
The Leader’s Way
Join Brandon Nappi, DMin, and Hannah Black, PhD, on this audio pilgrimage from Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopal seminary at Yale. Journey with us as we contemplate life’s biggest questions together. In this podcast, we interview leaders and scholars as we think through the Church in the world today, theology, leadership, and innovation. Join us on this pilgrimage, where we cultivate hope and find inspiration along the way. New episodes drop every other Monday.
Latest episodes

Apr 21, 2025 • 57min
51: Trust in Atonement with Teresa Morgan
Yale Divinity School Professor Teresa Morgan shares her expertise about the Greek word “pistis,” often translated in the New Testament as “faith.” The conversation revolves around faith, trust, and faithfulness and touches on the importance of a nuanced understanding of atonement theology. Brandon challenges Morgan and Black to “Gregory or Gregory?” Tune in for an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern faith.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black
Guest: Teresa Morgan
Production: Goodchild Media
Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective
Art: E. Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Apr 7, 2025 • 58min
50: Innovative Parish Ministry with the Threshold Center
The Rev'd John Burruss (The Leader's Way ’23 Fellow) and the Rev'd Mary Bea Sullivan join hosts Hannah Black and Brandon Nappi to tell the story of the Threshold Center, a vibrant space designed to address loneliness and foster connection in Birmingham, Alabama. Born from a tragic event in the life of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Threshold Center nurtures well-being and connection by engaging practices of the heart, body, and imagination through innovative programs like trauma-informed yoga, listening as an act of love, and peace through poetry. This episode offers rich insights into the power of collaboration, creativity, and radical hospitality.
https://www.thethresholdcenter.org/
Advertising partners: http://livingchurch.org/events
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guests: The Rev'd John Burruss and the Rev'd Mary Bea Sullivan
Production: Goodchild Media
Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective
Art: E. Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast
https://berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Mar 24, 2025 • 49min
49: Creative, Collaborative Mission with Graham Kings
Bishop Graham Kings, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Ely and Research Associate of the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide, joins us to delve into the possibilities of engaging creativity in ministry. We discuss the power of collaboration with artists, crafting liturgical celebrations, his project on women in the Bible, how to start a Beer and Theology gathering, traveling from Oxford to Cambridge by camel, a surprise meeting with Prince Philip and Desmond Tutu in 1999, and the centrality of mission.
Host: Hannah Black
Guest: Bishop Graham Kings
Production: Goodchild Media
Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective
Art: E Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast
berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast

Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 18min
48: The Subversive Fireside with Krista Tippett
On Being host Krista Tippett reflects on her career and tells stories never before heard on air. She contemplates her grandfather's spirituality, what she was looking for when she decided to come to Yale Divinity School, the need she saw for intelligent public conversation about spirituality and religion, and the birth story of Speaking of Faith (later On Being) during the Cold War. We consider how religious traditions can open up to the world's pain and, finally, encourage imaginative, muscular hope.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black
Guest: Krista Tippett
Production: Goodchild Media
Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective
Art: E. Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
47: Apocalyptic Clarity with Jesse Zink
Jesse Zink, an Anglican priest and principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College, discusses navigating faith in today's crisis-laden world. He highlights the importance of fostering a culture of contentment against the backdrop of consumerism. They delve into the idea of 'pdf polycrisis', emphasizing how interconnected global challenges require a faith-based response. Zink shares insights from his book, advocating for creativity and hope while reevaluating Christian values amid contemporary societal pressures.

7 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
46: Global Anglican Theology with Michael Battle
Michael Battle, a theologian and professor at the Desmond Tutu Center, discusses the evolution of the Anglican Church from establishment to advocacy. He shares insights from his work on global Anglican theology, emphasizing faith's role in culture and activism. Battle highlights the importance of listening to overlooked voices and engaging with contemporary issues like LGBTQ rights and climate change. He also explores modern spirituality, encouraging deeper connections with the divine through mysticism and contemplation.

Jan 27, 2025 • 56min
45: Servant Leadership with Mary Glasspool
Bishop Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of New York, shares her rich experiences in church leadership. She reflects on servant leadership, emphasizing personal identity's role in ministry and the complexities of women's leadership within the Episcopal Church. Bishop Mary discusses effective conflict resolution within the church and highlights the innovative learning opportunities that blend academics with spiritual growth. She shares inspiring stories of resilience and community support, especially during challenging times.

7 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
44: Seminary with Yejide Peters Pietersen
Yejide Peters Pietersen, the Associate Dean and Director of Formation at Berkeley Divinity School, shares her insights into seminary life and vocational discernment. She emphasizes how theological education can be accessible and inclusive for everyone, spotlighting full-tuition scholarships available at Berkeley. The discussion highlights the blend of community, intellectual growth, and spiritual formation that defines the seminary experience. Yejide also encourages potential students to embrace their unique calls, fostering a sense of belonging within the vibrant campus community.

Dec 30, 2024 • 17min
PRAYER: Guided Contemplative Practice with Brandon Nappi
Carve out 15 minutes of your day to center yourself in guided prayer with Dr. Brandon Nappi.

Dec 16, 2024 • 43min
43: Advent with Andrew McGowan
The Very Rev’d Dr. Andrew McGowan, Dean of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, joins Hannah for an Advent episode. Dean McGowan reflects on his career as a priest, academic, and administrator and shares how the Daily Office helps him maintain balance in the midst of it all. He shares the “what” and “why” behind the lectionary and reflects on the Advent readings from Luke for lectionary year C. We explore the Advent themes of death, judgment, heaven, and hell and discuss how this emphasis differs from other versions of Advent. Dean McGowan gives us a crash course on why the date of Christmas is December 25 and closing reflections on seminary education. Join us for insightful dialogue on faith, ministry, and the deeper meanings of this sacred season.
Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black
Guest: Andrew McGowan
Production: Goodchild Media
Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective
Art: Ella Landino
Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast
berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast
You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders
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