Best Kelly Merritt Podcasts (2026)

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6. The Scorned 14:28

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4d ago14:28

14:28

Bentley and Gwendolyn confront Doctor Nocturne only to find themselves unexpectedly facing off against a deadly new foe. Meanwhile, in the past, Professor Romulus and Bentley’s parents face the wrath of an unleashed Little Girl Death. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains subject material that may be disturbing or upsetting to some viewers. Starri…

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Ep. 46 with Matthew Borland 57:09

5h ago57:09

57:09

About New People // New Ways What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church. Hoste…

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5. The Professor 18:08

18d ago18:08

18:08

Bentley and Gwendolyn barely escape deadly confrontations with agents of chaos from Doctor Nocturne’s circus and rush back to confront him once and for all. Meanwhile, in the past, Professor Romulus’ unconventional experiment to save young Bentley from Death proceeds--with disastrous results. Starring: Cory Michael Smith as Bentley Hawthorne and Gr…

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4. The Reaper's Agent 20:30

1M ago20:30

20:30

Bentley and Gwendolyn chase down a new lead, Charlie Huggston, who knows about Bill and Tianna, but when he refuses to give them any information, Bentley decides to secretly return alone to get answers in the form of his intimidating and formidable alter ego: Grim Death. Meanwhile, in the past, young Bentley tries to stop Professor Romulus’ unnatur…

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Ep. 45 with Matt Willis-Goode 1:01:00

1M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Matt Willis-Goode is a punk rock, neurodivergent pastor with 20 years of ministry experience and a passion for breathing new life into small churches. After co-founding The Vine in Haverhill, MA, he spent the next decade serving Peoples UMC and Merrimacport UMC in the Merrimack Valley. Through the Fresh Expressions pathway, Matt discovered language…

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3. The Intrepid Reporter 20:30

2M ago20:30

20:30

At a dead end, Bentley reluctantly engages the help of his old friend and tenacious journalist Gwendolyn Marks. Their path leads them to the strange traveling circus where Tianna was killed and the sinister ringmaster who runs it, Doctor Nocturne (André de Shields). Meanwhile, in the past, Bentley’s relationship with Death (in the form of a little …

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2. The Roustabout 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

Bentley tries to figure out why Death wants him to find the murderer of Tianna Hoops when her confessed-and-already-convicted killer, Bill Tuttle (Craig Tate), is already sitting on Death Row. Meanwhile, in the past, Bentley's parents Abraham and Edwina Hawthorne enlist the help of an unconventional scientist, Professor Romulus (William Fichtner), …

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#120: Now It's Time to Say Goodbye 51:29

2M ago51:29

51:29

"And now it's time to say goodbye to all our company." Courntey and Emily are hanging up their headphones after 120 episodes and over 100 books. In this episode, they reflect on their podcasting experience and turn their author interview questions on themselves to give advice to future podcasters and what they want to do next as they keep moving fo…

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Ep. 44 with Kelli Merritt 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Born and raised at Friendship UMC, Kelli Rae Merritt has lived a life as colorful as her tattoos—from studying agriculture and working as a professional piercer to serving as a certified lay minister and chair of her church’s Board of Stewards. She leads the PEZ (Public Education Zoo) ministry, serves with the local food pantry her father helped bu…

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1. The Trapeze Artist 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

Bentley Hawthorne (Cory Michael Smith) lives a solitary life in an old mansion with his butler, Pym (Zeljko Ivanek). In secret, Bentley works for the angel of Death, avenging those killed before their time. It’s a heavy burden that Bentley bears alone. However, when Bentley gets a new case involving the murder of a trapeze artist, he finds himself …

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Grim Death and Bill the Electrocuted Criminal - 60 Second Trailer 1:00

2M ago1:00

1:00

In this quirky, supernatural investigative thriller from acclaimed artist Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and NYT bestselling author Thomas E. Sniegoski, Bentley Hawthorne lives a solitary and mysterious life in an old mansion with his wry, long-suffering butler, Pym. Pym and Bentley's childhood friend and spitfire journalist Gwendolyn Marks don't understan…

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#119: Author Interview - Kingdom Keepers Inheritance Series: The Final Trilogy by Ridley Pearson 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

The Overtakers and Disney Villains are at it again! But the Keepers are parents now, and their kids are as invested in saving the Disney parks as they were in their youth. Is it time to pass the wand to a new generation? Courtney and Emily welcome back Ridley Pearson, author of the Kingdom Keepers, to discuss the final installment in the series, Th…

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Ep. 43 with Marlon Mack 57:51

3M ago57:51

57:51

In this episode we welcome Fresh Expressions practitioner Pastor Marlon Mack. New ways, same Gospel. Pastor Marlon Mack joins us to talk about faith, leadership, and the power of building the Kingdom together. Born in Dallas and raised in Gary, Indiana, Pastor Marlon Mack has spent his life helping others discover purpose through faith and formatio…

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#118: Fairytale Favorites - Children Will Listen: A Comparison of Sondheim and Disney's "Into the Woods" ft. Conor Perkins and Caroline Aimetti of Poor Unfortunate Podcast 1:33:39

4M ago1:33:39

1:33:39

Anything can happen in the woods, such as having Conor and Caroline from the Poor Unfortunate Podcast back on the show! In the episode, Courtney, Conor, Caroline, and Emily go into the woods to journey's end to compare Grimm's Fairytales to Stephan Sondheim's 1987 stage musical and Disney's 2014 film adaptation of Into the Woods. Careful the things…

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#117: Celebratory Summer Series - "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland" by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt Foreword by Bob Iger 50:28

4M ago50:28

50:28

Join your hosts for a kiss goodnight finale to the Disneyland 70th anniversary! Courtney and Emily complete their Celebratory Summer Series commemorating Disneyland's 70th anniversary with "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland" by Don Hahn and Christopher Merritt Foreword by Bob Iger. This coffee table book …

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Ep. 42 with Bishop David Wilson 55:31

5M ago55:31

55:31

In this episode of New People, New Ways we welcome Bishop David Wilson, the first Native American bishop in the history of The United Methodist Church. We discuss his incredible journey, the wisdom of Native American ministry, and how the Spirit is stirring fresh expressions of church in our time. It is a hope-filled conversation about mission beyo…

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#116: Celebratory Summer Series - Author Interview "Presenting Disneyland: Forgotten Photographs From Opening Day" by Aaron Goldberg and forward by Bob Gurr 55:35

5M ago55:35

55:35

A picture is worth a thousand words, and these never before seen photographs of Disneyland on its opening day in 1955 tell a lot of stories. Courtney and Emily continue their Celebratory Summer Series by welcoming back author, Aaron H. Goldberg, to the podcast to talk about his book, "Presenting Disneyland: Forgotten Photographs From Opening Day." …

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#115: Celebratory Summer Series - "The 55ers: The Pioneers Who Settled Disneyland" by David Koenig 1:08:21

7M ago1:08:21

1:08:21

Disneyland is celebrating its platinum anniversary! This episode introduces the Celebratory Summer Series with a Disneyland theme to commemorate 70 years of the Happiest Place on Earth. Courtney and Emily kick off this three book summer series by meeting some original cast members around Disneyland in David Koenig's book "The 55ers: The Pioneers Wh…

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Ep 41. with Dr. Monika Ardelt 1:07:31

7M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

In this episode of New People, New Ways, we welcome Dr. Monika Ardelt—renowned sociologist, wisdom researcher, and pioneer in the study of spiritual aging. Dr. Ardelt is Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida and the creator of the widely used Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS). Her work explores what it means to live and die well,…

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#114: "Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons" by Kermit the Frog 1:11:50

7M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Welcome Class of 2025 to Kermencement! In honor of Kermit the Frog's commencement speech at his, and your hosts' alma mater, the University of Maryland, Courtney and Emily read Kermit's book, "Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons." Kermit has 70 years of wisdom to share with graduates and readers and in honor of the Muppet …

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#113: Author Interview - "I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom" by Danielle Kelly (Dapper Danielle & Co-Host of the Disney Countdown Podcast) 1:04:26

8M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

You may recognize her from social media: she loves churros, Orange Bird, and telling her followers all about Disney history in the late hours of the night. Danielle Kelly, aka the Dapper Danielle, joins Courtney and Emily to give them a tour around the Magic Kingdom in her new book "I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom 100+ Surprising Facts, Magical Quizz…

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#112: Fairytale Favorites - "Beauty and the Beast" by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont 1:18:20

10M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

There's a girl in the castle! Courtney and Emily invite you to be our guest for a latest Fairytale Favorite episode. The tale as old as time, "Beauty and the Beast" by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, was the inspiration for the 1991 Walt Disney animated film. There are many differences between the 14 page fairytale and the 90 minute film, but th…

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#111: "The Adventures of Pinocchio: Story of a Puppet" by Carlo Collodi 1:15:46

11M ago1:15:46

1:15:46

Hi-ho the me-ri-o! Courtney and Emily have no strings to hold them down as they celebrate the 85th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation's second motion picture, Pinocchio, by comparing the film to Carlo Collodi's original novel, "The Adventures of Pinocchio: Story of a Puppet." Collodi's episodic adventure takes readers to the puppet show, the not …

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Ep. 40 with Rob Hutchinson 51:52

12M ago51:52

51:52

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Rob Hutchinson. Rob has been in full-time pastoral ministry for over 27 years, serving in diverse settings that range from bustling church plants to intimate congregational gatherings. Currently, he is the Director of Church Development, where he pioneers new strategies to adapt and grow church …

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#110: "Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire" by Ashely Spencer 1:28:05

12M ago1:28:05

1:28:05

Courtney and Emily are all in this together for this nostalgic discussion of Disney Channel and Ashley Spencer's book, "Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire." The Disney Channel was falling behind in children's programming in the 1990s until they discovered the tween market and launch millennial defini…

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Ep. 39 with Christopher Wells 53:52

1y ago53:52

53:52

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Christopher Wells. Christopher Wells is a seasoned technologist and strategy consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in AI and machine learning, specializing in generative AI, NLP, and data-driven transformation across industries like finance and aviation. He established Chatham Financial'…

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#109: Author Interview - "Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a Twenty-Year Career at Disney" by Michael Lyons of DIS-Order & From Pencils to Pixels Podcasts 1:14:26

1y ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Courtney and Emily welcome back Michael Lyons to the Book of the Mouse Club to discuss his latest book, "Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a Twenty-Year Career at Disney." This book is a perfect selection for the end of the year because it is about reflecting on past experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Michael talks a…

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Ep. 38 with Bishop Tom Berlin 1:02:35

1y ago1:02:35

1:02:35

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Bishop Tom Berlin. Tom Berlin serves as Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. Tom is a graduate of Virginia Tech and Candler School of Theology at Emo…

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#108: Author Interview - "National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy" by Dr. Aubrey R. Paris & Dr. Emily M. Black 1:03:28

1y ago1:03:28

1:03:28

What is one step short of crazy? Passionate. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney's 2004 live action film, National Treasure, Courtney and Emily welcome Aubrey and Emily from the National Treasure Hunt Podcast to the show to talk about their book "National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy." National Treasure is an action, adventure, fi…

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Ep. 37 with Leslie Newton 59:04

1y ago59:04

59:04

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Leslie Newton. Born and raised in Lancaster, in the north of England, Leslie studied Accountancy & Law at University before training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His local Methodist Church nurtured his…

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#107: Author Interview - "Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney's Hocus Pocus" by Shannon Carlin 57:46

1y ago57:46

57:46

It's not spooky season without the Sanderson Sisters. Courtney and Emily relight the black flame candle to chat with Shannon Carlin about her debut book, "Witches Run Amok: Disney Hocus Pocus the Oral History." Shannon conducted over ninety interviews with the cast and crew to present stories from the making of the film to its legacy. This booooOOO…

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Ep. 36 with Graham Horsley 1:00:44

1+ y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer in church planting and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Graham Horsley. Graham began his ministry journey in 1980, and by 1992, he had taken on the role of British National Church Planting Officer while simultaneously leading a church that successfull…

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#106: Author Interview - "Disney In-Between: The Lost Years 1966-1986" by Stephen Anderson 1:12:08

1+ y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Inbetweeners are the animators who draw the pages in between the lead animators' key frames. The in between doesn't get a lot of attention, but it is essential to move the animation forward. The same concept applies to the "in between era" that connects Walt Disney's passing to the Disney Renaissance. A tumultuous time period which often only gets …

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#105: Adventureland Attraction Summer Series - "Skipper Stories: True Tales from Disneyland's Jungle Cruise" by David John Marley ft. Guest Reader Allie Ring of the DCOMmentaries Podcast 1:29:05

1+ y ago1:29:05

1:29:05

And now you are about to see the eighth wonder of the world…the final installment of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series! Courtney and Emily welcome former Jungle Cruise Skipper, Allie Ring, to discuss "Skipper Stories: True Tales from Disneyland's Jungle Cruise" by David John Marley. This collection of stories allows readers to learn about …

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Ep. 35 with Thea Curry Fuson 55:29

1+ y ago55:29

55:29

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we are joined by Reverend Thea Curry-Fuson, an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Thea's journey is a testament to transformative faith and ministry. Growing up unchurched with only a nominal faith and relational exposure to God overseas, she entered into…

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Ep. 34 with Lori Jennings 52:07

1+ y ago52:07

52:07

In Episode 34, we are joined by Lori Jennings, Vice-President of American Baptist Churches of PA and DE (ABCOPAD), Head Coach of the Leadership Team, and Home Church leader for GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville, PA. Lori also serves as a short-term missionary in Uganda, where she combats the prosperity gospel by sharing truth with past…

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#104: Adventureland Attraction Summer Series - Author Interview "Before the Birds Sang Words" by Ken Bruce 1:12:21

1+ y ago1:12:21

1:12:21

The birds sing words and the flowers croon in this episode all about The Enchanted Tiki Room. In this second installment of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series, Courtney and Emily interview author Ken Bruce about the enchanting context and early history of the attraction in his book, "Before the Birds Sang Words". Go beyond the origin myth o…

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#103: Adventureland Attraction Summer Series - "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss 1:10:23

1+ y ago1:10:23

1:10:23

S.O.S! Courtney and Emily are stranded on the island of New Switzerland. Luckily, there is a terrific treehouse complete with a library where they can read and be safe from the jungle's wild animals. Join your hosts for their first selection of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series, "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss, and compare…

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Ep. 33 with Laceye Warner 59:42

1+ y ago59:42

59:42

In Episode 33, we’re joined by Laceye Warner. Rev. Laceye C. Warner, PhD is Royce and Jane Reynolds, Associate Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies and Associate Dean for Wesleyan Engagement at Duke University Divinity School. An elder in the Texas Conference, Dr. Warner was appointed to the faculty at Duke Divinity School …

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Ep. 32 with Danielle Buwon Kim 56:51

1+ y ago56:51

56:51

In Episode 32, we’re joined by Danielle Buwon Kim. Danielle was born in South Korea and moved to the United States during her middle school years. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is currently appointed as the Associate Director of Research and Development at the North Texas Annual Conference. She is the pastor of Ka:ll C…

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Ep. 31 with Isaiah and Daniel Park 50:36

1+ y ago50:36

50:36

In Episode 31, we’re joined by Isaiah and Daniel Park. Isaiah and Daniel are pastors at Restoration Church in Reston, VA, a campus of Floris United Methodist Church where Isaiah also serves. At Restoration Reston, fresh expressions are being launched and cultivated as they actively mobilize and equip laity to co-create communities of faith that are…

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Ep. 30 with Matt Stout 52:12

1+ y ago52:12

52:12

In Episode 30, we’re joined by Matt Stout. Matt is an elder in the United Methodist Church serving Garden City UMC near Savannah, GA. He has a wife, three kids, and an elderly dachshund. Matt is a nerd who enjoys fantasy and sci fi, tabletop games, and playing the banjo. In this episode, we discuss gaming and spirituality, building community from o…

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#102: Author Interview - "Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort that Never Was" by Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer 56:02

1+ y ago56:02

56:02

Many are familiar with Disney's theme parks, cruise ships, resorts, and broader media empire, but did you know Disney tried to build a ski resort in Mineral King, California in the 1960s? Courtney and Emily are joined by authors Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer to discuss how this resort never broke ground despite over a decade of planning. Their boo…

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Ep. 29 with Angelic Williams 50:32

1+ y ago50:32

50:32

In Episode 29, we’re joined by Angelic Williams. Angelic is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently bi-vocational, pastoring St. Luke UMC in Baltimore and working full-time in insurance investigations. She is also a seminary student at St Mary’s Seminary. She has served the church in administration, youth ministry, and prayer ministry, bu…

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#101: "The Hundred and One Dalmatians" by Dodie Smith 1:13:42

1+ y ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Only one book is appropriate for episode #101 and that is Dodie Smith's 1956 novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Join Courtney and Emily as they compare the original source material to Disney's 1961 animated feature and 1996 live action film. Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @gre…

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Ep. 28 with Brian Russell 58:50

2y ago58:50

58:50

In Episode 28, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Russell. Brian is an award-winning professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. He is the author of multiple books including his latest, Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation, and the host of the podcast, Deep Dive Sp…

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Ep. 27 with Martyn Atkins 53:54

2y ago53:54

53:54

In Episode 27, our guest is Martyn Atkins. Martyn is a minister, professor, and leader within Methodism and the Fresh Expressions Movement. He has served in the Methodist Church of Great Britain in a variety of appointments for over 40 years. In this episode, we discuss the history of the Fresh Expressions, the future of the movement, and his new b…

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#100: The Book of the Mouse Club 100th Episode Celebration! 1:22:44

2y ago1:22:44

1:22:44

We got ears, it's time for cheers! Like the Walt Disney Company, Courtney and Emily are celebrating their own hundredth milestone - 100 episodes! During the Book of the Mouse Club 100 celebration, your hosts will recap their reading "wrapped" with data from the 104 books they've read since episode 1 and share reflections and behind the scenes anecd…

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Ep. 26 with Charles DiRico 51:05

2y ago51:05

51:05

For Episode 26, our guest is Charles DiRico. Charles is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church who currently leads a network of meal-based fresh expressions of church that is known as Word on the Street, building community for persons who are experiencing homelessness and in a bilingual setting in a local mobile home community in the Char…

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Ep. 25 with Emma and Mark Cotterill 1:08:56

2y ago1:08:56

1:08:56

In Episode 25, we are joined by Emma and Mark Cotterill. They work for the Salvation Army, planting spiritual communities and equipping leaders in Manchester, UK and now Helsingborg, Sweden. Emma and Mark founded a network for pioneer leaders called Venture12. Mark is a coach and consultant with 5Q, a resource for leaders that uses the ministry ass…