Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

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.

Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist renowned for his impactful global coverage, shares his insights on hope amid despair. He emphasizes that hope is a muscle we can all strengthen. Kristof discusses why now may be the best time to be alive, despite ongoing challenges, and how our small actions can create meaningful change. He reflects on his experiences in reporting humanitarian crises, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of empathy in journalism.

Kate Bowler, a Duke professor and bestselling author from Canada, kicks off a new season by diving into the complexities of life, happiness, and suffering. She candidly explores the lack of a magic formula for navigating these themes. With humor and honesty, Bowler invites listeners to seek deeper understanding beyond surface-level platitudes, promising engaging conversations with brilliant minds. Join her on this journey to uncover truths about joy and hardship in our everyday lives.

Rob Delaney, a comedian and writer known for his poignant memoir on loss, opens up about the raw realities of grief. He discusses the importance of finding genuine connections with others who understand your pain and shares insights on what not to say to grieving parents. The conversation highlights how tragic loss can alienate individuals while also transforming them into more empathetic beings. Delaney emphasizes that even amid sorrow, the heart continues to beat strong with love and truth.

There is this quote by writer and theologian Frederick Buechner. He writes, “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid.” …But I always sort of wanted to amend his original words. Because the more honest truth is: “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Be a little afraid.” Life is so beautiful. And life is so hard. For everyone. Sometimes at the same time. That is the premise behind my latest book of meditations called Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! Perhaps these reflections on hope and fear in the midst of our real lives resonate with whatever it is you’re facing today. Pick up a copy (or listen on audio) wherever books are sold. 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.

Steve Leder, a bestselling author and rabbi known for his compassionate approach to grief, shares profound insights on navigating loss. He emphasizes the importance of simply showing up for those in pain and how beauty can coexist with suffering. Discussing the complexities of life and death, he highlights the significance of honoring complicated lives honestly. Leder's wisdom suggests that while life's lessons emerge from hardship, the lessons are never worth the pain, urging us to emerge from our struggles with meaning.

This is the story of one young doctor’s race against the clock as he searches for a cure for his own rare disease. In this conversation, Kate and David Fajgenbaum discuss: how love can turn hope into action what limited agency means how small steps can lead to big change This episode originally aired in 2020. Stay tuned to the end to hear an incredible update from David and the work he is up to now. He has expanded from finding the cure for his own incurable disease to developing an organization that does the same for others. Incredible.   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.