Lady Preacher Podcast

Happy Pride month, beloveds! We are excited to kick off the month by talking to Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber (she/her) about her new book, Queering the American Dream. She shares about traveling the country and learning about the presence of divinity all around her. About Angela Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber (she/her) is an 8-time award-winning author and publisher at Tehom Center Publishing, a press publishing feminist and queer authors, with a commitment to elevate BIPOC writers. She holds a Ph.D. in Art and Religion and has been a seminary professor for nearly two decades. Her recent memoir, Queering the American Dream, is listed in QSpirit's Top LGBTQ Religion Books and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, HuffPo, Ms Magazine, the television show Tiny House Nation, and more. For more on her work and ministry, visit www.angelayarber.org and for more on Tehom Center Publishing, visit www.tehomcenter.org Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Burn out is a universal feeling - everyone reaches their wits ends at some point. This has been especially true in the Church world lately, from pastors to volunteers. Rev. Callie Swanland addresses that head on and tackles the conversation in a new way to make us think about how best to fill our wells each and everyday. About Callie Callie Swanlund is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, spiritual companion, and coach who helps others know their belovedness and find their Spark. Her new book, From Weary to Wholehearted, is a restorative resource for overcoming ministry burnout. Callie is a creative minister and leads individuals and groups in the work of Dr. Brené Brown as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Her How2charist: Digital Instructed Eucharist film has reached Christians and curious individuals around the world, and her Wholehearted Wisdom movement invites others into deeper reflection and connection across social media. Callie is an Episcopal Church Foundation Fellow and has keynoted such conferences as: Kanuga Christian Formation Conference, Episcopal Communicators Annual Conference, and Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Annual Conference. She lives in Philadelphia with her co-dreaming partner Jeremy, their two tween/teen children, and a rescue pup named Rufus. www.callieswanlund.com Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Kelsey shares how a few Veterans changed her understanding of Memorial Day worship services. Our weekly interview will drop tomorrow, Tuesday, May 28th.

Witnessing the war in Gaza can make us feel hopeless and like there's nothing we can do. Dr. Peter Makari (he/him), a Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe, shares with us today a message of hope, justice, and peace. He offers important background information in relationships in the Middle East and lifts up voices of Palestinian partners who are on the ground doing important work. Peter reminds us to recall Jesus' message of "who is my neighbor" and how that neighbor is not just the person next door, but our global neighbor as well. This is an important conversation and we hope it encourages you to utilize the links below to continue learning and connecting, and turning hope into action. About Peter Dr. Peter E. Makari (he/him), PhD, serves as Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe with the Common Global Ministries Board of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a position he has held since July 1, 2000. He serves on the National Council of Churches’ Interreligious Convening Table, of which he is a co-convener, and has been an active participant in national Jewish-Christian and Muslim-Christian dialogue initiatives. He represents the UCC and Disciples on the Faith Forum for Middle East Policy, of which he is a co-convener, and on the board of Churches for Middle East Peace. He also represents the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on the Steering and Executive Committees of the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign. An Egyptian-American, Peter has lived in the Middle East, where he worked with the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) in Cairo, Egypt (1991-1994), and then with the Middle East Council of Churches, based in Limassol, Cyprus (1997-2000). Peter earned an M.A. in Middle East Studies from the American University in Cairo (1993) and a Ph.D. in Politics and Middle East Studies from New York University (2003). He is the author of Conflict and Cooperation: Christian-Muslim Relations in Contemporary Egypt (Syracuse University Press, 2007). Peter is a member of West Park United Church of Christ in Cleveland, OH. Important Links to Learn More Global Ministries' Middle East and Europe Homepage: https://www.globalministries.org/regions/mee/ Resources, including recommended reading (under “Bookshelf”): https://www.globalministries.org/resource/mee_resources_index/ Our UCC and Disciples response page to the current crisis in the Middle East: https://www.globalministries.org/the-disciples-and-ucc-address-the-crisis-in-the-middle-east/ Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Sit down with a group of kindergartners and ask, "Raise you hand if you're creative!" and every single child will raise their hand. Ask a room full of adults that same question, and you'll only get a few hands. So what happens between childhood and adulthood? It's not that we are no longer creative - perhaps we have just lost touch with our creativity! Diane Harpster (she/her) is all about reminding people of their inner creative, reminding them they are made in the image of the greatest Creator. With her Zentangle art, she connects with her own faith and with God, and by teaching that artform to others, she encourages them to do the same. About Diane (she/her) As a child, Diane was surrounded by women who made beautiful things with their hands using fabric, yarn, flowers, and fruits of their gardens, and more. It was through them that she learned that creating not only brings joy to the Creator but has the potential to bless others with beauty and joy as well. Diane is a certified Zentangle teacher, an artform founded by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. She has experienced the calming benefits of this meditative practice, and enjoys teaching others. She says, "Anyone who can hold a pen and write their name can do this!" Connect with us! Sign up to receive a little Gospel in your inbox every Monday Morning with our weekly devotional.Check out our website for various resources - including devotionals, journaling prompts, and even curriculumGet some Lady Preacher Podcast swag!Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook

Many of us spend our whole lives trying to earn and achieve, even in the realm of faith. If we just do more, we can be better Christians. But that's not what scripture teaches us. In her new book, Blessed Are the Rest of Us, Miacha Boyett (she/her) invites us to see how striving for accomplishment isn't a way of faith. Instead, Jesus invites us to see our belovedness simply for who we are: imperfect, beautiful human beings. About Micha (she/her) (in her own words) Hi. I’m Micha. It’s pronounced “My-kah.” (Very confusing, I know.) I’m an author, youth pastor, podcaster, Down syndrome advocate, barre-enthusiast, and a lover of proper cappuccinos. I have a masters degree in poetry. My dog is big and white and fluffy. I’m the mom of three boys. I believe deeply in rest, but I’m only just learning how to live into that belief. I am against email. I am pro sunshine and TikTok dances. My new book Blessed Are the Rest of Us is about how my youngest son’s disabilities taught me to recognize my own addiction to accomplishment, and how through acknowledging my limits and longings, I was invited to a new way of living in the world—a way of wholeness, the kind of flourishing life Jesus taught about. Visit Micha's website, listen to her podcast The Slow Way, or The Lucky Few.

"If we never make the mistake, we never learn from it." -Rev. Keats Miles Wallace Many of us struggle with engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts because we are afraid of getting things wrong - that we'll say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, or mess up in some way. We attach our ego to it, thinking that if we get it wrong then we are wrong, or are a bad person. Rev. Keats Miles Wallace (they/them) assures us: the only way to do it is by doing it wrong. Because that's how we learn! In today's episode, hear Keats's encouraging words, offering wisdom and grace for those of us who struggle with perfection and need the reminder that it's okay to not get it right all the time. About Keats Rev. Keats Miles-Wallace (they/them) is from South-Central Texas, having grown up on the I-35 corridor north of San Antonio and then settling in Seguin. They attended Texas Lutheran University and attained a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Marketing prior to attending Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for their Master of Divinity. They specialize in preaching, pastoral care, and queer theology. They also serve on the staff of the Southwestern Texas Synod Bishop's Office as the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity & Communications Coordinator, as well as serving the national church on the On Leave From Call Task Force. Keats and their wife Jessica have studied abroad in England, lived in Berkeley, California and Dublin/Hilliard, Ohio, and now live in Seguin, Texas with their dog and cat.

Spiritual anxiety, often the outcome of various forms of spiritual abuse and manipulation perpetuated by certain religious institutions, has become widespread among Christians. In her new book, Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse, Tiffany Yecke Brooks equips readers with how to identify these tactics, and offers pathways towards healing by inviting people to listen to the God who resides within. About Tiffany (she/her) Tiffany Yecke Brooks, PhD, is the lead or contributing writer for more than two dozen books. She is the coauther of Fear is a Choice: Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination (with NFL running back James Conner), Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance (with Paralympic gold-medalist Mallory Weggemann), and the narrative nonfiction historical thriller Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth (with historian Claire Bellerjeau), and Gaslighted by God: Reconstructing a Disillusioned Faith. She has also published numerous articles in Smithsonian, New York Archives, and peer-reviewed journals. Tiffany has taught literature and writing at Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, and the University of South Carolina-Beaufort. She is currently completing an MA in Spiritual Formation at Portland Seminary. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

We've had a large request for smaller episodes that focus on scripture with Pastor Kelsey - so today we're throwing it back to one of our episodes just like that. We're working on getting more of these smaller episodes recorded but in the meantime enjoy one of our more popular episodes! Blessings are all around us, but if we're not careful, the theology behind the blessings can do more harm than good. Today we take a deep dive into Matthew 5:1-12 and really dissect the Beatitudes. We look at how the blessing isn't in the suffering, but in the way that God shows up and redeems our suffering. Join us: open your mind, open your heart, and fill your cup with a little Gospel.

Last week, Kelsey posted on Instagram an invitation to ask her anything, and she'd answer on the pod - and that's what this episode is! We have questions ranging from motherhood to soteriology. This was such a fun episode to do. Be on the lookout for when Kelsey posts another invitation, next time will be to her email list so be sure to join that here! Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

“When Love transforms our heart, our actions align with the truth of our being and we remember that which we already are.” — Felicia Murrell When the storm is swirling, a lighthouse serves as a light guiding us safely to shore - for Felicia, that lighthouse is God's Love. In today's episode, Felicia shares with us what Divine Love truly is, and how it calls us home to ourselves - to knowing who we are as beings made in the image of Love. Felicia guides us into understanding how God sees us through eyes of Love, welcoming and accepting us fully for who we are. Buy Felicia's book, And: The Restorative Power of Love in an Either/Or World HERE About Felicia Felicia Murrell is an author based in Woodbury, MN. She is a spiritual companion, speaker, certified master life coach and former ordained pastor with over twenty years of church leadership experience. She also serves the publishing industry as a freelance copy editor. With a deep understanding of what it means to be human, Felicia is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace who they already are and who Love is inviting them to be. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Women's voices and stories have been left out of history, but the Easter story - if told correctly - lifts them up. Women, especially Mary Magdalene, play a central role in Jesus' walk from entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the Cross on Friday morning, through the Saturday vigil and in the experience and telling of the resurrection. Writer, teacher, and theologian Chelsea Kim Long takes us into the heart of why and how Mary's story is left out, and why it's so important to bring her voice back to the center of the Easter experience. For an additional faith resource this week, listen to this guided meditation by Chelsea that walks through Holy Week with Mary Magdalene: https://insighttimer.com/chelseakimlong/guided-meditations/a-journey-of-faithfulness-with-mary-magdalene About Chelsea Chelsea Kim Long (she/her) is a writer, creator, meditation teacher, and lay theologian. Entering motherhood catalyzed her deconstruction journey out of the white evangelical faith, and she's currently querying her first book that explores the intersections of faith deconstruction, the political and theological implications of living in a female body, and the impossible demands of modern American motherhood. Chelsea defines herself as a post-evangelical Christian mystic, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the Bible and the life and words of Jesus as well as her 10+ years of yoga practice. She started teaching meditation in 2017 after completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training, has taken a year's worth of e-courses through the Center of Action and Contemplation, and has been co-leading her neighborhood faith community since 2019. She lives in San Diego with her husband and 3 kids. Find her most recent work at chelseakimlong.com. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Easter is a day of joy and celebration as we welcome the good news that Jesus is alive! And - sometimes we get caught up in the stickiness of how to talk about the Easter story with kids. Meredith Miller is a children and youth ministry expert and she has a great framework for how to approach telling these stories to little hearts. Short and sweet, this episode is jam packed with great ways to talk about Easter with kids! For more resources on having these conversations with little ones, check out this substack article Meredith wrote that tackles five common Easter questions (like, “What is Easter?” and “Why did Jesus die?”) and some concrete examples on how to answer them. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Hello friends! It has been pulling at Pastor Kelsey's heart to take a break. It won't be a long one, just a few weeks, but a needed one while she finds the ground underneath her feet. Thank you for always being here and showing up week after week. We hope that in this time you, too, consider what God might be telling you to "press pause" on.

**Please note this episode was recorded before the Alabama Supreme Court ruling. We want to be clear that we fully support women's rights and the rights of all who wish to be parents, and we believe IVF should be accessible to all. Join Kelsey and seminarian Anne Alexis Harra for a conversation ranging from Jesus' encouragement of women's leadership, to reproductive rights, to the atrocities happening in Gaza. Books recommended during the episode: Call and Consequences: A Womanist Reading of Mark by Raquel St. ClaireA Woman Is No Man: A Read with Jenna Pick About Anne Alexis Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) is a Postulant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church, and is currently attending seminary. Anne Alexis is passionate about Jesus, the liturgy and worship of the Episcopal Church, reproductive justice, and her two cats, Laney and Nellie. When she's not "doing the Jesus thing," she can be found crocheting, lifting weights, or rewatching Bob's Burgers.

In her classes at Saint Mary’s College of California, Porsia Tunzi encourages her students to bring their full selves. In a class that’s all about how religion shows up in our culture and everyday lives, discussions can get heated, but Porsia insists on creating a safe and brave space for her students to talk about hard things. In this episode, Porsia shares with us why nuance is so important when it comes to religion. She encourages us all to see how we can benefit from leaning into curiosity and holding space for how all of our different lives and experiences shape our understanding of God. About Porsia Porsia Tunzi is a professor and researcher currently teaching at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Passionate about asking the hard questions concerning religion and contemporary society, Porsia brings her sociological curiosity into the classroom and public square. Her scholarly work focuses on lived religion, digital media, gender, and race, with additional teaching specializations in popular culture, authority, American religious trends, women’s studies in religion, and interreligious dialogue. Porsia enjoys over 10 years of teaching experience on both the high school and college level. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

In February 2024, Rev. Latishia will be embarking on a profound initiation into the Lucumí tradition, as a priest dedicated to Oshun. The Lucumí faith, also known as Santería, is a rich and vibrant Afro-Caribbean spiritual tradition that has been a source of inspiration and guidance for her on her path. From February 2024-February 2025, Rev. Latishia will undergo the Iyaworaje, commonly referred to as the "year of white." This period is a time of deep spiritual reflection, learning, and growth, marking the beginning of a new phase in her ministry. In this powerful interview, Rev. Latishia shares how understanding and incorporating the faith of her ancestors has enhanced her own faith, deepening her relationship with Christ and with her ancestors. About Rev. Latishia James Latishia James, MDiv (she/they) affectionately known as Rev. Pleasure is a Black queer femme, womanist, writer, facilitator of healing spaces for BIPOC women, femmes, and LGBTQIA folks, and sacral spirituality coach. A Master of Divinity and Certificate of Sexuality & Religion graduate from Pacific School of Religion she lives - and works - at the intersection of pleasure activism, sacral sanctity, spirituality, reproductive and healing justice. She is currently the Co-Director for Organizational Development at SACReD - Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity. Latishia also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University in Human Services, which is where they first understood that they could be a healing practitioner beyond a medical professional and began advocating for the wholeness of women and girls of color. Their startup spirit and ministry of presence reaches beyond the physical walls of "the church." Her service as a rape crisis counselor, LGBTQ activist, hospital and abortion-clinic chaplain, and facilitator blossomed into Empathic Solutions, LLC. Their consulting and spiritual coaching practice for people harmed by religious rhetoric and patriarchal power-based violence. Latishia is dedicated to the wholeness of Black folks, and that is at the forefront of everything she does including her care of herself. They are committed to experiencing the fullness of joy and goodness of their body for their own benefit, outside of systems of oppression, in this lifetime and wants the same for their beloveds. Connect with Latishia https://www.linkedin.com/in/latishiaavjames/ Connect with us! websiteswagInstagramFacebook

"Don’t oppress an immigrant. You know what it’s like to be an immigrant, because you were immigrants in the land of Egypt." - Exodus 23:9 Through her international relations work, Kerry Brodie saw firsthand the plight that immigrants face in the U.S. God put a call on her heart to make change and create opportunities for people who come to this country to not only find work, but also find community and support. She founded Emma's Torch, an organization that provides refugees with in-depth culinary training as well as employability, equity, and empowerment training. In our conversation, Kerry shares the impetus for creating the organization, how her Jewish faith drives her, and her vision for what is possible when you listen to the still small voice of God putting a call on your heart. Learn more about Emma's Torch. About Kerry Kerry Brodie is the founder and Executive Director of Emma’s Torch. Since its launch in 2016, Emma’s Torch has opened multiple locations in New York City and has recently expanded operations to Washington, DC. Kerry’s passion for sustainable business models has played an important role in Emma’s Torch’s growth. She believes in being mission-driven and data-informed. Her interest in philanthropic R.O.I. has kept the organization laser-focused on ensuring program graduates get the best possible outcomes: to pursue their own goals and attain financial freedom. Since founding Emma’s Torch, Kerry has had the opportunity to grow her leadership at the intersection of culinary arts and social advocacy. She is a recipient of a Gaudium Award from the Breukelein Institute and was a 2020 JWI Woman to Watch. She has been featured on CNN Heroes, The Forward 50, City & State’s 40 Under 40, and 36 Under 36–among many others.

Anne-Marie Zanzal is a self-identified later in life lesbian. When she came out, she realized how little support there was for folks like her who were coming out later in life. Being a chaplain and ordained UCC minister, when Anne-Marie saw that gaping need, she decided to do something to fill it. She started later in life mutual support groups for queer folks and eventually that grew into one-on-one coaching and support. Anne-Marie offers us the gift of sharing her story and her insight. About Anne-Marie (in her own words) I came out later in life as a lesbian. My background is in group work, training in the healthcare system, hospital and hospice chaplain, and as an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Through my journey and experiences of coming out, getting divorced, and searching for support I saw grief and pain, as well as joyous awakenings and new self-discoveries. It can be confusing to hold these dichotomies as well as seek support solely from heterosexual sources. I realized there was a need for support, particularly for people coming out later in life. My goal is to provide compassionate support to makes the process of coming out less isolating, or provide clarity to the questioning and even someone to share the joy of newfound authenticity. I work to hold space to process all aspects of your identity including your sexuality and your spirituality. I seek through coaching and groups to empower my clients to find courage to authentically and boldly discover who they truly are. Learn more about Anne-Marie and her coaching & support services here, and be sure to check out her podcast, Coming Out and Beyond. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook

Author and faith leader Claire McKeever-Burgett is here to share about her new book, Blessed Are the Women. Through a blend of storytelling, poetry, and prayer, Blessed Are the Women invites readers to reimagine worship, embrace women's narratives, and foster healing within themselves and their communities. Buy the book here and be sure to subscribe to Claire's Substack. About Claire Claire hails from the dry plains of West Texas, and though she’s lived in Washington, D.C., Austin, TX, Louisiana, and Nashville since 2013, she still claims Texas as her home. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English and Professional Writing, Claire began her career working at Sojourners magazine on Jim Wallis’ New York Times bestselling book tour for God’s Politics. From there, Claire worked in the nonprofit sustainable food world in Austin, Texas, and then made her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School where she earned a Master of Divinity in 2011. An author, creative contemplative, and spiritual leader, Claire has dedicated her life to bridging spirituality and social justice. She has served as a clergy, led congregations, and facilitated transformative writing, movement, and liturgical practices centered on healing and embodiment. A mother, certified birth and postpartum doula, and a yoga, dance, and martial arts instructor, Claire lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with us! weekly devotionalwebsiteswagInstagramFacebook