A whirlwind occurs at the intersection of two weather masses of differing temperature and direction that spin into a brief but powerful force. The Conversing icon, above, is inspired by a painting by Fuller Seminary President Emeritus Mark Labberton, and is meant to evoke both the power of conversation and the turbulence of our times. As ambassador of Fuller, Labberton takes the occasion of his travels to speak with a broad spectrum of leaders on issues at the intersection of theology and culture.
As ambassador of Fuller, Labberton takes the occasion of his travels to speak with a broad spectrum of leaders on issues at the intersection of theology and culture.
As ambassador of Fuller, Labberton takes the occasion of his travels to speak with a broad spectrum of leaders on issues at the intersection of theology and culture.
Latest Episode
Uli Chi shares how wisdom manifests itself in various contexts—from our leadership roles to our everyday life.
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Wisdom and Leadership, with Uli Chi
Uli Chi shares how wisdom manifests itself in various contexts—from our leadership roles to our everyday life.
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The Courageous Middle, with Shirley Mullen
Shirley Mullen talks about the work of intentional engagement in our polarized contexts and advocates for actively bridging divides in our society.
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Childhood Development, with W. Thomas Boyce
W. Thomas Boyce discusses new research on sensitivity and resilience in childhood development and talks about how learning to see our children well helps them flourish and thrive.
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Theater and Story, with Liz Jacobsen
Liz Jacobsen shares about teaching theater to high schoolers and about the power of art and storytelling to transform us.
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Astrophysics and Faith, with Jennifer Wiseman
Jennifer Wiseman shares about the journey of her finding a career in science, the interactions and connections between science and faith, and the upcoming solar eclipse.
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Faith and Public Life, with Michael Wear
Michael Wear talks about the state of politics in the United States and the ways our faith is interwoven with public life.
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Our Stories and God’s Providence, with Esau McCaulley
Esau McCaulley, discussing his new memoir, reflects on the way we tell Black stories and how we make sense of our narratives for the glory of God.
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Christian Social Action, with Nikki Toyama-Szeto
Nikki Toyama-Szeto shares about her work leading Christians for Social Action, the organization’s commitment to cultivating faithful engagement with issues of justice, and her experience as a Japanese American woman in leadership.
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Evangelicalism and Extremism, with Tim Alberta
Tim Alberta takes a deep dive into the contemporary state of American Evangelicalism in a time of extremism.
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The Legacy of the Vineyard Movement, with Caleb Maskell
Caleb Maskell discusses the beginnings of Vineyard USA, which is celebrating its 50th year, and the hopeful future ahead.
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On Thriving, with Pamela Ebstyne King
Pamela Ebstyne King discusses her research and work on the topic of thriving, as well as her new podcast, With & For
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Against Toxic Polarization, with Andrew Hanauer
Andrew Hanauer describes the work of bridging the deep divides in American politics, the church, and faith communities more broadly.
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The Transformative Power of Gospel Music, with Stephen Newby
Stephen Newby reflects on the ability of Gospel music to invite all people in and what that means for today’s world and church.
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Race and the Evangelical Church, with Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby reflects on Tom Skinner’s impactful speech “Racism and World Evangelism,” delivered at the 1970 Urbana Missions Conference, and considers the ways it resonates with the reality of the American church today.
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Formation and Resiliency in Law Enforcement, with Luann Pannell
Luann Pannell discusses mental health and training in law enforcement and shares about her two decades of work with the Los Angeles Police Department.
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The Urgent Work of Radical Belonging, with Ben McBride
Ben McBride talks with Mark about his new book, Troubling the Water: The Urgent Work of Radical Belonging, which outlines his journey and work in the “kill zone” in Oakland, CA.
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The Rhythms of Church Life, with Chris Henry
Chris Henry talks about the importance of rhythm in the church year and about leadership in a post-pandemic world.
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Artificial Intelligence and Faith, with David Brenner
David Brenner describes the mission of the organization AI and Faith, which works to direct artificial intelligence research and technology towards human flourishing, with an eye towards ethics and a grounding in multiple faith traditions.
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Developing Artificial Intelligence, with Phil Chen
Phil Chen talks about the development of AI and the ethics of sourcing material for large language models like ChatGPT.
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Artificial Intelligence, Humanity, and Morality, with Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki discusses some of the possible positive impacts of artificial intelligence for creativity, productivity, and society at large.
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Artificial Intelligence and Ethics, with Mark Graves
Mark Graves discusses the intersections of AI, technology, ethics, faith, and philosophy.
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A Life of Ministry, with Rick Warren
Rick Warren shares about his many years of ministry—from the beginnings of Saddleback Church to his current work of participating in the Great Commission—and about what he’s learned of leadership, church, and God along the way.
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Thinking Well and Leading Wisely, with Cherie Harder
Cherie Harder discusses the state of political discourse in the United States and the task of helping leaders to more effectively cultivate ideas and Christian thought amidst today’s wider conversations.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Church, with Daniel Whitehead
Daniel Whitehead describes the work of integrating mental health services into the community offerings of the church, sharing particularly about the efforts of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries.
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The Fight for Racial Justice, with Jeanelle Austin
Jeanelle Austin discusses her work at the George Floyd Global Memorial and her push for “people over property” in both preservation and activism.
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Women in Church Leadership, with Tara Beth Leach
Tara Beth Leach talks about her experiences as a woman in ministry and her new role as senior pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, Illinois.
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Finding Hope after Abuse, with Beth Moore
Beth Moore shares her story of childhood abuse and about finding refuge in the Scriptures, the church, and the love of Jesus.
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Affordable Housing, with Jonathan Reckford
Jonathan Reckford discusses the mission and history of Habitat For Humanity and the state of the housing crisis in the United States and abroad.
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Critical Race Theory and the Church, with Robert Chao Romero and Jeff Liou
Robert Chao Romero and Jeff Liou discuss critical race theory, how it relates to their personal experiences and faith, and what it means for the church in the United States.
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Work and Rest, with Justin McRoberts
Justin McRoberts talks about his upcoming book, Sacred Strides, and the balance of work and rest in life and faith.
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Baptism and the Evolving Work of the Church, with Scott Dudley
Scott Dudley shares about 139 baptisms on a recent Sunday at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, and about the church’s spiritual and social work in the city of Bellevue and abroad.
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Black Life and Legacy, with Danté Stewart
Danté Stewart shares about his family’s visit to The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, and about the sacred experience of knowing the whole story of Black life in the United States.
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Living the Gospel, with David Emmanuel Goatley
As he begins his role as Fuller’s new president, David Emmanuel Goatley shares about his own Christian formation, the apostolic mission of the church, and the task of theological education in the world today.
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The Beauty of the Gospel, with Becky Pippert
Becky Pippert reflects on her own journey of faith, on the loving ways Jesus draws people to himself, and on how we might share the Good News of God’s love with others.
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The Greatest Films of All Time, with Elijah Davidson
Elijah Davidson explores the movement of God’s Spirit throughout cinematic history—in and through the world’s greatest films and the work of filmmaking itself.
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Call, Context, and Community, with Susan Maros
Susan Maros reflects on how we understand calling in light of our ongoing formation, the mission of God, and the need for community.
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Healing the Natural World, with Andrew Steer
Andrew Steer talks about working against environmental damage and climate change and about caring for God’s creation as a form of discipleship.
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Learning to Thrive, with Thema Bryant
Thema Bryant discusses her journey of becoming a psychologist and reflects on topics of trauma, thriving, mental health, and race, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Bible and American History, with Mark Noll
Mark Noll discusses his newest book, which explores the reciprocal relationship between notable historical events in the United States and the interpretation of scripture during the 19th and 20th centuries.
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A Just God, with Gary Haugen
Gary Haugen discusses the origins and organizational focus of International Justice Mission and reflects on the intersection between Christian faith and global justice.
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The Meaning of Mission, with Hunter Farrell
Hunter Farrell examines the impact of capitalism and colonization on congregational mission efforts and invites us to practice radical mutuality as we redefine the meaning of mission.
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A Continued Tradition, with Charlie Dates
Charlie Dates reflects on how the Black preaching tradition has shaped him into the preacher he is today, as well as how to practice faithful discernment about one’s pastoral calling.
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Listening to the Spirit, with Caleb Maskell
Caleb Maskell shares about his personal faith journey and traces the history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in the 20th century.
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Disability and the Church, with Bethany McKinney Fox
Bethany McKinney Fox talks about how our understanding of disability shapes our understanding of healing, of community, and of how we do church.
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Legacies of Faith, with Otis Moss III
Otis Moss III speaks about how his family legacy and other legacies of faith have shaped his theology and ministry, and about the critical questions facing the church today.
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Faith, Science, and Public Health, with Francis Collins
Francis Collins discusses his experience at the intersections of faith, science, politics, government, and public health—talking also about the COVID-19 pandemic and other areas of research.
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A Jesus-Centered Faith, with Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne reflects on what it looks like to follow Jesus in the United States today—discussing policies and issues of gun violence, racial justice, and the death penalty.
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Faith and Justice, with Jim Wallis
Jim Wallis shares about his journey of following Jesus and discusses the sin of voter suppression, racism as idolatry, and the ways our theology should recalibrate our sociology.
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Speaking Up, with Kathy Khang
Kathy Khang reflects on Asian American experiences of silencing, on what it means to be heard and belong, and on anti-Asian racism during the pandemic.
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Teaching and Learning, with Todd Shy
Todd Shy discusses the encounter between teachers and students, cultivating a classroom community and culture, and the power of passion in teaching.
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Evangelicalism and Race, with Anthea Butler
Anthea Butler discusses the history of US evangelicalism, looking particularly at the ways oppressive and racist structures have taken hold within and through it.
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The Preacher’s Life, with Steve Norman
Steve Norman talks about the importance of a preacher’s formation and the way their life and character can speak more loudly than the sermons they preach.
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Teenagers’ Big Questions, with Kara Powell and Brad Griffin
Kara Powell and Brad Griffin discuss what it looks like to engage empathetically with today’s teenagers as they grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose.
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Vocation, with Michaela O’Donnell
Michaela O’Donnell explores our ideas of calling and vocation in our work and beyond—reflecting on discipleship, community, and the centrality of Christ.
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Longing, Beauty, and Imagination, with Curt Thompson
Curt Thompson, through lenses of neuroscience and spiritual formation, explores how we engage with our longings, create redemptive beauty, and imagine new futures.
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Creativity and Uncertainty, with Lorne Buchman
Lorne Buchman discusses how the creative process can become a way of knowing—through improvisation, discovery, and engagement in a space of uncertainty.
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The Church in the City, with Larry Coulter
Larry Coulter shares about how churches and local organizations can come together to lovingly serve their cities, and how this essential collaborative work can be forged across differences.
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Abuelita Faith, with Kat Armas
Kat Armas speaks about the profound wisdom and lived theologies of the women who have come before us—in our families, in history, and in the Bible.
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Christian Identity as Ethnic Identity, with Janette Ok
Janette Ok delves into 1 Peter, reflecting on what it teaches about the formation of Christian identity and its features of belonging, holiness, and unity.
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Worship and the Arts, with Shannon Sigler
Shannon Sigler explores the church’s engagement with culture and the integration of worship and the arts, while reflecting on the history and future of Fuller’s Brehm Center.
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The Gospel in a Polarized World, with Justin Giboney
Justin Giboney speaks about navigating our polarized society not with an either/or mentality but a both/and approach that frames our decisions in the gospel rather than political ideologies.
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Race and the Evangelical Church, with Bill Pannell
Dr. Bill Pannell reflects on the American church’s engagement with race, the future of theological education, and the transformative power of the gospel.
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Reimagining the Church, with Soong-Chan Rah
Soong-Chan Rah reflects on the warped theologies that have shaped the American church throughout history and hopes for a new, anointed Christian imagination in the 21st century.
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Rethinking the Academy, with Willie Jennings
Willie Jennings hopes for a reframed understanding of education that sheds destructive virtues of achievement and mastery for values of belonging and community.
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Art and Faith, with Makoto Fujimura
Makoto Fujimura talks about a theology of new creation and reflects on the sanctifying, healing power that comes through the process of making.
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Fighting Racism, with Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby walks through three crucial steps in confronting racial injustice: awareness of one’s racial identity, relationships based on mutuality, and commitment to tangible action.
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Righteous Protest and Public Grief, with Jeanelle Austin
Jeanelle Austin shares about her experience as lead caretaker at the George Floyd memorial and explains the power of community in the pursuit of liberation and racial justice.
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Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson on Freedom in God
Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson talks about how God offers healing and renewal, sets us free from fear, and calls us to love.
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Erin Dufault-Hunter on Bioethics
Erin Dufault-Hunter, associate professor of Christian ethics, discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollouts, considering questions of ethics, broken systems, and neighborly love.
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Matthew Kaemingk on Work
Matthew Kaemingk talks about cultivating a theology that does not separate worship from work but instead reframes our work in Christian mission and practice.
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Rob Bell on Spirituality and Mystery
Rob Bell, author of Everything is Spiritual and other notable bestsellers, shares about his continuous exploration of spirituality and about embracing the ongoing journey of knowing God more deeply.
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Alexis Abernethy on Racial Battle Fatigue
Alexis Abernethy discusses the long, multifaceted work of combating racial injustice, the fatigue that comes with it, and the importance of healing along the way.
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Pete Docter on Soul
Pete Docter, writer, director, and chief creative officer of Pixar, shares the story behind his latest movie, Soul, and talks about its themes of purpose, beauty, and connection. Mark Labberton served as a faith advisor for the film. (This episode contains spoilers.)
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Jemar Tisby on Racial Justice
Jemar Tisby, author of How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice, talks about racial justice, the power of the stories we tell, and the dangerous way passivity fuels an oppressive status quo.
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Barbara Williams-Skinner on Power and Prayer
Barbara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of the Skinner Leadership Institute and co-convener of the National African American Clergy Network, shares about her multifaceted work in pursuit of systemic justice and equity—and the need for prayer through it all.
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Shirley Mullen on Christian Higher Education
Shirley Mullen, president of Houghton College, talks about the transformative power of the classroom and the profound impact Christian higher education can have in the world.
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Claire Crisp on Narcolepsy
Claire Crisp, author and executive director of Wake Up Narcolepsy, opens up about her experience of parenting a child with narcolepsy and about how we theologically engage with the realities of chronic conditions.
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Tod Bolsinger on Leadership Formation
Tod Bolsinger, senior congregational strategist and associate professor of leadership formation, speaks about the importance of resilience, vulnerability, and self-reflection in the development of a leader.
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Brad Strawn on Anxiety in the Political Sphere
In the wake of Election Day, Brad Strawn, Evelyn and Frank Freed Professor of the Integration of Psychology and Theology, discusses navigating our anxiety and fear while moving toward emotional regulation and empathy.
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Brad Strawn on Psychology and Public Life
Brad Strawn, Evelyn and Frank Freed Professor of the Integration of Psychology and Theology, talks about mental health, psychological stress, self-differentiation, and emotional regulation in the context of a divisive political climate.
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Alexia Salvatierra on Integral Mission
Alexia Salvatierra, assistant professor of integral mission and global transformation, shares about her personal journey of faith, the centrality of justice to the gospel, and the importance of holistic mission to contemporary theological education.
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David Swanson on Race and Discipleship
David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church, considers racial reconciliation not as an optional ministry of the church but as a central part of the church’s identity—one which must be shaped over time by intentional discipleship.
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Phil Armstrong on the Tulsa Race Massacre
Phil Armstrong, project manager of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, speaks about the Tulsa Massacre—its historical context, the trauma and silencing that followed, and the current work of commemoration and education being done surrounding it.
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Robert Chao Romero on the Brown Church
Robert Chao Romero, professor of Chicana/o studies and Asian American studies at UCLA, shares about the long history of the Latina/o church and the necessity of a holistic gospel, which prioritizes both evangelism and social justice.
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Broderick Leaks on Mental Health on the College Campus
Broderick Leaks (PhD ’09), director of counseling and mental health at USC Student Health and clinical associate professor of psychiatry and the behavioral sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, describes the increasing mental health needs of emerging adults and the work of providing them meaningful support in the university context.
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Brenda Salter McNeil on Reconciliation
Brenda Salter McNeil, speaker, author, and professor, talks about the long work of reconciliation, the need to speak truth, and the ongoing process of repentance, forgiveness, and justice guided by God’s Spirit.
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Jennifer Wiseman on Astronomy
Jennifer Wiseman, astrophysicist and astronomer, delves into the complexity and beauty of the universe and explains how being scientifically informed relates to the flourishing and improvement of life.
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Walter Brueggemann on Reading the Old Testament
Walter Brueggemann, renowned author and Old Testament scholar, speaks about engaging the Biblical text with an artistic interpretive lens that resists universal generalizations, then participates in a Q&A with the Fuller community.
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Kerry Morrison on Homelessness and Mental Health
Kerry Morrison, program director for Heart Forward LA, shares about her work on mental health with the homeless communities in LA and for her innovative and experimental approaches to taking on the broken systems.
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Cedric Williams on Meaning-Making
Cedric Williams (PhD ’19), founder and CEO of Legacy Consulting & Research Group, talks about his layered experiences of the military, ministry, and psychology, and about his current work of walking alongside others in the process of meaning-making.
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Andre Henry on Systemic Racism
Andre Henry (MAT ’16), writer, singer-songwriter, and activist, shares his personal journey of learning about systemic racism and explains the active and prophetic work he’s taken up against it.
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Dwight Radcliff on Black Pain
Dwight Radcliff, assistant provost for the William E. Pannell Center for African American Church Studies, speaks about the systems of oppression and generational trauma that plague Black communities and challenges the church to own a theology that responds rightly to suffering rather than dismissing it.
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Tony Amoury Alkhoury on Anxiety
Tony Amoury Alkhoury, PhD student in practical theology, shares about his experience of growing up with anxiety and what he’s learned about living in the tension between fear and the reality of God’s presence.
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Greg Cootsona on Faith and Science
Greg Cootsona, author, co-director of Science for the Church, and lecturer in religious studies and humanities at CSU Chico, discusses the relationship between faith and science and explores how a church’s approach to science shapes its work and witness.
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Scott Derrickson on Fear
Scott Derrickson, director and screenwriter of The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Doctor Strange, reflects on his journey as a filmmaker and the significance of reckoning with fear.
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Andy Crouch on Trust in a Time of Change
Andy Crouch, author and Fuller trustee, discusses the dramatic changes the world is undergoing during this time of pandemic, focusing on how communities of trust help us navigate grief and the reconfiguration of our lives.
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Daniel Lee on Anti-Asian American Racism
Daniel D. Lee, assistant provost for the Center for Asian American Theology and Ministry, speaks about the history of racism against Asian Americans and the racism Asian American communities are currently experiencing during this ongoing pandemic.
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Beth Moore on Growth
Beth Moore, author, speaker, and founder of Living Proof Ministries, considers the biblical imagery of the vineyard and what it can teach us about how we grow over time and through seasons of change and trial.
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Andrew Root on Belief in a Secular Age
Andrew Root, professor and Carrie Olson Baalson Chair of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, talks about what encountering transcendence looks like in contemporary secular contexts.
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Peter Wehner on Politics
Peter Wehner, author and senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, discusses the intersections of faith and politics and considers how to pursue truth and justice in a divided world.
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Sonja Dawson on Justice
Sonja Dawson, head pastor of New Mt. Calvary Church, shares about her experiences doing restorative justice work—both during her years as a prosecutor and during her present calling as a pastor.
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Bobette Buster on Story and Sound
Bobette Buster, writer and producer, who has consulted for Disney, Pixar, and Sony, among other major studios, discusses sound design in the film industry and the powerful role sound plays in storytelling.
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Mary Glenn on Grief
Mary Glenn, affiliate professor with the School of Intercultural Studies, discusses her work as a law enforcement chaplain, her non-profit, Cities Together, and how she helps individuals process grief
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Keri Tombazian on Finding Her Voice
Keri Tombazian, actress, producer, and voice actress, discusses the journey of her famed career and how she ultimately found her voice
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Norma Ramírez, Lisseth Rojas-Flores, and Sonia Luginbuhl on DACA
Norma Ramírez, with Dr. Lisseth Rojas-Flores and Pastor Sonia Luginbuhl, talks about growing up undocumented and about her experience as a Fuller PhD student under the DACA policy (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
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Pamela Ebstyne King on Thriving
Pamela Ebstyne King, Peter L. Benson Associate Professor of Applied Developmental Science, discusses how community and purpose contribute to human development and flourishing.
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Nick Vujicic on Faith
Nick Vujicic, evangelist and author, speaks about his life without limbs, his early struggles of finding hope in God, and his understanding of faith and ministry today.
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Justin Fung and Delonte Gholston on Pastoring and Peacemaking
Pastors Delonte Gholston (MDiv ’15) and Justin Fung (DMin ’19) speak about pastoring in Washington DC and on peacemaking amid the realities of sociopolitical violence.
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Phil Chen on Technology
Phil Chen, decentralized chief officer at HTC, explores the intersections of theology and emerging digital technology—covering topics like cryptocurrency, virtual reality, and data privacy.
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Bethany Hanke Hoang and Kristen Deede Johnson on Justice
Bethany Hanke Hoang and Kristen Deede Johnson, coauthors of The Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance, talk about living a sustainable life of working toward justice over the long term.
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Jemar Tisby on Race and the American Church
Jemar Tisby, author of The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, discusses the history of racial inequality in the United States and in the American church.
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Teesha Hadra and John Hambrick on Race
Teesha Hadra and John Hambrick, coauthors of Black and White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time, discuss issues of race and the practices of empathy, humility, and leaving one’s comfort zone.
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Tony Hale on the Creative Life and Process
Tony Hale, Emmy Award-winning actor, chats about his career in the entertainment industry and how the creative process shapes his understanding of humanity and identity.
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Roy Goble on Wisdom
Roy Goble, author of Junkyard Wisdom and Salvaged, talks about learning from failure, measuring success, and engaging with the gospel in the wider world.
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Fuller’s Chapel Team on Worship
Director of chapel Julie Tai and chapel assistants January Lim and Aaron Dorsey discuss the planning process for chapel services and the significance of diverse representation in worship.
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David Bailey on Reconciliation
David Bailey, founder and executive director of Arrabon, shares about his work in racial reconciliation and the need for the church to repair society’s broken systems.
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Nancy Ortberg on Leadership
Nancy Ortberg, CEO of Transforming the Bay with Christ, talks about courage in leadership and the church’s need to stay engaged in the difficult conversations.
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David Brooks on Community and Commitment
David Brooks, cultural commentator and columnist for The New York Times, discusses social transformation and the power of commitment in forming communities.
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John K. Chan on Architecture
John K. Chan, founder of Formation Association and lead architect of Fuller’s new campus, explains how buildings influence and activate the community around them.
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Kara Powell and Steve Argue on Parenting
Fuller Youth Institute’s Kara Powell and Steve Argue discuss the role of empathy in parenting and the ever-shifting challenges facing young adults in today’s culture.
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Andy Bales on Homelessness
Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission, reflects on homeless advocacy, what led him to his current work, and serving people on Skid Row at great personal cost.
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Gregory Boyle on Kinship
Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, reflects on decades of ministry and widening a circle of compassion beyond every barrier we build.
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Audrey Denney on Politics
Audrey Denney, a 2018 congressional candidate in California, reflects on the impact of women activists, encountering defeat, and grappling with the Paradise, CA fires.
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Mitali Perkins on Justice and Literature
Mitali Perkins, celebrated children’s author, reflects on India, politics, and writing stories about characters who navigating cultural difference.
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John Ortberg on Discipleship
John Ortberg, senior pastor at Menlo Church and Fuller trustee, reflects on his own vocation as a preacher and writer and how practices of discipleship can transform the human person.
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Beth Moore on Women in Leadership and Misogyny
Beth Moore reflects on how she developed an authentic style of teaching that ministers to thousands of women, and her battle against misogyny in the church.
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Lauralee Farrer on Storytelling and Filmmaking
Lauralee Farrer, Fuller’s Chief Storyteller and Vice President of Communications, discusses her life as a storyteller and independent filmmaker, FULLER studio, and helping shape Fuller’s story.
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Ben Houltberg on Sports
Ben Houltberg, associate professor of human development, reflects on working with elite athletes, performance-based identity, and the role of community in sports.
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John Perkins on Friendship
Civil rights activist John M. Perkins reflects on his storied life and the role of friendship in looking for love and justice.
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Parker Palmer on Contemplation
Parker Palmer, celebrated Quaker author and speaker, reflects on a contemplative approach to life, the value of failure, and the difficult work of weaving together words and action.
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Dave Gibbons on the Changing Church
Dave Gibbons, pastor of the Newsong global alliance of churches, reflects on disruption, risk, and the cultivating an imagination for the future of the church.
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Rich Stearns on Faithful Philanthropy
Rich Stearns, president of World Vision U.S., reflects on international development, insights from his leadership, and the whole gospel.
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Tim Breene on Global Ministry
Tim Breene, CEO of World Relief, reflects on humanitarian aid, empowering the local church to serve, and the “obedient Improvisation” of navigating sociopolitical problems to serve those in need.
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Shirley Hoogstra on Faith and Learning
Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, reflects on the complex social and political pressures on Christian higher education.
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Rowan Williams on Navigating Faith and Politics
Right Reverend Rowan Williams reflects on complex religious and political cross-pressures and the spiritual disciplines that sustain him .
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Brad Brisco and Lance Ford on a Theology of Place
Church planters Brad Brisco and Lance Ford reflect on a theology of place and an expanded view of what it means to participate in God’s mission.
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Paul Schrader on Film
Screenwriter and director Paul Schrader reflects on his Christian upbringing and how the unique language of film—especially the transcendental style—helps him explore religious questions.
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Tara Beth Leach on Women in Ministry
Tara Beth Leach, senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, reflects on the complexities of preaching, female leadership, and how she finds comfort in Christ’s love of the outsider.
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Cameron Lee on Relationships
Cameron Lee, professor of marriage and family studies, reflects on relationships through the lens of romance culture, the complexities of social media, community, and peacemaking.
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Kate Bowler on Suffering
Kate Bowler, assistant professor of the history of Christianity in North America at Duke Divinity School, reflects on the prosperity gospel, her cancer diagnosis, and her desire for authentic faith.
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Gary Haugen on Working with the Poor
Gary Haugen, founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), reflects on his work in Rwanda, the story of IJM, and how spiritual formation naturally leads to advocating for the poor.
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Michael McBride on Discipleship
Michael McBride, pastor of the Way Christian Center in Berkeley, California, reflects on faithful discipleship in the context of racialized violence, economic exploitation, and white supremacy.
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Pete Docter on Storytelling
Pixar’s Pete Docter, director of the animated films Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out, speaks with Mark Labberton about creating stories in community, the creative process, and more.
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David Eubank on War Zone Ministry
David Eubank shares lessons on fear and prayer from decades of work as an “ambassador for Jesus” in war-torn Burma and Mosul.
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Camille Wooden and Len Tang on Church Planting
Camille Wooden, senior pastor of Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church, and Len Tang, director of Fuller’s Church Planting Program, reflect on committing to neighbors and challenges of church planting.
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Bishop Zac Niringiye on Justice
The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Zac Niringiye, a theologian and activist, explores the gospel, justice, and taking faithful risks for marginalized people in global contexts.
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Alan Hirsch on Rediscovering Holistic Ministry
Alan Hirsch, celebrated missiologist and author, reflects on his conversion and how Christian communities can revitalize their ministries.
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Jacquelline Fuller on Humble Philanthropy
Jacquelline Fuller, president of Google.org, considers the complex intersections of public policy, technology, and philanthropy.
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Russell Moore on Courage
Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, reflects with President Labberton on courage and public life.
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J. Kameron Carter on Black Poetics
In this episode of “Conversing,” theologian and writer J. Kameron Carter discusses the complex interplay between racial logic and theology.
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Dave Evans on Designing a Life of Faith
In this episode of “Conversing,” writer Dave Evans applies the discipline of design to the search for a meaningful life and discusses the “collaborative process” of following God’s will.
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Albert Tate on Pastoral Authenticity
In this episode of “Conversing,” pastor Albert Tate reflects on navigating the complexities of pastoral ministry.
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Mimi Haddad on Gender Equality
Mimi Haddad, president of Christians for Biblical Equality, discusses gender equality and women in leadership.
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Jeanelle Austin and Lindsey Wright on Gender Bias
Jeanelle Austin (MDiv ’13) and Lindsey Wright (MAT ’12) reflect on implicit bias, gender dynamics in the church and workplace, and their hopes for the future.
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Willie Jennings on Race
Willie Jennings, associate professor of systematic theology and Africana studies at Yale Divinity School, discusses race with Dr. Labberton and reframes social problems around a theology of place.
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Wayne L. Gordon on Community
Wayne L. Gordon, chairman of the Christian Community Development Association, discusses with Dr. Labberton the unexpected partnerships that arise as communities respond to Christ’s call for justice.
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John M. Perkins on Legacy
Civil rights activist John M. Perkins talks with Dr. Labberton about the role of protest in a life of faith and how he supports a new generation of leaders advocating for social change.
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Krista Tippett on Wisdom
Krista Tippett, founder and host of public radio’s program On Being, reflects with Dr. Labberton on her conversations with cultural leaders and the role of wisdom in shaping public discourse.
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Vincent Bacote on Virtues of Political Leadership
Vincent Bacote, director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College, reflects with Drs. Labberton and Richard Mouw on virtues of political leadership during a fraught election.
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Richard Mouw on Political Civility
Richard Mouw, president emeritus and professor of faith and public life, discusses civil dialogue with Dr. Labberton and how Christians with differing political commitments can work together.
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It is Fuller’s practice to allow conversations with our guests to be uncensored as a gesture of engagement in civil dialogue—a value to which Fuller Theological Seminary is deeply committed. We invite you to listen with hospitality, realizing that guests reflect their own views and not necessarily views in harmony with the stated mission of Fuller.