Thee Quaker Podcast

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 courage that you’ve never heard before. Season 3 launches on August 12th with new episode...

When the federal government rescinded a decades-old policy protecting houses of worship from immigration raids, a group of Quakers filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.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 fundamentally obstructs their ability to worship, a practice which requires the presence o...

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 principles provide a roadmap for modern resistance. 

He reveals remarkable acts of civil...

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 dissent is being criminalized, how do we stand up for what is right? How do we demand ...

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. This conversation examines how faith communities can move from witnessing suffering to...

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 founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, she invites us to confront uncomfort...

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 profound wisdom for navigating our own era of upheaval. From the nonviolent "Lamb's W...

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 database he helped to assemble which shows 39 recent cases of countries whose people no...

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 the pursuit of truth and justice.

In this interview, Jon speaks with Phil about his chan...

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 own words.

In partnership with Friends General Conference, we’re bringing you an exclus...

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
• Quaker Musician Carrie Newcomer Finds Songs Out of the Silence
• What Do Quakers Wear?
• How t...

‘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 Sharing of World Resources
Do you want to have conversations about global equity? Are you int...

“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 can be found on our episode page.

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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 government sounds good right about now, then you definitely need to hear our segment on the ri...

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 supporting Quaker ministers. 

And then we'll check in about how it's going at our own n...

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 episode, Pastor Bob Henry shares a message that explores the life of outspoken feminist...

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 seeking freedom and the Quakers who helped them through these North Carolina woods.

NEWS...

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 rent-free homes for teachers to tuition on a sliding scale that makes Friends Center aff...