Best Wendland Cook Program In Religion Podcasts (2025)

1
Ash Temin and Ben Yosua-Davis Explore Curiosity as a Spiritual Practice 29:48

Play Pause

6d ago29:48

29:48

What does it mean to approach a climate-changed world with rigorous and reverent curiosity? Inthis special Behind the Scenes Edition of the Climate Changed Podcast, host Jessica David sits down with Ben Yosua-Davis and Rev. Ash Temin of The BTS Center. Together, they explore how curiosity—paired with imagination—can become a spiritual practice, a w…

1
From Reconciliation to Making Things Right: Indigenous Wisdom, Christian Mission, and the Work of Solidarity 43:17

12d ago43:17

43:17

What if “reconciliation” lets the powerful off the hook? We sit with theologian and former United Church of Canada moderator Carmen Lansdowne to rethink repair from the ground up—centering Indigenous wisdom, circular time, and mission reimagined as solidarity. Carmen opens a candid window into her story of sobriety, Advent, and returning to a faith…

1
The Power of Cooperatives 51:17

1M ago51:17

51:17

Benny Overton and Rosemary Henkel-Rieger share their journey building the Southeast Center for Cooperative Development and explain how cooperative businesses create a democratic alternative to traditional capitalism. • Origins in labor organizing and union work with UAW and AFL-CIO • Different types of cooperatives including worker-owned, consumer,…

1
Claiming Your Call: Navigating Spiritual Leadership in a Climate-Changed World 31:12

1M ago31:12

31:12

What does it mean to have a calling in a climate-changed world?In this episode, Jessica David is joined by Alison Cornish and Allen Ewing-Merrill from The BTS Center team to explore the idea of “calling.” How do we know what our deepest purpose is, especially when the world is shifting beneath our feet? Through personal stories, reflections on chap…

1
Lists and Lima Beans: A Tactile Practice of Grief and Gratitude 22:22

2M ago22:22

22:22

Grounding: How do we make space for both sorrow and joy? In this tender and tactile episode, Jessica David steps out of her hosting role and into practice leadership, guiding listeners through a deeply personal ritual that blends lamentation and gratitude — with help from candles and beans. Drawing inspiration from her love of list-making, Jessica …

1
Embracing Climate Change Uncertainty: A Practice for Impossible Questions 14:58

3M ago14:58

14:58

How do we hold space for what feels unanswerable? In this episode of the Behind the Scenes Edition, host Jessica David welcomes Madeline Bugeau-Heartt, Program Associate at The BTS Center, to guide us through a contemplative practice. This episode isn’t about solving anything — it’s about embracing what feels impossible. Main Practice: Madeline sha…

1
PROMO Embracing Climate Change Uncertainty w/ Madeline Bugeau-Heartt 0:40

3M ago0:40

0:40

Guest: Madeline Bugeau-Heartt How do we hold space for what feels unanswerable? In this episode of the Behind the Scenes Edition, host Jessica David welcomes Madeline Bugeau-Heartt, Program Associate at The BTS Center, to guide us through a contemplative practice. This episode isn’t about solving anything — it’s about embracing what feels impossibl…

1
Holy Troublemaker: The Jesuit Pope Who Challenged the Status Quo with Fr. Bruce Morrill 1:56:34

3M ago1:56:34

1:56:34

This episode was recorded in May 2025. We'll have Fr. Bruce back on the pod to discuss our new pope in the coming months! What makes a pope "Marxist"? Is challenging capitalism equivalent to embracing communism? Father Bruce Morrill, Jesuit priest and theological scholar, joins us for a fascinating exploration of Pope Francis's complex legacy and t…

1
Listening Deeply in a Climate-Changed World with Peterson Toscano 16:33

3M ago16:33

16:33

Grounding: How do you stay grounded when facing climate chaos? For many, the journey begins with listening. This episode opens with Jessica David reflecting on how grounding practices can help us remain present and compassionate in a world shaped by climate disruption. She’s joined by podcast producer and longtime BTS Center collaborator Peterson T…

1
Practicing Groundedness in a Climate-Changed World 35:29

4M ago35:29

35:29

How do we stay grounded in a time of climate disruption? In this special Behind the Scenes Edition, host Jessica David invites listeners into a conversation with three BTS Center colleagues—Ash Temin, Madeline Bugeau-Heartt, and Peterson Toscano. Together, they explore the importance of spiritual and embodied practices that help us stay connected, …

1
Joerg Rieger and Vanderbilt’s Wendland-Cook Program: Faith Beyond False Solutions 51:37

4M ago51:37

51:37

In this special episode of Climate Changed, we’re delighted to share an episode from Religion & Justice, a podcast produced by our partners at the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Hosted by Gabriella Lisi (she/they/he) and George Schmidt (he/him/ours), Religion & Justice explores the intersections of clas…

1
Climate Change and The Power of Lament 39:35

4M ago39:35

39:35

In this deeply personal episode, Harvard Divinity School student and BTS Center intern Jessica David hosts a heartfelt conversation with BTS Center leaders Rev. Nicole Diroff and Rev. Alison Cornish about lament's essential, uncomfortable, and ultimately connective role in our climate-changed world. Together, they explore the collective practice of…

1
Climate Change Hope? It's Complicated 30:25

5M ago30:25

30:25

In this thoughtful second interim episode, host Jessica David talks deeply and candidly with The BTS Center team members Ben Yosua-Davis and Madeline Bugeau-Heartt about hope's complex and nuanced nature in our climate-changed world. They explore what it means to hold hope amidst uncertainty, loss, and the ongoing climate crisis. Meet the Host and …

1
Black Theology and the Black Panthers: Joshua Bartholomew on Faith, Revolution, and the Radical Imagination 1:20:20

6M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

What happens when theology meets revolution? In this episode of Religion and Justice, we sit down with Joshua Bartholomew, author of Black Theology and the Black Panthers, to explore the rich, radical relationship between Black Christian theology and one of the most influential political movements of the 20th century. Bartholomew walks us through t…

1
Desire, Rupture, and Revolutionary Theology with David True and Tom James 1:02:08

6M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

What if justice — as we commonly understand it — isn’t enough? In this episode, theologians David True and Tom James, co-authors of The Transcendence of Desire: A Theology of Political Agency, join us to explore the limitations of liberal justice frameworks and the radical potential of love-as-desire. We talk about the co-optation of justice under …

1
Spiritual Leadership in a Climate-Changed World: What and Why? 36:40

7M ago36:40

36:40

In this special interim episode, guest host Jessica David sits down with Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director of The BTS Center, and Debra Coyman, Chair of The BTS Center's Board of Trustees, to explore what spiritual leadership means in a climate-changed world. Together they unpack critical questions around faith, community action, and…

1
Letters from the Ecotone: Interconnectedness in Ecology and Theology with Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd and Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson 25:47

7M ago25:47

25:47

In this special episode, Nicole Diroff introduces a thoughtful exchange between Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd, an ecologist and theologian, and Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson, her pastor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they explored deep connections between ecological science and Christian theology through heartfelt letters. These letters are now compiled in their boo…

1
What Now? A Post-Inauguration and Election Conversation 53:31

8M ago53:31

53:31

Recorded in January 24, 2025. Built upon four blog posts from Joerg, Aaron, Gabby, and George, this event will explore how faith and justice intersect to create pathways for collective liberation. At the heart of this conversation is the belief that mourning, grief, and collective suffering can be powerful tools for social change. Rooted in the und…

1
Faith, Ecology, and Economic Justice with Joerg Rieger and Terra Rowe 53:27

8M ago53:27

53:27

In this episode of Religion and Justice, Gabby and George welcome Terra and Joerg, co-editors of Liberating People, Planet, and Religion: Intersections of Ecology, Economics, and Christianity. Their groundbreaking work explores how faith communities can confront ecological devastation and economic inequality, offering a powerful call to action for …

1
Parenting in a Climate-Changed World with Elizabeth Rush and Sophia Cheng 1:14:56

8M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

How do we navigate the joys and challenges of parenting in a world shaped by climate change? In this episode, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff explore this question with two thoughtful guests: Elizabeth Rush, acclaimed author of The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth, and Sophia Cheng, founder of With Many Roots and …

1
Climate Change, American Catholics, and Laudato Si with Jose Aguto 59:43

9M ago59:43

59:43

In this episode, Ben Yosua-Davis speaks with Jose Aguto, a passionate advocate for climate action deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. Together, they explore the intersection of moral responsibility, theology, and the Catholic Church’s response to the climate crisis. Grounding: This episode begins with a reading from Laudato Si: On Care for Our Com…

1
Critical Petro-Theology and Extraction with Terra Schwerin Rowe 58:30

10M ago58:30

58:30

Editor's Note: We originally uploaded this episode with audio for a Terra and Joerg episode. The corrected episode was uploaded shortly thereafter (~48 hours). The official Terra and Joerg episode will be released in mid-February. Stay tuned! In this episode, Gabby and George talk with Dr. Terra Schwerin Rowe, an Associate Professor in the Departme…

1
The Drama and the Miracle of Christmas with Joerg Rieger 36:40

10M ago36:40

36:40

In this special Christmas episode of Religion and Justice, we are joined by Dr. Joerg Rieger to unpack the profound and often overlooked realities of the nativity story. Far from the idyllic scenes of "Silent Night, Holy Night," Dr. Rieger presents the birth of Jesus as a story of drama, precarity, and resilience amidst imperial power and systemic …

1
The Possibilities of Climate Conscious Chaplaincy with Terry LePage and Alison Cornish 55:03

11M ago55:03

55:03

In this episode, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff examine the evolving role of chaplains in a climate-changed world. They are joined by author, chaplain, and grief circle facilitator Terry LePage, as well as Rev. Alison Cornish, coordinator of The BTS Center's Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative. Together, they explore how chaplains offe…

1
The Bible and Climate Change with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano 55:54

11M ago55:54

55:54

In this episode of Climate Changed, host Ben Yosua-Davis is joined by guest host Derrick Weston to explore how the Bible can inform climate action. Featuring conversations with Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano, they discuss how scripture and faith-based teachings can guide Christians toward a hopeful and proactive response to the clima…

1
Faith, Exploitation, and the Path Forward 1:10:08

12M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

In this special episode, George and Gabby take a backseat as we present a powerful conversation featuring Dr. Joerg Rieger, Dr. Elaine Nogueira-Godsey, and moderated by Dr. Jeremy Posadas. Together, they explore the intertwined exploitation of people and the planet, examining how Christianity has historically contributed to systemic injustices. But…

1
Gustavo Gutiérrez with Joerg Rieger and Jung Mo Sung 33:23

12M ago33:23

33:23

In this special episode, we honor the life and legacy of Gustavo Gutiérrez, a towering figure in the realm of liberation theology. Gabby and George sit down with esteemed scholars Jung Mo Sung and Joerg Rieger, both of whom have been influenced by Gustavo's teachings and friendship. Through reflections and shared memories, our guests illuminate the…

1
Capitalism's Climate Denial: The Ecocidal Engine of Our Time with Tad Delay 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

In this episode of Religion and Justice, we sit down with Dr. Tad DeLay to discuss his latest work, Future of Denial: Ideologies of Climate Change. As global temperatures rise and wildfires, droughts, and floods become more common, denialism continues to morph—from greenwashing corporate strategies to political distractions. Tad DeLay offers a deep…

1
Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacobs 53:42

1y ago53:42

53:42

Brief Episode Description: In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest …

1
Deep Solidarity: Rethinking Ecology, Economics, and Religion with Joerg Rieger 1:02:46

1y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

In this episode, Gabby and George dive into the connections between ecological exploitation, economic inequality, and religion with renowned theologian Joerg Rieger. As the founder of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt, Rieger shares insights on "deep solidarity," a concept that unites various forms of exploitation acro…

1
The Power of Ritual and Story with Brian McLaren and Favianna Rodriguez 1:06:51

1y ago1:06:51

1:06:51

In the Season Three premiere of the Climate Changed Podcast, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff engage in a powerful conversation with Brian McLaren, an influential author, activist, and public theologian. They explore the vital role faith communities can play in addressing climate change, drawing on insights from McLaren’s latest book, Life A…

1
Solidarity in Times of Helplessness with Priscila Alves Gonçalves da Silva 57:36

1y ago57:36

57:36

In this episode, we sit down with theologian Priscila Alves Gonçalves da Silva to explore how faith, solidarity, and human resilience intersect in times of socio-economic despair. Drawing on her personal experiences growing up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and witnessing her mother’s struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Priscila delves deep i…

1
Get Ready for Season Three: You are Invited to the Special Online Launch Party 1:06

1y ago1:06

1:06

🎉 Join Us for the Climate Changed Season Three Launch Party! 🎉 We're kicking off the new season of Climate Changed with a special online party, and YOU'RE invited! 🗓 When: Monday, September 16th, 7:30–8:30 PM (Eastern) 📍 Where: Online (free event!) Be the first to listen to the brand new season as we debut our Season Three opener, featuring an inte…

1
The South's Role in the Social Gospel Movement with Yolanda Pierce, Joerg Rieger, Paul Lim, and Aaron Stauffer (S2:E1) 54:10

1y ago54:10

54:10

In this special episode, George and I take a break from hanging out with our guests and let Aaron Stauffer lead! Join Aaron, Director of Online Learning at Vanderbilt Divinity School, as he leads a compelling conversation with three distinguished scholars exploring the deep connections between the social gospel movement, labor, and economic justice…

1
Ben Yosua-Davis Gives a Sneak Peek of Season Three 3:18

1y ago3:18

3:18

By The BTS Center

1
Decapitalizing the Means of Thriving with Gabriella Lettini, Tim Van Meter, and Jeremy Posadas (S1:E15) 58:00

1y ago58:00

58:00

In this episode, we explore the intersection of religion, ecology, and economics through the lens of the Wendland-Cook Program's "Liberating People and the Planet" series. We delve into how capitalism entangles communities in destructive ways and how religion might offer liberative practices to imagine a more enlivening future. The companion book t…

1
Nicole Diroff Gives a Sneak Peek of Season Three 5:05

1y ago5:05

5:05

Nicole Diroff shares some of the details for the upcoming third season of Climate Changed podcast. This season we will explore the concept of courage in the face of climate change as we emphasize the need to prioritize collective salvation over individual salvation. We will highlight the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of…

1
Flooding in Appalachia: A Call to Redemptive Work with Robert Kell (S1:E14) 1:07:35

1+ y ago1:07:35

1:07:35

In this episode, hosts Gabby Lisi and George Schmidt are joined by Robert Kell, the New Economy Program Manager with Appalachian Voices and a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School (Wendland-Cook Program Fellow). Together, they discuss Robert's article, "Flooding in Appalachia Calls Us to Redemptive Work," which delves into the environmental and so…

1
Trans Worker Rights: A Conversation with Genevieve Rand (S1:E13) 1:08:18

1+ y ago1:08:18

1:08:18

In this episode, hosts Gabby Lisi and George Schmidt sit down with Genevieve Rand, a prominent leader in the trans worker rights movement. Together, they delve into the struggles and triumphs of trans workers in the labor movement, discussing the unique challenges they face and how unions can better support them. Genevieve shares powerful stories o…

1
Divestment, Palestine, and Solidarity at Vanderbilt (S1:E12) 1:09:05

1+ y ago1:09:05

1:09:05

In this episode of Religion and Justice, hosts George and Gabby sit down with members of the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition, Palestine Hurra Collective, Vanderbilt Divinity School Students Against Genocide, and Vanderbilt Graduate Workers United to discuss the urgent issues of divestment, Palestine, and the Vanderbilt administration's response to the …

1
Eco-La-La Land with Chaia Heller (S1:E11) 1:24:27

1+ y ago1:24:27

1:24:27

In this episode of "Religion and Justice," George Schmidt sits down with Chaia Heller, a writer, activist, and prominent voice in the field of social ecology. The discussion revolves around Chaia's article, "Tales from Eco-la-la Land," which explores the intersection of spirituality and ecological philosophy, and addresses the problems of moralizin…

1
Sacred Roots: Exploring the Social Gospel in the Southern United States (Grant Series) (S1:E10) 38:43

1+ y ago38:43

38:43

In this special episode of "Religion and Justice," hosted by Aaron Stauffer, Assistant Director of Wendland-Cook and Director of Online Learning at Vanderbilt Divinity School, we embark on a captivating exploration of the Social Gospel in the South. Despite the absence of our regular hosts, Gabby Lisi and George, this episode promises a rich and en…

1
Listening to the Spirit with Aaron Stauffer (S1:E9) 1:02:44

1+ y ago1:02:44

1:02:44

George and Gabby sat down with Aaron Stauffer, author of "Listening to the Spirit: The Radical Social Gospel, Sacred Value, and Broad-Based Community Organizing." In this interview, Aaron offered deep insights into the intersection of religion, social justice, and community organizing. Drawing from his extensive experience in interfaith broad-based…

1
Deep Solidarity and Moralizing with Tess Gallagher-Clancy and Joerg Rieger (S1:E8) 1:09:44

1+ y ago1:09:44

1:09:44

George and Gabby had the privilege of sitting down with Tess GC of LeftCatholic/SpiritofSolidarity and Dr. Joerg Rieger. They engaged in a discussion about religion, justice, and leftist philosophy and activism. They cover the concept of deep solidarity, the role of confession and repentance within the secular left, the nature of organizing and the…

1
Organizing in the South with Rev. Sekou and Joerg Rieger (Grant Series) (S1:E7) 57:10

1+ y ago57:10

57:10

In this special episode of "Religion and Justice," join the roundtable discussion featuring Rev. Sekou, Joerg Rieger, and Aaron Stauffer as they unravel the roles of scholars and seminaries in the contemporary fight for justice and equity. Delving into the intricate dynamics of communities of belonging, education, and activism, the episode explores…

1
What Roles Can Religion Play? with Shanon Shah 59:22

1+ y ago59:22

59:22

In our final episode of Season Two, we’re joined by Dr. Shanon Shah, an advocate whose work is at the intersection of faith, human rights, and climate change. Shanon's multifaceted career includes journalism, theater, and academia in Malaysia before his relocation to London. A practicing Muslim, Shanon is also a scholar in the sociology of religion…

1
The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond (Part II) (S1:E6) 1:00:19

1+ y ago1:00:19

1:00:19

PART TWO | In the midst of an ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, this episode unfolds from a poignant webinar titled "The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond." This vital conversation took place on January 27, 2024. Featuring Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, Atalia Omer, and Revelation Velunta, the episode delves into the intersect…

1
The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond (Part I) (S1:E5) 57:55

1+ y ago57:55

57:55

In the midst of an ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, this episode unfolds from a poignant webinar titled "The Bible and Settler Colonialism in Palestine and Beyond." This vital conversation took place on January 27, 2024. Featuring Rev. Prof. Mitri Raheb, Atalia Omer, and Revelation Velunta, the episode delves into the intersection of reli…

1
Am I the Right Person? with Margaret Wheatley 1:01:41

1+ y ago1:01:41

1:01:41

In this thought-provoking episode of the podcast "Am I the Right Person?," Ben engages in deeply insightful conversations with Margaret Wheatley, an icon in organizational leadership, and Debra Rienstra, author of Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonder, and the Healing of the Earth. Wheatley paints a grim picture of the future, cit…

1
Counter Memory with Wilson Dickinson (Grant Series) (S1:E4) 1:07:26

2y ago1:07:26

1:07:26

In this episode, George and Gabby embark on an exploration of the Southern Social Gospel featuring Wilson Dickinson. Wilson is a minister, educator, and director of the Green Good News. Discover the theological underpinnings of the Southern Social Gospel, delve into alternative memories within the environmental movement, and explore the lasting imp…