Best Cephas Podcasts (2025)

What makes a town truly welcoming? We head to southern Chester County to meet with Daniel Embree, Executive Director of Kennett Collaborative, to explore how placemaking, events, and people shape a stronger, more inclusive community in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Daniel shares the organization’s mission and why collaboration is at the heart of th…

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Talking Music and Selling Records with Shawn Cephas 1:02:47

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For many, music is as much a part of life as breathing. We drop the needle on a conversation with Shawn Cephas, owner of Forever Changes, a record store in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Shawn shares how his deep love for and expansive knowledge of music has driven him to open a shop that is as much a space to learn about music as to buy records. We e…

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Cephas Hour Episode 140 1:04:19

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Cephas Hour Episode 140By Cephas Hour

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Making Local Cider from Branch to Bottle with Olga and Brian Dressler 57:23

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Continuing our run of conversations with local producers, we sit down with Olga and Brian Dressler, the owners and cider makers at Dressler Estate. We learn about their branch to bottle approach to making local cider. We hear about their recently opened tasting room in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and their vision for this new home. We talk cider pro…

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Farming Grapes and Making Local Wine with Anthony Vietri 40:39

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Southeastern Pennsylvania is not typically at the top of the list of renowned wine regions of the world. Yet that is exactly why we stopped into the tasting room at Va La Family Vineyard. We sat down Anthony Vietri, farmer and wine maker, to learn how his family has been farming the land in Avondale, Pennsylvania for almost one hundred years. We ta…

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Cephas Hour Episode 139 1:01:45

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Cephas Hour Episode 139By Cephas Hour

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Building Trust and Stewarding Clients’ Financial Affairs with Patti Brennan 52:37

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In times of uncertainty, the desire for financial security is universal. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Patti Brennan, founder and CEO of Key Financial, a wealth management firm based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Patti shares practical ideas for navigating turbulent markets. We explore her unique career path from ICU nurse to nat…

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Making Meat Snacks and Growing Distribution with Panache with Brendan Cawley 59:48

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The snack business is competitive to say the very least. It may even be cut-throat. Creating a snack that people want is hard enough, but getting it into the market and on store shelves takes even more grit. We chased down Brendan Cawley, founder and CEO of Righteous Felon, a meat snack company with deep roots in Chester County. We interrogate Bren…

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Crafting Ice Cream, Culinary Creations, and Community with Melinda Shaw 44:31

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Enticed by her delicious ice cream and kitchens creations, we had to talk with Melinda Shaw, founder and owner of Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Square. Melinda shares how her love of food and background in hospitality led her to open a unique ice cream studio that goes far beyond scoops and cones. We dip into the science behind real ice cream, th…

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Serving and Supporting the Local Community with Pauline Garcia-Allen 37:34

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Located in southern Chester County, Oxford, Pennsylvania, is a charming small town that is rich in history and poised for revitalization and growth. We sit down with Pauline Garcia-Allen, the Borough Manager of Oxford, to explore what makes this town so special. From its diverse community to its evolving downtown and economic development efforts, P…

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Protecting Land, Birds, Watersheds, and Local Habitats with Kate Etherington 47:19

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While Chester County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and open spaces, preserving that natural beauty – and the wildlife that thrives within it – requires constant effort. We speak with Kate Etherington, President and Executive Director of Willistown Conservation Trust, about the dedication and strategy behind this vital work. This local …

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Bonus: Can a Human Minister Forgive Sin? 6:10

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Peter is given the keys to the kingdom and the power to bind and loose, that is, to forgive and not forgive sins. Explores the power of absolution from sin and the need for repentance or penitence. Concludes that human minister forgiving sin consists of announcing God’s forgiveness based on Christ's promises to the penitent, but that only God actua…

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Bonus: The Legend of Peter's Upside-Down Crucifixion 4:20

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Explores accounts of Peter being crucified upside down. Concludes that while Peter was clearly crucified, only later sources claim him his head-down crucifixion, so the story is probably apocryphal.By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

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Bonus: Primacy of Peter vs. Papal Primacy 7:17

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Traces leadership from elders in the early church to a monarchial episcopacy. Examines the terms “father,” “pope,” and “pontiff.” Differentiates between the primacy of Peter which is clear in Matthew 16, and the primacy of the Roman bishop or Pope which evolved gradually over time.By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

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Bonus: The Synoptic Problem 5:33

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Reviews the Synoptic Problem of common sources for Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and the interrelationships between these three Gospels.By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

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Bonus: Chronology of Peter's Life 3:54

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Explores approximate dates for the main events in Peter’s life and in the early church.By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

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11. Peter's Death and Legacy (John 21:18-19; 1 and 2 Peter) 48:19

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Details what we know of Peter’s extended ministry in Antioch, Asia Minor, and Corinth. Explores various early Christian references to Peter’s ministry in Rome, his relationship to Mark as his interpreter, as well as his ministry of miracles and evangelism there and opposition to false teacher. Examines several of his teachings on practical Christia…

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10. Peter's Escape, Hypocrisy, and Counsel (Acts 12-15) 32:45

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Considers Peter’s arrest by Herod Agrippa and the angel releasing him from prison. Explores a passage on rejoicing in suffering from 1 Peter 1. Examines Peter’s hypocrisy and confrontation with Paul in Antioch and Peter’s testimony at the Council of Jerusalem that sways the meeting to accept Gentiles as full Christians.…

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9. Peter's Ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 9-11) 44:27

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Explores Peter’s outreach to the Gentiles in Lydda and Joppa with the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Dorcas. Studies Pete staying at the smelly house of Simon the Tanner. Examines Peter leading the Christian movement to break into the Gentile population with the Spirit falling on Gentiles at the house of Cornelius in Caesarea, with its implic…

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8. Peter's Authority and Power (Acts 5-8) 39:55

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Explores Peter’s powerful handling of the case of Ananias and Sapphira lying about property given to the church. Examines how Peter's shadow heals people and the power of holy people and objects. Recounts the apostles’ arrest, Peter’s clear testimony and Gamaliel’s counsel to the Sanhedrin. Examines Peter’s and John’s ministry in Samaria to see the…

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7. Peter's Leadership in the Early Church (Acts 1-4) 48:04

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Explores Peter leading the group of 120 disciples after Jesus’ ascension to select Matthias as the twelfth disciple to take Judas’s place. Examines Peter’s sermon on Pentecost that wins 3,000 converts, his ministry preparation, and his healing the lame beggar at the temple. Explores Peter’s sermon after the healing and his witness to Christ before …

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6. Peter and the Risen Christ (Luke 24; John 20-21) 27:50

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Explores Peter running to the tomb on Easter morning and finding carefully folded graveclothes. Reviews Jesus’ appearance to Peter. Examines Jesus’ appearance to his disciples in Galilee with the miracle of catching a net-full of fish and Jesus restoring Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” Studies Jesus' prophesy of Peter’s crucifixion.…

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5. Peter's Crisis and Denial (Luke 22, Mark 14) 40:59

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Reviews Peter's bravado and Jesus’ prediction of his denial before the cock crows. Explores Jesus' saying that he will be sifted like wheat shaken in a sieve, later to strengthen his brothers. Examines Peter sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane, cutting off the servant Malchus’s ear at Jesus’ arrest, and Peter’s denial in the high priest’s courtyar…

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4. Peter's Glory and Humiliation (Luke 9:27-36; John 13:1-17) 32:07

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Observes Peter glimpsing the glory of Jesus’ transfiguration during a mountain meeting with Elijah and Moses and Peter’s inane suggestion to build three shelters. When Jesus humbly washes the disciples’ feet, Peter first resists, then asks for a full bath. Also explores Peter’s teaching on humbling oneself in 1 Peter 5.1-7.…

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3. Peter's Confession and the Keys to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:13-27) 48:08

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At Caesarea Philippi, Peter confesses, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ He is blessed for his faith, but is soon after rebuked as ‘Satan’ for resisting Jesus’ teachings about his eventual violent death and resurrection. Explores Peter as the rock, the recipient of the keys of the kingdom, and one given authority to bind and loose si…

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2. Peter's Growth as a Disciple (Matthew 14-18) 37:51

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Considers Peter role as the lead apostle, spokesman for the Twelve, and a member of Jesus’ inner circle. Explores Peter walking on the water, finding the temple tax in a fish’s mouth, and the extent to which we must forgive those who sin against us.By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

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1. The Call of Peter 43:20

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Explores Peter’s meeting with Jesus in Judea and his interest in John the Baptist’s phrase ‘Lamb of God.’ Looks at Simon Peter’s various names, then studies accounts of his call in the Synoptic Gospels to be a ‘fisher of men.’ Concludes with the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, and Peter’s search for the missing Master.…

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Introduction to the Apostle Peter Podcast 3:19

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Outlines the scope and purpose of this study of the Apostle Peter – especially to learn from Peter’s experiences as recorded in the New Testament to help form in us lives of authentic disciples today. Easy listenable style.By Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

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Building a Thriving Theater to Benefit the Local Community with Jennifer Carlson 45:32

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There’s something special about the glow of a historic theater marquee, the scent of fresh popcorn, and the magic of a film flickering on the screen in a century-old venue. But keeping The Colonial Theatre thriving takes more than nostalgia – it demands passion, strategy, and dedication. Executive Director Jennifer Carlson takes us behind the scene…

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Cephas Hour Episode 138 1:00:55

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Cephas Hour Episode 138By Cephas Hour

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Running the Business and Keeping the Books Accurate with Paula Paisley 42:54

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Managing finances can be a major challenge for business owners and nonprofit leaders, and having accurate and up to date bookkeeping can make all the difference. We talk with Paula Paisley, founder and president of Paisley Solutions, a bookkeeping service in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Paula shares how she transitioned from working at a CPA firm …

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Cephas Hour Episode 137 1:04:30

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Cephas Hour Episode 137By Cephas Hour

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Conducting World-Leading, Innovative Fresh Water Research with John Jackson 51:25

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With fresh, clean water a critical resource for life on earth, balanced ecosystems are essential for keeping our communities healthy and safe. We spend time with John Jackson, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist with the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, Pennsylvania. We speak at length about the challenges that winter road salt poses to our l…

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Leading a Growing Credit Union with Gary Golden 51:50

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Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals have more banking options than ever before. To help local leaders understand some of their options, we sit down with Gary Golden of Propell Credit Union to chat through how a credit union can help with financial services. We cover the history and growth of the community-chartered credit union, learning about …

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Managing a Local Accountancy Firm with Kathy Wileczek 36:15

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The value that trusted accountants bring to businesses and nonprofits of all sizes cannot be overstated. Changes to federal and state filing rules, new tax regulations, and any flux in the economy see many business leaders turning to their accountants for guidance. We talk with Kathy Wileczek, shareholder with Umbreit, Wileczek & Associates, to lea…

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Cephas Hour Episode 136 1:00:20

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Cephas Hour Episode 136By Cephas Hour

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Producing Local Farmers and Crafts Markets and Community Events with Christy Campli 45:56

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Farmers markets and craft and artisanal markets are popping up in more and more communities across Chester County, Pennsylvania, as farm-to-table and shop local grow in popularity with consumers. We sat down with Christy Campli of Growing Roots to learn more about how she delivers and produces a series of markets and community events across the reg…

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Building Community and Capacity with Chris Manna 34:21

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Today’s libraries play a significant role in the life of the community. The programs, services, and happenings at our local libraries might surprise those who have not visited one recently. We catch up with Chris Manna, Executive Director of the Kennett Library, to walk through all things library. We learn how this wonderful library – and others ac…

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Cephas Hour Episode 135 1:00:28

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Cephas Hour Episode 135By Cephas Hour

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Cephas Hour Episode 134 1:10:26

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Cephas Hour Episode 134By Cephas Hour

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Enabling Economic Empowerment through Education with Javonna Wylie 38:46

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The lack of educational and employment opportunities experienced by disadvantaged folks in Chester County presents significant challenges to their well-being. To learn more, we speak with Javonna Wylie, President and CEO of Chester County OIC. Javonna explains how CCOIC works to enable access to economic empowerment through the delivery of free edu…

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Cephas Hour Episode 133 1:02:28

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Cephas Hour Episode 133By Cephas Hour

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Cephas Hour Episode 132 1:03:08

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Cephas Hour Episode 132By Cephas Hour

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Training Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin Downie 38:59

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We spend time with Kirstin Downie, Director of Development and Communications with Canine Partners for Life (CPL), as she explains how the organization works to improve quality of life for people with disabilities or other challenges by pairing them with professionally trained service or companion dogs. Kirstin takes us for a long walk through the …

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Cephas Hour of Peace - September 6, 2024 1:02:31

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Cephas Hour of Peace - September 6, 2024By Cephas Hour

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Cephas Hour Episode 131 1:01:21

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Cephas Hour Episode 131By Cephas Hour

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Spearheading the Organization of a Community Brewfest with Jeff Norman 50:38

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Now in its 27th year, the Kennett Brewfest is a leading beer festival held yearly in Kennett Square. Arguably the oldest beer festival in the Philadelphia region, the Brewfest provides support to the Kennett Collaborative. We speak with the founder and long-serving lead organizer of the festival, Jeff Norman. An architect by trade, Jeff has lead ef…

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Cephas Hour Episode 130 1:03:07

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Cephas Hour Episode 130By Cephas Hour

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Enabling the Otherly-Abled to Grow and Contribute in the Workplace with April Ennis-Pierson 47:09

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With a unique nonprofit business model, Handi-Crafters employs, trains, and encourages people with intellectual and developmental challenges to enable them to find meaningful and engaging opportunities in the workplace. Focused on the individual skills and needs of the community it serves, Handi-Crafters has been delivering employment-centered prog…