voice Actor: Will Rogers Written, Produced, and Hosted by Chelsey Weber-Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 more cereals helping to make you think you are eating healthier!  These are the new Mighty Life cereals from Quaker. The Strawberry Blueberry Bliss for immunity support, and Very Vanilla to support healthy bones. We like the regular Life cereals better! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cereal-killers--4294848/support.

Ralph welcomes Constitutional law expert Bruce Fein to analyze Congress' abdication of power in the face of President Trump and Elon Musk's actions to dismantle the federal government, and whether any of it is legal. Then, Ralph is joined by Norman Solomon from RootsAction to discuss the new Chair of the Democratic National Committee, Ken Martin, and whether we should be optimistic about his agenda for the Democrats.Bruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.What I think shows the clear (what I would call malignant) intent, is even though he has Republican majorities in the House and the Senate, he's never contemplated going back to Congress and saying, "Hey, I want you to do X. I want you to do Y. We need to do this in the proper way."Bruce Fein[Trump's] boogeyman is DEI. So he claims that a crash between a helicopter and airplane in Washington, D.C. is a DEI problem. Of course, it's amazing that somebody who has such contempt for meritocracy with his own cabinet appointments suddenly blames, “Oh, well, DEI, it's watering down standards.” Well, he doesn't have any standards himself, so it's kind of ironic there.Bruce FeinImpeachment is not a criminal prosecution. Impeachment is what Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention said— it's the civilized substitute for tyrannicide…And if you're impeached, it's because you have undertaken attempts to subvert the Constitution so the people no longer view you as a trustworthy steward of our liberties and the rule of law. That's what it is. You don't go to Siberia, you don't go to the guillotine, that's it. And there have been, of course, many federal judges (probably as many as a dozen) who've been impeached, removed from office. And you know what? They still survive. There's not a graveyard of them…So this idea that impeachment is somehow some enormous volcanic eruption on the landscape is totally misleading and wrong.Bruce FeinThere are two informal checkpoints I want to run by you. [Trump] is afraid of the stock market collapsing—and it could well collapse because chaos is the thing that really gets investors and big institutional investors scared. And the second thing he's afraid of is a plunge in the polls, including among Trump voters who represent families that have the same necessities for their children and their neighborhood as liberal families.Ralph NaderNorman Solomon is co-founder of RootsAction.org and executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. He is the author of War Made Easy, Made Love, Got War, and his newest book, War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine.Especially when there's not a Democrat in the White House, the leader of the Democratic Party de facto is often the chair of the Democratic National Committee. And we now, of course, have the Democrats in minority in the House and the Senate. Biden's out of there in the White House. And so, really, it falls to the chair of the DNC to ostensibly at least give direction to the Democratic Party. And we've suffered for the last four years under Jamie Harrison as chair of the DNC, who basically did whatever Biden told him to do, and Biden told him to just praise President Biden. And we saw the result, the enabling process from the DNC was just a disaster for the Democratic Party and the country.Norman SolomonLiterally and figuratively in a sense, there needs to be a tearing down of the walls that have been surrounding the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Activists (thousands of us, really, in recent years) have discovered and rediscovered that the DNC is like a fortress. They have the moat, the drawbridge is locked, and we can't even get inside to have a word in edgewise compared to the lobbyists and those who are running the DNC. This is really just remarkable, how difficult it has been for strong Democratic Party activists, if they're not on the DNC (and even if they are, quite often) to get a word in edgewise for the corporate-oriented so-called leadership of the DNC. That might change now.Norman SolomonAlfred Bridi is a U.S. immigration attorney associated with the law firm Scale LLP who specializes in employment- and family-based immigration law. Prior to joining Scale LLP, he practiced law at major international law firms and also worked with leading international organizations on global migration and transparency issues.These executive orders and these executive actions have really created a tension in terms of enforcement officials trying to understand what these mean; in terms of the judiciary and and legal activists contesting a lot of the foundations and the arguments made; in terms of our legal system and our constitutional rights; and I think more than anything, they have had a signaling effect to ordinary Americans and immigrant populations that, “You're not welcome here, and we are going to come after you.” And I think the difference that we've seen is a broadening of the enforcement net and a removal of any sort of refinement or targeting. We've seen American citizens and military veterans being arrested and detained. We've seen Indigenous people being detained. And it's created a sense of terror and panic across the country that I feel is absolutely deliberate, and in line with the campaign promises of this new administration.Alfred BridiNews 2/5/251. The New York Times reports President Trump has ousted Rohit Chopra, the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau who was “known for his aggressive enforcement and expansion of consumer protection laws.” During his tenure, Chopra cracked down on junk fees, particularly bank overdraft fees, and sought to remove medical debt from individuals' credit histories. As the Times notes, Chopra “improbably hung on for nearly two weeks [after Trump took office, and]…used that time to impose a $2 million fine on a money transmitter and release reports on auto lending costs, specialty credit reporting companies and rent payment data.” In his letter of resignation, Chopra wrote “With so much power concentrated in the hands of a few, agencies like the C.F.P.B. have never been more critical,” and “I hope that the CFPB will continue to be a pillar of restoring and advancing economic liberty in America.”2. In more Trump administration staffing news, AP reports the Senate Finance Committee voted 13-14 along party lines Tuesday to advance the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician by trade and member of the committee who expressed grave concern over Kennedy's stances on vaccines and other health-related matters, said during the hearings “Your past, undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments, concerns me.” Ultimately however, Cassidy voted “aye.” Kennedy's nomination will now advance to the full Senate, where the GOP holds a comfortable majority thus almost ensuring his confirmation.3. Speaking of Trump and health, CBS is out with an update on the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio railroad disaster. According to this report, Vice President JD Vance visited the crash site on February 3rd and vowed that the administration would hold Norfolk Southern accountable for “unfilled promises of settlement money and training centers.” That same day, residents of East Palestine filed a lawsuit alleging that Norfolk Southern's actions resulted in the wrongful death of seven people, including a one-week-old baby.4. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has successfully negotiated a month-long delay of Trump's proposed 25% tariffs. According to CNN, the deal reached between the two North American heads of state includes Mexico deploying 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border to help stem the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., while Trump has reportedly agreed to help end the deluge of American guns moving South. In her regular Monday morning press conference, Sheinbaum said “For humanitarian reasons, we must help the United States address its fentanyl consumption crisis, which is leading to overdose deaths.” Sheinbaum has been roundly praised for her ability to both stand up to and placate Trump. Reuters quoted Jorge Guajardo, a former Mexican ambassador to China and member of the opposition Partido Acción Nacional or PAN party, who had to admit “President Sheinbaum played it…Masterfully.”5. Democracy Now! reports a group of Quaker congregations have filed a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in response to the Trump administration's order “allowing federal agents to raid…schools, hospitals, shelters and places of worship.” This lawsuit alleges that “The very threat of [such raids] deters congregants from attending services, especially members of immigrant communities,” and that therefore this order infringes upon the Constitutional “guarantee of religious liberty.” The Quakers have historically been among the most progressive Christian sects, having been leaders in the fight to abolish slavery and to oppose war.6. Reese Gorman of NOTUS reports that so far approximately 24,000 federal employees have accepted Elon Musk's proposed “buyout,” meaning they will leave their jobs and should receive eight months of severance pay. This purge of the federal workforce has been among the most prominent initiatives of Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Less prominently touted however is what the administration plans to do once these employees have been purged. Recent comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Bloomberg however are enlightening. Rubio, commenting on the “potential reorganization” of the Agency for International Development or USAID, indicated that the reduction in the size of the workforce would be paired with greater use of private contractors. Most likely this means farming out government services to Trump lackeys, cronies, and assorted grifters – all on the taxpayers' dime.7. Front and center in combatting Musk's quiet coup is Public Citizen. On Monday, the public interest watchdog announced they are suing the Treasury Department for its “unlawful disclosure of personal & financial information to Elon Musk's DOGE.” Their legal complaint, filed alongside the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Association of Federal Government Employees and the SEIU, reads, in part, “The scale of the intrusion into individuals' privacy is massive and unprecedented. Millions of people cannot avoid engaging in financial transactionswith the federal government and, therefore, cannot avoid having their sensitivepersonal and financial information maintained in government records. SecretaryBessent's action granting DOGE-affiliated individuals full, continuous, and ongoingaccess to that information for an unspecified period of time means that retirees,taxpayers, federal employees, companies, and other individuals from all walks of life have no assurance that their information will receive the protection that federal law affords.”8. Turning to the Middle East, Drop Site News reports “Over 100 journalists…sent a letter to Egyptian authorities on Sunday requesting access to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.” CNN, NBC, NPR, CBS, ABC, AP, Reuters, BBC, Sky News, the Financial Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times France 24, Le Monde, El Pais, and others, including Drop Site itself, are signatories on this letter. The letter states “We understand that the situation is fluid regarding the border crossing, but we ask that permission for journalists to cross the Rafah border be at the forefront of the…No international journalists have been able to access Gaza without an Israeli military escort since the war began in October 2023. We request that permission be granted on an expedited basis while Phase 1 of the ceasefire is still in effect.” As Drop Site notes, “Egypt has not allowed journalists to cross Rafah into Gaza since 2013, when Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took power in Egypt in a military coup.” This has meant all journalistic access to Gaza must go through Israel.9. Our last two stories have to do with the Democrats. On February 1st, Ken Martin was elected the new chair of the Democratic National Committee. Martin previously led the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the Association of State Democratic Parties, per POLITICO. WPR reports Martin's victory was decisive at 246.5 out of 428 votes; the second-place finisher, Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, won only 134.5 votes despite endorsements from House and Senate Minority Leaders Jeffries and Schumer, among many other high-profile elected Democrats, per the Hill. Other candidates included Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign manager Faiz Shakir, though he entered late and without substantial backing. Martin's reputation is mixed, with one DNC member telling POLITICO, “he's a knife-fighter.” Perhaps that is what the party needs to turn things around.10. Finally, Variety reports former President Biden has signed with the Creative Arts Agency, or CAA, one of the premier talent agencies in Hollywood. CAA also represents Barack and Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, per the BBC. With the White House once again occupied by a creature of showbusiness, the symbiotic relationship between politics, media and entertainment has never been clearer. In the words of George Carlin, “It's a big club, and you ain't in it.”This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Our New York Residency begins with the hilarious Sabrina Brier on the show this week!! And to the Acotar and Vampire Diaries girls out there, this episode is FOR YOU. After discovering their deep mutual love of fairy books, Drew and Sabrina talk about why Goodreads is actually a snark page, college improv, why Shakespeare is hard, Quaker camp, writing fanfiction by hand, Sabrina's star turn on Abbott Elementary, and so much more.  Listen to Sabrina's new audiobook, That Friend, out now everywhere! Sabrina IG: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinabrier/?hl=en Sabrina Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sabrina.cinoman.brier?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices