Thee Quaker Podcast

“It's my responsibility and obligation as a Quaker to keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive,” says James Varner. And that’s what he’s done for more than 60 years. In this episode, James shares his passion to promote equality and love in Quaker circles and beyond.Discussion questions, a transcript, and a link to the full interview with James can be found on our episode page. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Why would a virtually unknown Quaker entrepreneur attempt the impossible and run for president of the United States (in 2024)? And how in the world did he win a primary? On today’s episode, we to talk to former presidential candidate Jason Palmer and find out.Visit QuakerPodcast.com for transcripts, links, and more! Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

On the eve of a major U.S. presidential election, we’re exploring what it means to be a politically engaged Friend. We’ll hear from Diane Randall and Emily Provance, who will offer hope and guidance on how to engage faithfully. They’ll address voting, political violence, and engaging with people who have different opinions.And if a Quaker government sounds good right about now, then you definitely need to hear our segment on the rise and fall of a Quaker-run colony!Philadelphia’s Arch Street Meeting House (ASMH) has been the site of many important events in Quaker history, and we’re celebrating its 220th Anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 27th. All are invited to worship with the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia and later enjoy family-friendly Fall activities like pumpkin carving, historic interpreters, and sweet treats. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, ASMH invites all to explore the museum and join our community of 52,000 annual visitors. We also welcome volunteers! Check our website for the latest hours and sign up for our newsletter at HistoricASMH.org.Friends-Montessori School in Asheville, North Carolina  is one of countless organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. Please contact them if you're interested in helping them during this time. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

FCNL, QVS, FWCC, AFSC…there are so many Quaker nonprofits and their acronyms can leave your head swimming, so today we’re going to explore where they all came from. How have they served Quaker communities? We’ll explore the work of these groups — from serving chocolate soup to German children during World War I to a brand new organization that is supporting Quaker ministers. And then we'll check in about how it's going at our own nonprofit. What have we learned in the past year? What's been challenging? We'll sit down with some of the people who have been instrumental in Thee Quaker's growth.Friends-Montessori School is an independent elementary school in Asheville, North Carolina that serves children ages 6-12. Based on Montessori and Quaker practices and values, our holistic, self-directed education honors the child and their place in society by fostering self, community, cultural, environmental, and spiritual awareness. We invite prospective parents as well as Friends who want to invest in the future of Quaker education to contact Canaan Brackins at canaan@friends-montessori.org.  Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Indianapolis First Friends is a semi-programmed meeting that has seen an influx in membership since returning to in-person services after the pandemic. That has meant lots of people who are new to Quakerism. It also means lots of people who are unacquainted with the many Friends who have dedicated their lives to “Speaking Truth to Power.”On this episode, Pastor Bob Henry shares a message that explores the life of outspoken feminist, pacifist, and abolitionist Lucretia Mott. We’ll also hear how music plays a part in this meeting and hear vocal ministry during waiting worship.World Quaker Day!Following a successful World Plenary Meeting, Friends World Committee for Consultation invites all Quakers to download the World Plenary Epistle and other documents outlining the experience. And then, share the epistle and other resources with your Friends church or meeting on World Quaker Day, Sunday, Oct. 6! Head to fwcc.world to learn more and take part.Sign up for our live Zoom event: Help! There's an Election Coming. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 pm ET. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Today, we’re going on a walk to see a tree that has been a witness to the Underground Railroad. It’s a tree that sheds light on Quakers and slavery. A tree that’s been around as long as the United States.So, put on your sneakers and take a walk with our producer Georgia and historian James Shields as we uncover the rich history of brave Africans seeking freedom and the Quakers who helped them through these North Carolina woods.NEWS!Join us for our free Zoom event, Help! There’s An Election Coming! on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern with Diane Randall and Emily Provance. We'll talk about how Quakers can engage meaningfully during and after this election season. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Friends schools are known for their holistic approach to education, and Friends Center for Children in New Haven, Connecticut, is no different. But this early childhood program has gone a few steps further. They have piloted life-changing initiatives that ensure their school community is representative of the community in which they live — from rent-free homes for teachers to tuition on a sliding scale that makes Friends Center affordable for all families.Featured in the New York Times and on CBS News, Friends Center is getting noticed as they embody the Quaker Testimonies in new and creative ways.For more information, visit our episode page. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

Popular Quaker author Brent Bill has written about prayer, how to live an abundant life, and sacred silence. Considering himself a “fellow traveler” rather than an expert, Brent invites his readers to join him as he explores topics of faith through a Quaker lens.On this episode, Georgia sits down with Brent to discuss the Christian life, his self-proclaimed status as a “bad Quaker,” and lots more. Join us for this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation.Visit our episode page for more information, discussion questions, and a transcript. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

As a PhD student in 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made an astronomical discovery, only to have the Nobel Prize in Physics for that discovery go to her male colleagues instead. But instead of becoming jaded by the misogyny she’s experienced, Jocelyn has become a beacon for women in the sciences.On today’s episode, we talk to Jocelyn about her Quaker roots, her move from evangelical to liberal Quakerism, her life in science, black holes, and more!Visit our episode page for a transcript, discussion questions, and to share your thoughts. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.

It is easy to be hard on ourselves and hard on other people, but what if we practiced gentleness? And what if we believed that God’s posture toward us is gentle?That’s the message that Quaker pastor Hannah Lutz brings us on today’s episode, and it’s one that she learned when she realized there was “chainmail” around her heart. Join us as we hear some wise words from Hannah.Find more information, discussion questions, and a transcript on our episode page. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.