Conversing with Mark Labberton

Francis Collins discusses his experience at the intersections of faith, science, politics, government, and public health—talking also about the COVID-19 pandemic and other areas of research. Francis Collins is a geneticist, author, and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Shane Claiborne reflects on what it looks like to follow Jesus in the United States today—discussing policies and issues of gun violence, racial justice, and the death penalty. Shane Claiborne is a cofounder of Red Letter Christians and the author of multiple best-selling books, including The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical.

Jim Wallis shares about his journey of following Jesus and discusses the sin of voter suppression, racism as idolatry, and the ways our theology should recalibrate our sociology. Jim Wallis is the inaugural chair and founding director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. He is an author, teacher, and speaker, and is the founder of Sojourners.

Kathy Khang reflects on Asian American experiences of silencing, on what it means to be heard and belong, and on anti-Asian racism during the pandemic. Kathy Khang is a writer and speaker and is the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up.

Todd Shy discusses the encounter between teachers and students, cultivating a classroom community and culture, and the power of passion in teaching. Todd Shy is the Head of Upper Division at Avenues: the World School and is author of Teaching Life: Life Lessons for Aspiring (and Inspiring) Teachers.

Anthea Butler discusses the history of US Evangelicalism, looking particularly at the ways oppressive and racist structures have taken hold within and through it. Anthea Butler is Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought, chair of the department of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America.

Steve Norman talks about the importance of a preacher’s formation and the way their life and character can speak more loudly than the sermons they preach. Steve Norman is a pastor, speaker, and the author of The Preacher as Sermon: How Who You Are Shapes What They Hear.

Kara Powell and Brad Griffin discuss what it looks like to engage empathetically with today’s teenagers as they grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Kara Powell is executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and Brad Griffin is its senior director of content. They are the co-authors of 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections.

Michaela O’Donnell explores our ideas of calling and vocation in our work and beyond—reflecting on discipleship, community, and the centrality of Christ. Michaela O’Donnell is executive director of Fuller’s De Pree Center, owner of Long Winter Media, and author of Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World.

Curt Thompson, through lenses of neuroscience and spiritual formation, explores how we engage with our longings, create redemptive beauty, and imagine new futures. Curt Thompson is a psychiatrist, the founder of The Center for Being Known, and the author of The Soul of Shame and Anatomy of the Soul.