Podcasts about Unitarian Universalism

This week on Back on the Broomstick, we welcome Irene Glasse; a witch, author, musician, former Marine, yoga teacher, tarot reader, Pagan clergy person, and the kind of guest who  seriously makes you wonder if (and how!) she has found a few extra hours hidden between the worlds.Irene joins us to talk about her book Foundations of Witchcraft, mystical practice, spiritwork, inclusive Heathenry, Freyja, community ritual, and what it really means to serve as Pagan clergy in the modern world. We also talk about Pagan festivals, the beautiful chaos of organizing magical people, and the very important discovery that Laylla and Chelle are basically two degrees of Kevin Bacon away from Irene.This conversation also touches on the recent Department of Defense decision to reduce the military's recognized religious affiliation codes from over 200 to 31, removing individual listings for many minority faiths and belief systems, including modern Pagan traditions, Wicca, Druidry, Unitarian Universalism, and atheism. As a former Marine and working Pagan religious professional, Irene brings a grounded and deeply personal perspective to why recognition, representation, and spiritual care matter.Light a candle, grab your favorite festival mug, and join us for a conversation about witchcraft, service, community, and the sacred work of keeping the doors open for seekers of many paths.Kindred CrowYoutubeGlasse Witch CottageFoundations of Witchcraft: A Blackfeather Mystery School Training ManualGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?Our mailing address is:Back on the BroomstickPO Box 21Tioga, PA 16946Email: backonthebroomstick@gmail.comYoutube FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Unitarian Universalism has sometimes been accused of failing to provide sufficient comfort & guidance during the crises of life. This sermon series will refute that view, providing both theists and atheists with a (not the!) Unitarian Universalist approach to these common human struggles. We will draw from the ways “process theology” aligns with UU principles of relationship, interconnectedness, love, and ongoing revelation/evolution. This week we will touch on concepts of pain, suffering, evil, and freedom. Music: Lydia Clark.

A few years back, Bryan began directing his prayers to the Great Mother, having spent most of his life in Patriarchal religion with prayers directed to ‘Our Father'. Bryan keeps an eye out for synchronicities (in a pagan sense) and will share a story or two. His best practice is to just go out for a few hours of silence to hear what the trees are saying! Music: Susan Peck and Jess Martin, with a Sol Singers sound bath in the foyer before worship. Bryan Hackett is First Unitarian's Director of Finance & Operations, first joining the staff as our Accountant in November 2022. A lifelong New Mexico native with over 30 years in ministry, Bryan has journeyed into Unitarian Universalism over the last 10 years or so.

The Rev. Dr. Carl Gregg (May 10, 2026)

Send us Fan MailOn this Mother's Day, Pastor Joshua takes inspiration from mothers and from the ABBA-inspired musical, Mamma Mia, to talk about strength, positivity, and passion for life.

Send us Fan MailThere is an oft-repeated statistic that more people today are spiritual but not religious. This group, also known as the "Nones" is actually a target audience for UU congregations. Pastor Joshua explores what spirituality means – to him at least.

Questions? Comments? Text Us!What does it mean to be spiritual but not religious, and can that way of life be taken seriously, both intellectually and spiritually?In this episode, Hans le Grand shares his journey from physicist to theologian, and the question that shaped his work: what do religious seekers actually have in common? Drawing on his book Life Seeking Understanding, Hans explores the idea of a “theology of religious seeking”—a way of thinking about spirituality that moves beyond traditional religious boundaries while still engaging the deepest questions of meaning, truth, and growth.This conversation touches on liberal theology, Unitarian Universalism, and the challenge of constructing a spiritual framework in a world where millions identify as spiritual but not religious.If you've ever felt caught between belief and exploration, this episode offers a thoughtful and compelling path forward.Join the conversation on Ultimate Questions: What does it mean to seek without a fixed framework?Get the books: Life Seeking Understanding: How Spiritual but Not Religious and Other Seekers Can Construct Their Own TheologyRadically Personal: God and Ourselves in the New Axial Age God: An Autobiography, As Told to a PhilosopherOther Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:Radically Personal: Reflections on lived experience, divine encounter, and personal vocation, drawing on a seeker-centered approach to spirituality in a new Axial Age.From God to Jerry to You: Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue: Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story: Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind: Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God: A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.The Life Wisdom Project: Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.What's On Your Mind: Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Share Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Series: Building 4th Community — Member Presentations Russell takes us on a journey through the history and heart of Unitarian Universalism, from the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to the pews of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. He traces the anti-Trinitarian thread from Arius through the martyrdom of Michael Servetus — burned at the stake on green wood by John Calvin's Geneva — to the Transylvanian kings who first legalized Unitarianism in 1568. In early America, the movement intertwined with the Revolution itself: Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin held Unitarian views, and the Lexington Green meetinghouse served as both church and battlefield hospital. Russell highlights Theodore Parker — the self-taught abolitionist who walked ten miles to Harvard, harbored escaped slaves, funded John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, and coined the phrase about the arc of the moral universe bending toward justice. Parker's words later shaped Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches. The presentation turns personal as Russell describes his own congregation's 125-year history of radical hospitality — hosting Muslim and LGBTQ+ congregations when no one else would, playing a foundational role in Roe v. Wade, and running the OWL comprehensive sexuality education program. He reads the church's affirmation — "Love is the doctrine of our church" — and shares how a minister recently preached that Unitarianism has an infinite number of sacraments, because the searching itself is holy. The group explores where UU emphasis on social justice intersects with the Ra Material's understanding of catalyst, suffering, and the activation of green-ray consciousness. Russell reflects that his understanding of suffering as integral to the human condition has deepened through his participation in Building 4th — a meeting point between UU's outward-facing compassion and the community's contemplative, inward-turning work with the Law of One. Key References: Ra, Session 34.6 (suffering as catalyst); Ra, Session 32.14 (acceptance of self as the Creator, an entity of infinite worth); the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism; Theodore Parker's "arc of the moral universe"; the UUA's 2024 Core Shared Values.

Send us Fan MailPastor Joshua talks about Liberation Theology through the lens of Mark 11:15-17 and the Passover Exodus story.

More than a person; more than God. This Palm Sunday, we will reflect on how Unitarian Universalism might engage with this often-misunderstood theological idea.

Humans are story-making animals. As Unitarian Universalists, we both share our stories and tell a shared story. How we do that impacts not only how we feel about ourselves, but also how we change the world. First U member Scott Kasmire joined Unitarian Universalism in the mid-1990s as a twenty-something. As a fifty-something, he can be found teaching high school math at the Alamo Navajo Reservation or spending time with family at Laguna Pueblo. Music: Lydia Clark

Unitarian Universalism has a theological affinity with Islam that dates to the opening decades of the sixteenth century. We start an exploration of how the idea of theological pluralism is fundamentally connected to religious dissent with an examination of the relationship between Islam and Unitarian Universalism and a celebration of the Sufi poet well beloved by many contemporary Unitarian Universalists: Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi. Throughout the month we will also lift up universalism, a theological perspective our tradition shares with some traditions within Islam. Recorded on March 15th, 2026

In this special Women's History Month episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana reflect on the legacy of women's leadership in Unitarian Universalism. They share stories about pioneering minister Olympia Brown and the "Iowa Sisterhood," a group of women who helped build congregations across the Midwest in the late 1800s while facing barriers and skepticism along the way. Their courage, creativity, and faith helped shape a tradition where women have long held meaningful leadership roles. The conversation also explores what matriarchal leadership can look like today. Rev. T. J. and Rev. Beth talk about family influence, ministry, and the ways women have turned qualities often labeled as "feminine" into sources of strength and community power. They invite viewers to think about the matriarchs in their own lives and how those examples might guide the future of our churches, families, and communities. Happy Women's History Month! First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus Exodus 27:20-30:10.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 30:11-34:35.

Come listen to a WUU service! This service will explore how Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism each understand love as a guiding force for compassion, connection, and ethical living. The talk will highlight shared values between the traditions, showing how mindfulness and inclusive love can deepen spiritual practice and strengthen community. John has studied and practiced Buddhism for the past 20 years and currently serves as the Board President of the Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha. In 2017 he began serving as one of the meditation leaders for the Monday Night Buddhist Meditation Group held here at WUU. John Chowning, Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha, Guest Worship Leader Mimi Rodgers, Worship Associate Liz Wiley, Worship Chair Katrina Landon, FISH Share the Plate WUU Choir, directed by Chris Mooney, Music Director Scott Varney, Music Doug Austin, Reading Camilla Buchanan, Stewardship Committee Co-chair Heidi Souza, piano Thank you for listening. For more information about the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, or to join us on Sunday mornings, visit www.wuu.org. Permission to reprint, podcast, and/or stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-735438. All rights reserved.

Send a textPastor Joshua talked about the significance of the number 40 in biblical and secular contexts and how that significance ties humanity together. 

Send a textPastor Joshua talks about saving the moments in time that are meaningful to extend periods of hope that comes from witnessing awe.

Send a textPastor Joshua talks about bettering oneself and society through the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen.

Too often, sin has been used to control, shame, or divide. Join us to explore how Unitarian Universalism can offer a different lens. Reclaiming Religious Language Series At the turning of the year, we pause to rediscover what matters most to us beneath the noise of daily life. Rooted in the Unitarian Universalist shared values, this series invites us into a spiritual homecoming in which we will reflect on the values that shape us. Through ritual, reflection, and community, we will release what no longer serves us, opening space for transformation. We will honor our pluralism, embrace our call to justice and equity, recognize our deep interdependence, and embody generosity as a way of being. At the center of it all, we return to love as a daily practice that grounds and sustains us.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 18:1-20:23 Parashat Yitro.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 21:1-24:18, Parashat Mishpatim - detailing some truly extreme rules and laws.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 25:1-27:19, Parashat Terumah - very detailed instructions on how to build a Tabernacle to God. 

This Day in Maine Wednesday, February 18, 2026

We honor our justice journey in Rev. John's message, "Anti-Trinitarian to Woke." From our roots as bold religious dissenters to today's urgent calls for justice, Unitarian Universalism has never been afraid to question, to resist, and to reimagine what's possible. Resistance isn't new for us—it's part of our spiritual DNA. Join us as we explore how our faith has always stood on the side of love, truth, and liberation—and how we're called to keep showing up. Because justice isn't a trend. It's our living tradition.

Send us a textPastor Joshua Reads Exodus 13:17 through 17:16

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 10 through Exodus 13:16

Send us a textPastor Joshua preaches on January 18th, 2026 about Identity.

Send us a textPastor Joshua peaches on February 1, 2026 about perspective.

Send us a textPastor Joshua preaches about Healing Laughter and Joy as resilience during the protests against the unconstitutional and violently cruel siege if Minneapolis by ICE. 

Send us a textPastor Joshua read Exodus 6:2-9:35

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads the first parashat of the book of Exodus, Shemot(Exodus 1:1 - 6:1)

LJ Williams (they/she) is a queer African and Jewish ritualist and writer, pursuing an MDiv from Starr King School for The Ministry with a certificate in Entheogenic Justice Companioning. They are a longtime Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism community member, and served as a coordinator of a Chicago BLUUHaven. They were a Worship Learning Fellow at the Church of Larger Fellowship (2021-2023) and she received a B.A. from University of Illinois in Global Studies and Environmental Sustainability. She currently serves as board president of Young Adult Revival Network. She is interested in the intersections of land, religion, and revolutionary movements, embodied ritual and queer bodies. She loves arts, science fiction, and her family.

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads Parashat Vayigash, Genesis 44:18-47:27

Send us a textPastor Joshua read the final Parashat in Genesis, Vayechi, chapter 47:28-50:26

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads Parashat Miketz, Genesis 41:1-44:17

Send us a textPastor Joshua talks about curating one's life.

Send us a textPastor Joshua talks about hope in his first sermon of 2026.

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter and Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald dive into what it truly means to be an LGBTQ-affirming church and why it matters now more than ever. This conversation explores queer inclusion in faith, Unitarian Universalist values, and the radical idea that church should be a place where everyone can be fully themselves. Rev. Daniel and T. J. reflect on the long history of LGBTQ+ leadership in Unitarian Universalism, the importance of integration over tokenism, and why being "open and affirming" is not revolutionary, but should be the norm. They also address current political and cultural attacks on LGBTQ+ communities, especially trans and nonbinary people, and discuss how faith communities can offer real sanctuary, solidarity, and joy in uncertain times. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

Send us a textPastor Joshua talks about the cycles of life and grace during the trying times.

Send us a textChristian Nationalism is in disharmony with Christianity. Pastor Joshua will talk about the egregious co-opting of Christianity by many in our country including and especially in our government who are ignoring and actually contradicting the lessons Jesus actually taught. 

Hey Dude, I try to sort through my messy milestone birthday, perfectly captured in my super funky selfie that inspired the call.  QUOTE: "There's a lot of strands in the old duder's head..." CAST:  Modesto, Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani, The Dude, The Doors, Bill Murray SPECIAL GUEST CAMEO: Ming Ming  LOCATIONS: Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City (UUCSC), Paris, France, Smoke House, Ernie's Taco House, Toluca Lake, Casa Vega, Hill Street Cafe, St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, Bob's Big Boy, In-N-Out Burger PROPS: Facebook, #MoreDoubles, podcasting FILMS:  The Big Lebowski, Caddyshack  SONGS: Dancing in the Dark  LULLABY: The End by The Doors SOUNDS: gravel, footsteps,  Laguna Sawdust Cowbell Chimes   helicoper, Ming Ming, jet, wind PHOTO: "Self-Portrait" shot with my iPhone XS RECORDED: October 18, 2025 in "The Cafe"  under the flight path of the Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, California GEAR: Zoom H1 XLR with Sennheiser MD 46 microphone. TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 17:14 FILE SIZE: ~ 17MB GENRES: storytelling, personal storytelling, personal journal, journal, personal narrative, audio, audio blog, confessional  HYPE: "It's a beatnik kinda literary thing in a podcast cloak of darkness." Timothy Kimo Brien (cohost on Podwrecked and host of Create Art Podcast) DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Proudly presented rough, raw and ragged. Seasoned with salty language and ideas. Not for most people's taste. Please be advised.

Michelle Saville, Intern Minister (September14, 2025)

Rev. Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on September 21, 2025. Unitarian Universalism has centered our faith in love. In this church, we often speak of an ocean of love that flows through our universe. Our stewardship campaign's theme this year is "Living Love". What might these beautiful abstractions look like in the concrete world of our daily lives? What if love is not just a feeling but is also something we do? How might we make love a verb?

The system of false teaching known as Socinianism proved a thorn in the side of the Reformed churches for more than two centuries. Even today, the essential tenets of Socinianism are still with us, and aspects of it pop up in the teaching of such movements as Unitarian Universalism, 'Oneness' Pentecostalism, Christadelphianism, and among the Jehovah's Witnesses.  As such, it is well for us to take a closer look at this movement, its key commitments, and how it emerged in the context of Reformation-era Europe.    Banner resources relevant to Socinianism: – The Works of John Owen, Volume 12: The Gospel Defended (Clothbound, 639 pages) – The Works of Andrew Fuller (1 Volume, 1012 pages) – William Cunningham, Historical Theology (Clothbound, 1408 pages)   John Owen's (tragically amusing) presentation of John Biddle's Socinianism, in the form of a satirical catechism, can be found on pages 588 to 590 of The Works of John Owen, vol. 12: The Gospel Defended.  This week's podcast artwork features an image of a plaque in the Sozzini's palace in Siena which depicts Fausto and Lelio Sozzini. The etching on the plaque claims that 'During ages of fierce despotism, with their new doctrines they awoke the free thought'.    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION What does it truly mean to find a place where you belong? In a world filled with diverse experiences and perspectives, the quest for connection and understanding is more vital than ever. Explore the depths of vision and community as we delve into the essence of shared humanity. Are you ready to discover the transformative power of belonging and the bonds that unite us all? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The sermon was delivered on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What happens when sacred trust is traded for political gain? History shows us that whenever the pulpit bends to empire, the church loses more than its conscience—it loses its witness. From Constantine to segregation, the temptation to exchange integrity for influence has left scars on faith communities and society alike. Now, with the IRS stepping back from enforcing guardrails, the question is urgent: will pulpits become campaign platforms, or will they remain sanctuaries of truth, conscience, and love beyond belief? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS SERMON ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION What if your doubts weren't silenced but embraced as part of the journey? Picture a community where people gather not to conform, but to wrestle honestly with questions of purpose, faith, and truth. Here, stories unfold—a mother finding healing after loss, an artist discovering belonging for his free-thinking spirit—reminding us that no path is too different to be welcomed. In this space, science and scripture, reason and wonder, diversity and unity live side by side. And at its heart lies a powerful question: with one life to live, how will you shape yours? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

What does it mean to be a Unitarian? In this sermon from our Unitarian Universalism 101 series, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald explains the history and heart of Unitarianism in simple, practical terms. He shares the story of the hymn By the River, the debates at the Council of Nicaea, and why Unitarians believe that God is One and God is Love. This message also looks at what Unitarian Universalism means today: holding different ideas at once, letting go of perfectionism, standing up for justice, and creating a community built on love and acceptance. If you are curious about faith that welcomes questions, values freedom of belief, and embraces diversity, this introduction is for you. UU 101 Series Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition rooted in rich history, grounded in timeless values, and always evolving to meet the needs of today's world. In this two-part series, we'll explore the twin pillars that give our faith its name and its shape. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to this series! First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ  

In the second sermon of our UU 101 series, Rev. Beth Dana explores the heart of Universalism, rejecting fear-based religion and embracing the radical truth that all people are worthy of love. This sermon calls us to “love the hell out of the world” by confronting injustice, resisting evil with compassion, and working toward collective liberation. Drawing inspiration from early Universalists, Rev. Dana reminds us that hope, courage, and active love can transform both our lives and our world. UU 101 Series Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition rooted in rich history, grounded in timeless values, and always evolving to meet the needs of today's world. In this two-part series, we'll explore the twin pillars that give our faith its name and its shape. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to this series! First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ