Parker Palmer, a writer, teacher, and activist, shares his wisdom on navigating despair and maintaining hope amidst societal challenges. He discusses his journey through clinical depression and the importance of redefining achievement. The conversation emphasizes how community engagement can counter negative media narratives, transforming heartache into compassion. Palmer encourages listeners to embrace their brokenheartedness as a means to foster genuine connections and reminds us that even in dark times, our hearts can remain soft and resilient.

Charles Spencer, author and historian, known as Princess Diana's brother, opens up on his memoir detailing the harrowing experiences at an abusive boarding school. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of childhood trauma, the challenge of confronting past fears, and the transformative power of sharing painful stories. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in healing and explores how intimate connections formed during tough times can foster resilience. Tune in for a profound reflection on trauma and recovery.

Tembi Locke, an actress and author known for her best-selling memoir "From Scratch," discusses her profound journey through love and loss. She reflects on her decade of caregiving for her husband, an Italian chef, and the transformative power of grief. Tembi shares how reconnecting with Sicily and her husband's heritage helped her heal and navigate her identity. The conversation explores the complexities of shared suffering in relationships, the architecture of life in the face of grief, and the beauty of storytelling as a way to honor memories.

Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care physician and cognitive behavioral therapist, offers profound insights into the delicate realities of facing mortality. She discusses the importance of palliative care in navigating difficult choices and confronting fears associated with end-of-life decisions. Through heartfelt stories, she illustrates how hope evolves from seeking cures to cherishing moments with loved ones. Mannix emphasizes the need for open dialogue and understanding the natural process of dying, reminding us that love and courage are essential in these challenging times.

Father Greg Boyle, the Founder of Homeboy Industries, shares his profound experiences working with former gang members in Los Angeles. He emphasizes the importance of seeing unshakable goodness in others, highlighting the transformative power of compassion and community. Boyle discusses how healing can replace punishment within the carceral system and the joy that arises from genuine connections. Their conversation punctuates the significance of unconditional love and the role of empathy in overcoming shame and trauma, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and joy.

Christie Watson, a nurse and writer, hilariously navigates the ups and downs of midlife in this engaging conversation. She shares her eye-opening moment in a frozen food aisle, reflecting on the absurdities of aging and the importance of prioritizing joy. Christie emphasizes nurturing strong female friendships and embracing whimsy in daily life. With insightful anecdotes about navigating perimenopause and the joys of self-discovery, she encourages listeners to challenge their perspectives on midlife and make space for joy amidst responsibilities.

This week, Kate Bowler, an author and scholar addressing faith and personal suffering, joins Rainn Wilson. They discuss the complexities of American Christian traditions and Bowler's journey with stage four cancer. The conversation dives into the emotional intricacies of gratitude and suffering during clinical trials, alongside reflections on humor and honesty in dealing with life’s challenges. They also touch on navigating mortality and grief, emphasizing the importance of embracing both sorrow and love in the face of profound struggles.

Sharon McMahon, known as America's Government Teacher, joins Kate Bowler for an uplifting conversation. They discuss navigating today's challenging political climate and the importance of localized action. Sharon inspires listeners by emphasizing how ordinary individuals can foster extraordinary change in their communities. With humor and insight, they explore the significance of listening to diverse voices and finding common ground, reminding us that we are not alone in carrying the weight of the world’s problems.

We all experience seasons where all we can do is scratch our heads and say, “WHAT EVEN HAPPENED?!”  Dr. Francis Collins led the National Institutes of Health during 2020—our season of collective “WHAT EVEN HAPPENED!?” He is still picking up the pieces of heartbreak from how people responded to one another and to science at the time. Yet he hasn’t lost his faith in humanity.  In this conversation, Kate and Francis discuss:  Why faith and science seem at odds (and why they shouldn’t be) The importance of doubt and asking questions What happens when institutions (or their leaders) let us down and you’ll hear quite the case on practicing interdependence. How we might all have enough foolishness to imagine we can be part of bridging the great divides we see.  If you liked this episode, you might also love:  Angela Williams on the importance of community care Maggie Jackson on what staying open-minded offers us David Brooks on asking better questions To hear more conversations on science and faith with top scientists and Christian leaders, check out BioLogos’s Language of God podcast.   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible for anyone to change—change their mind, change their theology, change their priorities? What does it mean to hope when we live in such uncertainty? Richard B. Hays is a world-renowned scholar of the New Testament. He is also a dear friend and colleague of Kate Bowler. Richard and Kate were both unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer at the same time, which meant they spent many hours discussing the heart of what it means to hope. Their hard won wisdom adds such depth and heart to today’s episode. In this conversation, Richard and Kate discuss:   What it means to be hopeful A rich theological perspective of suffering in light of the resurrection How to pray when you are living in uncertainty  Why it's never too late to change your mind as you grow older This is a soulful conversation that embodies the humility it takes to change anything. Your mind. How your time is spent. Your certainties. We can’t wait to hear what you think.  If you liked this episode, you might also love:  Will Willimon on vocation (especially as we age) Tom Long on learning to number our days Stanley Hauerwas on needing fewer explanations Jeff Chu on discovering grace for people who think unlike you   Watch clips from this conversation, read the full transcript, and access discussion questions by clicking here or visiting katebowler.com/podcasts. Follow Kate on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—@katecbowler. Links to social pages and more available at linktr.ee/katecbowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.