The Leader’s Way

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.

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.

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.

Carve out 15 minutes of your day to center yourself in guided prayer with Dr. Brandon Nappi.

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 

Professor Lin tells us all about her new book Immigration and Apocolypse: How the Book of Revelation Shaped American Immigration. We think about Christopher Columbus and the New World, why there's a "new" in New England, New York, and New Haven, how Revelation's words have shaped rhetoric about immigration, how Westward expansion and building a wall fit in, and more. Professor Lin helps us think about how our new understanding of Revelation and the American imagination apply to preaching on Revelation, teaching children about Thanksgiving, and making the case for why thinking about colonialism is important.   Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Yii-Jan Lin 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

Danielle Tumminio Hansen, an Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Spiritual Care, dives deep into the intersection of pop culture and theology. She discusses her unique seminar on Harry Potter, highlighting trauma and grace in a safe academic space. The conversation also tackles complex issues surrounding abortion in Anglican theology, emphasizing the need for compassionate dialogue. Listeners will appreciate her insights on trauma-informed spiritual care and the role of faith leaders in navigating these tough topics.

Renowned author and spiritual leader Parker Palmer joins Brandon and Hannah to explore the world of leadership and teaching. Palmer shares stories from his life, including profound mystical experiences, bouts of clinical depression, and classroom successes. The conversation underscores the importance of listening and trusting in leadership and teaching. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the inner life of leaders, emphasizing the integration of faith, authenticity, and compassion in the practices of teaching and ministry.   Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Parker Palmer Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective   Instagram @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast   Episode links: Center for Courage and Renewal: https://couragerenewal.org/ The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life, Parker J. Palmer: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-courage-to-teach-exploring-the-inner-landscape-of-a-teacher-s-life-parker-j-palmer/12575744?ean=9781119413042

This special Halloween episode focuses on the Salem witch trials with a focus on what church leaders can learn from this period of history. Dr. Kenneth Minkema—Executive Editor of The Works of Jonathan Edwards and of the Jonathan Edwards Center & Online Archive at Yale University—teaches us about the witch trials in New England, highlighting their religious and social contexts, the dynamics of fear and accusation, and the lasting impact on American culture. The episode explores the complexities of Puritan beliefs, the role of fear and control in the witch hunts, and reflections on how these historical events relate to contemporary issues that church leaders face daily of fear, control, and othering.     Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black   Guest: Ken Minkema   Production: Goodchild Media   Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast   berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast

Brandon and Hannah chat about why the podcast is called The Leader’s Way. We hear Brandon’s definition of leadership and talk about the courage, vulnerability, and commitment required of leaders. We hear Brandon’s vocation story and reflect on the work we do, offering continuing education to church leaders.