The Growing Edge

For our May, 2021 podcast, we welcome Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr., Professor Emeritus at Candler Seminary, author, educator, pastor, mystic, and elder. In this episode we talk about how identity is shaped and expanded and how conversations about race could be more authentic and powerful. We also explore what it meant for him to follow a spiritual calling and the experiences that led him to his friendship and academic study of author and mystic, Howard Thurman.

Parker and Carrie welcome singer songwriter, activist John McCutcheon, musician, activist and spiritual seeker.  He has 41 albums to his credit,  has received six Grammy Award nominations and worked for 40 years bringing together intelligent thoughtful songs, fearless commentary and music for social change. In this episode we talk about the power of music to connect and inspire, the dignity and value of each human being told in story and song, spiritual seeking and embracing the role of elder.

For our March, 2021 podcast, we welcome John Paul Lederach, Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding, and internationally respected expert in conflict transformation. John Paul describes the stages that lead to violence in a society, as well as the ways people heal and create communal networks of change. Please join us for this insightful conversation. "Peacebuilding is walking toward a horizon. You never really reach the end of that walk, but it gives you an orientation.”

In this episode, Carrie and Parker reflect upon the happenings of 2020.  They discuss challenges we've faced in the past year as well as focus and evidence for hope in the new year.  They explore the idea of living in the "Tragic Gap" and living into creative citizenry.  They read Mary Oliver's lovely poem "Starlings in Winter" and discuss grief and getting past it, and what is is putting lift into their boots. Carrie performs the song "The Handing Over Time" By Carrie Newcomer and Gary Walters

In this episode, Carrie and Parker have a conversation with Poet, Ross Gay, author of The Book of Delights & Be Holding.  We talk about Ross's books, his thoughts about finding delight in his daily life as a daily practice, joy as an act of resistance and the importance of creating a connection to one another and to the natural world.  We hope you'll join us for this "delightful" and thoughtful conversation.

In this episode, Carrie and Parker ask how We the People can help renew the American body politic post-election. How do we have open-hearted conversations across lines of difference, without blinking facts or backing away from critical issues of equity and justice? As we step into the future, knowing we will help create it one way or another, how do we ground ourselves to do the hard work ahead, holding to hope and joy as we go?

Carrie and Parker have a conversation about the Inner work of democracy and the common good with Preeta Bansal. Preeta was Solicitor General of the State of New York, then as General Counsel in the Obama White House, where she played a major role in the Office of Management and Budget during the financial collapse of 2008. Preeta now finding expression in ServiceSpace, an ecosystem in which she is a global anchor and volunteer and which draws upon network science, the role of emerging technologies, and the work of inner transformation.

Gregory Ellison II, a professor and author who focuses on faith and justice, shares insights from his new book, Anchored in the Current. He discusses Howard Thurman’s profound influence on personal growth and activism. The conversation explores the need to engage with both light and darkness in society today, while celebrating Thurman’s legacy in promoting nonviolence and unity. Ellison emphasizes the importance of empathy and dialogue across differences to foster social justice, encouraging listeners to embark on transformative journeys inspired by Thurman’s teachings.

In this Growing Edge Podcast, we explore mortality, living with presence in the pandemic, the importance of creativity and collaboration—and we debut our new single, "The Music Will Play On” (lyrics by Parker, music by Carrie).

The July Growing Edge Podcast features a poem that illumines the American uprising for racial justice and our role in it. Carrie and Parker explore William Stafford’s poem, "A Ritual to Read to Each Other". Taking one verse at a time, they talk about the light the poem sheds on this moment of national awakening and our response to it. The work now required to rid the U.S. of structural racism has been left undone for 240 years—the road ahead is long and we need light along the way. Photo by Tobias Adams Conversation Starters about The Growing Edge Podcasts (for individual reflection and groups) are available for free download at www.newcomerpalmer.com