Best Thee Quaker Project Podcasts (2025)

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“Where You Go, I Will Go” with Brenda Esch 36:18

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1d ago36:18

36:18

This week, we take you to New Garden Friends Meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina where pastor Brenda Esch delivers a deeply personal message about the fear and promise of new beginnings. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.By Brenda Esch, Zack Jackson

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Why 300 Quakers Walked to Washington DC 28:00

8d ago28:00

28:00

A group of Quakers embark on a grueling 300-mile walk from New York to Washington D.C. to deliver a powerful message to a government that doesn’t want to hear it. Their journey, inspired by a nearly 400-year-old act of solidarity, is unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight when their quiet walk goes viral. This is a story about exhaustion, …

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The Grimke Sisters: How Two Southern Slave-Owning Quakers Became America's Fiercest Abolitionists (re-release) 37:36

17d ago37:36

37:36

Sarah and Angelina Grimke were unapologetically anti-slavery and pro-women’s rights. Their convictions were driven by their faith in God, yet it got them booted from Quakerism, made their name a curse among their Southern peers, and even caused controversy among fellow abolitionists. The Grimke sisters made history, yet their names have largely bee…

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Quaker Graffiti Artist Todd Drake on Doing Good Without Permission 38:34

23d ago38:34

38:34

Todd Drake is a Quaker graffiti artist and printmaker who uses the street name "Quaker pirate". In this episode, Todd teaches the finer points of graffiti etiquette, explains the provocative inspiration for his new portrait of Benjamin Lay, and shares his philosophy of doing good without asking permission. See his work here: https://quakerpirate.fo…

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Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Abolitionist That History Forgot 36:41

1M ago36:41

36:41

Benjamin Lay was a fierce abolitionist whose dramatic protests against slavery embarrassed the powerful Quakers of his day. They kicked him out and tried to erase him. This is the story of his return. Marcus Rediker's Books: https://www.marcusrediker.com/books/ Abington Monthly Meeting's Efforts Towards Reconciliation: https://www.abingtonquakers.o…

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Before Quakers Were Abolitionists: The Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

Quakers are widely known for being early and outspoken abolitionists, and while that is true, it is not the whole story. Join us as we explore the Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery, its delayed impact, and the people who continued to fight the good fight even after many believed that it was already won. High Definition scan of the 1688 Ger…

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Quakers Who Stand Up for Truth 29:55

1M ago29:55

29:55

Quakers have a long history of getting into trouble for the sake of justice, but what drives them to act? Why do some Quakers feel compelled to break the law, make public demonstrations, or disrupt business as usual? In this episode, we explore those questions through the story of Jane McCarthy, a 74-year-old grandmother with incurable cancer who i…

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Welcome to Thee Quaker Podcast, Season 3 13:48

2M ago13:48

13:48

Season 3 of Thee Quaker Podcast is two short weeks away. Co-hosts Jon Watts and Zack Jackson take you on a tour of where the podcast has been and where it is going. This season we’ll focus on “Quaker prophetic witness”: We’re talking about guerilla theater, loving your enemy as you’re confronting them, impossible odds, and stories of spiritual cour…

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The “Quakers vs. ICE” Lawsuit 28:37

3M ago28:37

28:37

When the federal government rescinded a decades-old policy protecting houses of worship from immigration raids, a group of Quakers filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. Their argument is uniquely Quaker: the threat of armed agents in their meeting houses creates a "chilling effect" that doesn't just lower attendance, it funda…

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How Trump Made Me a Quaker: Faithful Resistance with Daniel Hunter 38:32

3M ago38:32

38:32

In times of political upheaval, when institutions feel unreliable and the future uncertain, how do we resist authoritarianism without becoming what we oppose? Daniel Hunter, co-founder of "Choose Democracy" and seasoned organizer, shares how Trump's second election unexpectedly led him to claim his Quaker identity and discover how ancient Quaker pr…

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When Police Raid a Quaker Meeting House 31:48

4M ago31:48

31:48

A few months ago, twenty police officers smashed down the door of Westminster Quaker meetinghouse and arrested a handful of young activists as they sat eating hummus and breadsticks. This dramatic raid triggered a profound response from a faith community that hasn't been the target of a similar action since the 17th century. When the very act of di…

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Quaker Anger: Trans Rights and Spiritual Activism with Chloe Schwenke 48:12

4M ago48:12

48:12

Professor and activist Chloe Schwenke shares her journey as a transgender woman finding acceptance within her Quaker community while navigating increasing political attacks on trans rights. She explores the concept of "Quaker anger" as a spiritual response to injustice and calls for authentic action beyond just feeling stricken by current events. T…

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Beyond the Backlash: A Quaker Perspective on DEI with Niyonu Spann 32:59

5M ago32:59

32:59

As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the f…

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Roadmap to the Apocalypse: A Quaker Guide to the End of Our World with Doug Gwyn 38:28

5M ago38:28

38:28

Are we living through apocalyptic times? If so, how can we navigate this time of turmoil and come out on the other end with a society more whole, more just, and more guided by love? Quakers may have (part of) the answer. Quaker author and retired pastor, Doug Gwyn joins Jon Watts to explore how the "apocalyptic spirituality" of early Friends offers…

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39 Ways to (Nonviolently) Overthrow a Dictator, with George Lakey 33:38

7M ago33:38

33:38

As our democracy faces an existential threat it’s important that we look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker peace activist George Lakey. Lakey has been singing freedom songs in the streets since the civil rights movement, and on this week’s podcast episode we talk with George about the nonviolent da…

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Can We Make America Good? with Philip Gulley 37:46

8M ago37:46

37:46

Using both the pulpit and the page, Quaker pastor Philip Gulley has been a bold voice that challenges the church’s stance on heaven and hell, LGBTQ issues, and more. As he’s seen greater censorship in the publishing world, Phil has moved to an online newsletter where he questions the rise of Donald Trump and calls Christians to be more active in th…

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Black Fire: African American Quakers on Spirituality and Human Rights 28:52

8M ago28:52

28:52

Spanning more than 150 years, Black Fire brings together the words of Friends who spoke truth to power in some of America’s most tumultuous times. Featuring the writing and speeches of Bayard Rustin, Bill Sutherland, Sojourner Truth and many more, this book is a unique exploration into the spirituality and activism of Black Friends, told in their o…

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Our Top Episodes of 2024! 26:13

9M ago26:13

26:13

There were so many memorable moments in Season 2 of the podcast that we had to revisit a few for our final episode of 2024. We’ve chosen clips from interviews with famous Friends and moments of deep spiritual insight. Join us as we reflect on a meaningful year with Thee Quaker Podcast. Listen to our top five episodes: How to Vote Like a Quaker Quak…

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Do Quakers Celebrate Christmas? 31:46

10M ago31:46

31:46

‘Tis the season to answer one of the Internet’s most burning questions…Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? We called up Friends from around the globe to find the answer(s), and you might be surprised at what they say. Visit our episode page to comment on this episode, for discussion questions, and for a transcript. Thank you to our sponsor Right Sharin…

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Undoing Racism Within And Without: A Black Quaker's Pledge 32:00

10M ago32:00

32:00

“It's my responsibility and obligation as a Quaker to keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive,” says James Varner. And that’s what he’s done for more than 60 years. In this episode, James shares his passion to promote equality and love in Quaker circles and beyond. Discussion questions, a transcript, and a link to the full interview with James ca…

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Meet the Quaker Who Ran Against President Biden 33:06

12M ago33:06

33:06

Why would a virtually unknown Quaker entrepreneur attempt the impossible and run for president of the United States (in 2024)? And how in the world did he win a primary? On today’s episode, we to talk to former presidential candidate Jason Palmer and find out. Visit QuakerPodcast.com for transcripts, links, and more! Become a monthly supporter! Sig…

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How to Vote Like a Quaker 43:46

12M ago43:46

43:46

On the eve of a major U.S. presidential election, we’re exploring what it means to be a politically engaged Friend. We’ll hear from Diane Randall and Emily Provance, who will offer hope and guidance on how to engage faithfully. They’ll address voting, political violence, and engaging with people who have different opinions. And if a Quaker governme…

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Why Are There So Many Quaker Organizations? 38:44

12M ago38:44

38:44

FCNL, QVS, FWCC, AFSC…there are so many Quaker nonprofits and their acronyms can leave your head swimming, so today we’re going to explore where they all came from. How have they served Quaker communities? We’ll explore the work of these groups — from serving chocolate soup to German children during World War I to a brand new organization that is s…

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Speaking Truth To Power: Answering The Call 44:25

1y ago44:25

44:25

Indianapolis First Friends is a semi-programmed meeting that has seen an influx in membership since returning to in-person services after the pandemic. That has meant lots of people who are new to Quakerism. It also means lots of people who are unacquainted with the many Friends who have dedicated their lives to “Speaking Truth to Power.” On this e…

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A Walk to the Underground Railroad Tree 34:02

1y ago34:02

34:02

Today, we’re going on a walk to see a tree that has been a witness to the Underground Railroad. It’s a tree that sheds light on Quakers and slavery. A tree that’s been around as long as the United States. So, put on your sneakers and take a walk with our producer Georgia and historian James Shields as we uncover the rich history of brave Africans s…

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Can A Quaker School Fix a Broken System? 38:43

1y ago38:43

38:43

Friends schools are known for their holistic approach to education, and Friends Center for Children in New Haven, Connecticut, is no different. But this early childhood program has gone a few steps further. They have piloted life-changing initiatives that ensure their school community is representative of the community in which they live — from ren…

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Hope, Humility and Humor from a Bad Quaker 43:35

1y ago43:35

43:35

Popular Quaker author Brent Bill has written about prayer, how to live an abundant life, and sacred silence. Considering himself a “fellow traveler” rather than an expert, Brent invites his readers to join him as he explores topics of faith through a Quaker lens. On this episode, Georgia sits down with Brent to discuss the Christian life, his self-…

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The Astronomical Life Of Quaker Scientist Jocelyn Bell Burnell 36:46

1y ago36:46

36:46

As a PhD student in 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made an astronomical discovery, only to have the Nobel Prize in Physics for that discovery go to her male colleagues instead. But instead of becoming jaded by the misogyny she’s experienced, Jocelyn has become a beacon for women in the sciences. On today’s episode, we talk to Jocelyn about her Quaker r…

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Embracing God's Gentle Love 30:07

1y ago30:07

30:07

It is easy to be hard on ourselves and hard on other people, but what if we practiced gentleness? And what if we believed that God’s posture toward us is gentle? That’s the message that Quaker pastor Hannah Lutz brings us on today’s episode, and it’s one that she learned when she realized there was “chainmail” around her heart. Join us as we hear s…

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A Quaker Road Trip: Touring the Quaker Scenic Byway 36:20

1y ago36:20

36:20

Thousands of Quakers left the American South in the 1800s because of their anti-slavery beliefs. And many of those Friends settled in Ohio. On today’s episode, local historian Christine Snyder takes us on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio and shares some of the remarkable stories of these Quakers — tales of daring rescues, an outspoken m…

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Michael Birkel on Quakers, Mysticism, and Reading the Bible 36:28

1y ago36:28

36:28

As a professor at Earlham College, Michael Birkel was known for his dynamic and thoughtful teaching style. As an author, he is known for capturing Quaker theology and practice in an accessible way. Today, we’ve got this thoughtful Quaker scholar on the show to share his thoughts on mysticism, spiritual reading, and giving the next generation of Qua…

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What Do Quakers Believe? 37:55

1y ago37:55

37:55

Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs. Vis…

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Quakers in China 39:28

1y ago39:28

39:28

We don’t hear much about Quakers in China, but from the very early days of the faith, Friends felt called to go to the Far East. On today’s episode, we explore the history of Quaker missionaries in China — both evangelical and liberal — as they lived and worked amid wars, internal conflict, and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party. And we ask, h…

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Swimming With Spirit: Growing Out Of A Colonial Mindset 33:13

1+ y ago33:13

33:13

On today’s vocal ministry episode, Quaker pastor Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii in which he was confronted with the uncomfortable marriage of Christianity and colonialism. Mark is the pastor of West Hills Friends, a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, and he speaks to the need to attend to Spirit in the natur…

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The Making of Monopoly: How Quakers Shaped the World's Most Popular Board Game 28:54

1+ y ago28:54

28:54

Monopoly is a game of wealth and property…or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the twisty history of the world’s most popular board game, from its anti-capitalist origins to the Quakers who transformed the game into what it is today. This is a story of innovative women, big business, deceit, and the unknown legacy of Friends. We've g…

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Can Somebody Say Amen?: Inside A Quaker Church In Kenya 43:37

1+ y ago43:37

43:37

This week we’re sharing our first international vocal ministry episode by taking you inside a Kenyan service! While visiting Kisumu, Kenya, our colleague, Hannah Mayer got to visit Friends Church Manyatta — a lively evangelical Quaker congregation in the city of Kisumu. Join us as we hear a message of faith, peace, and new life from Reverend Pamela…

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Quakers in Kenya: Exploring the Faith of East African Friends 42:27

1+ y ago42:27

42:27

If you’re looking for Quakers, go to Kenya. There are more Quakers in the East African country than anywhere else in the world, and their numbers are growing. Although American missionaries first introduced them to the faith, Kenyan Friends have made Quakerism their own. On this episode, we explore the history of Friends in Kenya, their commitment …

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Quaker Pacifism: A Better Way to Engage in Conflict 48:46

1+ y ago48:46

48:46

George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence. Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this…

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How to Build a Daily Quaker Practice 41:26

1+ y ago41:26

41:26

Do you have a daily spiritual practice? On today’s episode, we’re exploring ways that spiritual discipline has helped Quakers connect with the Spirit today and throughout history. We made this episode to celebrate the launch of our newest project, the Daily Quaker Message, a daily Quaker devotional designed to nourish your spiritual journey. Visit …

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Quakers and Poetry: Two Friends Share Their Love of Verse 44:50

1+ y ago44:50

44:50

April is National Poetry Month in the US, and we’re celebrating with an episode on Quakers and poetry. We know many people love poetry, but it can also feel opaque. So, we called up two Friends who have found a home both in Quakerism and in verse. In our first segment, bestselling author Parker Palmer tells us how he gained a love of poetry and how…

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Lost and Found: Finding God's Voice in the Wilderness 39:01

1+ y ago39:01

39:01

Feeling lost, lonely, and directionless is part of the human experience, just ask the Biblical prophet Elijah. Faced with death for his convictions, he ran into the wilderness and found a God who met him in his grief and despair. On today’s episode, Quaker pastor Andy Stanton-Henry shares a message of getting lost and being found by the still small…

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The Daily Quaker Message is Here! 1:06

1+ y ago1:06

1:06

We have an announcement! Our newest project has launched. The Daily Quaker Message is an invitation to enter into a closer relationship with Spirit. Every day in your inbox, you’ll get an email with a short Quaker message to meditate on. Often that will be a quote but sometimes a song, a poem, a piece of art, or a video. We’ll also share an exercis…

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Bayard Rustin: The Unseen Architect of the Civil Rights Era 40:32

1+ y ago40:32

40:32

Lifelong Quaker Bayard Rustin was the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and an international peace activist. His identity as a gay man kept him in the shadows for decades, but he’s become something of an icon in recent years. In this episode, we explore the life and work of this groundbreaking Frien…

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Quakers in the Civil Rights Movement: Stories of Peaceful Persistence 36:09

1+ y ago36:09

36:09

Quakers have a long history of peacefully fighting for racial equality, and there is a lot to explore about their work during the Civil Rights Movement. In this episode, we share first-hand stories of Friends whose spiritual courage led them into the heart of the movement, even when they were beaten and threatened with death. Quakers were among the…

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Quaker Musician Carrie Newcomer Finds Songs in the Silence 38:22

1+ y ago38:22

38:22

Award-winning singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer has been called a “prairie mystic” for her meditative, poetic lyrics and folk-infused melodies. Carrie is also a thoughtful Quaker, whose faith comes through in her music, her poetry, and her podcast with author Parker Palmer. On this episode, Carrie shares how she came to Quakerism, how she writes fr…

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What Do Quakers Wear? 40:21

1+ y ago40:21

40:21

Quaker clothing is something of a mystery for non-Quakers. For more than 300 years, Quakers have been known for their “plain dress.” But what does plain dress mean today? On this episode, we talk to Quakers who have felt a spiritual leading to dress simply, but as you’ll hear, that means different things to different people. Comment on this episode…

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Finding a Spiritual Home: What Does Quakerism Look Like for the Next Generation? 32:54

1+ y ago32:54

32:54

When a midweek worship group for young Quakers sprung up at Portland Friends Meeting in Maine, it ruffled some feathers. Some wondered why they needed to meet separately. On today’s episode, we hear how this group of millennials found a spiritual home in not one but two weekly meetings for worship. Our episode page has discussion questions, a trans…

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Black Quakers Build The Beloved Community on Their Own Terms 42:19

1+ y ago42:19

42:19

Why are there so few Black Quakers in mostly-white Quaker meetings? What can white Quakers do to support and encourage Friends of Color? And what can we learn from how Black Friends worship? This season we’re taking inspiration from Civil Rights organizer Bayard Rustin and looking at how Black Quakers are at work in the world, starting with our fir…

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Season 2 is almost here! 2:42

1+ y ago2:42

2:42

This year, we’re exploring the life and work of spiritually courageous Friends like Bayard Rustin. We’re delving into burning questions about Quakerism. We’re going inside Quaker meetings across the U.S. and the world. And we’ll introduce you to new voices! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Leave a comment and find transcripts…

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Our Top 5 Episodes of the Year 24:16

2y ago24:16

24:16

We’re looking back at some of your favorite episodes and ours with our year-end countdown. Join us as we remember some of the most thoughtful moments in our first season. Find links to all of the episodes mentioned, a transcript, and discussion questions at https://quakerpodcast.com/our-top-5-episodes-of-the-year. Become a monthly supporter! Sign u…