Quakers Today podcast

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Understanding Taxes as a Newly Formed Small Business - Part 2 of the Small Business Starter Kit 28:24

約 20 日前28:24

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28:24

In our second installment of the Small Business Starter Kit series - we’re tackling a topic that’s sometimes tricky, sometimes confusing, but ever-present: taxes. Hosts Austin and Jannese have an insightful conversation with entrepreneur Isabella Rosal who started 7th Sky Ventures , an exporter and distributor of craft spirits, beer, and wine. Having lived and worked in two different countries and started a company in a heavily-regulated field, Isabella is no stranger to navigating the paperwork-laden and jargon-infused maze of properly understanding taxes for a newly formed small business. Join us as she shares her story and provides valuable insight into how to tackle your business’ taxes - so they don’t tackle you. Learn more about how QuickBooks can help you grow your business: QuickBooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Quakers Today

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Quakers Today features writers, musicians, and thinkers seeking wisdom and understanding in a rapidly changing world. We do not pretend to have all the answers. Instead, we have a place where you can hear people speak from the heart, grapple with faith, and share the insights they have found along the way. It is also a place where you can share your insights, reflections, and questions. Hosted by Peterson Toscano, he/him and Miche McCall they/them, Quakers Today is a project of The Friends Publishing Corporation. Season Four of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee and by Friends Fiduciary.

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Quakers Today

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Quakers and Neurodiversity 25:59

約 8 日前25:59

25:59

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).…

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Quakers, Nature, and Indigenous Wisdom 24:55

5 weeks前24:55

24:55

In this episode, co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) explore the deep connections between Quaker spirituality, nature, and Indigenous wisdom. This episode features Gail Melix, an Indigenous Quaker who shares how walking in the woods transformed her experience of burnout into a practice of prayerful meditation. Paula Palmer examines the legacy of Quaker-run Indigenous boarding schools and the painful losses experienced by Indigenous children. We also hear about Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book The Serviceberry , which invites us to reimagine our relationship with abundance, reciprocity, and the natural world. Healing Through Walking Meditation: Gail Greenwater’s Story Gail Melix (also known as Greenwater,) a member of Sandwich Meeting in Massachusetts and a member of the Herring Pond Wampanoag tribe, shares how she found healing through daily woodland walks. Facing burnout from social justice work, Gail sought guidance from Quaker and Indigenous elders and turned to nature for restoration. Through walking meditation, she discovered deep stillness, a renewed sense of peace, and even moments of profound connection with wildlife. In The Delight of Being a Walking Prayer: Meditation for Healing , published in the February 2025 issue of Friends Journal, Gail reflects on the gifts of nature, the importance of listening to the land, and how slowing down can restore inner balance. Reckoning with the Legacy of Quaker Boarding Schools Paula Palmer, a Quaker researcher and activist, delves into the historical trauma inflicted by Quaker-run Indigenous boarding schools. Through an excerpt from a QuakerSpeak video, Paula describes how Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and stripped of their cultural identity. Many Quakers at the time failed to recognize the value of Indigenous cultures, blinded by the assumption that assimilation was an act of benevolence. Paula reminds us that true healing requires listening, truth-telling, and ongoing dialogue with Indigenous communities. You can watch the full QuakerSpeak video, The Lasting Trauma of Quaker Indigenous Boarding Schools , on YouTube or at QuakerSpeak.com. Many thanks to Layla Cuthrell, producer of QuakerSpeak. The Gift Economy and Abundance: Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry In The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World , Robin Wall Kimmerer explores the idea that wealth is not measured by accumulation but by generosity. She describes harvesting serviceberries alongside birds, witnessing the mutual exchange that defines a healthy ecosystem. Drawing from Indigenous knowledge, Kimmerer challenges the scarcity-driven mindset of capitalism and invites readers to embrace a gift economy—one where all flourishing is mutual. To read Ruah Swennerfelt’s full review of The Serviceberry , visit FriendsJournal.org . Answers for This Month’s Question In our last episode, we asked: "What is your relationship with nature like?" Listeners shared stories of finding peace in the woods, experiencing the divine through the changing seasons, and feeling responsible for the land they live on. Thank you to everyone who called in, emailed, or commented on social media! Question for Next Month: Neurodivergence in Worship and Education For next month's episode, we invite responses from those who identify as neurodivergent or have neurodivergent children or students. What are some best practices you have experienced or would recommend for places of worship or schools supporting neurodivergent people? Leave a voice memo or text with your name and location at +1 317-782-5377. You can also comment on our social media channels or email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org. 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: 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. For a full transcript of this episode, visit QuakersToday.org. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) for more Quaker content.…

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Quakers and Money with Joann Neuroth, Alicia Mendonca-Richards, and Brian McClaren 25:31

10 weeks前25:31

25:31

Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) look at how Quaker meetings align their financial practices with their values. The episode features Joann Neuroth sharing how Red Cedar Meeting in Lansing, Michigan, has shifted its financial priorities to work towards racial justice. Alicia Mendonca-Richards discusses how Quakers can embrace mystical knowledge to rethink our economy. You will also hear Brian McLaren from an excerpt of Climate Changed , a podcast by The BTS Center. He considers how to maintain a vibrant life while navigating unavoidable losses and significant uncertainties. Moving From Hand Wringing to Agency: A Quaker Meeting Uses Money as a Vehicle for Action Joann Neuroth highlights how Quaker meetings can make financial decisions that align with their values. She emphasizes thoughtful stewardship, intentional action, and the potential to contribute to community well-being by using financial resources to address injustice and meet community needs. Red Cedar Meeting moved its long-term maintenance fund to Liberty Bank, a Black-owned bank in Detroit, to support Black communities. It makes annual payments to The Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan as reparations, acknowledging that these resources belong to those harmed by slavery, segregation, and white supremacy. Red Cedar Meeting also created a tiny pantry to provide free food to the community. This project began with a few members bringing extra groceries and grew to distribute approximately $11,000 worth of food annually. Joann Neuroth wrote the article “Putting Our Money Where Our Hearts Are.” It appears in the January 2025 issue of FriendsJournal.org . Joann is a member of Red Cedar Meeting in Lansing, Mich. She has served on the boards of American Friends Service Committee and the School of the Spirit Ministry , where she will co-teach an upcoming spiritual nurture class, "God's Promise Fulfilled: Encountering and Embodying Grace in the Shadow of Empire”. How Quakers Can Rethink the Economy Alicia Mendonca-Richards shares her insights on how Quakers can rethink the economy. She argues that the current system, based on unsustainable growth and competition, distracts from what truly matters. Mendonca-Richards connects economic thought and mysticism, suggesting that mystical knowledge can be a foundation for courageous action and alternative economic models. The full video featuring Alicia Mendonca-Richards and other QuakerSpeak videos can be found on the QuakerSpeak YouTube channel or at Quakerspeak.com . Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart by Brian McLaren. In Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart , Brian McLaren explores the anxieties and uncertainties many people feel about the future of our planet and civilization. He acknowledges the serious challenges we face, including climate change, social and political divisions, and the decline of traditional institutions. However, instead of dwelling on despair, McLaren focuses on finding meaning and purpose in the face of these challenges. Audio with Brian McLaren comes from The BTS Center 's podcast, Climate Changed , which offers intimate interviews and conversations around some of the most pressing questions about faith, life, and climate change. Thank you, BTS Center! Read Pamela Haines’s Friends Journal review . Read more Friends Journal book reviews . Answers for this month: In last month’s episode, we asked: What are some unexpected ways you find yourself drawn to repair? Thank you to Callie, Lena, Erin, Micah, Maggie, and Joann for answering! Question for next month: What is your relationship with nature like? Leave a voice memo or text with your name and the town where you live at +1 317-782-5377. You can also comment on our social media channels or send an email to podcast@friendsjournal.org. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Four of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee and Friends Fiduciary . American Friends Service Committee: Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works at the forefront of many social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Find out more about how you can get involved in their programs to protect migrant communities, establish an enduring peace in Palestine, de-militarize police forces worldwide, assert the right to food for all, and more. Visit AFSC.ORG . Friends Fiduciary: Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for fellow Quaker organizations. Friends Fiduciary consistently achieves strong financial returns while witnessing to Quaker testimonies. They also help individuals support organizations they hold dear through giving strategies, including donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more about FFC’s services at FriendsFiduciary.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 , X , and visit us at QuakersToday.org .…

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Quakers and Staying Steady Amid Turmoil 28:49

14 weeks前28:49

28:49

Co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) explore concepts of spiritual optimism and pessimism while navigating turbulent times. The episode features Adrian Glamorgan, who suggests Quakers can stay grounded and act faithfully during difficult times by embracing devotion. Additionally, we highlight the life of Minerva Hoyt, a pioneering conservationist who played a pivotal role in establishing Joshua Tree National Park. Optimism and Pessimism: A Quaker elder shares lessons for staying steady in turmoil. Miche chats with Adrian Glamorgan, a longtime activist who, before becoming a Quaker, powered his work through anger. He provides insights for young activists who face growing challenges. How do we stay strong and steady in the face of human cruelty and violence? Glamorgan also talks about the Quaker concept of "New Creation," a vision of the world marked by human potential for good, cooperation, peace, and interconnectedness with the environment. While achieving New Creation might take time, it can serve as a compass, guiding Quakers toward a better future. He shares how, even in the nuts and bolts of serving on a committee or task force, we can find meaningful connections. Adrian Glamorgan wrote the article “The Devoted Path: Holding Fast to the Promise of New Creation.” It appears in the December 2024 issue of Friends Journal and at FriendsJournal.org . Adrian Glamorgan is a member of Western Australian Regional Meeting and Fremantle Recognised Meeting . He serves as the executive secretary of the Asia-West Pacific Section of Friends World Committee for Consultation , supporting the Section's diverse yearly meetings, groups, fellowships, and communities of interest, such as Quaker learning, peace, climate, and language inclusion. The Quaker Simplicity of Talking to God Pradip Lamichhane from Bhaktapur Evangelical Friends Church in Nepal emphasizes that Quakers don't need elaborate rituals or intermediaries to connect with the divine. Talking to God can be as simple as expressing gratitude, a practice of thanking God upon waking up and before sleeping. George Fox's teaches that God resides within, Pradip encourages us to look inward for peace and blessings. You will find the full video featuring Pradip Lamichhane and other QuakerSpeak videos at the QuakerSpeak YouTube channel , or visit Quakerspeak.com . Book Review Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park, written by Lori Alexander and illustrated by Jenn Ely. Cactus Queen tells the story of Minerva Hoyt, a pioneering conservationist who played a crucial role in protecting the Mojave Desert's unique ecosystem; her efforts in 1936 led to the preservation of over 825,000 acres of desert. The book provides supplemental information about Minerva Hoyt's life, the various plants and animals of Joshua Tree National Park, and guidance for young environmental activists. Desert Cactus is recommended for readers aged 7 to 10 and is available as a hardcover or an eBook. Read Tom and Sandy Farley’s Friends Journal review. Read more Friends Journal book reviews . Quotes “If someone's got a passion for ballet, F1, or being a horticulturist, a teacher, or an accountant, follow your passion. Better still, follow your leading as it arises because that will be part of the solution.” - Adrian Glamorgan “I'm not advocating Quaker for health purposes, but actually, it's quite healthy to do.” - Adrian Glamorgan “Silence is a power of many things. The silence will stop the war, silence will restart the joy, and the silence will restart the love.” - Pradip Lamichhane Question for next month: What are some unexpected ways you find yourself drawn to repair? How and when have you found joy and meaning in mending things? In a world that often prioritizes the new, do you mend clothes, address debt, work toward restorative justice, or repair damaged relationships? What are some unexpected ways you find yourself drawn to repair? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's +1 317-782-5377.…

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Palestine, Food, and Memory with Dr. Riyam Kafri Abu Laban 17:19

19 weeks前17:19

17:19

In this special episode of Quakers Today , we share a conversation from The Seed: Conversations for Radical Hope . Host Dwight Dunston speaks with Dr. Riyam Kafri Abu Laban, an educator, writer, and former principal at Ramallah Friends School . From her home in Ramallah, Dr. Kafri Abu Laban reveals how Palestinian cuisine is deeply tied to identity, history, and resilience. Despite the challenges of forced displacement and cultural appropriation, Palestinian food remains a bridge to the past and a testament to memory, resistance, and celebration. The Seed podcast is a project of Pendle Hill , a Quaker study, retreat, and conference center welcoming all for Spirit-led learning and community. About Dr. Riyam Kafri Abu Laban: Dr. Kafri Abu Laban is a writer and educator whose work spans essays, poetry, and articles on Palestine, motherhood, and education. Formerly a chemistry professor, she transitioned to educational leadership as a principal and now leads initiatives at AlNayzak Organization . A proud Ramallah Friends School and Earlham College graduate, Quaker values continue to shape her life and faith. Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn . Special Music: This episode features “Sada” by the Sada Trio —Ahmad Al Khatib, Pedram Shahlai, and Feras Sharestan—Middle Eastern virtuosos keeping their cultural roots alive in Sweden. Friends Journal Fiction Issue: Explore Quaker-themed fiction in Friends Journal ’s November 2024 issue, including “Bread of Life” by Vicki Winslow and “Penns Spring” by our co-host, Peterson Toscano. Read more at FriendsJournal.org . Monthly Question: What novel, film, or television series changed your relationship with the world? Share your answer by calling 317-QUAKERS or responding on social media. Follow Quakers Today on TikTok , Instagram , X , and visit us at QuakersToday.org . Selected Quotes: “Our cuisine is a direct extension of the land…we hold on to our food because it’s really our identity.” — Dr. Riyam Kafri Abu Laban. “Food is resistance, memory, healing, and celebration for displaced people.” — Dwight Dunston. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org . Call our listener voicemail line: 317-QUAKERS. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Quaker Wendy Sanford on Our Bodies, Ourselves 13:19

23 weeks前13:19

13:19

In this special interim episode of Quakers Today , host Peterson Toscano (he/him) talks with Wendy Sanford (she/her,) one of the original creators of the groundbreaking book Our Bodies, Ourselves . Wendy shares her role in writing the first edition and reveals how each subsequent edition reflected the input from diverse voices. She discusses the importance of addressing issues of race, class, sexuality, and gender identity in the evolving landscape of women’s health and activism. This episode also includes insights from her memoir, These Walls Between Us , a story of friendship across race and class. Featured Segments: Wendy Sanford and the Evolution of Our Bodies, Ourselves Wendy Sanford reflects on the book's origins in the 1970s when it sought to provide trustworthy health information for women. Over the decades, the book has expanded to include voices from diverse communities, addressing issues such as sterilization abuse, prenatal care, and transgender health. Wendy discusses how the book’s evolving content reflects the shifting landscape of feminist health activism. Memoir: These Walls Between Us Wendy recently published her memoir These Walls Between Us , which explores her friendship across race and class and the deep personal transformations it sparked. You can find more about Wendy's work on her website . Quotes: "The work is needed as much as ever. The questions are still there: Is it trustworthy information? Is it from a woman’s point of view?" – Wendy Sanford "We were a group of white middle-class women. Our book said it was for all women, but the critiques taught us otherwise, and that was a real wake-up call." – Wendy Sanford. "Each time we redid the book, we widened the understanding of who ‘we’ meant." – Wendy Sanford. How to Follow Wendy Sanford: You can learn more about Wendy and her work by visiting her website: wendysanford-thesewallsbetweenus.com . Her memoir These Walls Between Us is available delves into her experiences with race, class, and social justice. Friends Journal reviewed Wendy Sanford's memoir These Walls Between Us in August 2022, in a double review alongside another book. You can read the review here: These Walls Between Us review . Friends Journal published a personal essay by Wendy in January 2006. Titled "Musings of a Universalist Friend" in the print edition, the essay reflects on her and her partner’s decision to marry in 1999. It discusses her views on the tie between Christian Scripture and anti-Semitism. You can find it here: January 2006 essay . Announcing Season Four: After this special episode, Quakers Today will return with Season Four on December 17, 2024. Expect more inspiring guests and thought-provoking content. Stay tuned for special features and announcements in your podcast feed in October. Question of the Month: What novel, film, or television series changed your relationship with the world? Fiction has the power to alter the way we see ourselves and the world around us. What story has shifted your perspective? Leave a voice memo or text with your answer at 317-QUAKERS (+1 if calling from outside the U.S.), or respond via Instagram, X, or TikTok. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation content online. This episode was written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano. This episode’s audio of Wendy Sanford comes from Peterson's personal podcast Bubble&Squeak episode titled Female Body , available wherever you get podcasts. Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org. You can also call or text our listener voicemail line at 317-QUAKERS. This episode’s music comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Queer Quaker Responses to Climate Change 23:46

27 weeks前23:46

23:46

In this episode of Quakers Today , co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) explore how queer Quakers respond to climate change with joy, creativity, and radical inclusion. The episode features Damon Motz-Storey and Lina Blount, who delve into the intersection of queerness, spirituality, and climate activism. Miche and Peterson also review two books that provide fresh perspectives on environmentalism and queer ecology. Featured Segments: Queer Quaker Responses to Climate Change with Damon Motz-Storey and Lina Blount Damon Motz-Storey (they/them), a genderqueer Quaker, discusses the importance of radical joy, play, and community in climate work: “We’re going to save the earth, and we’re going to do it in six-inch heels and full makeup.” Damon Motz-Storey became the Chapter Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club in 2023 . They have a wealth of experience leading environmental and climate justice campaigns in the Pacific Northwest. Their achievements include blocking major new coal, oil, and gas expansions, pioneering the Portland Clean Energy Fund initiative , and contributing to Oregon's 2021 state legislation for low-income utility bill discounts, home energy retrofits, and a commitment to 100% clean electricity by 2040. Damon also worked with the Coalition of Communities of Color , managing communications for Portland's successful 2022 city government reform measure and organizing record-breaking fundraising events to support racial justice efforts. They live in East Portland near Powell Butte and enjoys hiking, cycling, weightlifting, cooking, and performing in drag. Lina Blount highlights the role of interconnectedness and reciprocity in climate justice: “Our liberation is bound up in each other's, especially in climate work, because it’s how ecosystems work.” Lina Blount is an organizer, trainer, and nonviolent action strategist who has been involved in environmental justice campaigns in the Philadelphia area for over fifteen years. She currently serves as the Director of Strategy and Partnerships with the Earth Quaker Action Team . Lina has previously worked with the Divestment Student Network and has extensive experience as a canvas director and anti-fracking organizer in Pennsylvania. She identifies as a Quaker and considers the Earth Quaker Action Team, her primary spiritual community. Book Review: Queer Ecologies and Sustainable Futures Books Reviewed: Deviant Hollers: Queering Appalachian Ecologies for a Sustainable Future Peterson and Miche review this collection of essays edited by Zane McNeil and Rebecca Scott, which critiques environmental exploitation and maps alternative futures through queer perspectives. Smarter Planet or Wiser Earth? by Gray Cox Miche introduces this book, published by the Quaker Institute for the Future , which examines the ethical implications of smart technology and its role in building a sustainable global community. Read Brad Gibson's Friends Journal review . Quotes: "It is our superpower to insist upon joy, even in a world insistent on pushing us back into the closet." – Damon Motz-Storey "Chosen family and ecosystems both offer models of connection that are life-giving and generative." – Lina Blount "We can laugh and dance through climate action because that’s how we’ll keep going." – Damon Motz-Storey "Ecosystems don’t just work locally. There’s this incredible web of interconnection." – Lina Blount Announcing Season Four: After a short break, Quakers Today will return to producing regular programs on November 12, 2024. Look out for extra features and announcements in October that will appear in your podcast feed. Question of the Month: We want to hear from you! Here is a question for you: What novel, film, or television series changed your relationship with the world? The world of fiction can alter the way we see ourselves, each other, the natural world, the political order, history, and society. What work of fiction shifted your perspective or altered your worldview? Leave a voice memo or text with your name and the town where you live. The Quakers Today number is 317-QUAKERS. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. You can also answer on any of our social media pages: Instagram , X , or TikTok . Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee . Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Visit AFSC dot ORG. Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org. You can also call or text our listener voicemail line at 317-QUAKERS. This episode’s music comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Quakers in the Future 30:00

32 weeks前30:00

30:00

In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, “What does Quakerism have to offer society?” Co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) explore the concept of prefigurative practice within a Quaker classroom and beyond. What happens when students don't just learn about the future but begin to live it? They also feature queer Jewish poet Jessica Jacobs, who in her new book of poetry, interacts with the ancient book of Genesis. Sam Thacker and Zoe Levenstein Sam Thacker is a history teacher at Germantown Friends School . Every January, GFS offers “mini-courses” that provide teachers and students a space for experimentation, investigation, and reflection. In his Friends Journal article “ Let Your School Speak : The Power of Prefigurative Practice in Friends Education,” Sam wrote about his course, “Another World is Possible.” Through it, he invites students to engage deeply with hopeful and ambitious visions for social change. Sam and one of his students, Zoe Levenstein, explore how they brought prefigurative practice to life in their classroom. Sam explains that prefigurative practice is about more than just learning about change; it's about living it. We don't have to wait to build the institutions that will bring about the change we seek. Instead, we can start creating those institutions and practices now, making sure they align with the inclusive, just, and loving world we envision for the future. Sam says, “If, for example, we are working toward a just, inclusive future, our institutions now should be just and inclusive. Prefigurative practice is proactive, courageous, and true to itself. In Quaker parlance, its life speaks.” Sam reasons that prefigurative practice is nothing new for Quakers, “I see Quaker institutions as examples of prefigurative practice. By and large, I mean in my article, I discuss meetings for business. Quaker meetings are prefigurative, both in their organization and in the form of worship: Prefigurative practice is vital. Zoe shares her experiences of engaging with this radical educational approach. Through readings from influential thinkers like George Lakey, Joanna Macy, and Adrienne Maree Brown, the students were encouraged to reimagine the world and consider how they could contribute to creating it. I imagine a world where everyone is engaged because I think what really dampers my hope a lot is that it seems like people don't care in 20 years, my hope would be that even on the street level, I see people actively working to help each other. I also kind of imagine a world where song and music is more incorporated and like groups singing because I think it just kind of boosts the mood. I imagine a world in which doing activities like that is more encouraged. Yeah, I think it all comes down to human connection, and that makes people care. Sam Thacker (he/him) teaches high school history at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, where he works with students on sustainability and climate action. He lives with his wife, Pam, and two young children; they are pursuing membership at Germantown Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa. He is a songwriter, musician, artist, and lover of nature. In this episode, you heard Sam singing Purple Dreams . Hear more of his music on his BandCamp page: 2xtruck.bandcamp.com Zoe Levenstein is a rising junior at Germantown Friends School, a member of the Quaker Unity & Inclusivity Team (QUILT) at GFS, and helped to plan the 2024 Quaker Youth Leadership Conference in partnership with Penn Charter. Next year, Zoe will be the Environmental Action Club's student leader and participate in the community-wide Campus Climate Coalition. Zoe’s passion is music—listening, singing, and playing the oboe. Jessica Jacobs In the August 2024 issue of Friends Journal , Michael S. Glazier reviewed Jessica Jacobs’ latest poetry collection, Unalone: Poems in Conversation with the Book of Genesis . Jessica Jacobs shares her journey as a writer, teacher, and editor, including founding Yetzerah , the first literary organization in the U.S. dedicated to supporting Jewish poets. Jessica reflects on her secular Jewish upbringing, her return to spirituality through studying the Torah, and the seven years she spent immersed in the Book of Genesis. She reads her poem " Prayers from a Dark Room ," where Jessica reimagines Gehenna—not as a place of torment but as a mirrored space of self-reflection and repentance. Jessica Jacobs (she/her) is the author of “unalone, poems in conversation with Genesis” (Four Way Books, March 2024); Take Me with You, Wherever You’re Going (Four Way Books, 2019), one of Library Journal’s Best Poetry Books of the Year and winner of the Devil’s Kitchen and Goldie Awards; and Pelvis with Distance (White Pine Press, 2015), winner of the New Mexico Book Award and a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award; and is the co-author of Write It! 100 Poetry Prompts to Inspire (Spruce Books/Penguin RandomHouse, 2020). Jessica is the founder and executive director of Yetzirah: A Hearth for Jewish Poetry. Learn more about Jessica through her website, jessicalgjacobs.com , on X @jessicalgjacobs , Facebook , and Instagram @jlgjacobs You will find a complete transcript of this episode at www.quakerstoday.org Question for next month Here are our questions for next month: What is a Quaker response to climate change? What is a queer Quaker response to climate change? By looking at climate change-related issues through multiple lenses, like queerness and/or Quakerism, we can discover fresh ways of responding. Answer the question that calls to you, or both! Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee. Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Visit AFSC dot ORG. Follow us on Social Media X @QuakersToday Instagram @Quakerstodaypodcast TikTok @QuakersToday Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org . You can also call or text our listener voicemail line at 317-QUAKERS. This episode's music comes from Epidemic Sound . We also heard Purple Dreams from Sam Thacker and his band Double Truck .…

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Reckoning with Quaker Racism 30:19

36 weeks前30:19

30:19

In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, “Who is a historical figure you admire but whose words or actions trouble you?” Co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) discuss the complex legacies of two notable Quakers: George Fox and Richard Nixon. George Fox Johanna Jackson and Naveed Moeed are a part of this year's cohort of the Quaker Coalition for Uprooting Racism. They co-authored the Friends Journal article George Fox Was a Racist: How do Fox’s writings on slavery impact Quakers today? to explore Fox’s legacy on his 400th birthday. Johanna and Naveed discuss how George Fox, a revered Quaker founder, held and expressed pro-slavery views. Fox's writings showed his alignment with the status quo of the time, defending the institution of slavery rather than challenging it. The authors explore how contemporary Quakers cannot undo the harm caused by historical figures like George Fox but can address it through acts of reparation. They also stress the importance of facing Quaker history honestly, recognizing the patterns of oppression that have persisted, and striving to transform behaviors and systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice today. Naveed says, Kintsugi is the art of repairing something that is broken with a gold powder that is combined with an adhesive. And what it does is it doesn't repair in the way that we traditionally think of repair…What we need as Quakers is a form of Kintsugi, where we don't choose to paper the past, or repair it, or replace it or fix it so that it never happened. We need to acknowledge that it happened and how it happened, and where the break occurred, and then put some gold where the break was to bridge the gap. Johanna Jackson is a white Friend and member of Three Rivers Meeting (New England Yearly Meeting), a group reclaiming Quaker practice for today’s time. Her ministry is Forward in Faithfulness. Naveed Moeed is a British-born Pakistani and a Muslim-Quaker member of Chapel Hill (N.C.) Meeting. He is part of the American Theatre Critics Association and a semi-professional photographer. You can find his work at fractalsedge.net . Richard Nixon Larry Ingle describes how Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, grew up in a Quaker household. However, Larry points out that Nixon's political career often contrasts these principles. Larry Ingle is the author of Nixon’s First Cover-up: The Religious Life of a Quaker President , a biography of Nixon's religious ideologies and background, and First Among Friends: George Fox & the Creation of Quakerism . He retired from the History Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This discussion features an excerpt from the video Was Richard Nixon a Quaker? See more videos like this on the QuakerSpeak YouTube channel or at QuakerSpeak.org . Reviews and Recommendations Quakers in Politics by Carl Abbott and Margery Post Abbott describes a Quaker approach to politics and encourages Friends to leverage our unique willingness to listen and seek common ground. The book is part of the Quaker Quicks , a series of short paperbacks useful for outreach and religious education. Paul Buckley reviewed Quakers in Politics for the June/July 2024 issue of Friends Journal. You can read the review for free and hundreds of others at Friends Journal Book Reviews. Question for next month Here’s our question for next month: What does Quakerism have to offer society in 2024? Quakers Today seeks wisdom and understanding in a rapidly changing world. What do you think Quakerism has to offer society in 2024? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. You can now follow Quakers Today on Instagram , TikTok , and the platform now known as X . Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee. Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Visit AFSC dot ORG. Social Media X @QuakersToday Instagram @Quakerstodaypodcast TikTok @QuakersToday Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org , or call our listener voicemail line at 317-QUAKERS.Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Quakers and Welcome 27:27

45 weeks前27:27

27:27

In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, “ What does it mean to be welcomed in a space?” Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) discuss the concept of feeling welcome. Miche describes their sense of safety under a blanket while podcasting from Logrono, Spain, during their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. They explore how welcoming spaces can be challenging for individuals with unique identities, especially in religious settings, and emphasize that genuine inclusivity often differs from mere proclamations of welcome. To see our full show notes and transcript visit www.quakerstoday.org Rhiannon Grant "If the Quaker community were a household, who would be the owners and who would be the guests?" Peterson Toscano chats with Rhiannon Grant (she/her) from Woodbrooke Quaker Learning and Research Centre about her article, “ A Family of Friends ,” which explores the importance of creating welcoming spaces within Quaker communities. Rhiannon, a lifelong Quaker and member of various faith communities, uses the metaphor of a household to explore the roles and feelings of welcome within Quaker meetings. She also discusses how implicit signals can create exclusion and emphasizes the significance of creating spaces where diverse theological beliefs are openly discussed and valued. Learn more about Rhiannon Grant Rhiannon Grant is Woodbrooke’s Deputy Programme Leader for Research and Programme Coordinator for Modern Quaker Thought. Rhiannon’s work at Woodbrooke spans academic and practice-based approaches to Quakerism. She teaches in Woodbrooke’s short course program, supervises research, and teaches postgraduate students within the Centre for Research in Quaker Studies . Outside Woodbrooke, she researches and writes about Quakers for both academic and general audiences, as well as writing fiction and poetry. Her interests center on British Quakerism in the 20th and 21st centuries, especially Quaker theology, ways of speaking about God, and the developments in practice and religious diversity. You can follow Rhiannon as @bookgeekrelng on X and on Facebook . Watch a YouTube video of her keynote address about Deep Hospitality . Read her Pendle Hill pamphlet Telling the Truth About God: Quaker Approaches to Theology , and look out for a new one entitled Deep Hospitality . Lisa Graustein on What is a Welcoming Space? Lisa Graustein (she/her), a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) facilitator, discusses creating truly welcoming spaces in Quaker meetings by ensuring physical accessibility and accommodating diverse needs. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, recognizing varied contributions, and continually evaluating if all voices are being heard and needs met. This approach requires ongoing effort and reflection to foster genuine inclusivity. This is a short excerpt from a QuakerSpeak video featuring a variety of voices. The video is entitled What’s the Difference Between a Welcoming and an Inclusive Space? See more videos like this on the QuakerSpeak YouTube channel or at QuakerSpeak.org . Learn more about Lisa Graustein. Lisa Graustein is a teacher, facilitator, and artist who holds an MEd in racial justice education. For 20 years, she taught in public middle and high schools. Currently, Lisa works as a DEI facilitator and trainer with schools and nonprofits throughout the northeast. She has been a facilitator for Beyond Diversity 101 . A Univeralist Friend, she is part of a group of Quakers founding Three Rivers Meeting , a Queer, Christian Quaker meeting. A solo mom and potter, Lisa lives in an intentional community on the unceded Neponset Band of the Massachusetts land. Reviews More than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long provides an in-depth look at the 1963 March on Washington, highlighting the crucial roles of activists like Bayard Rustin. This makes it ideal for middle school students. The book has been longlisted for the 2023 National Book Awards in the category of Young People's Literature. The First Day of Peace by Todd Schuster and Maya Soetoro-Ng, illustrated by Tatiana Gardel, tells the story of two communities coming together to help each other, illustrating the concept of peace and welcome for children. More than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom reviewed by Gwen Gosney Erickson The First Day of Peace reviewed by Katie Green See all of the May 2024 Reviews on Friends Journal Closing Peterson and McCall discuss their upcoming participation in the 2024 Friends General Conference at Haverford College, where Miche will lead earth-centered worship with Quaker Earth Witness and Peterson will conduct interviews for the podcast. You can now follow Quakers Today on Instagram , TikTok , and the platform now known as X . Question for next month Who is a historical figure whom you admire but whose actions and words also trouble you? Historians, activists, and content creators help us gain a fuller, more balanced view of often revered historical figures. We learn that the heroes of old were not perfect. Leave a text or voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. You can also comment on our social media or email us podcast@friendsjournal.org . Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall with assistance from Christopher Cuthrell. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee . Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Visit AFSC.org . Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org . Call our listener voicemail line: 317-QUAKERS.Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Quakers, Birds, and Justice 21:37

49 weeks前21:37

21:37

In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, What does bird watching have to do with Quakers? You will find a complete transcript of this episode at www.quakerstoday.org Lessons from Birds about Nature, Community, and Racial Justice Birdwatching may seem like a serene, perhaps even solitary activity, but in the latest episode of the Quakers Today Podcast, we discover it's a window into much larger conversations about community, justice, and spirituality. Rebecca Heider, a white birder from Philadelphia, shares her Quaker guide to birdwatching, revealing the profound lessons she has learned from birding. Her concept of a 'spark bird' – the one that ignites a birder's passion is a beautiful anecdote and a metaphor for those transformative moments in life that guide our paths. Rebecca Heider discusses her article, "A Quaker Guide to Birdwatching: Eight Lessons for Friends and Seekers." This discussion also highlights the importance of respecting nature and the profound joy that can be found in everyday moments of observation. Miche McCall crafted the sound design. #BlackBirdersWeek Tykee James , a Black birder also originally from Philadelphia, opens up about the joys and dangers of birding while Black. In May 2020, a video from Central Park's "The Ramble" went viral, showing a white woman, Amy Cooper, calling the police on a black birdwatcher, Christian Cooper (no relation) after he asked her to leash her dog as required by park rules. Despite his calm approach, Amy escalated the situation by threatening to report an African American man was threatening her life. The incident, captured on video and viewed over 40 million times, sparked widespread discussions about racial bias and the history of false accusations against black individuals. This incident led Tykee and other Black birdwatchers to create Black Birders Week , an event that celebrates diversity in birdwatching and challenges the stereotypes and racial injustices that still exist in outdoor activities. Tykee views the week as a celebration of joy, resilience, and diverse experiences within the Black community. Tykee shares how his experiences with urban birding as a teen exposed him to community connections and the stark realities of racial and environmental injustices. These observations led him to co-found Amplify for the Future and become the president of the DC chapter of the Audubon Society . Tykee is currently part of a campaign to rename the Audubon Societ y to better reflect its values, acknowledging its historical context. The theme for the 2024 Black Birders Week is "Wings of Justice: Soaring for Change," and it is hosted by Black AF in Stem . You can hear a longer version of Tykee’s interview on Episode 59 of Citizens Climate Radio . Reviews and Recommendations In this segment of the Quakers Today podcast, Miche McCall and Peterson Toscano delve into recent book reviews from Friends Journal. Peterson shares his enthusiasm for Ruth Todd’s new book Exploring Isaac Penington: Seventeenth-Century Quaker Mystic, Teacher and Activist . He highlights Penington's influential role in early Quakerism and his spiritually led writings, noting Todd's unique approach, including metaphors from nature and experiential exercises for readers. Miche shares their intrigue with Altar to an Erupting Son by Chuck Collins, a novel that challenges notions of pacifism through its provocative opening scene and subsequent exploration of the impact of violence. This leads to a broader discussion on pacifism and activism within the context of creating a better world. Additionally, Peterson is curious about Daybreak , a cooperative board game focused on climate change solutions, emphasizing the game's community-building aspect and eco-friendly design. Miche shares their recommendation of the Headspace app's Sleepcasts , particularly those with a Star Wars theme, highlighting their effectiveness in aiding relaxation and sleep. Find more reviews at Friends Journal online . Question for next month When you walk into a new space, what do you see, hear, or experience that makes you feel welcome? What might be present that leads you to conclude you may not be welcome? The space may be a library, a place of worship, or someone’s home. It might be a town, a business, or a school. Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. You can also send an email: podcast @ friendsjournal.org Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee . Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Social Media X @QuakersToday Instagram @Quakerstodaypodcast TikTok @QuakersToday Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org . Call our listener voicemail line: 317-QUAKERS. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Quakers and Community 21:08

1 year前21:08

21:08

Season three of the Quakers Today Podcast begins with the introduction of new co-host Miche McCall (they, them). Along with co-host Peterson Toscano, they unpack the profound questions of faith, activism, and the essence of community. Meet Quakers Today podcast’s newest team member, Miche McCall. Miche is a professional Friend who works to inspire others to live in alignment with Spirit and joy. After a decidedly secular (but beloved) experience at Oberlin College , Miche came to Quakerism through a fellowship with Quaker Voluntary Service in 2019. They graduated with a Masters in Theopoetics and Writing from Earlham School of Religion after finding a passion for the queer undercurrents of Quaker worship and silent performance art. Today, Miche works at Quaker Earthcare Witness and Quakers Today podcast. They are inspired by podcasts, ultimate frisbee, and, more recently, block printing. Miche lives in Brooklyn, New York, with their partner and a dog named Bread. Being a professional friend means that I get to spend all of my time thinking and worshipping, and learning more about this faith. -Miche McCall Community, Interconnectedness, and the Quest for Economic Justice Nathan Kleban shares profound insights from his spiritual journey, emphasizing the transformative power of community living and its impact on personal growth and collective action. Kleban explores his experiences and observations, ranging from the labor dynamics in the Salinas Valley to the complexities of navigating individualism and community needs. He critically addresses the exploitation embedded in global supply chains, urging a conscious reevaluation of our roles within these systems. Through his journey across different communities and his work with the Alternatives to Violence Project and Right Sharing of World Resources , Nathan exemplifies a deep commitment to confronting injustice and fostering relationships that pave the way for meaningful change. Read Nathan’s article Move Toward the Suffering: Confronting Economic Injustice Head-On. A transformative moment for me was living in community. That sense of community was very transformative for me both in learning more about myself and then seeing what we can do together. I just kind of saw myself becoming a lot more alive in those contexts. -Nathan Kleban Quaker Testimonies as Pathways: Confronting White Supremacy with Equity and Community Lauren Brownlee , from the Bethesda Friends Meeting in Baltimore Yearly Meeting , delves into the intersection of Quaker principles and racial equity. Drawing on Tema Okun 's work on white supremacy culture, Brownlee identifies characteristics such as perfectionism, binary thinking, and urgency that permeate our society and contrasts these with Quaker testimonies like peace, community, and stewardship. She emphasizes the importance of embracing a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and worldviews to foster a beloved community grounded in equity and justice. Through a reflective examination of Quaker testimonies, Brownlee advocates for actively engaging in the antidotes to white supremacy culture within Quaker communities and beyond, underscoring the role of discomfort in growth and the necessity of inclusive community building. Lauren Brownlee is the deputy general secretary of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). Lauren Brownlee appears in the QuakerSpeak video, How Quaker Testimonies Can Combat White Supremacy . The full version of this QuakerSpeak video can be found on the YouTube QuakerSpeak channel . Or visit Quakerspeak.com . Our community testimony invites us to think about who all is in our community. How do we have expanding overlapping concentric circles of community? And how are we caring uniquely, for each member of our community? -Laureen Brownlee Reimagining Quaker Faith: Towards an Ecology of Light and Life Lauren Brownlee reviews A Quaker Ecology: Meditations on the Future of Friends by Cherice Bock in the March 2024 issue of Friends Journal. The book, inspired by Bock's presentations at the 2020 New England Yearly Meeting , explores the link between Quaker practices and the ecological crisis, proposing an eco-reformation through watershed discipleship and an eco-theology of light. It challenges Quakers to deepen their relationship with nature and act on environmental stewardship, offering a roadmap for faith-driven ecological engagement. You will find a complete transcript of this episode over at QuakersToday.org. Question for next month: What recommendation do you have for us and why? In each episode, we share reviews of books or films. I imagine you can recommend a book, music, film, or game that has moved you and deepened your understanding of the world. What recommendation do you have for us that we can share with others who listen to our show? What recommendation do you have for us and why? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Miche McCall. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee. Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Visit AFSC dot ORG. Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org . Call our listener voicemail line: 317-QUAKERS. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound .…

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Announcing Season Three of Quakers Today Podcast 12:42

1 year前12:42

12:42

In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? In this special episode of Quakers Today, you will learn about what we have in store for you in Season Three. We also look back to share highlights from Season Two. These include: An episode featuring actress and environmental activist Darryl Hannah as she discusses a bold campaign against the use of plastics in toys—a campaign that turned out to be an elaborate hoax designed to provoke real change. Hannah and the mischief-making group The Yes Men organized the elaborate hoax on the Mattel Corporation. One of the hoaxsters grew up Quaker and shares how his group uses lies to get corporations to admit that they mislead the public. Timothy Tarkelli, a Kansas-based Quaker who finds spiritual resonance in the silence of nature and the practice of hunting —raising questions about the intersection of faith and lifestyle. Linda Seger discusses “Circle Thinking, a Quaker Model of Leadership.” With her insights on circle thinking, Linda Sager challenges the traditional corporate hierarchy, proposing a more inclusive and collaborative approach to leadership that resonates with Quaker values. A conversation between two Quakers who draw on unexpected sources for inspiration. Sara Wolcott talks about paganism, witchcraft, and Quakers. Andy Stanton-Henry considers how Charismatic worship gets him to think deeply about his faith and practice. One of the season's gems is an original short story, “Sabbatical,” by Vicki Winslow, who brings her narrative to life with a reading accompanied by sound effects and music , creating an immersive experience for the listener. Hear the entire episode, Quakers, Fiction, and Virginia Woolf. After the show notes, you will find a complete transcript of this episode below. Question for next month How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? For some people, they chat with a friend, or they write in a journal. What about you? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. Season Three of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee . Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. Visit AFSC and find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org .Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound . You heard Gravy by Jobii, Dead as a Doornail by T. Morri, The Busted Swing, and Lost in Translation by Wendy Marcini and Elvin Vanguard, Exhibit A by J.R. Productions, Calmar Adiós by Authohacker…

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Quakers in Conversation: AFSC special: Non-Violence in Times of Crisis 34:36

1 year前34:36

34:36

This bonus episode of Quakers Today features a reunion of Quaker leaders from the U.S. and the U.K., discussing how Quaker organizations work towards a just world. Recorded during American Friends Service Committee's annual Corporation meeting in Philadelphia in April 2023, the episode includes Joyce Ajlouny, Bridget Moix, Oliver Robertson, and Sarah Clarke. T They explore responses to global challenges and the importance of Quaker values in a turbulent world. The episode emphasizes non-violence, listening, and engagement as core Quaker principles. The discussion also covers the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, highlighting the Quaker approach to peace and justice. The episode, hosted by Marisa Mazria Katz, showcases the Quaker practice of creating safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue and action towards global peace and justice. Guests Joyce Ajlouny: General Secretary of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). A Palestinian-American, she focuses on issues like education, gender equality, economic development, and humanitarian support. Ajlouny has led initiatives supporting peace and justice efforts in the U.S. and abroad, including places like Jerusalem, Gaza, Guatemala, and Somalia. Bridget Moix: General Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation . She works on deeply fractured politics in America, leveraging Quakerism as a tool for change. Moix focuses on nonpartisan engagement, seeking solutions and common ground in a divisive political environment. Oliver Robertson: Head of Witness and Worship with Quakers in Britain . His work includes responding to global crises such as COVID-19, focusing on peace education and collaboration across borders. Robertson emphasizes the importance of pacifism in Quakerism, especially in times of war. Sarah Clarke: United Nations Representative and Director of the Quaker UN Office . Clarke's role involves creating spaces for dialogue at the UN, focusing on listening and engagement. She has been instrumental in spotlighting issues and countries often overlooked at the UN, maintaining a focus on Quaker values in her work. You will find a complete transcript of this episode at our showpage www.QuakersToday.org Special thanks to Brian Blackmore, Director of Quaker Engagement Question for next month How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? You may think to yourself, Oh, I want to answer that question, but you are running or cooking or traveling, and it is not convenient to call at that moment you are listening to this episode. Then life crowds in and you forget to call. If you have been thinking of leaving a message, this might be the perfect question for you. How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? For some people going for a walk alone in the woods helps or chatting with a friend or some other way. What about you? How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. Season Two of Quakers Today is sponsored by American Friends Service Committee Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference . Find out how you can become part of AFSC’s global community of changemakers. Visit AFSC.org . Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org .…

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Quakers, Fiction, and Virginia Woolf 17:56

1 year前17:56

17:56

In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, How do you process memories, experiences and feelings? For the best listening experience we encourage you to listen to this episode with headphones or earbuds. Rashid Darden's Personal Reflections The episode features Rashid Darden and his reflection of identity and faith. As a Black person in a predominantly white faith community, Rashid's experience is unique and enlightening. He shares, "The surprising thing about my journey in the Quaker faith is that I'm still able to show up as my entire self and not be penalized for it... and in fact, to be celebrated for it." Rashid Darden is an award-winning, best-selling novelist of urban LGBT experiences, a seasoned leader of Black fraternal movements and nonprofit organizations, and a professional educator in alternative schools. He lives in Conway, North Carolina. Rashid serves as the Associate Secretary for Communications and Outreach for Friends General Conference . Hear more of Rashid’s reflections in the QuakerSpeak video, Growing the Community of Friends, Embracing Diversity, and Quakerism . It is also available at the QuakerSpeak YouTube Channel . Many thanks to Christopher Cuthrell for providing this audio. Influences on Virginia Woolf Peterson Toscano draws a parallel between the Quaker faith and the literary world, focusing on Virginia Woolf , a renowned early 20th-century author. Some scholars suggest that Woolf's feminist stance and innovative writing techniques were significantly influenced by her Quaker aunt, Caroline Stephen . She is the author of the classic religious text, Quaker Strongholds . This connection highlights how Quaker practices of self-reflection and inner exploration may have impacted Woolf’s iconic stream of consciousness writing style, particularly evident in characters like Mrs. Dalloway. Dig Deeper into Caroline Stephen and Virginia Woolf A Quaker Influence on Moder English Literature: Virginia Woolf and her Quaker Aunt Caroline Stephen by Alison M Lewis The Search for God: Virginia Woolf and Caroline Emelia Stephen by Kathleen A. Heininge, George Fox University Virginia Woolf’s Vision of Utopia by Diane Reynolds Quakers and Fiction: Vicki Winslow’s “Sabbatical” The episode also brings us the story "Sabbatical" by Vicki Winslow. After experiencing the loss of her father, Silena Yancey travels from North Carolina to the American Southwest to find inspiration, which she hopes leads to equilibrium. Vicki shares, "My story 'Sabbatical' is largely a collage... In many ways, we're all on a sort of pilgrimage." This narrative invites listeners into the internal pilgrimage of its protagonist, providing a window into the process of self-discovery and reflection. Vicki Winslow is a writer who currently serves as clerk of the Friends Meeting in Liberty, North Carolina . Her publications include Follow the Leader for middle readers, a novella called The Conversion of Jefferson Scotten , and short stories in both literary and online journals including the story The Last Bear in Deep South Magazine. Read the full story in the November 2023 issue of Friends Journal or on FriendsJournal.org . In our podcast feed, you will also find a bonus recording to Vicki’s story . Satire in Quaker Context Adding a different flavor to the episode, Peterson discusses Donn Weinholtz’s book, Jesus Christ, M.B.A.: A Gospel for Our Times . The story is illustrated by David Weinholtz. Carl Blumenthal reviewed the short book for Friends Journal . He writes, Conventional wisdom says that if Jesus returned today, he would be branded a heretic, a lunatic, or a criminal. Yet Donn Weinholtz’s satire on the Second Coming imagines him as a rabble-rouser, who, instead of rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, plunges into the political fray as an independent candidate for the U.S. presidency. Closing Thoughts and Invitation As Peterson Toscano and the team begin preparing for the next season of Quakers Today, he invites listeners to share their experiences of the show and share feedback. Leave a voice message or send an email. You will find contact details below. Question for next month How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. Or email podcast@friendsjournal.org Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. Season Two of Quakers Today is sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee . Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference . Through their Friends Liaison Program , you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. To learn more, visit AFSC.org…