The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast

Women Scholars and Professionals

Join us for conversations in which we seek to give voice to women living into their God-given callings and serving as redeeming influences in the academy and beyond. http://thewell.intervarsity.org/podcasts read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Maria Liu Wong: On Becoming Wise Together
Mar 19 2024
Maria Liu Wong: On Becoming Wise Together
“Theological education means paying attention to all of the sources that shape you spiritually, theologically, and seeing that the questions you’re asking as a parent or as a student is theological reflection in practice.” — Maria Liu Wong 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!
Tiffany Eberle Kriner: In Thought, Word, and Seed
Mar 5 2024
Tiffany Eberle Kriner: In Thought, Word, and Seed
“I think the key is to invite people into a space with you — to be the one who is always inviting people is the way to be in academia….Invitation is a great virtue to cultivate in a younger person.” — Tiffany Eberle Kriner 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!
Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez: Healing Conversations on Race
Feb 20 2024
Krystal Hays and Veola Vazquez: Healing Conversations on Race
“The best way for us to work out our thoughts and feelings and experiences about race is in relationship with another human being. ” — Krystal Hays 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!
Chanequa Walker-Barnes: Sacred Self-Care
Feb 6 2024
Chanequa Walker-Barnes: Sacred Self-Care
“The self is the person that was beautifully and wonderfully created in the image of God. And so self-care for me is about taking care of that, is recognizing that I am a gift of God. Every one of us is a gift from God — our creation, our existence is a gift from God. How do I respond to that gift?” — Chanequa Walker-Barnes 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!
Jennifer L. Holberg: Nourishing Narratives
Jan 23 2024
Jennifer L. Holberg: Nourishing Narratives
“Be yourself! Be your own crazy self. Authenticity is more important than being a 'should.'” — Jennifer L. Holberg 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!
Amy L. Sherman: Agents of Flourishing
Jan 11 2024
Amy L. Sherman: Agents of Flourishing
“When you have the face-to-face depth of relationship and that shared commitment to looking out that is where we find really, really deep satisfaction.” — Amy L. Sherman 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!
Tish Harrison Warren: Advent
Nov 21 2023
Tish Harrison Warren: Advent
“Advent turns our eyes away from [ourselves] toward this much bigger story of God’s salvation of all the cosmos.” — Tish Harrison Warren 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!
Elizabeth Felicetti: Unexpected Abundance
Nov 7 2023
Elizabeth Felicetti: Unexpected Abundance
“There is hope and there is fruit and there is life, whether or not we one day have children. And I hope that in looking at these 25 women, that people might be encouraged and inspired and realize what abundance there is out there.” — Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti 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: Serving Graduate Students and Faculty
Oct 24 2023
Lynn Gill: Serving Graduate Students and Faculty
“I could not see when we moved what God would have for me in that place. But God was faithful. He had something in mind.” — Lynn Gill 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!
Sandra L. Glahn: Nobody’s Mother
Oct 10 2023
Sandra L. Glahn: Nobody’s Mother
“So many approaches that want to push back against sexism (and rightly so) have taken the approach of either throwing Paul under the bus or throwing Scripture under the bus in their desire to elevate women. It’s not the best way.” — Sandra L. Glahn 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!
Kat Armas: Sacred Belonging
Sep 26 2023
Kat Armas: Sacred Belonging
“What if I actually took Jesus literally and … looked at the birds of the air and actually noticed the flowers? We relate to the natural world how we relate to each other.... If we disregard the natural world, it’s so much easier to disregard people in our midst.” — Kat Armas 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!
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul
Sep 12 2023
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul
“I would imagine that most of us could realize that there is this great intersection between who I am, what I love to do, what I feel called to do, and what I see are the felt and important needs of our communities.” — Dorcas Cheng-Tozun 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!
Kaitlyn Schiess: The Ballot and the Bible
Aug 29 2023
Kaitlyn Schiess: The Ballot and the Bible
“Do I go to Scripture asking different questions? Do I come with a posture of assuming I will be both comforted and convicted? That I might be critiqued? Do I have myself in the posture to hear that or not?” — Kaitlyn Schiess 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!
Gordon T. Smith: Your Calling Here and Now
Aug 1 2023
Gordon T. Smith: Your Calling Here and Now
“Every day I want to praise or thank someone in the building for a task or a work well done. And thank God that God called them to this place and gave them the talent and ability that they exercise." — Gordon T. Smith 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!
Carmen Joy Imes: Being God’s Image
May 23 2023
Carmen Joy Imes: Being God’s Image
“The way we think about this topic, the way we construe what it means to be human, has enormous implications for how we treat people and how we structure our institutions and our churches so that people can flourish.” — Carmen Joy Imes 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!
Dani Treweek: The Meaning of Singleness
May 16 2023
Dani Treweek: The Meaning of Singleness
"God’s vision for your singleness is much more wonderfully profound than the church’s vision has been and that your own vision has been. Even if you feel that your singleness is a tragedy, in God’s eyes, it is not at all tragic." — Dani Treweek 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!
Sabrina S. Chan and La Thao: Learning Our Names
May 2 2023
Sabrina S. Chan and La Thao: Learning Our Names
"I hope the book catches folks who are realizing that faith shouldn’t be colorblind and that Jesus sees us in all of our sociolocation and all of who we are." — Sabrina S. Chan 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!
Mimi Haddad: Leading Christians for Biblical Equality
Apr 18 2023
Mimi Haddad: Leading Christians for Biblical Equality
"A true ally allows the talent and exquisite giftedness of the person you’re allying to go forward as you lose the spotlight and allow it to shine on her." — Dr. Mimi Haddad 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!
Jessica Hooten Wilson: Reading for the Love of God
Apr 4 2023
Jessica Hooten Wilson: Reading for the Love of God
From my perspective, education is about passing the best that has been thought and said across culture and time so that the next group of people might love and glorify God. If that’s the case, then we might teach differently.” — Jessica Hooten Wilson 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!