Thee Quaker Podcast

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.

Become a monthly supporter! 

Sign up for the Daily...

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...

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-proclaimed status as a “bad Quaker,” and lots more. Join us for this thoughtful and ho...

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 roots, her move from evangelical to liberal Quakerism, her life in science, black holes...

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 some wise words from Hannah.

Find more information, discussion questions, and a transcri...

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 minister who prophesied war, and so much more. 

Put on your seat belt and join us for a...

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 Quakers room to express their faith.

Visit the episode page for discussion questions, a t...

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.

Visit our episode page for links, discussion questions, and the transcript.

Become a mont...

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, how can Friends renew their concern for this region?

This episode was supported by the ...