The Leader’s Way

Joseph Yoo was baptized, raised, and ordained in the United Methodist Church, and is now an Episcopalian priest and the planter of Mosaic Episcopal Church located in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. Joseph is the author of When the Saints Go Flying In: Stories About Faith, Life, and Everything in Between and is known for his dynamic presence on Instagram and TikTok, where he reflects on everything from scripture to social justice to pro wrestling. In this conversation, Joseph and Brandon talk about the curious and winding paths we travel as we follow the spiritual calling of our lives, and the people who, through the unfolding of their lives, teach us about God. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Joseph Yoo Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Omid Safi was raised in a Muslim family where mystical poetry, particularly “love” poetry, and spirituality, were the currency of daily life. Poetry still “perfumes” Omid's social interactions, intellectual pursuits, and his curiosity about the ways religion, love, and justice intersect. Safi is a professor of Islamic Studies at Duke University. He specializes in the study of Islamic mysticism and contemporary Islam and frequently writes on liberationist traditions of Dr. King, Malcolm X, and is committed to traditions that link together love and justice.  He has delivered the keynote for the annual Martin Luther King commemoration at the National Civil Rights Museum. In this episode of The Leader’s Way, host Brandon Nappi talks with Omid about his own spiritual path, the longings we each carry for community and belonging, and Omid’s forthcoming book on the famed mystic Rumi. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Omid Safi Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast  You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders  

We practice meditation because the present moment is the only place where we can truly find ourselves, love others, and be loved by the divine. This is why we gather, why we sit, why we breathe together. We practice surrendering to what lies beyond our control and responding rather than reacting to life's challenges. We cultivate curiosity about what's arising within and around us, learning to do difficult things like changing and growing. Because we trust there's a limitless reservoir of strength, compassion, and resilience flowing through us at every moment.    Host: Brandon Nappi    Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast    You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders 

In this engaging discussion, violence researcher James Kimmel, Jr. shares his unique journey from a near-violent past to studying the complexities of revenge, forgiveness, and addiction. He explains how vengeance can act like a compulsion and the brain's role in this behavior. Kimmel also discusses the cultural influences that spur revenge-seeking and presents forgiveness as a powerful antidote. Listeners learn about practical tools like the Miracle Court app, designed to help process grievances and interrupt destructive cycles of revenge.

Lauren Jackson is a religion columnist for the New York Times where she is the associate editor and writer for The Morning, the Times's flagship daily newsletter. Over the past year, she has been deeply involved in reporting on belief. Lauren developed 'Believing,' a project that explores how we experience religion and spirituality in contemporary times. Lauren's thought-provoking columns delve into the complexities of faith, spirituality, and society. In this episode of The Leader’s Way, Lauren discusses the powerful transformation that is possible when we turn our attention to the people around us, attending to hyper-local needs, longings, and joys within our own community.   Hosts: Brandon Nappi, Misty Krasawski Guest: Lauren Jackson   Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast   You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Loretta Ross is a public intellectual, professor, activist, and author of Calling In, a collection of stories from five remarkable decades working in social justice movements, including reproductive justice, white supremacy, and women of color organizing. Loretta and Leader’s Way host Brandon Nappi go deep into conversation about why calling people in—inviting them into conversation instead of conflict by focusing on your shared values over a desire for punishment—is a powerful and strategic choice toward making real change. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Loretta Ross Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders    

Host Brandon Nappi keeps the flame of curiosity alive in this edition of Within, a contemplative segment of The Leader's Way Podcast, that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. In this episode, Brandon welcomes Elise Loehnen, best-selling author of “On Our Best Behavior” and co-author with Phil Stutz of 'True and False Magic.’ Elise is also the host of the Pulling the Thread Podcast, where she engages in deep conversations that explore the human experience and the myriad paths to personal growth. Brandon talks with Elise about her keen interest in exploring nuanced and often overlooked aspects of the human condition and her commitment to pairing rigorous research with accessible language. Want to get better at processing and wrestling with questions? Start writing a Substack, says Elise.   Host: Brandon Nappi   Guest: Elise Loehnen   Production: Goodchild Media   Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast   You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Dwight Zscheile is a professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary, and his wife, Blair Pogue, is a priest and canon for vitality and innovation in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. They join Leader’s Way host Brandon Nappi for a conversation about their joint passion for engaging the innovative ways the Church is renewing its commitment to community and communion by meeting people where they are.  Brandon talks with Dwight and Blair about their new book, Embracing the Mixed Ecology: Inherited and New Forms of Christian Community Flourishing Together, which unpacks the theological language of “mixed ecology,” and how this language can help us imagine what is possible in our church communities.   Host: Brandon Nappi Guests: Dwight Zscheile and Blair Pogue   Production: Goodchild Media   Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast   You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Spencer Reece, an Episcopal priest and award-winning poet, shares his journey from retail work to Yale Divinity School. He discusses how poetry acts as a cultural memory and a response to violence, helping us remember lost lives. Reece emphasizes the solace found in memorized verses as spiritual anchors. He reflects on the influence of mentors like Louise Glück and the richness of T. S. Eliot's religious poetry. Additionally, he offers encouragement to aspiring writers, advocating for embracing imperfection and joy in the creative process.

David Peters, a former Marine and Army chaplain turned Episcopal priest, dives deep into trauma and its effects on faith. He discusses his book, Post-Traumatic Jesus, highlighting Jesus' life as a lens for understanding trauma. Peters contrasts PTSD and moral injury, emphasizing the importance of language in healing. He reflects on the role of churches in supporting those with hidden wounds and advocates for embodied practices like rituals and sacraments. His personal journey illustrates how embracing wounds can lead to profound healing.