“Somebody came to me and said, ‘You are not supposed to sit at the table. You work for the government; you are supposed to let the guests sit at the table.’ And I reflected on it and I thought-absolutely not! You recruited me into government because I have a degree in medicine, because I have a Public Health and Policy degree. Why should I be sitting back and not contribute at the table? I think that was instrumental to my leadership style.” — Quyen Ngo Metzger

Quyen Ngo Metzger joins Nancy Pedulla on The Wise and Courageous Podcast for a conversation about leadership.

How do your values help you to locate your own North Star for your engagement in your work? Why is a good mentor, one who gives you opportunities to do what you haven’t done before, so critical? Quyen shares her wisdom on leading by inspiring others and developing them so that they focus on their strengths. She shares how she has learned to function authentically amid challenges.

Quyen is a professor in the Health Systems Science Department and Interim Dean of Faculty Affairs at the Kaiser Permenente School of Medicine. The focus of her work is exploring population health, prevention and care, health disparities and evidence based medicine. Before working for Kaiser, Quyen Served the US Government, reviewing research and providing guidelines on clinical effectiveness.

For the purposes of this podcast, we are defining leadership as the stewardship of people, culture and purpose, guiding and serving others toward a shared vision or outcomes.

Welcome to the conversation!

— Nancy Pedulla

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and management consultant Joey Stabile Schewee joins us on the podcast to discuss the Enneagram and its usefulness in business and work contexts.

What wisdom can we glean from the Enneagram to help us thrive in our work environments? Author and management consultant Joey Stabile Schewee joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book When Working Together Doesn’t Work: An Enneagram Guide to Productive Relationships with Coworkers. In our conversation, Joey gives us a brief overview of the Enneagram as a tool for self-understanding, guiding us to see the way this ancient personality rubric can help us to thrive in our workplaces. Joey’s expertise comes through in her ability to keenly perceive challenges between different types and offering helpful suggestions for working well together. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on When Working Together Doesn’t Work for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Joey talks about her experience in using enneagram wisdom as a parent.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and theologian Kat Armas joins us on the podcast to discuss strategies for right-sizing our relationship with power in our world today.

How do the ideologies of empire affect our daily lives and how shall we respond? Author and theologian Kat Armas joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World. Kat examines the concept of empire, uncovering ways that power structures infuse daily life and the broader culture. Her response comes in the form of liturgies, framing these ideas in prayer and offering a thoughtful and galvanizing call to critique and action. Kat’s writing invites us to look carefully at the world around us and refocus on the example Jesus offers of loving God and loving neighbor. Our conversation is energetic and relevant and fun too — I think you’ll enjoy it. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Kat tells the story of that one time when the Pope shared one of her articles.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“God are you sure? Did you pick the right person? Why me? You are the only one who thinks I can do this, so tell me, what do I do?... That was a time when I felt like I had to be courageous and really believe in God, trusting that he knew who he chose and that he would equip me with wisdom and knowledge to be obedient and effective in serving the community.” — Diane Lee

Diane Lee, professor in early childhood education at Monterey Peninsula College, and previously Chair of the program, joins Nancy Pedulla on The Wise and Courageous Podcast for a conversation about leadership. 

What happens when you are invited to take a big step in leadership in a place where you had not intended to go? How do you relate others’ expectations and find freedom to lead in unexpected ways? Diane shares her surprise journey to a job she relishes in a place where she did not expect to be. She exposes her sense of imposter syndrome and how she chooses to address it.

For the purposes of this podcast, we are defining leadership as the stewardship of people, culture and purpose, guiding and serving others toward a shared vision or outcomes.

Welcome to the conversation!

— Nancy Pedulla

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Historian and professor Karen J. Johnson joins us on the podcast to discuss how the practice of history draws us forth into courage and action.

How can the study of history teach us to grow in our skills of courage and hope? Historian and professor Karen J. Johnson joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice: A History of Christians in Action. Karen’s calling as a history professor shines through as she teaches us about the tools of doing history and how this work can inform our everyday lives. Karen shares her thoughts on the way history can impact on our experience of faith, which we see firsthand through Karen’s own integration of scholarship and faith. Her book highlights four important stories of racial justice work in 20th century America, and Karen draws out some lessons from these stories that we can take along with us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Karen offers her thoughts on not waiting for the perfect time to have kids.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and non-profit executive Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew joins us on the podcast to discuss skills for navigating leadership pressures and barriers.

What does it look like to successfully overcome challenges in leadership, particularly for women? Author and non-profit executive Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color. Froswa’ shares from her wealth of knowledge and experience as she outlines potential difficulties for those exercising leadership skills and offers practical suggestions for mitigating the challenges. In our conversation, we talk frankly about role of race, ethnicity, and gender in the arena of leadership, and Froswa’ explains how this book provides beneficial information for all readers, no matter their background. Throughout the conversation, Froswa’ urges listeners to deepen and expand their networks of support for one another and shares helpful ways to do this. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Front Porch Wisdom for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Dr. Froswa’ shares her reflections on the joy of working with her adult daughter.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“In any situation where you are uncertain about how to proceed: where you are new, where you have to have the courage to learn in public, to acknowledge publicly that yes, you are learning. And yes, learning is a process. And yes, you won’t know all the answers. And yes, you will make mistakes. That in itself is a kind of wisdom that one learns both from experience but also from listening to other leaders.” — Pamela Collins

Pamela Collins, Chair of the Department of Mental Health the John Hopkins School of Public Health joins Nancy Pedulla on The Wise & Courageous Podcast for a conversation about pursuing a path to do what you what matters most to you, even when the way is unclear.

Pamela shares her journey toward her passion of engaging mental health challenges as they impact those who are most vulnerable in the U.S. and in the world. Pamela describes her work of gathering and hosting an array of people from world leaders to direct service providers to work on solutions. We explore how wisdom and courage involve the vulnerable work developing the right community of people and leading in humility. We discuss how prayer shapes her reflection and her decision making as a leader. Listen for the way she describes investing in a new generation of advocates in the process of mentoring others.

For the purposes of this podcast, we are defining leadership as the stewardship of people, culture and purpose, guiding and serving others toward a shared vision or outcomes.

Welcome to the conversation!

— Nancy Pedulla

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Spiritual director and therapist Alyson Pryor joins us on the podcast to discuss the benefits and the challenges of taking personal spiritual retreats.

How can you cultivate a practice of taking personal spiritual retreats — and is it really worth the effort? Therapist and spiritual director Alyson Pryor joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats. Alyson shares from her own experience of taking personal retreats, describing the benefits that come from the practice even amidst challenging circumstances. Alyson offers an accessible resource for those who have perhaps never taken a spiritual retreat, and she speaks invitingly about the joys of this particular kind of rest. Alyson is no stranger to the stresses of a busy life, and she speaks directly to those of us who feel like it’s all but impossible to take a retreat by sharing practical suggestions. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Come Away and Rest for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Alyson offers her tips on waking prayerfully — even if you aren’t a morning person.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Anthropologist and professor Christine Jeske joins us on the podcast to discuss ways to persevere in the long pursuit of racial justice.

What does it look like to persevere in the long, hard work of pursuing racial justice? Author and anthropologist Christine Jeske joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Racial Justice for the Long Haul: How White Christian Advocates Persevere (and Why). Christine explores the habits and mindsets that undergird the tenacity of those who persist in justice work, even in the face of discouragement and failure. Christine uses her anthropological lens to examine and categorize the practices of dozens of people who continue in their justice efforts despite all the inherent challenges. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Racial Justice for the Long Haul for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Christine offers her thoughts on working with her daughter on a project related to this book.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“We say we can do it ourselves, but we can’t — we have to bring others in and work as a community and hear their input-as valued as our own.” — Kelly Vaughn

Kelly Vaughn, newly appointed Dean for the School of Education at Notre Dame De Namur University, joins Nancy Pedulla on The Wise & Courageous Podcast for a conversation about her winding and unexpected professional and personal journey to her current role, which began because of a momentous time in her childhood.

How do our encounters with adversity and difficulty shape our journey? Kelly Vaughn shares two of the incredible challenges of her life and explores the way people around her impacted her growth in resilience and her values. She describes a Jacob season and Moses season and how they have shaped her leadership. Kelly talks about her career journey and the way surprises in her pathway impacted her understanding of herself and her passions. We explore the way the community undergirds the way she does her work and practices her faith. When we had this conversation, Kelly was in the role of Interim Dean and doing the hard work of leading in a transitional season. Listen for the ways she has been prepared for her new leadership role.

For the purposes of this podcast, we are defining leadership as the stewardship of people, culture and purpose, guiding and serving others toward a shared vision or outcomes.

Welcome to the conversation!

— Nancy Pedulla

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and Christian leader Rev. Dr. Kate Coleman where they talk about internal challenges for women leaders as we pursue our callings.

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Rev. Dr. Kate Coleman about her book 7 Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership: Overcome Self-Defeating Behaviour in Work and Ministry. You’ll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren’t able to participate in the book club!

Kate Coleman examines internal attitudes and habits that sabotage women’s leadership. In a landscape that has some understanding on external forces that undercut women’s leadership, Kate’s contribution is unique since she addresses barriers within women that negatively impact how women lead. She describes seven common ways that women undermine their own leadership, sometimes unknowingly. Kate’s combination of theology, research, anecdotes, personal insights and practical tips will help women overcome unhealthy mindsets and lead well. Kate sees work as sacred and our platforms as pulpits, her book will help us lead from our rootedness in Christ.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Jasmine Obeyesekere

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The caliber of my leadership depends upon the health and caliber of the rest of my life. I can’t show up for people unless I am in a good place personally to show up. There’s some humility with that. You can’t just run on fumes and coffee.” — Elisabeth Rain Kincaid

Elisabeth Rain Kincaid, Associate Professor of Ethics, Faith and Culture and Director of the Institute of Faith and Learning at Baylor University, joins Nancy Pedulla on The Wise & Courageous Podcast for a conversation about leadership, ethics, and faith.

How might the unexpected career path result in a richness that is unique? Elisabeth starts the story of her journey by sharing that she went to law school because she did not enjoy middle school ministry. She shares the rich gifts of the indirect path to her current role, where she lives out her own leadership while teaching and researching about leadership and ethics, and cultivating leadership with faculty in a unique program. Elisabeth explores the value of integrity and the invitation to be an integrated person. We talk about the work of integrating work and family life. Listen for her invitation to be discerning what God is calling her to engage with during the last 20 years of her career in prayer and with others and for her “aha” moment when a trusted colleague asked her, “Why are you putting out the cookies?”

For the purposes of this podcast, we are defining leadership as the stewardship of people, culture and purpose, guiding and serving others toward a shared vision or outcomes.

Welcome to the conversation!

— Nancy Pedulla

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Theologian and professor Emily Hunter McGowin joins us on the podcast to discuss the nature of family in the context of God’s kingdom.

How can we live as faithful followers of Jesus within our complex family narratives? Author and theologian Emily Hunter McGowin joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God. Emily helps us to interrogate the cultural assumptions we bring into the work of family life and to consider them in light of the words of Scripture. She asserts that the Bible is far from prescriptive about the details of household life and that Scripture makes space for a variety of shapes and structures that support family connectedness. Emily challenges her readers to think carefully about the integration of community needs with personal flourishing, and she offers simple suggestions for integrating nourishing habits into the complex fabric of family life. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Households of Faith for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Emily offers her thoughts on centering lovingkindness at Christmas.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Spiritual director Laura Baghdassarian Murray joins us on the podcast to discuss the place of spiritual hospitality in our everyday lives.

How can we find authentic ways to offer and receive hospitality that can transform our lives? Author and spiritual director Laura Baghdassarian Murray joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality. In our conversation, Laura broadens our understanding of hospitality, pointing out ways that our skills in receiving hospitality are just as important as our skills in hosting. This discussion was decidedly not about “entertaining,” but rather about finding that posture within us that welcomes and is welcomed by others through the Holy Spirit. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Becoming a Person of Welcome for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Laura offers a thoughtful suggestion for finding inner hospitality during potentially-stressful holiday gatherings.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I would like to leave a legacy of hope…. I get a lot of confidence knowing that God will win at the end. I know the end of this story. How amazing that we get that privilege.” — Ruth López Turley

Sociologist and research leader Ruth López Turley joins us for a conversation about her journey, and her leadership of the Kinder Institute, an innovative educational organization leading the conversation about critical needs and systems in Houston.

How do our earliest experiences contribute to our passions? Ruth López Turley joins us on the podcast to talk about how she went from being a child growing up in poverty to being the leader of a unique and pivotal research organization delivering research data to address some of the most critical challenges in Houston. In our conversation, she talks about her journey as a leader and the values that have shaped her. She shares how her mistakes have provided opportunities for learning and deeper partnership. We hear more about Ruth’s work to bring changes in large systems for the sake of serving those in need in Houston, and to provide vital models to other cities. We explore together the attitudes and practices that support her in her growth as a leader of more than 80 researchers, and a partner with other organizations throughout the city and state. If you listen to the end, you will hear about the spiritual practice that sustains her in her work.

For the purposes of this podcast, we are defining leadership as the stewardship of people, culture and purpose, guiding and serving others toward a shared vision or outcomes.

Welcome to the conversation!

— Nancy Pedulla

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Old testament professor Carmen Joy Imes joins us on the podcast to discuss the role of the people of God throughout history and the church’s relevance in our lives today.

In our modern world, how can we connect deeply with the church in all of its complexities? Author and Old Testament professor Carmen Joy Imes joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters. In our conversation, Carmen shares the biblical vision for the church in the world while not shying away from the struggles and disillusionments that many have experienced in their own church communities. Carmen helps us to think about what it means to be wholeheartedly connected to a local church while acknowledging the time and energy poured into one’s own vocational calling. We also discuss the challenge of political polarization in the church, a topic Carmen approaches with grace and curiosity. In addition, we’re pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Becoming God’s Family for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Carmen shares her thoughts about how she finds time to read in her busy life.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Public health professor Dr. Portia Preston joins us on the podcast to discuss sustainable habits in the midst of busy lives.

What steps can we take to invest seriously in our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness? Author and public health expert Dr. Portia Preston joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? A Guide to Shame-Free Wellness That Honors Your Reality and Gives You Life. In our conversation, Portia walks us through her journey of embracing the limitations that she had ignored for years and the process of establishing habits to support her wellbeing. Portia empathizes with those who experience the unrelenting pace of life while inviting us to consider moving into the slow lane. Her expertise in public health influences her fresh insights into the roles of community and culture, offering helpful advice for busy women who wish to be connected. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our interview where Portia talks about the way she cultivated a diverse network to support her as she wrote her book.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

How can we explore the connection between faith and work more deeply in our lives? Listen in on professors Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund as they share their work in an online webinar.

What does it mean to explore the connection between faith and work more deeply in our lives? In this episode, we hear from sociology professor Elaine Howard Ecklund and management professor Denise Daniels as they share some of the research they describe in their new book Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. This conversation took place in a webinar hosted by several organizations including InterVarsity’s Women Scholars and Professionals, InterVarsity’s MBA Ministry, VOCA Center, and Faith & Work Movement. Our director, Karen Guzmán, hosts the “fireside chat” portion of the presentation, and then we wrap up with a bit of Q&A. You’ll enjoy this rich discussion even if you weren’t able to attend the webinar. In addition, we’re pleased to let you know that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Working for Better for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from the conversation where the authors dig deeply into an insightful graph from their book, which you’ll also be able to see in our show notes.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Medieval scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss the wisdom medieval virtues and vices have for us today.

What can medieval virtues and vices teach us about living the good life today? Author and medieval scholar Dr. Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life. In our conversation, Grace describes what drew her into the study of virtues and vices, and the timeless truths she discovered in her work. We discuss the insights that virtues and vices offer about human nature and Grace offers practical suggestions about ways these ancient ideas can lead us into a life of wholeness today. Grace shares too about her journey as an independent scholar and the gifts and challenges she has found on that path. Also, as a bonus, Grace’s publisher has shared an excerpt from her book that you can check out in our show notes, so take a look at those. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our interview where Grace recites something for us in Middle English.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Social psychologist and professor Erin Devers joins us on the podcast to discuss ways to identify our hidden biases and pursue accuracy instead.

What is cognitive bias, and how does it affect our work, relationships, and spiritual lives? Author and social psychologist Erin Devers joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Unbiased Self: The Psychology of Overcoming Cognitive Bias. Erin explains exactly what cognitive bias is and how it affects every facet of our lives, even those of us who consider ourselves very self-aware. But instead of leaving us feeling hopeless to change, Erin suggests strategies for training our minds and altering our environments to help reframe our biases and overcome their negative effects. Erin’s practical ideas can affect our presence in our families, workplaces, and communities, and we’re left feeling a sense of empowerment to make small adjustments that yield big results. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on The Unbiased Self for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Erin helps us understand the link between overcoming cognitive bias and cleaning out our closets..

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Holistic nurse educator Tracie Braylock joins us on the podcast to discuss stress, faith, and how to care for your whole body.

What would change for each of us if we started the school year from a place of rest and relaxation? Author and holistic health educator Tracie Braylock joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry. Tracie helps us to understand the ways stress and relaxation affect our bodies and lives, and she offers practical suggestions for creating habits that bring some breathing room into a busy life. We talk about the way one’s sense of agency can help us care for our bodies and the role that faith can play in the process. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Radical Relaxation for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tracie helps us to think about when it might be time to find a new primary care physician. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Reader, writer, and erstwhile professor Karen Swallow Prior joins us on the podcast to discuss vocation, literature, and spiritual formation.

What does it mean to have a calling and how does one begin to discover it? Karen Swallow Prior joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful. Karen unpacks our understanding of vocation and brings new insight into the breadth of one’s callings and how they can change throughout the span of a life. Her skillful use of literature helps to illustrate and amplify her prose, and the pairing brings fresh understanding and new questions to the process of uncovering one’s calling. Karen offers thoughtful insights about this time in history, and if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Karen shares what is bringing her joy today. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

How do you prepare to successfully kick off a new school year? Listen in on our first in a series of episodes where we answer some of your Dear Mentor questions.

Hello, dear listeners! To start us off this August, we’re offering a re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes to kick off the new school year. So listen in on our back to school special, complete with all the original introductory content (including a note referencing our 2022 name change), and we’ll see you next week with a fresh new episode. 

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Let me invite you into a special episode, our first in a series of episodes where we answer some of your Dear Mentor questions. First up: back to school rhythms. How do you get geared up for the semester? What habits get you in the mindset for an energizing start to the school year? Karen Hice Guzmán, director of Women Scholars and Professionals, sat down with three women faculty members — representing the fields of chemistry, music, and business — and recorded their best tips and wisdom to help you start your school year on the right foot. ​

Let me add a special note here for those of you who are not professionally aligned with a school schedule at this time of year — you are welcome, too! The ideas that emerge from these three conversations can be applied easily to a number of contexts, so we hope you listen in and glean the wisdom that connects with your life and work situation.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

Featuring Rachel Barnard, Cristina Espinoza-Alguera, & Jana Young, with Karen Hice Guzmán.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Four esteemed guests join us on the podcast to discuss how we can reflect on this school year and enter into summer from a place of spiritual vitality.

What does it look like to enter into summer from the position of this current cultural moment? We’ve invited four guests to participate in a roundtable discussion for this special episode as we wrap up our podcast season for this academic year. You’ll get to hear from four women with expertise in university culture, spiritual formation, and faith-work integration as we talk about the uniqueness of the days we’re living through. In this conversation, we’ll talk about the challenges we are seeing on campus these days and the opportunities we have to respond faithfully. We also talk about how to wrap up the school year and enter into summer with a posture that is reflective and intentional and life-giving. I think you’ll really enjoy this episode, and if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear a blessing that we are praying over all of our listeners. ​

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Professor and author Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt joins us on the podcast to discuss the place of Mary Magdalene in the biblical story and what she can teach us about walking with Jesus. 

Who was Mary Magdalene and what does her story offer to Christians in the 21st century? Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today, which recently received the honor of being a 2025 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist. Jennifer helps us to understand the unique place Mary Magdalene has in the story of Jesus as a woman, a believer, and a model for Christians across the ages. We talk about the ways Mary’s life impacted the church across the world, and we learn about some crucial misunderstandings that have maligned Mary’s name over the years. Jennifer also offers encouraging thoughts about her experience as a woman in the academy, and if you listen to the end of the credit, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jennifer shares her story of advocating for maternity leave on campus.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Executive leader and author Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins us on the podcast to discuss principles of sacrificial leadership and how Christians can follow Jesus in their own roles. 

How do leadership principles look different for those who wish to integrate their Christian faith into their roles? Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender. Nicole describes the contrast between common leadership practices and the kind of sacrificial leadership that Jesus modeled for us. We discuss unique challenges for women leaders within this framework, and Nicole talks the ways our current cultural moment is exemplifying these leadership dynamics.  In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Nailing It for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Nicole shares her recommendations for overcoming imposter syndrome.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Historian and professor Beth Allison Barr joins us on the podcast to discuss women’s leadership in the historical church and the cultural cost of forgetting our roots.

What happens when historical evidence for women’s leadership in church is buried and even forgotten? Historian and professor Beth Allison Barr joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry. Beth traces the way centuries of women’s leadership were swept aside as female ordination declined and the role of the pastor’s wife was elevated in the white evangelical church. We talk about Beth’s scholarship, including some of her practices regarding teaching and collaborative research, and we hear Beth’s reflections on our current cultural moment and how we can thrive as women academics. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Beth shares her thoughts on the benefits of working with a supportive writing group.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Psychologist and professor Terri S. Watson joins us on the podcast to discuss therapy, human flourishing, and the practicalities of healing your mental health.  

When someone decides that they are ready to go to therapy, how do you even begin the process? Psychologist and professor Terri S. Watson joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Client’s Guide to Therapy: How to Get the Most out of Your Counseling Experience. Terri talks about the sacredness of therapy as a tool to promote human flourishing, and we hear her practical suggestions for getting started yourself or helping a loved one. We talk about the unique psychological stresses on academics today, and Terri shares a few strategies to ground yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed.  In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on The Client’s Guide to Therapy for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Terri offers some suggestions for getting the most out of a therapy session.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

Interested in a written version of this interview? We're experimenting with an auto-generated transcript service, unpolished and far from error-free, but we hope it's useful! Click here for the imperfect transcript.  

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Science and faith professional Ruth Bancewicz joins us on the podcast to discuss the integration of faith and science and the way churches can help.

How does a scientist find space to express their faith within their research and teaching? Ruth Bancewicz joins us on the podcast in an interview with guest host and Women Scholars and Professionals Director Karen Guzman. Ruth and Karen sit down together to discuss Ruth’s work as a science and faith professional, serving as a thoughtful catalyst for integration at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion at Cambridge University in England. Ruth describes her journey into this unique position and offers encouragement to women who are working toward more fully integrating their faith with their work life — and encountering struggles along the way. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear a short passage from one of Ruth’s books entitled Wonders of the Living World. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author, baker, and theologian Kendall Vanderslice joins us on the podcast to discuss the way baking bread offers a gateway to prayer, theology, and community.

Have you ever tried the spiritual practice of liturgical bread baking? Author, baker, and theologian Kendall Vanderslice joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Bake & Pray: Liturgies & Recipes for Baking Bread as a Spiritual Practice. Whether you’ve never baked before or you’ve baked dozens of loaves in your lifetime, Kendall offers a framework for baking a simple loaf and a series of thoughtful prayers to go along with the creative process. Kendall shares her thoughts about the way Scripture informs our baking in a unique way, and she talks about the way she views bread-baking as a political act. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our podcast where Kendall offers some thoughts on baking for church communion plus how people who are gluten sensitive respond to this kind of bread.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams joins us on the podcast to discuss the theological insights we can learn from experiences of Black girlhood and how these truths can shape us all.

Many of us are familiar with theological concepts that have been passed down through years of tradition in seminaries. But what can we learn about theology from the everyday experience of Black girls? Author, minister, and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood. Khristi and I talk about young people today and their unique perspectives on suffering, community, and spiritual practices. Khristi shares her experiences of learning from students with an attitude of humility and respect, and we consider the way kids today are growing up in a different set of cultural circumstances that previous generations. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Khristi offers her thoughts about the ways Gen Z will bring gifts into the world as they enter adulthood. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and consultant Tracey Gee joins us on the podcast to discuss the value of knowing our own desires and the barriers that get in the way of this knowledge.

How do you respond when a friend asks, “What do you want?” Whether it is a simple question of choosing a restaurant for dinner or a deeper inquiry into your professional calling, few of us possess the level of clarity we’d hope to have. But can that kind of clarity be uncovered and cultivated? Author and leadership coach Tracey Gee joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Magic of Knowing What You Want: A Practical Guide to Unearthing the Wisdom of Your Desires. Tracey and I discuss the gifts that come from knowing our desires and the barriers that get in the way, especially for women. Tracey introduces us to some of the questions and processes she has crafted to help in uncovering desire, and we talk about the way spiritual formation plays into it all. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tracey shares a little anecdote about how her teenage sons engaged with her book-writing process.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and professor Jerusha Matsen Neal joins us on the podcast to discuss the importance of place as we consider the spiritual implications of climate change around the world.

In our world today, the effects of climate change have become more and more inescapable. But how can our own sense of place enlarge our understanding of the intricate links between us and those across the earth? Author and professor Jerusha Matsen Neal joins us on the podcast to explore a theology of place and the ways we can look at the presence of climate catastrophe with clear eyes and a faithful response. In her book Holy Ground: Climate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place, Jerusha helps us learn from the sermons of displaced Indigenous communities in the South Pacific, exploring the effects of colonialism and inviting us into a space of learning and reflection. Jerusha and I also discuss her convictions on the power of preaching and the ways we can move forward to better the world today.

In addition, Jerusha wanted listeners of this podcast who are interested in purchasing her book to know that you can get a 20% discount if you buy the book from Baylor University Press and use the promo code: 17PROMO. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jerusha shares her best advice for someone who is considering working or studying overseas.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and horticulturist Julie Lane-Gay joins us on the podcast to discuss the ways the Book of Common Prayer has transformed her spiritual life.

As we look into a new calendar year, we’re exploring the hopes and dreams we have for 2025. Many of us might be hoping to continue or refresh our practices of prayer and worship, so we’re delighted to offer a conversation that can help with that aim. Author and horticulturist Julie Lane-Gay joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer. Julie shares her journey of companionship with the Book of Common Prayer and describes ways that its prayers have infused her life with meaning. We talk about a few practical ways we can get started in utilizing this historic book in our prayer lives, and we also talk about Julie’s personal passion for plants and gardens. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on The Riches of Your Grace and on the 1662 version of the Book of Common Prayer. This discount is available on both of these books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Julie describes a very unique class called “The Boat Class” that she and her husband teach at Regent. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and writing teacher Leslie Leyland Fields joins us on the podcast to discuss the beautiful messiness of Advent and the joys of writing one’s own story.

As we look toward the start of Advent on December 1, some of us might be frantically crafting our to-do lists and dreading a busy month of deadlines. But what if it could be different? Author and writing teacher Leslie Leyland Fields joins us on the podcast to discuss the Advent book she recently edited entitled A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season. Leslie talks with us about her own complicated history with Advent and Christmas, then offers actionable suggestions for making choices that can shape a more manageable holiday season. We discuss her work as a writing teacher, and Leslie makes a convincing case for the importance of writing one’s story. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on A Radiant Birth for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Leslie shares her experience of juggling a teaching career while raising four small children. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and professor Miranda Zapor Cruz where they talk about our primary citizenship in the Kingdom of God and how that relates to the important task of political engagement.

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Miranda Zapor Cruz about her book Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Miranda Zapor Cruz helps us to envision what faithful citizenship looks like, from the lens of being citizens of God’s kingdom. She talks about the reality of Christians who share a common faith thinking very differently about politics. She discusses the kind of spiritual disposition we need to exhibit in the wake of the elections and offers us practical advice on how we can have constructive conversations in our churches with Christians who think differently from us. She reminds us of the mission of the Church and our witness in how we engage with politics.

Miranda Zapor Cruz is professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University and Chair of the School of Theology and Ministry. She teaches courses in systematic theology, church history, and American and global Christianity. Her research, writing, and speaking focus on faith and politics, religious nationalism, and theological foundations for justice. She directs The Sacred Alliance, a subsidiary of Wesley Seminary which helps denominations, churches, and pastors move from simply affirming women in ministry leadership to implementing their support practically. She is also a preacher with a deep love for the church and sees her teaching and writing as a ministry in service of the Kingdom of God. Miranda holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University, and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She lives in Indiana with her husband and daughter.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Spiritual writer and speaker Marilyn McEntyre joins us on the podcast to talk about leaning into the darkness of winter and uncovering our creative gifts in that quiet space. 

It’s November, and winter is just around the corner. What might you do to embrace the quiet and depth of this season? Spiritual writer and professor Marilyn McEntyre joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Midwinter Light: Meditations for the Long Season. In our conversation, Marilyn shares her thoughts on creativity, slowing down, and hope as we discuss life in academia and the challenges of our world. Marilyn offers her own thoughtful wisdom on engaging with the news of the day, as well as some tips for incorporating play into your life. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Marilyn shares her best writing strategies for people in academia.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to talk about the inner work required to lead as a secure and healing-centered person. 

What does it take to invest in our own healing and growth so that our leadership reflects our most centered and secure selves? Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to discuss their book Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish.  In our conversation, Sheila and Nicholas share stories from their 30 years of marriage, ministry, and service, pointing us toward a vision for leadership that is secure and healing-centered. Together, they explain why even our most personal and private wounds can profoundly impact our leadership skills, and they offer some practical thoughts particularly for women in academia. Their shared history gives them a unique perspective on the healing journey of leaders, and I think you’ll really appreciate the wisdom they have to share with us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Healing Leadership Trauma for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Sheila and Nicholas share some profoundly wise and spiritual advice for surviving this election season.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to talk about cultivating communities that offer a sense of safety, belonging, and sacredness to each person. 

What does it mean to pursue truth, compassion, and dignity in our church communities? Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to Be Sacred, Soft, and Safe.  In our conversation, Pricelis offers a clear-eyed critique of some of the areas where our churches have failed in communicating compassion, then gently offers thoughtful suggestions for ways that we can reform and repair our own hearts and our beloved communities. Pricelis combines spiritual formation practices and an invitational style with stories about justice and a vision for a more reflective church body. Her own personal stories add specificity to her vision, and we’re left with a set of tools for growth and self-examination. I think you’ll enjoy our conversation, and if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Pricelis offers encouragement for grad students about perseverance.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and Houghton University president emerita Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to talk about making space for nuanced conversation and political engagement in a polarized society. 

What does it look like to inhabit a middle space in the midst of a polarized society? Author and academic Dr. Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to discuss her vibrant work on the task of creating space for the exploration of complex perspectives. In our conversation, Shirley describes a path toward a more nuanced view of those black-and-white issues that permeate our social and political discourse. She shares her own personal experience of staking out middle spaces and offers suggestions for those of us in academia who feel exhausted by the sensation of not fitting in on any side. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Shirley talks about how the experience of women in academia differs depending on marital status.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and spiritual director Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to talk about the ways attending to the care of our souls impacts our lives. 

How can we attend to the care of our souls in a way that helps us to flourish in our lives? Author, spiritual director, and ministry leader Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to discuss her work in the practice of soul care. In our conversation, Barbara explores the breadth of spiritual practices that can support our formation and the ways we can integrate these into our lives. We talk about her work in understanding the shaping force of history in our spiritual lives, particularly the impact of African American history in our culture today. Barbara’s wisdom and experience offers great insight into spiritual growth for all of us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on one of Barbara’s books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Soul Care in African American Practice at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. For those interested in Barbara’s book Spiritual Practices for Soul Care, you’ll find a link to that book in the show notes as well. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Barbara offers her best spiritual advice for graduate students and faculty.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Authors Amy and Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to talk about encouraging women and girls to fully receive the good gifts God gives to each of us.

What does it look like to empower women to live out their God-given callings even from girlhood? In an interview that is a little different from our usual offerings, Amy & Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to discuss their new picture book entitled *Penny Preaches.* Our conversation covers Amy & Rob’s writing and publishing process, the joys of working on this project together, and the appreciated they’ve already heard from readers of this book. They talk frankly about some of the opposition they’ve experienced as well as the hope they have for women in the church. Amy & Rob were really fun to talk with, and I’m extra-pleased to invite you into a book giveaway! Head to 2well.us/penny before September 18 and fill out our book giveaway form to be entered into a drawing for one of four copies of Penny Preaches. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Amy & Rob offer some tips on raising children in a dual-career family.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on our summer book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals director Karen Guzmán conducts an online discussion with author Joanna Meyer where they talk about perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of our podcast as we share the recording from our Summer 2024 Book Club author event. In this interview, we hear from the director of Women Scholars and Professionals, Karen Guzmán, who hosts a conversation with author Joanna Meyer about her book Women, Work, and Calling. 

This conversation with Joanna offers a snapshot of the experience of participating in a Women Scholars and Professionals book club — plus, you’ll enjoy getting to know Joanna and the ideas in her book as they discuss perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues. Our book club finale episode begins with Karen’s introduction of our guest and we’ll cap it off (after the credits) with an excerpt from the conversation where Joanna asks a question for our book club members that she is curious about. 

You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

What is the best advice you've heard about starting the school year? Listen in to some of the wisest moments from our podcast in this special back-to-school episode.

We’re looking toward a fresh school year and thinking especially about those of you who might be looking for some tips and tricks from women who have experience with university life and rhythms. Perhaps you’re a first-year graduate student, preparing yourself for a course of rigorous study. Or maybe you’re easing into life as a faculty member at a new institution. Or perhaps you’ve been around for a little while but you’re looking for some fresh tips and energy to help you start the year well.

For this special podcast episode, we’ve combed through our interviews from the past year and curated a series of conversation moments that address the question: What advice do you have for women who are new grad students or faculty? We invite you to settle in and receive these words from women who have been there and have hope for your future.

We’re going to dip into six different podcast conversations for this episode. I won’t offer lengthy introductions of each of these guests or their books, but if you’d like to follow up and listen to the full conversations with them, you can find links to all of the featured episodes in our show notes. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on our spring book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and leader Jeff Haanen where they talk about the ways inner transformation impacts our work and vocation.

Are you tired of living a disintegrated life? Do you want to feel whole, be an integrated self? Jeff Haanen shows how we can seek deep spiritual health rather than be formed by our culture that influences us to live fragmented lives. He encourages us to life our inner and outer lives with integrity, both oriented towards God. He emphasizes the work of inner transformation that leads to external transformation, including how we view and participate in our work.

In this finale of our Spring Book Club, we engage in conversation with Jeff Haanen about his book Working from the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Jeff Haanen founded the Denver Institute for Faith & Work — a community of conveners, teachers and learners offering experiences and educational resources on the gospel, work and community renewal. He led the Denver Institute as CEO for ten years before stepping down in 2022. His milestone achievements include  launching their first gathering of Women, Work & Calling in 2016 and Business for the Common Good in 2017. Jeff has published cover stories for Christianity Today in October 2018 and February 2019. Apart from his book Working from the Inside Out, Jeff has also published An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God’s Purpose for the Next Season of Life. Jeff graduated from Valparaiso University and has a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. He is also a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst. Today, Jeff works with servant-leaders in positions of influence in business, investing, and higher education who want to embody “love God and love your neighbor as yourself” in their work and arenas of influence. He lives in Denver with his wife and four daughters and enjoys the outdoors and travel.

Programming Note: We’ll be taking a two-month summer break here at The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast. Our team will be resting and reconnecting and planning for the future during June and July, so we encourage you to catch up on back episodes, get some rest yourself if you can, and watch for our next season to begin in August.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss medieval Christian ideas and the ways they can impact our spiritual lives today. 

What can we learn from medieval Christians about Jesus and how could such ideas connect with our modern day world? Author and scholar Grace Hamman joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages. Grace writes about medieval representations of Jesus, highlighting ways that these images can enrich our own faith today. Grace helps us to see that a deep understanding of these historical concepts allows us to expand our view of God and reveal our own unexplored assumptions, much in the way we grow when learning about other present-day cultures. Grace doesn’t shy away from the challenges of studying medieval literature, and at the same time she paints an appealing picture of the ways our own spiritual understanding can grow through this kind of reading. Her book is lovely and I really enjoyed my conversation with her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Grace talks about the way she found scholarship and raising tiny children to be mutually beneficial.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Authors Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean join us on the podcast to discuss parenthood, life in the academy, and the path toward spiritual transformation. 

How does the work of parenting create space for deep spiritual transformation? Authors Tara Edelschick and Kathy Tuan-MacLean join us on the podcast to discuss their book Moms at the Well: Meeting God through the Mothers of Scripture. Tara and Kathy describe their own journeys of struggle and growth as they each parented young children, developing a friendship along the way that sustained them through their darkest moments. They co-authored Moms at the Well — a robust, 7-week Bible study experience — to encourage other parents through struggle and into an experience of grace. We talk together about their graduate school studies and the ways academic spaces can offer particular challenges to parents. It was really fun to talk with these two friends and I think you’ll enjoy their wisdom and their delightful personalities. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tara and Kathy offer their best advice for new grad students and young faculty members.

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Moms at the Well at ivpress.com. And even better — if you’re interested in purchasing these books for use in a group and plan to buy five or more books, use the code IVPGROUP25 for 40% off and free shipping. 

One more thing! We at Women Scholars and Professionals would like to invite you into a study of Moms at the Well by “taking a sip with us”  and joining us to discuss the first chapter. The online event will take place on June 10 at 9 pm eastern time. If there is enough interest, we will figure out how to do the rest together! Even if you can’t make that particular date, you can fill out the form to indicate your interest in events like these.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Epidemiologist and professor Dr. Emily Smith joins us on the podcast to discuss compassion, public health, and the challenges of thriving as a woman in science. 

How do we live as true neighbors in a world that is designed for more for competition and inequality than compassion? Epidemiologist and professor Dr. Emily Smith joins us on the podcast to discuss her book The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors. During the height of the pandemic, Emily became known as The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist through her social media outlets where she reached 3-4 million people per month during the years 2020-2021. I remember those days, and I depended on Emily’s updates to help me stay informed about keeping safe while the public health landscape shifted dramatically. It was a real treat to talk with her about her work as an epidemiologist, and also to hear her thoughts on life as a faculty member, as a scientist, as a global citizen and as a faithful Christian working to integrate all parts of her life into a whole. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Emily shares about thriving as a woman in science.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and leadership coach Dr. Jeanne Porter King joins us on the podcast to discuss wellness, leadership, and the opportunities for Black women. 

What does it look like to thrive as a leader while resisting oppressive forces in our culture? Author and leadership coach Dr. Jeanne Porter King joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Leading Well: A Black Woman’s Guide to Wholistic, Barrier-Breaking Leadership. The book follows the story of the Samaritan woman at The Well in John 4, establishing a framework for leadership that uniquely reflects the lives of women of color. Jeanne writes about specific challenges that Black women face in leadership roles, educating all of us and offering widely applicable leadership wisdom. We talk about the role of the Holy Spirit in pursuing our callings and how patriarchal systems can inhibit our ability to ask for what we need. Jeanne’s instruction is wise and spirit-filled, and I think you’ll enjoy listening. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jeanne talks about the unique ways caregiving can  complement our leadership journeys.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and educator Maria Liu Wong joins us on the podcast to discuss the ways community and relationships create space for the riches of theological education. 

How can we open ourselves to the opportunities for theological education all around us — whether or not we are in seminary? Author and educator Dr. Maria Liu Wong joins us on the podcast to discuss her book On Becoming Wise Together: Learning and Leading in the City. This book is part of a 12- volume series with the Theological Education between the Times project, a diverse initiative that explores the changing landscape of theological education. Maria offers her own rich life experiences as a medium through which she tunes into the theological lessons God has for her as she digs deeply into the stories of her family, her friends, and her community. I loved the way Maria’s viewpoint opens us to the constant presence of the Holy Spirit and the ways we’re continually being shaped by the relationships and communities of which we are a part. Maria’s voice is distinctive and wise, and I think you’ll really enjoy learning from her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Maria shares some tips about integrating the work of parenting into one’s academic calling.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

English professor and author Tiffany Eberle Kriner joins us on the podcast to explore the ways caring for the earth, the life of the mind, and our common humanity intersect.

What does it look like to combine a calling to write and teach with a lifestyle of nurturing the land? English professor and author Tiffany Eberle Kriner describes the joys and tensions of her multifaceted life in her book In Thought, Word, and Seed: Reckonings from a Midwest Farm. Tiffany shares her experiences of both teaching and caring for the earth and describes how they inform one another in remarkable ways. In a book written mostly during the pandemic, Tiffany offers insightful reflections on race, hope, faith, and the beauty of life. Her essays  take unexpected angles on a story that we have all lived through in the pandemic, and she finds connections with literature that provide rich and thoughtful questions for consideration. Tiffany is winsome and fun and a joy to talk with, and I think you’ll really like her. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Tiffany shares about the delights and challenges of raising children while pursuing an academic career. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Professors Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez talk with us about building and deepening cross-race relationships in a way that reflects deep faith and rigorous research. 

How can we faithfully navigate the complexities of race in our everyday relationships? Professors Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez join us on the podcast to talk about their book Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices From Scripture and Psychology. These women partnered on this book with two other colleagues — Joshua Knabb and Charles Lee-Johnson. Together, they developed the HEAL model for building and deepening cross-race relationships. The model is grounded in the narrative of Scripture and informed by psychology and social science. Krystal and Veola are both inspiring and practical, and I think you’ll really enjoy learning from them. 

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Healing Conversations on Race at ivpress.com . You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the episode, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where we talk about how to overcome the sense of walking on eggshells around the issue of race.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Psychologist and professor Chanequa Walker-Barnes talks with us about the importance of self-care for our spiritual well-being and why this matters to women academics.

What comes to mind when you think of the phrase “self-care”? Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes joins us on the podcast to discuss the spiritual benefits of self-care and its role in our human flourishing. In her book Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, Chanequa offers practical strategies for caring for ourselves in body, mind, and soul. In our conversation, she explains that we’ll be able to care for others and live out our purposes in the world much more effectively when we make sure that our needs are addressed. I loved talking with Chanequa — she is delightful and wise and challenging and a wonderful teacher. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Chanequa describes how we can use her book as an accessible and nourishing devotional during Lent.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

English professor and author Jennifer Holberg talks with us about the power of narrative, the ways story can shape our lives, and the joy of teaching.

Who doesn’t love a good story? English professor Jennifer Holberg joined us on the podcast to talk about the ways literature, Scripture, film, art, and life experience all weave themselves together in shaping our souls and our culture. Jennifer explores these ideas in her book Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape our Faith, a book which draws the reader into the process of carefully examining and reflecting on the stories in our lives. I found so much joy in reading Jennifer’s delightful book, and my conversation with her was just as compelling. As you might expect, she is a wonderful storyteller! Jennifer generously shares wise words from her decades of teaching and offers beautiful words of encouragement for our listeners.

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Nourishing Narratives at ivpress.com . You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Jennifer talks about her thoughts on being a self-described “well-contented spinster.”

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author, scholar, and practitioner Dr. Amy Sherman where they talk about how Christians can be agents of flourishing in our world.

Are you troubled by the brokenness in every aspect of human life? Do you want to explore how our Christian faith speaks to real world problems?

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Amy Sherman about her book Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Dr. Amy Sherman shows how Christians can contribute to the flourishing of all human life both through our vocations and through the church. You will be inspired to ponder how your own passions, expertise and work can be used for God’s purposes in our world.

Amy Sherman directs Sagamore Institute’s Center on Faith in Communities, a capacity building initiative for congregations and faith-based and community-based organizations. 

— Jasmine Obeyesekere

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren talks with us about the traditions of Advent and how to observe the season meaningfully in the midst of a busy season.

It’s November 2023 and the beginning of Advent is rapidly approaching in just a couple of weeks on December 3. But what exactly is Advent and how can we observe it well? Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren joined us on the podcast for a discussion of her recent book, Advent: The Season of Hope. Tish’s background as a campus minister with InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries gives her special insight into the busy nature of December, and she offers practical and grace-filled advice for praying through Advent as an academic. The book isn’t an Advent devotional, but instead a book that orients the reader to the practices and traditions of Advent and suggests ways to integrate them into life today. It’s a fascinating book, and I think you’ll like this conversation — we have a special place in our hearts for Tish and it’s a joy to chat with her about life, writing, theology, Advent, and everything in between.

Also — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPPOD25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Tish’s book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt in which Tish shares her thoughts on Advent wreaths and Advent calendars.

But before we move on to the interview — let me encourage you to join our Advent devotional readings at The Well for 2023. We’ll be praying through a free online devotional by Kate Bowler and meeting a few times online to discuss and reflect. We’d love to have you join us.

And one more thing — this will be our last podcast episode for 2023. We’re already working on a lineup of terrific guests for the new year, and we’ll be thrilled to be with you again in January 2024.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Episcopal priest and author Elizabeth Felicetti talks with us about living a rich and generative life as a woman without children and the twenty-five women who have inspired her.

What does it look like to live a rich and generative life as a woman without children? The Reverend Elizabeth Felicetti joined us on the podcast to explore this question and talk about some of the twenty-five women she has written about in her book Unexpected Abundance: The Fruitful Lives of Women Without Children. Elizabeth shares from her own personal experience of life as a barren woman — a term which you’ll hear her reclaim in a beautifully positive way. She weaves her own story, including an ongoing fight against cancer, into the book as she highlights strong and refreshing examples of childless women throughout Scripture, history, and our present day. I especially loved Elizabeth’s emphasis on the partnership of women and her urging that women support one another regardless of maternal status. It’s a delightful conversation, and if you listen to the end, I’ve included an excerpt in which Elizabeth reveals a bit more about her journey through cancer treatments while she was completing her MFA. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Lynn Gill is a chemist, a scholar, and the recently-appointed Vice President for InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries. Listen in as we discuss her journey through academia, her moments of discernment, and the spiritual habits that have supported her along the way.

Can I introduce you to a very special person? Lynn Gill is a chemist, a scholar, a lover of books, a devoted follower of Jesus, and the recently-appointed Vice President for InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries. I sat down with Lynn to hear a little bit about her life, her love for graduate students and faculty, and her faith journey. And I promise I’m not just saying this because she is my boss’s boss’s boss — Lynn is a truly remarkable person with deep spiritual wisdom and lots of stories to show for it. I found it fascinating to hear about Lynn’s complex career path and the way she discerned each next step. She offers sound advice for thriving in challenging times, and if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt from our conversation where Lynn talks about a few practical ways she balanced parenting with her career. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Professor and scholar Sandra Glahn talks with us about her research in Ephesian culture, the value of narrative in teaching, and the joy of learning. 

In 1 Timothy 2, Paul writes that women will be “saved through childbearing.” What exactly does that mean? Professor Sandra Glahn joined us on the podcast to talk about her research into Artemis of the Ephesians and the profound impact it had on her understanding of Paul’s often-misunderstood words. Sandra’s book, Nobody’s Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament helped me to make sense of this complicated text by understanding the historical and cultural context Paul wrote in. Sandra and I talk about her own story, the work of scholarship and research, and the exciting developments in archeology that impact Biblical understanding. Sandra’s book is a surprising mix of stories and technical detail, all of which makes learning from her a delight. And as a bonus, InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Nobody’s Mother to listeners of this podcast: 25% off and free shipping with the code IVPPOD25. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt from our conversation where Sandra gives us some practical tips on explaining context if you’re in a heated discussion about a Biblical text. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and scholar Kat Armas shares ideas from her new devotional about our connection with earth, cosmos, nature, fellow humans, Scripture, and the liberating heart of God.

How might we reconsider the world around us as we press on to know God more fully? Author Kat Armas joined us on the podcast to discuss her new book, Sacred Belonging: A 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture. Kat talks about her own journey of learning to integrate ideas of ecology, embodiment, and ancient wisdom with her study of Scripture, ultimately discovering some fresh avenues for connection with God. It’s a very different kind of devotional, one that seeks to disentangle biblical teaching from power structures that marginalize women and people of color. The book is broad and expansive and full of stories from Kat’s own life. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included an excerpt from our conversation where Kat talks about the importance of body-awareness especially for academics. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author Dorcas Cheng-Tozun talks with us about pursuing justice while honoring one’s own particular sensitivities. 

What does it look like to pursue social justice efforts when one’s nature is particularly sensitive? Author Dorcas Cheng-Tozun writes about this dynamic in her recent book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways. I sat down with Dorcas to talk about the gifts and challenges of being a Highly Sensitive Person and the ways she has learned to embrace her own limitations while continuing to use her strengths to do good in the world. Dorcas offers practical strategies, spiritual encouragement, and historical models for honoring both soul and vision. This conversation will be beneficial both for those who identify as Highly Sensitive People and those who have sensitive people in their lives. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included a bonus from our conversation where Dorcas talks about a few of the things she has learned about parenting sensitive kids.​

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and scholar Kaitlyn Schiess talks with us about political theology in American history and how learning about it can impact our own faithful engagement with politics today. 

With the 2024 presidential election is just around the corner, it’s a good time to ask probing questions about Scripture, power, and what would take for our political theology to be shaped by God. Author and scholar Kaitlyn Schiess joined us on the podcast to discuss her recent book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here. In this book, Kaitlyn highlights examples of biblical interpretation throughout American history, examples that are distanced enough from our context today that they can helping us see some common pitfalls that lead to poor political theology. These are such important ideas that require deep thinking and personal reflection, and Kaitlyn draws us into the conversation gently but firmly. In our discussion, we also talk about Kaitlyn’s current experience as a grad student, and if you listen to the very end of the podcast, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Kaitlyn shares a practice that has been strengthening her community bond, especially in her life as a single person.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior talks with us about the historical influences around evangelical culture and how they impact the expression of faith today.

What forces have shaped the evangelical culture and how can understanding them shape our future? Author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior joined us on the podcast to discuss her recent book, The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis. Karen talks with us about the history of evangelicalism and the way Victorian influences impact its expression even today, helping us to consider what ideas are Christian and what are merely cultural. Karen also offers some sound advice for those who are beginning their academic careers, and if you listen to the very end of the podcast, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation in which Karen shares thoughts on responding to the pressures that come with life as a woman who hasn’t had children.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on an exclusive peek into our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and professor Gordon T. Smith where they discuss vocation, spiritual engagement, and personal congruence.

Do you want to find personal congruence with your institution? Would your approach to your work environment be different, if you thought of yourself as embodying God’s welcome at your workplace? How does the reality that our thinking is secular unless we learn to think Christianly about all of life grip you?

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Gordon Smith about his book Your Calling Here and Now. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Gordon Smith shows us how our vocation is a form of spiritual engagement and gives us direction to discern our callings in the immediacy of our lives.

Dr. Gordon Smith is the President of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology. 

— Jasmine Obeyesekere

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and professor Carmen Joy Imes talks with us about theology's impact on our daily lives, the unique dignity of humanity, and the ways we can honor God's image in each of us.

What does it mean that humans are made in the image of God, and how does this knowledge affect the way we live? Author and professor Carmen Joy Imes joined us on the podcast to discuss her recent book, Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters. Carmen talks with us about the way theology impacts our daily lives, the unique dignity of humanity, and what we can do to honor God’s image in ourselves and in our life together. Longtime readers of The Well will recognize Carmen’s name from the many articles and prayers that she has published over the years, and so it was a special delight to have a chance to talk with her about her work as a professor and how the different pieces of her life fit together, in addition to her new book. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation in which Carmen offers a practical strategy that she and her family employed to foster connection during some of their busiest years with young children.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Theological researcher Rev. Dr. Dani Treweek talks with us about the understanding of singleness throughout history, the questions that face us today, and how we might think differently about relationships and the church.

In a world focused on marriage and children, what does it look like for single Christians to live lives of fullness and joy? Author Dani Treweek joined us on the podcast to discuss the ideas from her book The Meaning of Singleness: Retrieving an Eschatological Vision for the Contemporary Church. Dani’s research on this topic covers historical patterns and present day questions, and ultimately offers a series of practical suggestions and hopeful worldview shifts. This book is not just for single people — it’s a book for all of us as we ask questions and enter into conversations about our relationships and the work of the church. I learned so much from talking with Dani and I think you will too. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation in which Dani debunks the popular understanding of the “gift of singleness.”

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Authors Sabrina S. Chan and La Thao talk with us about Asian American identity formation and the ways history, culture, and community intersect with Christian faith.

For each of us, the stories of culture, race, and ethnicity lay the foundation of our identities and our expressions of faith. In today’s conversation, author Sabrina S. Chan and La Thao talk with me about Asian American identity from a Christian perspective. Together with two other authors, they have written the book Learning Our Names: Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships, and Vocation, exploring the history and stories of the Asian diaspora in America and their impact on vocation, faith, and identity. Sabrina and La discuss the significance of this book at this time in history, the distinctiveness of different Asian cultures in America, and the gifts of growing in one’s cultural awareness. This conversation is thoughtful and informative for anyone who identifies as Asian American or if you’re someone who loves and appreciates the Asian American people in your life.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

President and CEO Mimi Haddad talks with us about her leadership of Christians for Biblical Equality and the worldwide work to liberate women and men from Christian patriarchy.

What would it be like to live in a world where biblical and social barriers to women’s equality don’t exist? Our guest today, Mimi Haddad, has spent decades working to educate, advocate, and liberate women and men from Christian patriarchy through her leadership with Christians for Biblical Equality. CBE is an international organization that has challenged biblical and patriarchal social barriers for over 30 years. My colleague Karen Guzman sits down with Mimi to talk about some of the challenges that women face in the university world and ways to serve as leaders and allies. I loved hearing Mimi talk about the positive impact on societies around the world when women take leadership roles, and I really appreciated Mimi’s perception of the Holy Spirit’s role in this work of raising up women. I thought  this conversation was just a delight and I think you will too.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Author and professor Jessica Hooten Wilson talks with us about the spiritual practice of reading, the ways books shape our souls, and the impact this posture has on our teaching.

One of my favorite things about our podcast listener community is that we are a people who love to read and who crave learning and growing as we engage with the written word. So — we invited author and professor Jessica Hooten Wilson to our podcast to talk about the joy of reading as a spiritual practice. Jessica’s recent book Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice, outlines ways that Christian thinkers across the ages have developed their faith through the act of reading — and then instructs us in some practices that can help all of us to read generously and with an openness to spiritual formation. In our conversation, Jessica and I also spend some time talking about what life is like as a woman in the academy, and I included an outtake from our conversation at the very end where Jessica shares how her family manages dual careers and three (soon to be four) young children. I think you’ll really love this conversation.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Therapist Aundi Kolber returns to talk with us about cultivating inner strength, paying attention to our needs, and ways to stay grounded in God's love.

Many of us have been raised with the idea that strength means pushing your own limits in order to achieve your goals. But what if there was another way? A way that honored your needs while also cultivating strength? In this conversation, author and therapist Aundi Kolber walks us through a fresh vision of strength as we discuss her book Strong like Water: Finding the Freedom, Safety, and Compassion to Move through Hard Things — and Experience True Flourishing. This is Aundi’s third time on the podcast and I’m so glad she is back with us. Aundi’s deep faith informs her understanding of strength, and the tools she suggests for growth are very relevant for anyone facing hard things while also desiring to stay grounded in God’s love. Our conversation takes a deep dive into psychology as Aundi describes three types of strength and their roles in the context of healing from trauma. We touch on the concept of comparative suffering and we also discuss the way our nervous systems affect our bodily responses. Aundi generously shares a few strategies to use as “compassionate resources” — the term she uses for those practical tools that help us care for our emotional needs. And if you listen to the end of the podcast, I’ve included a bonus from our conversation in which Aundi talks with us about how to distinguish between self-care behaviors and numbing behaviors in ourselves.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

New Testament professor Nijay Gupta talks with us about women leaders in the early church, the context and culture of these first-century Christians, and what we can learn from these women today.

Our conversation today features Dr. Nijay Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and author of Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. In our conversation, Nijay shines a light on women leaders in the Bible, explaining their roles and their authority through a close reading of the biblical text and a rich description of the cultural context of the day. Nijay talks about some common misconceptions we have of women in the early church, and he encourages us all to read the Bible with an openness to being surprised by God. I really enjoyed talking with Nijay and hearing his delightful combination of enthusiasm and scholarly expertise, and I’ve included a bonus at the end of the podcast where Nijay offers his thoughts on Bible translation. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Limited time offer from InterVarsity Press: enjoy this code for 30% off Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church when you buy it at ivpress.com by March 21, 2023. Just use the code: WELL23

Womanist biblical scholar Love Sechrest sits down with us to talk about reading Scripture with a disciplined exploration of culture, both in ancient times and today.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Dr. Love Lazarus Sechrest, womanist biblical scholar and author of the book Race & Rhyme: Rereading the New Testament. In her writing, Love pairs a deep respect for Scripture with a disciplined exploration of culture, both from biblical times and today. The book was a demanding read for me and I had lots questions, but Love is a wonderful teacher and does a masterful job of explaining her approach to Scripture and the way she finds elements in our culture today that “rhyme” with biblical texts. Love also has a fascinating history, coming to her field of study as a second career scholar. We discuss her journey into academic study, and she graciously helped me to understand the unique approach of womanist theology. And at the very end I’ve included a bonus clip in which Love talks about her journey to find a church that aligns with her beliefs. This conversation was truly a delight and I think you’ll enjoy it too. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Baker and theologian Kendall Vanderslice chats with us about the struggles of disordered eating, the search for vocation, her experience as a single woman, and God's presence through it all as we discuss her new memoir.

Today I’m excited to share a conversation with Kendall Vanderslice, a professional baker, practical theologian, and author of By Bread Alone: A Baker’s Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God.  This is Kendall’s second time on the podcast, and I was thrilled to catch up with her and dig into her new book. By Bread Alone is part memoir, part spiritual reflection, with lots of incredible stories and a handful of recipes thrown in for good measure. Kendall’s story is riveting as she shares deeply about her childhood, her struggle with disordered eating and food sensitivities, her search for her vocation, and her experience as a single woman cultivating a strong community. Kendall guides the reader gently into spiritual truths as she reflects on the presence of God through times of joy and struggle. I really enjoyed the book and was grateful for Kendall’s openness as I asked her lots of probing questions! 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Bonnie Smith Whitehouse talks with us about her professional calling into academia, the wonder of God's created world, and creative habits for spiritual reflection from her new book.

I’m excited to invite you into a conversation with Bonnie Smith Whitehouse, English professor and author of Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals. This handbook walks us through each week of the year with thoughtful, guided reflections to help us engage with the presence of God in our everyday world. I really enjoyed reading Bonnie’s creative ideas, and it turned out to be even more energizing to have a conversation with her — if you had been there, you would have seen the way Bonnie’s whole face lights up as she is talking about this book and the way we can shape our days to deepen our connection with God and our wonder at God’s created world. Bonnie and I also spend a few minutes talking about her professional calling into academia, and I’ve included a little bonus at the end of the podcast where she offers wise advice for parents with young children.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on an exclusive peek into our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and sociologist Dr. Felicia Wu Song where they discuss digital habits, community, and spiritual formation.

How do you engage with the digital technology in your life? Do you wish for a time when your phone didn't rule your life?

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Felicia Wu Song about her book Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Felicia Wu Song shows us that even though we rightly long for community, we settle for connection instead, and shows us how our souls are being formed by the digital world we inhabit in ways we may not always be conscious of. Dr. Song doesn't give us a list of do's and don'ts primed for failure. Instead she offers suggestions of "counter liturgy" — intentional habits that will help us abide in Christ, rather than abide in the digital.

Felicia Song is Associate Professor and Chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. 

— Jasmine Obeyesekere

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

This year, as we’ve been talking with women in academia, we’ve heard one thing loud and clear: taking time for reflection is the first step in crafting a life that is satisfying, sustainable, and focused on the work God has called us to do.

To that end, we’re exploring a practice of short, manageable reflections together this Advent which you can enjoy in audio or written form, receiving them in the way that works best for your life. This is our fifth and final episode of our Advent 2022 series, so if you haven’t yet heard the first episode, give that one a listen if you’d like some more context. Listen in, read the transcript at our website, and download the questions for reflection.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

This year, as we’ve been talking with women in academia, we’ve heard one thing loud and clear: taking time for reflection is the first step in crafting a life that is satisfying, sustainable, and focused on the work God has called us to do.

To that end, we’re exploring a practice of short, manageable reflections together this Advent which you can enjoy in audio or written form, receiving them in the way that works best for your life. This is our fourth episode of our Advent 2022 series, so if you haven’t yet heard the first episode, give that one a listen if you’d like some more context. Listen in, read the transcript at our website, and download the questions for reflection.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

This year, as we’ve been talking with women in academia, we’ve heard one thing loud and clear: taking time for reflection is the first step in crafting a life that is satisfying, sustainable, and focused on the work God has called us to do.

To that end, we’re exploring a practice of short, manageable reflections together this Advent which you can enjoy in audio or written form, receiving them in the way that works best for your life. This is our third episode of our Advent 2022 series, so if you haven’t yet heard the first episode, give that one a listen if you’d like some more context. Listen in, read the transcript at our website, and download the questions for reflection.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

This year, as we’ve been talking with women in academia, we’ve heard one thing loud and clear: taking time for reflection is the first step in crafting a life that is satisfying, sustainable, and focused on the work God has called us to do.

To that end, we’re exploring a practice of short, manageable reflections together this Advent which you can enjoy in audio or written form, receiving them in the way that works best for your life. This is our second episode of our Advent 2022 series, so if you haven’t yet heard the first episode, give that one a listen if you’d like some more context. Listen in, read the transcript at our website, and download the questions for reflection.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

To that end, we’re exploring a practice of short, manageable reflections together this Advent which you can enjoy in audio or written form, receiving them in the way that works best for your life. This is our first episode of our Advent 2022 series. Listen in, read the transcript at our website, and download the questions for reflection.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Bette Dickinson talks with us about observing Advent when schedules are full, the spiritual power of art, and the joy of embracing our human limits.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Bette Dickinson, artist and author of Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder. In this beautiful new book, Bette invites readers into her personal reflections about Advent and the Christmas story through words and through printed images of her own original paintings. I loved talking with Bette about the way art can lead us into places of spiritual transformation, about the creative work that happens within all of us, and about the complex nature of motherhood and pregnancy in literal and metaphorical terms. Bette offers a real sense of grace and realism as we talk about Advent in the context of a busy December, and her words on the gift of embracing our human limits speak clearly to the lives of academics. Our conversation is full of delight and depth, and I think you’ll enjoy listening in.

We’re sharing this interview with you well before Advent begins on November 27. Advent always sneaks up on me, so we wanted to release this episode as an invitation for you to give some thought to the way you’d like to observe the season of Advent. Bette’s new book is an excellent choice for this year. We’ll also link to some other ideas in the show notes, and you can watch for a special set of Advent reflections we’ll be publishing at The Well in the first week of Advent, a new offering that you can enjoy in either audio or written form.​

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Janice McWilliams talks with us about sustainable self-care, cultivating restorative practices for our mental health, and looking to Jesus as an example of a life well-lived.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Janice McWilliams, therapist and author of Restore My Soul: Reimagining Self-Care for a Sustainable Life. Janice’s work as a therapist has given her a clear-eyed understanding of the ways personal and professional stresses can take a toll on human wellbeing and the way Jesus can serve as an example of balanced living. In her book, Janice describes the pitfalls we can stumble into around the areas of thoughts, emotions, and life rhythms, then sketches out sensible and actionable practices to counteract our struggles. This book, my friends, contains exactly the kind of mature spiritual wisdom I need as I head into Thanksgiving and Christmas and the end of the calendar year with all of the complicated family, work, and personal difficulties that show up for me. Janice and I cover a lot of practical tips in our conversation, and I think you’ll walk away from this with fresh ideas about how to stay grounded in stressful times.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

How do you live well in the midst of a busy season? Three faculty women weigh in with their best practices in this Dear Mentor episode.

How do you live well when you’re in a busy season? What practices can help nourish you when there is very little white space at the edges of your life? In this special episode, we’re continuing our series of Dear Mentor conversations where we answer some of your most pressing questions. Today, we’re talking about thriving in the midst of a full life. Karen Hice Guzmán, director of Women Scholars and Professionals, sat down with three women faculty members —  two married with kids and one single, representing the fields of chemistry, sociology, and history — and recorded their thoughts and practices for living your best life in the midst of your busiest life.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

Featuring Ruth López Turley, Ellane Park, & Cynthia Prescott, with Karen Hice Guzmán

For show notes or more information, please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Authors Beth Birmingham and Eeva Sallinen Simard talk with us about the ways workplace cultures can inhibit the flourishing of women, the strategic importance of women’s contributions, and a framework for repair.

A joyful announcement: this is our 100th episode of the podcast! Will you celebrate with us by rating and reviewing this podcast? If you need some tips, we crafted a "how-to" article for you.

For our 100th episode, let me invite you into a conversation with Beth Birmingham and Eeva Sallinen Simard, authors of Creating Cultures of Belonging: Cultivating Organizations Where Women and Men Thrive. In this book, Eeva and Beth explore the challenges that women frequently encounter in workplace cultures that inhibit personal flourishing, and then they offer a clear and systemic framework for transforming these cultures into places where people who feel marginalized can experience the kind of belonging that results in growth for individuals and the organization. Beth and Eeva approach this topic with infectious energy and enthusiasm, and our conversation is full of very practical ideas for listeners like you! Don’t miss the bonus content in the last ten minutes where Beth and Eeva share some practical strategies they have used to balance caregiving duties with their careers.

Limited time offer from InterVarsity Press: enjoy this code for 30% off of Creating Cultures of Belonging: Cultivating Organizations Where Women and Men Thrive when you buy them at ivpress.com by October 25, 2022. Just use the code: WELL22

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Sheila Wise Rowe talks with us about the importance of mental health, the unlikely pairing of lament and celebration, and the complexities of growing up gifted and Black.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Sheila Wise Rowe, counselor, speaker, spiritual director, and author of Young, Gifted, and Black: A Journey of Lament and Celebration.  In this new book, Sheila explores the complex emotional landscape that comes along with the Black experience for those who are young and gifted, covering topics from perfectionism to boundaries to healing from trauma. The principles that Sheila teaches us through the pages of her book address these experiences in a way that fully acknowledges the complexity of the young lives she is talking about, while also being universal enough to apply authentically to the experiences of all of us — young or old, from a variety of backgrounds. I especially love the way Sheila’s work is so fully undergirded by her deep faith — a quality that I think comes through loud and clear both in this interview and in her writing. This is the second time Sheila has been on the podcast, and it’s a delight to have her back with us for a fresh conversation.

Limited time offer from InterVarsity Press: enjoy this code for 30% off of Sheila's books when you buy them at ivpress.com by October 11, 2022. Just use the code: WELL22

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Kat Armas chats with us about the navigating seminary, grieving over research, and discovering wisdom in unexpected places. 

Let me invite you into a conversation with Kat Armas, theologian and author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence and Strength. In her book, Kat builds a bridge between intellectualism and earthy wisdom as she considers the question, “What if the greatest theologians the world has ever known are those whom the world wouldn’t consider theologians at all?” Through an exploration of history, Scripture, and her own Cuban-American upbringing, Kat draws fresh insight into the rich wisdom that can be found in women who are often overlooked in theological conversations. In our discussion, Kat shares about her own personal spiritual journey, including the complexities of navigating seminary as a Cuban-American woman. Her encouragement to continue questioning the status quo and looking for wisdom in unexpected places is a breath of fresh air. Kat is fun and vivacious and full of stories, and I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Beth Allison Barr talks with us about speaking up, leaning into questions, and thriving as a woman in academia.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, history professor and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. This book has deeply impacted the conversation around gender roles in the church since its publication in April 2021. I was thrilled to interview Beth so I could ask her just a few of the many questions that came up for me as I read her powerful book.  In our conversation, Beth explores the terrain between her personal experience and her historical research, and talks about her journey toward sharing her findings with the wider world — and the fallout that came along with that choice. Beth talks candidly about her experience as a tenured professor, and offers generous advice and encouragement for other women who hope to find their way in academia. Beth is a warm and gracious conversation partner, full of wisdom and knowledge and laughter too, and I think you’ll enjoy this interview.​

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

How do you prepare to successfully kick off a new school year? Listen in on our first in a series of episodes where we answer some of your Dear Mentor questions.

Let me invite you into a special episode, our first in a series of episodes where we answer some of your Dear Mentor questions. First up: back to school rhythms. How do you get geared up for the semester? What habits get you in the mindset for an energizing start to the school year? Karen Hice Guzmán, director of Women Scholars and Professionals, sat down with three women faculty members — representing the fields of chemistry, music, and business — and recorded their best tips and wisdom to help you start your school year on the right foot. ​

Let me add a special note here for those of you who are not professionally aligned with a school schedule at this time of year — you are welcome, too! The ideas that emerge from these three conversations can be applied easily to a number of contexts, so we hope you listen in and glean the wisdom that connects with your life and work situation.

And one more thing: If you’re wondering what happened to "All Shall Be Well" and "Women in the Academy and Professions," there’s no need for concern! You’re in the right place — we’ve simply decided to change our name.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

Featuring Rachel Barnard, Cristina Espinoza-Alguera, & Jana Young, with Karen Hice Guzmán.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Join us for this conversation with author Helen Lee as we talk about ways we can cultivate safe environments that support families and church communities leaning into discussions about race.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Helen Lee, author and director of product innovation at InterVarsity Press. In the context of a racialized culture in which tension and violence is a daily reality, Helen and her co-author Michelle Reyes have written a book for families. The Race-Wise Family is a book designed for parents and caregivers who wish to imbue their family culture with sensitivity and nuance around the concept of race. Although the book is written for parents, I found that the wisdom within this book can be almost universally applied in the life of anyone who wishes to create a safe environment for young people to explore and grow in their ability to heal our communities from the devastating effects of racism. Helen doesn’t shy away from the need for deep thinking and soul-work on the part of the caregiver, but also suggests a number of very simple and practical ideas that could be implemented within moments. This book is an important contribution to our national and church-wide conversation about race, and Helen is just a delight to talk with. 

Programming Note: We’ll be taking a two-month summer break here at All Shall Be Well. Our team will be resting and reconnecting and planning for the future during June and July, so we encourage you to catch up on back episodes, get some rest yourself if you can, and watch for our next season to begin in mid-August.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Join us for this conversation with author and educator Christina Edmondson as we discuss the work of fighting racism in academic contexts and the tools needed for this important task.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Christina Edmondson, educator and co-author of Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change. I loved this book and I think it is exactly the kind of handbook that is needed to help our world and the Church move forward in matters of race.  In our conversation, Christina and I explore the very practical ideas in Faithful Antiracism, and we look at the work of fighting racism through the lens of life in the academic and professional realms specifically. The book is full of concepts that are both very actionable and very profound, and Christina and her co-author Chad Brennon lead the readers by the hand through logical, data-based explanations and into a space that is safe for self-examination and honest reflection. In talking with Christina, I began to get a taste of the way her spiritual wisdom and maturity paved the way for her and Chad to write this very rich and powerful book. I think you’ll love reading it, and I think you’ll love this conversation, too. 

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on a remarkable roundtable conversation where we hear four thoughtful, faithful women respond to questions about living a full Christian life as a single woman.

Let me invite you into a special episode where we have the opportunity to listen into a roundtable conversation on the topic of Singleness. The conversation is hosted by Karen Guzmán, our director at Women in the Academy and Professions, and I’ll let her introduce our four esteemed guests and some of the important questions they’ll delve into, including issues around work, family, friendship, and the church. The collective wisdom revealed in this conversation is remarkable, and I felt continually impressed and grateful for the honestly, vulnerability, and faithfulness of these women as we asked them to share deeply about a pretty personal topic. This conversation is well worth listening to whether or not you are single yourself. It’s exactly the kind of thing that everyone — single, married, widowed, or divorced — can benefit from as we seek to build a worldwide church that honors all people and their callings, without regard to their marital status.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Earth Day is on April 22, 2022! Allow this conversation with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe to inspire the stewardship of our beautiful planet.

Welcome to our special episode honoring Earth Day! Our interview with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe is so appropriate for this week that we wanted to share it again today. Katharine’s book is an excellent resource for furthering one’s thinking about the privilege of caring for our planet, and this conversation with her is a great way to get the ball rolling.

So let me invite you into a conversation with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, author of the book Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. I’ve been a fan of Katharine’s ever since we published a couple of interviews with her in 2016 and I’ve always been so inspired by the way she has pursued her calling in climate science. The book was life-changing for me. Katharine’s message is so empowering around the issue of climate change, offering encouragement and practical ideas without any guilt. But even more significant was seeing Katharine as an example of a person who is truly willing to reach across differences to bring about change. In our conversation, you’ll hear us discuss these bigger issues of calling and integration and respect for others — and you’ll also hear Katherine’s genius trick for grocery shopping that helps her to save time, waste less food, and create more delicious meals. I love the way Katharine connects big-picture questions with small, meaningful changes we can make in life.​ And — bonus! — we get to hear about Katharine's wonderful experience with the graduate student fellowship at University of Illinois.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Join us for this conversation with author and professor Holly Oxhandler as we discuss the image of God in each of us, its importance for our own flourishing, and the tools we can harness to learn more about it.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Dr. Holly Oxhandler, social work professor and researcher at Baylor University. Holly’s research in the connection between spirituality and mental health led her to an important insight, namely that growing in our awareness of the image of God inside each of us can help us to flourish. She writes about this in her recent book entitled The Soul of the Helper: Seven Stages to Seeing the Sacred Within Yourself So You Can See It in Others. In our conversation, Holly and I talk about both the mindset shift and the practical habits we can adopt to attend to the divine spark in each of us. I found Holly’s story so remarkable in the way she describes her own transformation from a person who fully embraced the fast-paced nature of life into one that is more accepting of human limitations while still continuing to pursue her personal and professional goals. Holly has great things to say about spiritual practices and mental health resources, and I think you’re just going to love this interview.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Join us for this conversation with author and professor Susan Maros as we discuss the process of discerning God's calling and the ways our unique contexts inform that journey.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Dr. Susan Maros — professor, researcher and leadership coach. Susan has written a new book entitled Calling in Context: Social Location and Vocational Formation, which releases in April 2022 (and is available for pre-order). In our conversation, Susan and I talk about the ways we need to expand our understanding of the concept of calling in a way that integrates our whole selves. We talk about how hindsight is often the best way we can identify patterns that reveal our calling, and Susan shares some practical suggestions for ways to grow in discernment. One of the things I love most about Susan’s work in this book is the way she bases her approach to calling on the knowledge that God is gracious and loving and isn’t trying to test us to see if we get things “right.” The whole conversation and the book is filled with grace, and it feels like a breath of fresh air infused into a topic that can often feel very intense and heavy. I loved this conversation, and I even kept a few parts in that were impacted by some technical difficulties and a little background noise — but don’t worry, you can understand every bit of it. In fact, if you hang in all the way to the end of the credits, you can hear a masterful bit of Susan’s wisdom over the pleasant buzz of gardening sounds near her office.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Join us for this conversation with writer and theology student Catherine McNiel as we discuss the call to love our neighbor, what that call looks like in the world of academia, and the grace we need to get there.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Catherine McNiel — writer, theology student, and second time guest on the podcast. Catherine has just released a new book entitled Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies. In our conversation, we talk about Jesus’s call to love our enemies and the implications of this call on our lives today. We dig deep into the parable of the Good Samaritan and sift through issues of individual and systemic responsibility, and talk about the unique ways we can practice this element of faith in university and professional settings. The thing I love best about Catherine’s book and about our conversation is the way Catherine approaches this skill of loving others through a lens of spiritual formation, weaving it all together with practical exercises that enfold us in a place of spiritual safety. Catherine pastors her readers and listeners through this journey with great care, and at the very end, she even offers some fresh thoughts on loving others in relationship to Russia’s war on Ukraine, a world event that began just days before we recorded this episode.

So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

What spiritual practices can help develop your resilience in challenging situations? Join us for this conversation with Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile as we discuss our individual responses to stress, the benefits of self-understanding, and the opportunities for growth that can be found all around us.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Suzanne Stabile, a spiritual teacher and author. Suzanne’s expertise is found in the study of the Enneagram, an ancient personality typing system identifying nine personality types that are expressed individually and in relationship to others. In our conversation, we talk together about liminal space and the pandemic and opportunities for personal spiritual growth. Suzanne shares a bit about the Enneagram and offers some resources for those who would like to learn more (including information about her most recent book, The Journey Toward Wholeness), but mostly we shaped our conversation in way that includes everyone, no matter if you are brand new to the Enneagram or a seasoned student. 

Limited time offer from InterVarsity Press: enjoy this code for 30% off any or all of Suzanne's books when you buy them at ivpress.com by March 8, 2022. Just use the code: WELL22

Interesting in learning more about our matching grant? Find out more through February 23, 2022.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Where is the Spirit of God active in your life? Join us for this conversation with Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren as we discuss pandemic life, spiritual redemption, and God’s constant presence.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Anglican priest and author Tish Harrison Warren. Tish is a former colleague of ours at The Well and one of our favorite people to talk with. She has written two award-winning books, and now has co-authored a new book that is coming out in a few months — this one for children. The title is Little Prayers for Ordinary Days, and it’s a collection of everyday prayers, geared for kids but also truly relevant for adults in many ways — and it’s really delightful. In this podcast, Tish and I talk about pandemic life and spiritual redemption and God’s constant presence and Tish shares some beautiful encouragement for listeners of our podcast. It’s a lovely and rich conversation, and I think you’ll really enjoy it.

Limited time offer from InterVarsity Press: enjoy this code for 30% off any or all of Tish’s books — even the one that isn’t out quite yet — when you buy them at ivpress.com by February 23, 2022. Just use the code: WELL22

Interesting in learning more about our matching grant? Find out more through February 23, 2022.

And without further ado — have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

How can the simple act of eating together draw us more fully into relationship with God and community? Join us for this conversation with baker and writer Kendall Vanderslice as we discuss table fellowship, vocational discernment, and the joy of food.

Let me invite you into a conversation with Kendall Vanderslice — baker, writer, and public theologian. I first became aware of Kendall when I read of a bread-baking workshop in which she teaches participants to bake as a form of prayer. Workshops like these are one of the offerings from Edible Theology, an educational ministry founded by Kendall that connects the Communion table to tables we eat at every day. As I’ve explored Kendall’s work — including her new podcast, Kitchen Meditations, and her book about the dinner church movement — I’ve been challenged to think more deeply about the spiritual implications of eating and sharing good food — an activity that is near and dear to my heart. In our conversation, Kendall and I talk about life in academia, the gift of community, her thoughts on living life wholeheartedly as a single person — and yes, we get into a few recipes as well. So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

— Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra

Listen in on an exclusive peek into our fall book club as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and theologian Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra where they discuss suffering, hope, and the Christian life.

hope look like?

Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra invites us to be honest with the pain we experience, both personally and in our world. He shows us that walking with God includes the apparent paradox of lamenting, questioning, and living with uncertainty alongside our joy, faith, and assurance.  He shows us how suffering is at the heart of God and fleshes out the nature of Christian hope. I’m especially encouraged by the idea of “hope as struggle” as we long for and work towards God’s future amid the brokenness in our world.   Dr. Ramachandra is a lay theologian, writer, teacher, and human rights advocate born and based in Sri Lanka. His multi-faceted, international ministry spanning over forty years includes promoting among students and faculty a holistic, dialogical engagement with the world of the university; and helping Christian graduates act with Christian integrity in the face of the social, cultural, and political challenges they face in their national contexts throughout the world.   You can find Vinoth’s theological engagement with global current affairs at his blog. 

— Jasmine Obeyesekere

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"Where am I experiencing Emmanuel, God with us?"

We've cultivated a tradition of time for peace with God during Advent here at The Well. This year, we're offering four short audio devotionals, one for each week of Advent. Each of these special episodes will include a collection of prayers, poetry, Scripture, and music — all things that you can take with you through your day and week. You can also download a pdf of the readings for each episode, and if you've missed any, you can find all the episodes on this page.

We're so glad you could join us here for our final week of Advent as we meditate on the incarnation. We hope this audio resource can provide you with a few moments of rest and reflection in this busy time of year. 

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"What causes me to rejoice?"

We've cultivated a tradition of time for peace with God during Advent here at The Well. This year, we're offering four short audio devotionals, one for each week of Advent. Each of these special episodes will include a collection of prayers, poetry, Scripture, and music — all things that you can take with you through your day and week. You can also download a pdf of the readings for each episode, and if you've missed any, you can find all the episodes on this page.

We're so glad you could join us here for our third week of Advent as we meditate on the joyful meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. We hope this audio resource can provide you with a few moments of rest and reflection in this busy time of year. 

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"I truly believe that a failure to act on climate change is a failure to love." — Katharine Hayhoe

Let me invite you into a conversation with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, author of the book Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. I’ve been a fan of Katharine’s ever since we published a couple of interviews with her in 2016 and I’ve always been so inspired by the way she has pursued her calling in climate science. The book was life-changing for me. Katharine’s message is so empowering around the issue of climate change, offering encouragement and practical ideas without any guilt. But even more significant was seeing Katharine as an example of a person who is truly willing to reach across differences to bring about change. In our conversation, you’ll hear us discuss these bigger issues of calling and integration and respect for others — and you’ll also hear Katherine’s genius trick for grocery shopping that helps her to save time, waste less food, and create more delicious meals. I love the way Katharine connects big-picture questions with small, meaningful changes we can make in life.​ And — bonus! — we get to hear about Katharine's wonderful experience with the graduate student fellowship at University of Illinois. So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"What word might the Lord be speaking to you this season?​"

We've cultivated a tradition of time for peace with God during Advent here at The Well. This year, we're offering four short audio devotionals, one for each week of Advent. Each of these special episodes will include a collection of prayers, poetry, Scripture, and music — all things that you can take with you through your day and week. You can also download a pdf of the readings for each episode.

We're so glad you could join us here for our second week of Advent as we meditate on the Annunciation, the story of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. We hope this audio resource can provide you with a few moments of rest and reflection in this busy time of year. 

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"Whether you find yourself at work, at home, in traffic, or awake in the middle of the night, hear this truth and this comfort: the Lord is with you."

We've cultivated a tradition of time for peace with God during Advent here at The Well. This year, we're offering four short audio devotionals, one for each week of Advent. Each of these special episodes will include a collection of prayers, poetry, Scripture, and music — all things that you can take with you through your day and week. You can also download a pdf of the readings for each episode. We're so glad you could join us here. We hope this audio resource can provide you with a few moments of rest and reflection in this busy time of year. 

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"Part of my own journey is wanting to become a different kind of person who can be present to the people in my life." — Felicia Song

Let me invite you into a conversation with professor and cultural sociologist Felicia Wu Song, in which we talk about her recent book Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age. Reading this book felt like a real spiritual journey for me with Felicia serving as a gentle guide. She describes the challenges that come with our compulsive use of digital devices, and then leads the reader into spiritual practices that help temper some of the harmful effects and reorient our focus back to connectedness with God and one another. It’s a beautiful and courageous and kind book, especially around a topic that could be filled with shoulds and oughts — and Felicia and I talk about why she decided NOT to offer a lot of hard and fast rules about managing digital devices. I loved talking with Felicia and I think you’ll enjoy our conversation too.​ So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"How can I recognize the inherent goodness of contemplating God shaping me now?" — Kaitlyn Schiess

I’ve been a fan of Kaitlyn Schiess for a while now. Her book, The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor (IVP 2020), has some very helpful things to say about how and why God’s Spirit is at work in us and — surprise! — it isn’t primarily for our own benefit. I have appreciated Kaitlyn’s voice in the conversations at The Holy Post, a podcast she frequents as a commentator and, recently, as an interviewer. I am so encouraged to find a young sharp woman at the center of important conversations these days speaking candidly and thoughtfully about what it looks like to love God, his Word, and his world. And I look forward to the ways she will provide leadership in the Church and in our communities in the days ahead. May God increase her tribe! So, it was a treat for me to interview Kaitlyn and as others have said, I look forward to seeing where God will call her in the future.

— Karen Hice Guzmán

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"I have an assumption that we wouldn't grow old if this wasn't part of God's plan." — Alice Fryling

Let me invite you into a conversation with Alice Fryling, spiritual director and author of Aging Faithfully: The Holy Invitation of Growing Older. Alice is not only a prolific author and gifted teacher — she also happens to be truly one of my favorite people on earth. I met Alice in 1998 when I started seeing her for spiritual direction — a practice that continued for over two decades until Alice moved to Colorado. I remember noticing some of the early inclinations that Alice had toward writing a book on the spirituality of aging, and so I was thrilled to learn that the book was getting published — and then even more thrilled to talk with Alice about so many of these rich ideas — most of which are widely applicable for anyone seeking to live a faithful life, even if you’re not quite yet in your senior years. 

This conversation felt a lot more like sitting around the fire with an old friend than hosting a podcast interview — in fact, you’ll hear that Alice and I keep talking about questions I have for her, but I never really get a chance to formally ask them because they just come up naturally. You’ll hear — we had a lot of fun together. So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"The church needs to hear from women in every aspect of life." — Terumi Echols

Let me invite you into a conversation with Terumi Echols, the newly appointed publisher of InterVarsity Press. We at The Well have a special fondness InterVarsity Press and the books they publish, many of which have been featured on this podcast and so I was especially delighted to talk with Terumi. In our conversation, you’ll hear Terumi’s thoughts as she is poised to take InterVarsity Press into a new season of leadership, and you’ll also hear about her significant professional accomplishments — many of which she managed while raising a family. Hot tip: listen for Terumi’s story about the strategy she had for balancing a full-time job while homeschooling one of her children who needed a little extra help in school. It’s quite a story, and I think you’ll really enjoy getting to know Terumi.​ So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"How do you want us to speak peace and healing and reconciliation in this country at this moment?" — Dr. Denise-Margaret Thompson

Let me invite you into a conversation with Denise-Margaret Thompson, the newly appointed director of InterVarsity’s Black Scholars and Professionals. Denise is a delightful conversation partner, full of colorful stories about her upbringing in the Caribbean, her extensive experience in academia, and her personal journey of raising a family while building career. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy, but she did it! We talk about the work of Black Scholars and Professionals and the way this ministry is shaping itself to respond to the challenges of today. But the thing I like most through this entire conversation is the joyful way Denise walks through life as well as the spiritual depth she brings to the most complex situations. I think you’ll really enjoy getting to know Denise. So have a listen! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“At the end of my day, I think about, ‘What are some wins that I had today?’ That helps me to retrain my mind to think about all the ways I am winning rather than the few ways I messed up.” — Dr. Deshonna Collier-Goubil

This podcast features a panel discussion that was recorded back in July with four Christian women professors who have contributed to the book Power Women: Stories of Motherhood, Faith, and the Academy.  

In this discussion, host Karen Hice Guzmàn directs the conversation into all the topics you would hope for in an event like this: misconceptions about motherhood in the academy and the church, navigating gender roles in parenting, the work of resisting imposter syndrome — so many of the struggles that, for women, seem to accompany a dual call into the university and parenthood. But the thing that I liked especially was the sense of community they brought to the conversation. These women have not only collaborated on a project together of writing and editing this book — they have also supported one another along the way, and this has reinforced their hope that the book itself will birth new communities of academic women who can talk honestly with one another and forge new networks of support. 

We love this idea! And we think you would enjoy reading this book and discussing it with others. In fact, we would love to invite you into a book club featuring Power Women that we are hosting at The Well later this fall on November 1, 8, and 15 — you can find details here. We hope you can join us!

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"For centuries, the church has been trying to fulfill the Great Commission with half of the team largely relegated to the bench. Let's try something different." — Dr. Rob Dixon

Let me invite you into a conversation I had with Dr. Rob Dixon, author of the forthcoming book Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships. Rob's book puts forth a bold vision for mixed gender ministry partnerships that I found deeply moving. Through his research, Rob uncovers a comprehensive model for flourishing partnerships that inspires action. I’m still wrestling with it, honestly, and wondering how to create space for more flourishing in the partnerships in my own church community and work space. It’s just the kind of good work that a book can do in a person and I’m so glad that Rob is sharing this book — and this vision — with the world. So have a listen! We’re so glad you’re here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"I would love for us to be a people who promoted healing with justice, healing with hope, healing with love and inclusion." — Dr. Jennie McLaurin

Let me invite you into a conversation I had with Dr. Jennie McLaurin and Dr. Bem Culiat, two women in science who have written a book together entitled Designed to Heal. This book is a fascinating exploration of the human body’s framework for healing — delving deeply into the science of healing on a cellular level — and envisioning how this healing process can offer lessons for the healing needed in relationships, community, and society.  This book showcases each of the author’s expertise in medicine and science, weaves it together with very personal stories of healing in their own lives, and and then fuses this all together with spiritual wisdom and understanding. I love the way that Jennie and Bem are working hard to integrate science into their faith language, and I love their vision for the possibility of real healing in our society. The book itself is very inspiring, and this conversation was rich and joyful. I think you’re going to enjoy getting to know these two friends. You can read their bios below to get a sense of their background. So have a listen! We’re so glad you’re here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“Love is going to win and evil is not. We just have to hang on to that.” — Carrie Bare

I suspect that many of you, like me, have been feeling a measure of despair with the news lately. Between troublesome pandemic developments and climate change and the situation in Afghanistan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and that’s not even taking into account the struggles of regular, everyday life. Last fall, life held a similar profile of emotions, and in that context, I interviewed spiritual director Carrie Bare, an InterVarsity staff veteran and all-around wise woman. Carrie has this delightful ability to empathize deeply while simultaneously pointing us to the real and living work God is doing in the midst of bleak circumstances. It is just the kind of thing I needed to hear, and I think you’ll appreciate it too.

Carrie Bare has been with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship since 1975 and currently serves as Associate Director for Spiritual Formation of Faculty. She is married to Randy and is mother to two grown sons. This conversation with Carrie was originally published on October 27, 2020. So have a listen! We’re so glad you’re here with us.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

"There is always something new ahead." — Luci Shaw

Today, let’s listen in on a conversation with poet and writer Luci Shaw. This interview originally aired in July 2019, and it’s one of my very favorites, full of the wisdom and perspective that comes with Luci’s 90-plus years of living. She brings such a generous spirit to the conversation, from her stories about her friendship with Madeleine L’Engle to the encouragement she offers to aspiring writers, to the abundance of freshly-written poems she shares with us. For the past couple of years, I’ve hung on to her advice to keep journal notes when life gets too busy for more formal writing. Luci says at one point, “I don’t think anything is ever lost” — and that’s been such a comfort to me when I feel like time is slipping through my fingers. This interview is such a delight and an inspiration. So have a listen! We’re so glad you’re here with us.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“Because if the kingdom of God is like yeast that gets worked through the whole dough, then it is activated by kneading, but it rises by resting.” — Sarah Akutagawa

In this episode, we're highlighting a piece that’s a little different from other conversations in our archives. It’s a short spiritual meditation — about 12 minutes long — given by Sarah Akutagawa during a webinar last summer on the topic of starting grad school in a pandemic. Sarah offers these beautiful, pastoral words about the hidden work of God that is taking place in our lives without our doing anything — it’s a wonderful message of truth, and I think you’ll like hearing it again even if you listened before.

Sarah Akutagawa serves as InterVarsity’s National Director of Diversity in addition to being a part-time graduate student at Fuller Seminary.The webinar was hosted by InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministry on August 4, 2020, and this episode originally aired on this podcast on September 14, 2020. So have a listen! We’re so glad you’re here with us.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“What needs to be repaired? First we have to ask ourselves, 'What’s been broken?’” — Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil

I’m a new host on this podcast, and as we transition into our upcoming season, I’ve been digging through our archives and reviewing some of my favorite conversations led by our previous host, Caroline Triscik. This summer, we are showcasing a few of those conversations here and I’m really excited to share them with you.

Let’s listen in on Caroline’s conversation with Dr. Brenda Salter-McNeil, professor and Christian leader and advocate for justice. This interview originally aired in August 2020, but it’s still very relevant today. I really loved listening again and hearing how Dr. Brenda describes her own experience in racial justice work as a journey, something that is still in progress rather than something that is completely finished. She talks candidly about the ways her own ideas have shifted and developed over the past several years, and she also offers some specific advice for women in academia. So have a listen! We’re so glad you’re here with us.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“We’re inextricably connected to one another, and if we are ignoring someone, then we’re ignoring ourselves as well.”​

— Caroline Triscik

For the past three years, over the span of multiple academic years, liturgical seasons, and even a global pandemic, Caroline Triscik has shepherded the listeners of this podcast through dozens of conversations with women in academia and beyond. Even as she built a platform to give voice to the experiences of a diversity of women, Caroline was in the midst of her own academic journey. At this juncture, Caroline is following her own call to invest in bringing healing to others through her work as a clinical mental health counselor. As I step into her shoes as podcast host for this next season, we thought it was only fitting to share some of Caroline’s own unique story in this farewell episode. We’ll hear a bit about Caroline’s journey, her decision to pursue this fresh calling, and even an original poem by her — plus a Spotify playlist featuring some of her favorite musicians. Join us for this conversation as we bless Caroline in this next stage of life and celebrate all that she has offered us through these years as podcast host!​

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“It strikes me as a really important life-giving act to listen.” — Susanna Childress

After an incredibly long year of life in a global pandemic and acute awareness of racial injustice, poet and professor Susanna Childress invites to consider how we begin again. Revisiting our previous podcast episode, we continue our conversation about grief and suffering, particularly noting the loss of Susanna’s two children in utero and her process of healing. We ponder together the intersection of creative work, efforts toward justice and faith, as well as how the Church has so often missed the mark and even contributed to greater pain. As we contemplate together the power of words, both in healing and truth telling, Susanna generously shares a portion of an essay she recently wrote where she wrestles with how to discuss death and injustice with her young children. We pray that our conversation offers hope to begin again. 

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“Thinking about things is good, praying about things is good, but those aren’t where we end. That’s where we start.” — Taylor Schumann

We’ve all heard the phrase, “My thoughts and prayers are with [fill in the blank for the most recent community affected by gun violence].” It’s been spoken by leaders in our country and leaders in our churches time and again as we continue to wait for change. In her upcoming book from InterVarsity Press, When Thoughts and Prayers Aren’t Enough: A Shooting Survivor’s Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence, writer and activist Taylor Schumann invites us to consider how to have our thoughts and prayers be not the end, but the starting point for action as people called by God to love our neighbors. Candidly sharing about her own journey of surviving a shooting while working at a college in Christiansburg, Virginia, Taylor allows us to witness the story of how gun violence has impacted her life and faith. In our conversation in this podcast episode, she offers more of her experience toward healing and also encourages us to join her in working toward a cultural shift regarding our country’s relationship with guns. I am so grateful for my conversation with Taylor and pray that you’ll find it as meaningful and challenging as I did.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“Do I welcome my own fierce?" — Anne Pharr

In March 2021, Anne Pharr was invited to participate in a "Fierce Women Committee" as her college celebrated Women's History Month. Through this experience, Anne compiled a prose-poem to reflect the fierceness expressed through the lives of her colleagues — and her own life too. Anne shares this text-snapshot of a transformative experience to encourage us to find our own fierce and welcome it with open arms.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

“I think there’s a lot of different yeses that you can have in different seasons...and I want to be open to other reasons to say no other than fear." — Christine Wagoner

Making decisions can feel daunting — especially those significant ones that seem to change the trajectory of our lives. In our latest podcast episode, author and ministry leader Christine Wagoner invites us to consider how to “find your yes” and lean into hearing from God in our lives. In our conversation about her upcoming book Finding Your Yes: Living a Life That’s Open to God’s Invitations, Christine shares her journey of learning to love all of who God created her to be, embracing years of undesired singleness, and experiencing the faithfulness of Jesus through it all. We hope you’ll enjoy this conversation.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

For more information on the Dear Mentor series, please visit http://thewell.intervarsity.org/dear-mentor.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Cheryl Bachelder is the former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., a multibillion-dollar chain of more than 2,600 restaurants around the world. She has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal, been featured on Mad Money, and received top industry awards. She had prior leadership positions at Yum! Brands, Domino's Pizza, RJR Nabisco, the Gillette Company, and Procter & Gamble. Today, Cheryl serves on a number of boards including the CEO Forum, an organization that encourages and disciples Christian CEOs and senior leaders. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s and Master's of Business Administration degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

For more information on the Dear Mentor series, please visit http://thewell.intervarsity.org/dear-mentor.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews writer and poet Grace P. Cho.

In our conversation, Grace invites us into her experience of contracting Covid-19, her journey of sharing her voice through poetry, and the spiritual practices that have recently helped her sense God’s grace more deeply. Grace also shares about the book she recently co-edited, Take Heart: 100 Devotions to Seeing God When Life’s Not Okay. Thanks to (in)courage, we are able to offer a copy to one of our listeners. Listen in on our conversation to hear how you can be entered to win!

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

— Dr. Christina Bieber Lake

Listen in on an exclusive peek into our book club as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and professor Dr. Christina Bieber Lake. Together, they discuss thriving in academia — even during a pandemic.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews priest and author Tish Harrison Warren where they discuss human vulnerability, the nighttime prayer of Compline, and Tish’s upcoming book, Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep. Framed by the themes found in the prayer of Compline from The Book of Common Prayer, Tish welcomes us into her own journey of learning to embrace our shared vulnerability, to offer permission to grieve even the small sufferings, and to fall into the depths of joy. She reminds us of God’s goodness and presence with us even when answers to the questions surrounding suffering cannot be found. In our conversation Tish invites us to consider how the triune God is with us in our suffering, vulnerability, and joy.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

-Caroline Triscik, host of All Shall Be Well: Conversations with Women in the Academy and Beyond

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik leads us through a review of some highlights of All Shall Be Well from 2020, featuring guests, Sheila Wise Rowe, Aundi Kolber, Grace P. Cho, Jamie Ong, Rev. Twanda Prioleau, Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, Aubrey Kleinfeld, and Amy Peterson.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews writer and campus minister Chandra Crane. In our conversation we discuss ethnicity and culture, identity formation, and Chandra’s upcoming book, Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity. Chandra works for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's Graduate and Faculty Ministries and is in the process of completing her M.A. at Reformed Theological Seminary. Chandra grew up in a multiethnic/multicultural family in the Southwest and is now happily transplanted to the Deep South. We hope you'll appreciate Chandra’s intelligence, sense of humor, and strong voice as we discuss the intersection of cultural identity development, gender, and faith in Jesus.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Ann Boyd, managing editor at The Well, interviews spiritual director Carrie Bare. This episode is the third in a three-part interview series with Carrie Bare where we discuss spiritual truths that can nourish us during these tumultuous times. In this episode, Carrie and Ann discuss celebrating Advent and Christmas within our pandemic reality.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Ann Boyd, managing editor at The Well, interviews spiritual director Carrie Bare. This episode is the second in a three-part interview series with Carrie Bare where we discuss spiritual truths that can nourish us during these tumultuous times. In this episode Carrie and Ann discuss the aftermath of the US presidential election and the ways in which we can respond to our political divisions with our best, most Jesus-like selves. Although Carrie and Ann hold their own political opinions, their conversation strives to create space for listeners on either side of the aisle and ultimately, to promote a spirit of listening and honest communication.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions director Karen Hice Guzmán interviews historian Dr. Kimberly Hill in which they discuss her studies around African American missionary work and Black internationalism.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Ann Boyd, managing editor at The Well, interviews spiritual director Carrie Bare. This episode is the first in a three-part interview series with Carrie Bare where we discuss spiritual truths that can nourish us during these tumultuous times. In this first episode Carrie and Ann discuss spiritual disciplines that can settle our anxiety-ridden minds and, in particular, what we can learn from studying Psalm 1. 

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

For more information on the Dear Mentor series, please visit http://thewell.intervarsity.org/dear-mentor

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews writer, teacher, and postulant Amy Peterson as we discuss Christian virtue, our current American political climate, and her most recent book, Where Goodness Still Grows: Reclaiming Virtue in an Age of Hypocrisy. Having grown up in conservative evangelical Christianity, Amy unpacks over half a dozen virtues she recalls learning about in her upbringing and reimagines them, viewing them through the lens of Scripture and its cultural context. With intellect, humor, and compassion, Amy invites us to reimagine these virtues in our lives as well, sharing practices that cultivate these virtues and strengthen her connection with Jesus and the love of neighbor. We hope you’ll find this conversation to be a seed of goodness in this season.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in on a portion of a recent webinar hosted by InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries on Anxiety and Aspiration: Starting Grad School During a Pandemic. In this brief episode you’ll hear from Sarah Akutagawa- InterVarsity’s National Director of Diversity and part-time grad student at Fuller Seminary as she offers thoughts on all of the complex emotions that entering this new academic year may bring. Through the image of baking bread and the parable of the yeast in Matthew 13, Sarah also invites us to consider the relationship between work and rest, as well as how we might experience Jesus and the kingdom of God in the midst of life as a grad student.

We are really grateful to Sarah and Grad and Faculty Ministries for allowing us to share these words of encouragement as many of you start or continue the adventure of graduate school in these strange times.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women and the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews Aubrey Kleinfeld, licensed professional counselor at a university counseling center, as they discuss the mental health needs of students and faculty as we dive into an unusual new semester.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

In addition to sharing about the recent release of her book Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0 and her upcoming book Becoming Brave, Dr. Brenda offers her thoughts on redeeming the term "reconciliation," how we can heal from the impact of racial trauma, and how the collective voices of women can bring change in a world where racial injustice is rampant. We hope you'll find the conversation as rich and powerful as we did.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Twanda is a teacher, preacher, mother, wife, and graduate student who brings a wealth of wisdom and pastoral care to our conversation. Twanda invites us to consider how we can practice self-care and seek rest and joy in the midst of all the roles we hold as women. Twanda also offers thoughts about what it means to own our story, as well as how we can engage well in much needed conversations around race and justice. I hope you find this conversation as meaningful as we did.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Living in the center of one of the most hard hit areas of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jamie Ong gives us a glimpse of her life as a professional woman working for NYC’s Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as her roles as mother and spouse. Jamie shares how her faith influences her work in the city, especially in restoring nature and making it accessible to all. She continues to seek the welfare of her community as a follower of Jesus in the midst of these challenging times. Additionally, she offers her story of contracting the virus, needing to isolate from her family in their NYC apartment, and her hope for her community to flourish.  

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews writer and activist D.L. Mayfield. In this conversation, we discuss the four main categories of Mayfield's recent book and unpack the ways Jesus might be inviting each of us to love our neighbors more fully. 

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

While these exercises offer a clinically based approach rather than faith based, you may also choose to invite Jesus to be with you as you listen and engage in the exercises. This episode was originally part of a series of anxiety management podcasts created by graduate level interns at Messiah College's counseling center.

*This podcast is not intended to replace actual counseling, so if you find yourself experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression that are impeding your life socially, academically or occupationally, or in any other way, please contact a counselor near you.

For more thoughts from our team and Words of Hope episodes, as well as show notes for this episode, see our page at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

We pray it brings some encouragement to your day. We’d love to hear what has been bringing you hope as well, so feel free to reach out to us on social media or e-mail at wap@intervarsity.org

For more thoughts from our team and Words of Hope episodes, as well as show notes for this episode, see our page at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For more thoughts from our team and Words of Hope episodes, as well as show notes for this episode, see our page at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For more thoughts from our team and Words of Hope episodes, as well as show notes for this episode, see our page at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For more thoughts from our team and Words of Hope episodes, see our page at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For more thoughts from our team and Words of Hope episodes, see our page at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as Women in the Academy and Professions associate Caroline Triscik interviews writer and editor Grace P. Cho. In this conversation, Grace invites us into her personal journey growing up as the Korean-American daughter of a pastor and missionaries, and on to becoming a writer and mother. Grace shares how the re-examination of her conservative upbringing led her to see God as more vast, wide, and mysterious, which in turn helped her become more gracious and compassionate toward herself and others.

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women in the Academy and Professions, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wap. Thank you for listening!