When the federal government rescinded a decades-old policy protecting houses of worship from immigration raids, a group of Quakers filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. Their argument is uniquely Quaker: the threat of armed agents in their meeting houses creates a "chilling effect" that doesn't just lower attendance, it fundamentally obstructs their ability to worship, a practice which requires the presence of a diverse community to hear the full expression of God. What ha...
Jun 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 51
In times of political upheaval, when institutions feel unreliable and the future uncertain, how do we resist authoritarianism without becoming what we oppose? Daniel Hunter, co-founder of "Choose Democracy" and seasoned organizer, shares how Trump's second election unexpectedly led him to claim his Quaker identity and discover how ancient Quaker principles provide a roadmap for modern resistance. He reveals remarkable acts of civil disobedience happening right under our noses, and explains why r...
Jun 18, 2025•39 min•Ep. 50
A few months ago, twenty police officers smashed down the door of Westminster Quaker meetinghouse and arrested a handful of young activists as they sat eating hummus and breadsticks. This dramatic raid triggered a profound response from a faith community that hasn't been the target of a similar action since the 17th century. When the very act of dissent is being criminalized, how do we stand up for what is right? How do we demand justice while leaving the door open for reconciliation? Can silenc...
Jun 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 49
Professor and activist Chloe Schwenke shares her journey as a transgender woman finding acceptance within her Quaker community while navigating increasing political attacks on trans rights. She explores the concept of "Quaker anger" as a spiritual response to injustice and calls for authentic action beyond just feeling stricken by current events. This conversation examines how faith communities can move from witnessing suffering to actively defending human dignity in times of crisis. Read her me...
Jun 04, 2025•48 min•Ep. 48
As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, she invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, to find harmony in dissonance like a jaz...
May 14, 2025•33 min
Are we living through apocalyptic times? If so, how can we navigate this time of turmoil and come out on the other end with a society more whole, more just, and more guided by love? Quakers may have (part of) the answer. Quaker author and retired pastor, Doug Gwyn joins Jon Watts to explore how the "apocalyptic spirituality" of early Friends offers profound wisdom for navigating our own era of upheaval. From the nonviolent "Lamb's War" of the 1650’s to the direct action of the 1960’s, and right ...
Apr 23, 2025•38 min
As our democracy faces an existential threat it’s important that we look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker peace activist George Lakey. Lakey has been singing freedom songs in the streets since the civil rights movement, and on this week’s podcast episode we talk with George about the nonviolent database he helped to assemble which shows 39 recent cases of countries whose people nonviolently overthrew a dictator. Visit the episode page for a tra...
Mar 14, 2025•34 min
Using both the pulpit and the page, Quaker pastor Philip Gulley has been a bold voice that challenges the church’s stance on heaven and hell, LGBTQ issues, and more. As he’s seen greater censorship in the publishing world, Phil has moved to an online newsletter where he questions the rise of Donald Trump and calls Christians to be more active in the pursuit of truth and justice. In this interview, Jon speaks with Phil about his changing beliefs in God, his focus post-election, and much more. Vis...
Feb 12, 2025•38 min
Spanning more than 150 years, Black Fire brings together the words of Friends who spoke truth to power in some of America’s most tumultuous times. Featuring the writing and speeches of Bayard Rustin, Bill Sutherland, Sojourner Truth and many more, this book is a unique exploration into the spirituality and activism of Black Friends, told in their own words. In partnership with Friends General Conference, we’re bringing you an exclusive peek into the new audiobook of Black Fire: African American ...
Jan 15, 2025•29 min
There were so many memorable moments in Season 2 of the podcast that we had to revisit a few for our final episode of 2024. We’ve chosen clips from interviews with famous Friends and moments of deep spiritual insight. Join us as we reflect on a meaningful year with Thee Quaker Podcast. Listen to our top five episodes: How to Vote Like a Quaker Quaker Musician Carrie Newcomer Finds Songs Out of the Silence What Do Quakers Wear? How to Build a Daily Quaker Practice What Do Quakers Believe? We’re h...
Dec 18, 2024•26 min
‘Tis the season to answer one of the Internet’s most burning questions…Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? We called up Friends from around the globe to find the answer(s), and you might be surprised at what they say. Visit our episode page to comment on this episode, for discussion questions, and for a transcript. Thank you to our sponsor Right Sharing of World Resources Do you want to have conversations about global equity? Are you interested in connecting with like minded people who are intereste...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min
“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 ....
Nov 27, 2024•32 min
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 ....
Oct 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 46
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 M...
Oct 09, 2024•44 min•Ep. 45
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 chal...
Oct 02, 2024•39 min•Ep. 44
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 ...
Sep 25, 2024•44 min•Ep. 43
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 Co...
Sep 18, 2024•34 min•Ep. 8
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 C...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 42
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 informat...
Sep 04, 2024•44 min•Ep. 41
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 ...
Aug 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 40
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...
Aug 07, 2024•30 min•Ep. 39
Thousands of Quakers left the American South in the 1800s because of their anti-slavery beliefs. And many of those Friends settled in Ohio. On today’s episode, local historian Christine Snyder takes us on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio and shares some of the remarkable stories of these Quakers — tales of daring rescues, an outspoken minister who prophesied war, and so much more. Put on your seat belt and join us for a very Quaker road trip. Visit our episode page for more informati...
Jul 31, 2024•36 min•Ep. 38
As a professor at Earlham College, Michael Birkel was known for his dynamic and thoughtful teaching style. As an author, he is known for capturing Quaker theology and practice in an accessible way. Today, we’ve got this thoughtful Quaker scholar on the show to share his thoughts on mysticism, spiritual reading, and giving the next generation of Quakers room to express their faith. Visit the episode page for discussion questions, a transcript of this episode and more! Become a monthly supporter! ...
Jul 18, 2024•36 min•Ep. 37
Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs. Visit our episode page for links, discussion questions, and the transcript. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message ....
Jul 10, 2024•38 min•Ep. 36
We don’t hear much about Quakers in China, but from the very early days of the faith, Friends felt called to go to the Far East. On today’s episode, we explore the history of Quaker missionaries in China — both evangelical and liberal — as they lived and worked amid wars, internal conflict, and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party. And we ask, how can Friends renew their concern for this region? This episode was supported by the Friends World Committee for Consultation's celebration of George...
Jul 03, 2024•39 min•Ep. 35
On today’s vocal ministry episode, Quaker pastor Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii in which he was confronted with the uncomfortable marriage of Christianity and colonialism. Mark is the pastor of West Hills Friends, a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, and he speaks to the need to attend to Spirit in the natural world. Transcripts, discussion questions and more on our episode page . Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message ....
Jun 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 34
Monopoly is a game of wealth and property…or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the twisty history of the world’s most popular board game, from its anti-capitalist origins to the Quakers who transformed the game into what it is today. This is a story of innovative women, big business, deceit, and the unknown legacy of Friends. We've got photos, additional Monopoly info, a transcript, discussion questions, and more on our episode page . Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Da...
Jun 05, 2024•29 min•Ep. 33
This week we’re sharing our first international vocal ministry episode by taking you inside a Kenyan service! While visiting Kisumu, Kenya, our colleague, Hannah Mayer got to visit Friends Church Manyatta — a lively evangelical Quaker congregation in the city of Kisumu. Join us as we hear a message of faith, peace, and new life from Reverend Pamela Igesa as well as songs and testimonials from the congregation. Find a transcript of this episode with discussion questions, see photos from Manyatta,...
May 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 32
If you’re looking for Quakers, go to Kenya. There are more Quakers in the East African country than anywhere else in the world, and their numbers are growing. Although American missionaries first introduced them to the faith, Kenyan Friends have made Quakerism their own. On this episode, we explore the history of Friends in Kenya, their commitment to peace, the challenges they face today, and why their numbers are growing so quickly. Visit the episode page at QuakerPodcast.com for discussion que...
May 15, 2024•42 min•Ep. 31
George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence. Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this episode, he shares his deep conviction that pacifism is the way forward, even in an age of troubling conflict and polarization. We asked George about...
May 08, 2024•49 min•Ep. 30
