In Good Faith (BYUradio)

Lapidus & Myles, and interfaith musical duo, share three original compositions with Steve. The two met through the interfaith work of their congregations, Ebeneezer Baptist and The Temple in Atlanta. The duo writes and performs music aimed at addressing contemporary social issues and inspiring listeners Rabbi Micah Lapidus and Melvin Myles compose and perform music together in Atlanta, GA and across the country. Rabbi Micah is the Director of Jewish and Hebrew Studies at the Alfred and Adele Davis Academy. Melvin is the executive director of the Selym Inc Foundation.

Rabbi Adina Allen discusses the profound connection between creativity, spirituality, and healing. She emphasizes that art and creativity are divine acts; the spiritual practice of creative expression is essential to understanding God. Rabbi Adina Allen is cofounder and creative director of Jewish Studio Project (JSP), an organization that sees creativity as a force for spiritual connection and social transformation. Based on the work of her mother, renowned art therapist Pat B. Allen, Adina developed the Jewish Studio Process, a methodology for unlocking creativity, and is the author of The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom (Ayin, 2024).

Pastor Mike Smith from Centerpoint Utah discusses Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the first day of Holy Week.

Welcome to our 10-part series exploring Turkey as a crossroads of faith, a place where world religions have met, overlapped, replaced one another, sometimes peacefully, sometimes not. In today's episode we're exploring the history of Latter-day Saints in Turkey, one of many tiny minority religious groups finding a place and building community amongst a majority-Muslim population. The size of the present congregation would seem to point to a new missionary effort just getting a toe-hold in Turkey. But, in fact, American missionaries first came to the Ottoman empire in 1884. In this episode, we'll meet Takouhie Jensen, the great-granddaughter of an early Armenian convert. We'll also talk with a Turkish member living in Istanbul. And we'll meet a recent convert. All three will help us paint the picture of the past and the future of the Church in Turkey, the tensions that exist there, and the opportunities available. Please be advised that this episode includes stories of violence and war, some of them perpetrated against children.

How can we serve the 'stranger'? Mark and Rabbi Erica Gerson are excellent examples of selflessly serving those not of their faith alongside missionaries who are not of their faith. They discuss the charitable work they do to help people in Africa receive the medical care that they need. Mark Gerson is a co-founder of African Mission Healthcare and the host of the podcast, the Rabbi’s Huband. He and his wife, Rabbi Erica Gerson, founded the L’Chaim Prize, an annual award for Outstanding Christian Medical Missionary Service. Go to https://africanmissionhealthcare.org/ to see how you can support their work.

Rabbi Creditor discusses the history of Hanukkah in America and the symbolism of the lighted candles. Rabbi Menachem Creditor serves as the Pearl and Ira Meyer Scholar in Residence at UJA-Federation New York and was the founder of Rabbis Against Gun Violence. An acclaimed author, scholar, and speaker, he was named by Newsweek as one of the fifty most influential rabbis in America. He has written numerous books and 6 albums of original music. He and his wife Neshama Carlebach live in New York, where they are raising their five children.

This week, Steve meets Sam Wilkinson, author of "Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence." They discuss the idea that knowledge, both in science and in religion, are ever expanding. They also explore the psychological connection between serving a greater cause and feeling joy. Samuel T. Wilkinson is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. He received his MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Tala'at al-Shuqairat is a medical doctor who found himself leading worship in his local mosque when he came to the US, since there was no one else to do it. As he studied more deeply, he found himself more and more committed to his faith, and discovered that he actually saw the differences between his religion and his culture more clearly once he had left his homeland in Jordan. In this episode, he shares a recitation of a favorite section from the Quran and how prayer and fasting improve his life. Dr. Tala'at al-Shuqairat

Four guests talk about our sacred responsibility to protect and appreciate the natural environment. J Phoenix Smith works as an ecotherapist and is called to the station of elder in the Lucumi tradition. In these roles, she promotes the health benefits of spending time outside, both individually and communally. Victoria Loorz talks about the true meaning of the wilderness coming from a background in Evangelical Christianity, while Rich Blundell discusses with wonder the growing convergence of science and religion. As a special feature, Austin takes to BYU campus to ask students about the ways they value nature -- their insights are sagacious! Lastly, Hamzah Iqbal introduces the deep interconnection of Islamic scripture and environmentalism.

Mariama Kallon-Olayemi is from Sierra Leone, where she alone in her family survived the civil war. She speaks with quiet power about God's timing, about forgiveness and becoming free of the burdens of the past--even those imposed by others, and living an open-hearted life. Email us: ingoodfaith@byu.edu and follow us on Twitter: @ingoodfaithbyu

Can I discuss faith at work? Does my faith fit into my job? In this episode Steve sits down with Scott Warren to discuss faith in the workplace. Scott Warren also tells his conversion story and how he, and his whole family, dove head first into organized religion. He explains how this changed every aspect of his life... including his place of work and how he treated his work colleagues. Scott Warren is the host of the Preach Where You Reach podcast, where he interviews “workplace apostles” about their experiences incorporating faith into their job. He is also the author of a book by the same name. As an author, podcast host, and speaker, Scott has experienced firsthand the profound impact of integrating faith into the fabric of his professional and personal life.

Linda Walton is a communicator. Whether it's her communications company, her work as an interfaith chaplain, or her ongoing freeway conversations with God, she connects in a refreshingly frank way. PC: Grant Hindsley Daily Herald

This episode explores the intersection of neurodiversity and spirituality, featuring three guests diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), David Gray Hammond, Father Matthew P. Schneider, and David Derbyshire. Each shares their insights on how autism impacts their spiritual lives and their unique relationship with God. David Gray Hammond, diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia, discusses how his diagnoses shaped his spirituality. Father Matthew P. Schneider talks about his journey as an autistic Catholic priest, emphasizing how his diagnosis redefined his spiritual path. David Derbyshire reflects on how his Asperger's diagnosis enhances his spiritual journey and helps him coach others. The episode delves into the strengths and challenges neurodivergent individuals experience in their faith communities, advocating for inclusivity and understanding. Practical ways to accommodate neurodivergent worshippers are discussed, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, welcoming spiritual spaces for all.

This week we bring you interviews with people who are actively engaged in their book, the sacred text at the center of their religion and faith. We hear from Dan McClellan, scripture supervisor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who tells us about his tiktok career. Duncan Williams, a Buddhist priest and University of Southern California professor of Religion, explains how the Sutras were used by Japanese Americans interned in concentration camps across the Western United States during World War II. Teresa Kim Pecinovsky brings us a copy of her children’s book that discusses the feminine metaphors writers make use of in the Bible, called Mother God. And we listen to the characteristics of God as described in the Adi Granth, the sacred text of Sikhism, with Simran Jeet Singh. Listen now to how modern believers use scriptures in their lives.

Steve prepares for the 2023 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago by speaking with Bernie Newman, Shoaib Khadri, Barb Maloof, and Bruce Duffield about interfaith service projects in Chicagoland. Bernie Newman is a Past-President of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville, Illinois, where he has lived with his wife, Judi, for 39 years. He teaches the Introduction to Judaism course at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and he is on the board of directors of the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association. Bernie received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1976 and his Master of Science Degree from Stanford University in 1977. Shoaib Khadri is a member of the Islamic Center of Naperville and has led their Mosque’s interfaith involvement, including participation in the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association for many years. ICN’s “Open Mosque Days” teach thousands about Islam, its traditions and practices. In addition to ICN, Shoaib serves as an officer of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, an umbrella organization for more than 60 Islamic organizations serving the more than 400,000 Muslims in the Chicago area. Barb Maloof spent a career in public service management for the City of Chicago and Cook County government. Now retired, Barbara teaches English as a Second Language (ESL), as needed, after studying with Literacy Works in Chicago. Several decades ago, Barbara joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Currently living in Hyde Park, she has been called to be the Director of Communications for the Chicago Stake. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Public Service from DePaul University. Bruce Duffield has served as president of the Chicago Illinois Temple, public affairs specialist, a temple sealer, and a former bishop, stake presidency counselor and high councilor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Senior Counsel for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, he was born in Magrath, Alb

Kristin Chenoweth, sharing music and conversation from "Angels Among Us," with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the Orchestra at Temple Square.

What is a holy death and how can we make sure our loved ones experience peace and love as they die? Episcopal Bishop Phyllis Spiegel joins Steve to describe how we can prepare ourselves and those who are dying for a process we all experiences. The Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel was consecrated as the 12th Bishop of Utah on September 17, 2022. She is passionate about The Episcopal Church’s work of deepening discipleship through daily practices of faith, believing that deepening our daily walk with God profoundly changes the way we walk in the world. She has done much study on the topic of death and afterlife in her tradition.

This week we visit the tomb of Sufi mystic Rumi, who is one of the most popular poets the world over. We explore the relationship between Islam and Sufism, as well as the influence of Rumi on Muslims everywhere, not just Turkey. We speak with scholar Kevin Blankinship about Rumi's life and poetry and we visit with Sheikh Ahmet Sami Kuçuk in Konya, the city where Rumi settled over 800 years ago. We'll also observe the dervishes in their whirling trance. All up next on this episode of In Good Faith. Kevin Blankinship is a professor of Arabic and the medieval Middle East. He holds a PhD in classical Arabic literature from the University of Chicago and an MA in comparative literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Kevin also spent a research year in Morocco as a Fulbright-Hayes scholar.

Robert Hesse, PhD., talks with Steve about a mystical experience that deeply affected his life and outlook. Hesse also describes his journey back to faith after years away, inspired by Thomas Merton's writings. Robert Hesse is a Catholic deacon and Chairman and Co-Founder of interfaith Contemplative Network. He is a practicing mystic and author of Faith and Science: A Journey into God’s Mystical Love. He holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. He has co-authored neuroscience research studies on improvements in quality-of-life associated with interfaith contemplative prayer. Check out details for the Faith & Science Conference at https://www.faithandscience.eu/.

Henry Bakarr, from Sierra Leone. Henry talks about finding a personal relationship with God in college, how his family survived the civil war in Sierra Leone, and why he always trusts God, even during the "exams" or trials we experience. Sierra Leone

"When the picket lines went up at all the downtown stores [to boycott stores which wouldn't serve black people], there were white priests and nuns on the picket line and I remember seeing that and thinking that there's another way to be Christian, this is the real deal." From his origins in Mississippi, writer and teacher Danny Duncan Collum has always wanted to change the world for the better, through activism and his writing, but more than anything, through seeking the presence of God in his life. Check out Danny's books (including his novel, White Boy) at: https://www.amazon.com/Danny-Duncan-Collum/e/B001K8ISDC And see some of his online writing at: https://www.uscatholic.org/authors/danny-duncan-collum https://sojo.net/biography/danny-duncan-collum  Danny Duncan Collum

Zeynep Kariparduc, originally from Turkey, is now the Chair of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYU radio—and be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

How can we find joy in immense hardship? Join Douglas Abrams as he takes us on a journey of searching for truth, recounting his experience in learning from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Douglas Abrams is an author, editor, and producer. He co-wrote The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World with the His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, which inspired the film MISSION: JOY, which is now on Netflix. He also co-wrote The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times with Jane Goodall. He has coauthored many bestselling non-fiction books and has written two novels.

Whether it's in her books, her podcasts, or her online articles, Elissa Bjeletich finds ways to make her Orthodox Christian beliefs more than Sunday-only events, and to live them out with her family and in her private moments throughout the week as well.

Steve speaks with Daisy Khan about her own miraculous story growing up in Kashmir and an important call to action she felt in the US. Daisy Khan is the executive director of the Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), a women-led organization committed to peacebuilding, equality, and justice for Muslims around the world. Her memoir, Born with Wings, was published by Random House in April 2018.

It was a simple childhood prayer for her father's healing from mental illness that set Leide Lessa on a path of physical and spiritual healing in her faith. She shares how God speaks to each of us in a way we can understand, and how as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, she does her "real job" of expressing love whether it's speaking to a group or with an individual. Leide Lessa

As a shy child in communist Yugoslavia, Amir Salihovic never pictured himself leading prayers as an Imam, especially since his teachers taught that there was no such thing as God. But as civil war broke out, he found himself driven by persecution to study more deeply the religion he was being persecuted for being a part of.  Now he leads an Islamic Society of Bosniaks, where he appreciates religious freedom and teaches his community to treasure their past while becoming proud, productive Americans. (p/c KUED)

From her first experience of healing through prayer at age 12, Michelle Nanouche has felt called to help others heal, emotionally and spiritually as well as physically; first as a Christian Science nurse, then as a lecturer and teacher on the Christian Science Board. She talks about forgiveness and releasing anger, how she came to see herself as God sees her, and how the Lord's Prayer can be a model for our own prayers. (First aired Sunday, November 3, 2019)  Michelle Nanouche, CSB

Steve speaks with local filmmaker TC Christensen, who specializes in movies about miracles and faith, in this special bonus episode of In Good Faith. TC Christensen is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers and has worked as the director of photography on Disney’s Imax film Roving Mars and the National Geographic film Lewis & Clark. He has also directed over 26 films including 17 Miracles, The Cokeville Miracle, and his latest film The Fighting Preacher.

On this episode of the In Good Faith podcast, we explore the power ritual has to connect an individual to their religion, culture, and community. While there might be the stereotype that rituals are dry ceremonies performed only in churches, our guests today discuss rituals from every facets of their lives. Aaron Rose discusses how he learned about the rituals of Dia de los Muertos and how practicing them with his family helped him connect with his culture. Howard Wettstein discusses a few of the ritual practices in his Jewish faith, like the Mourner's Kaddish, and how those practices are a form of spiritual intimacy. Mara Menzies shares her experiences with the rituals of storytelling, including a fascinating experience about bringing a story lost through the African diaspora back to its community of origin in Nigeria. Frederik Mayet shares some history of the Oberammergau Passion Play and reflects on how the play connects his community.

Ala'a Asarhan and Rasha Qudisat are a Jordanian couple committed to God, to each other and their children, and to education. You'll hear about Ramadan and fasting, why questioning is good, and patience to trust God's will.

Steve talks with fellow podcasters from "3 Black Men" and "Mommying While Muslim" about how their different podcasts have created community for their listeners. Steve was able to host this week's guest in studio, because all of them attended the BYU Law School's "Annual Religious Freedom Review," where they spoke together on a panel about this topic. Look for those panel sessions in our extras. Hosts of the podcast “3 Black Men”--Trey Ferguson, Samuel Gay, and Robert Monson–muse on theology and culture with a wide array of riveting guests. Trey Ferguson is a Miami-Dade County-based minister, writer, and podcaster whose passions include jokes, justice, and Jesus. Samuel Gay is a writer, theologian, and father, who uses music to strengthen others. Robert Monson is a writer, musician, creative, avid reader, and theologian who does work around the intersection of Black liberation and womanist theology. Mommying While Muslim is hosted by second-generation friends Zaiba Hasan and Uzma Jaffri. Zaiba Hasan is an American Muslim, born and raised in Chicago, who grew up biracial and bicultural. Zaiba’s Irish/Pakistani heritage and interfaith upbringing gave her a head start navigating between identities. Born in Chicago, Uzma Jafri was raised in Huston, Texas. She is the daughter of Muslim immigrants from Pakistan and India. Uzma’s primary job is mothering her four children, but the one that pays is as a solo physician running her own medical practices.

The In Good Faith team shares their favorite interviews from 2024.

How can we continue learning and healing as we approach the end of our mortal life? Jewels Olsen sits down with Steve for a conversation about the end of life and how we can approach it with peace and reassurance, and how we can honor those we know who are dying. Jewels Olsen is a chaplain at Applegate Home and Hospice in Utah, where she has a passion for supporting those nearing the end-of-life transition. She is familiar with many traditions and practices and provides spiritual care for a wide variety of people.

Steve speaks with Aubrey & Tim Chaves as they prepare for the upcoming Faith Matters Restore Gathering. The couple discusses how their faith crisis led to a stronger marriage and connection to their faith community. Aubrey and Tim grew up near Salt Lake City, Utah; the two married after Tim served an LDS mission to Montevideo, Uruguay. He attended BYU for his undergraduate studies before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is now an entrepreneur working in Utah County. Aubrey received a degree in Elementary Education from Utah State before teaching fourth grade for two years; she now owns a cake decorating business. Tim and Aubrey are the parents of four children. Listen to Faith Matters here: https://faithmatters.org/

Mauli Bonner is a Los Angeles-based vocal director and song writer. He and his wife Chantel founded the charity Lift Up Voices that provides opportunities with music and arts to young people. He wrote and directed an award winning film His Name is Green Flake, that tells the story of some of the first African American pioneers to the Utah Valley. The movie inspired a monument dedicated to those pioneers that was dedicated on July 22nd, 2022, on the 175th anniversary of the first wagon through Emigration Canyon. We recapture here the experience of the monument dedication ceremony at This Is The Place Heritage State Park with excerpts from Betty Sawyer from the Ogden NAACP, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox, and The Bonner Family singing an original composition "Child of God". Additionally, Steve interviews Darius Gray, a founding member of the Genesis Group.

New York Times no. 1 best-selling author Reza Aslan, a Sufi Muslim, talks about his journey of faith to Christianity and back again, and how we tend to create God in our own image instead of the other way around. I think any believer will enjoy this discussion with an author who has done a lot of thinking and research world-wide on the subject of faith in God. Is faith different from religion? And are we hard-wired to believe? (We're grateful to Lindsay Hansen Park and the Sunstone Foundation for allowing this interview with Reza Aslan while he was in town as their featured speaker at the 2019 Sunstone Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thanks also to the Smith-Petit Foundation for a grant which sponsored his opening address for the conference. Click here to find Sunstone online. Click Here for a link to audio of Reza's address "God: a Human History" at the Sunstone Conference.) Dr. Reza Aslan

Reverend Dani Lee from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, a friend of the show talks to us about Tenebrae and Maundy Thursday.

This week, Steve sits down with Cassidy Hall to discuss the power of queerness and silence. In this conversation, Cassidy describes her experienced with contemplative, toxic, and loving silences. She also explains the way that she sees and understands queerness. In fact, her new book is dedicated to "the queerness in all of us." This book ("Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality") releases on May 21, 2024—just two days after this episode drops! Cassidy Hall is an author, award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and leading voice in contemplative spirituality. She is the co-host of the Encountering Silence podcast and the creator of the Contemplating Now and Queering Contemplation podcasts. Cassidy is widely published and currently resides in Indianapolis, where she is studying for her Doctorate degree.

How can we love the outgroup? Kelly James Clark talks about the difficulties of loving those who are different than us, and shares stories of when his neighbors helped him develop that love. Kelly James Clark is currently Senior Research Fellow at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Professor at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of Raging Fire of Love: what I’ve learned from Jesus, the Jews, and the Prophet.

How can we renew our spiritual practices? Mark Glanville talks "Improvising Church", his most recent book, with ideas ranging from the need for a 'leader-full' community to how we can best find our individual gifts from God. Mark shares insights about the flexibility and creativity encouraged by both faith and jazz traditions and highlights the significance of embracing one's unique gifts to contribute meaningfully to their 'incarnational community.' Mark R. Glanville (PhD, Bristol University) is associate professor of pastoral theology at Regent College, Vancouver, and an Old Testament scholar. He is also a jazz musician, and you'll hear some of his music in this episode!

Before his recent call to the Vatican, we spoke with Father Michel Libambu about what is essential in a spiritual life, and how that fluenced his own work in his homeland--the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Today on In Good Faith, we're exploring–literally–ancient Christianity in Turkey. In fact, for this episode we scrunched down into tunnels in an underground city in the Kapadokya region and we toured churches in caves and contemplated mosaics that were almost two thousand years old. This ornamentation is done in the artistic style of Greek Orthodox churches that can later be seen throughout the East. We speak with Professors Mark Ellison and Matthew Grey about the architecture and sacred spaces of the Early Christians, and what it might have felt like to worship together in those early days of Christianity. Mark Ellison is a professor in early Christianity and holds a PhD from Vanderbilt University in early Christianity and early Christian art. He is the co-editor of the recently published anthology "Ancient Christians: an introduction for Latter-day Saints." Matthew Grey is a professor in ancient scripture and ancient Near Eastern studies. He holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with an emphasis in archeology and early Judaism. He's written a chapter in "Ancient Christians," entitled "Sacred Spaces and Places of Worship from House Churches to Monumental Basilicas." Join us in exploring the Crossroads of Faith!

We first spoke with Leah Marett in a bonus episode with students at BYU involved in interfaith work. We loved her story, so we invited her back for a full episode! Leah Marett is the host of the The Non-Member Project podcast, drawing from her experiences as a Protestant Christian student at Brigham Young University. Currently, she is earning her Master’s degree in Athletic Training.

Dr. Oliver Crisp is from the UK originally, but teaches at the Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. In this episode he explores being both a theologian and a believer, how he's seen the hand of God in his and his family's life, and touches on the connection between the arts and religion. Dr. Oliver Crisp

Jared Stewart shares how he, as someone diagnosed with autism, found a unique personal connection with God and offers insights into the neurodivergent experience in religious settings. He talks about the diversity within the autism spectrum, common misunderstandings, and offers suggestions on how congregations can better support neurodivergent members. Jared Stewart has spent over two decades working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults as a teacher, life coach, and licensed behavior analyst, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes for these individuals with audiences in over 18 countries. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has numerous family members on the Spectrum, and he was diagnosed with autism himself as an adult.

In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYU radio—and be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

Rev. Keith Cupples, United Methodist Reverend Keith Cupples

Jason Shelton describes how his family's religious experiences and membership in the AME Church influenced his research for his latest book, “The Contemporary Black Church: the new dynamics of African American religion.” Dr. Jason E. Shelton is Full Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington. His research interests concern the sociology of religion, as well as the intersections of race, class, and attitudes about various political and social issues in contemporary America.

Renowned travel writer and guide Rick Steves shares thoughts on "The Road as Church" as he encounters various faiths around the world. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith--Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Mormon--in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYU radio--and be sure you subscribe to the podcast!

In this episode of In Good Faith, Steven Kapp Perry speaks with Antonia Tomao. She shares a touching story of recovery from a brain tumor. During this difficult time, she learned to lean on God. After her recovery, she started a business to help others who are enduring a difficulty realize that they are not alone. Antonia is the CEO of Antonia’s Promise, originally creating cross jewelry as a symbol of “brokenness” and a reminder that prayer and our trust in God will help us heal as a symbol of hope. She hopes that wearing or having these crosses will remind people that they are not alone in their suffering because God is with them.

"..If we want true friendship with God, we can't run away from the requirement that God--in kindness, in an effort to become our friend, to become our confidant, so we can have trust in Him--allows us to be pushed by the vicissitudes of mortality to the extremities of experience." In a life that includes moving twenty-plus times, most of them internationally, author and activist Melissa Dalton-Bradford has learned that home is a concept more than a place, and that we connect to each other--whatever our religion or nationality or languages--in the deepest places; our sorrows and our faith. (See the fruits of some of Melissa's efforts with refugees at: https://tsosrefugees.org/ ) Melissa Dalton-Bradford

Dr. Simran Jeet Singh is the Executive Director of the Inclusive America Project at the Aspen Institute. Recognized among TIME Magazine’s “sixteen people fighting for a more equal America”, he is an Equality Fellow with the Open Society Foundations, Senior Adviser on Equity and Inclusion for YSC Consulting, and a Visiting Professor at Union Seminary. He is a regular contributor to The Washington Post, CNN, and TIME Magazine and writes a monthly column for Religion News Service. Simran is the author of The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life and he lives with his family in New York City. Check out more of Simran's work here: https://simranjeetsingh.org/

How can we approach faith with the head and heart? In this episode, Justin Brierley talks with Steven about how he faces opposing views to Christianity intellectually and emotionally. After hearing so many arguments for aetheism, he shares how his faith has been shaped and strengthened. Justin is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who creates dialogue between Christians and non-Christians around faith, science, theology and culture. He aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

Utah Make a Wish creates magical moments for children suffering from debilitating illness--and that magic can turn into mental and physical health miracles. Steve interviews Jared Perry, the CEO of Utah Make a Wish in this bonus episode of In Good Faith.

Nijay Gupta of Slow Theology joins Steve for a chat about Tell Her Story, Gupta's exploration of women preachers, prophets, and leaders in the Bible. Nijay Gupta co-chairs the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research and serves as a senior translator for the New Living Translation. He also co-hosts the podcast, “Slow Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times”. He is the author of Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed.), and The State of Pauline Studies. His most recent book is Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling (2024).

More than once, Dr. Mary Lou Shea has had the rug pulled out from under her life plan, but she also knows what it's like to have God lead you to a new path; one that unexpectedly fits you to a "T."

In this episode, Michael Dunn shares what he's learned about faith from surviving an attack from a grizzly bear, including how one tiny moment of listening to the spirit early in the day, may have saved his life. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. -- Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith--Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Mormon--in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYU radio--and be sure you subscribe to the podcast!

We have a special treat amid the Turkey series--book club is back! To follow up on Episode 7, host Steven Kapp Perry and senior producer Heather Bigley meet with Kevin Blankinship and Rasoul Sorkhabi to discuss the poetry of Rumi. The group discusses the geographical and cultural impacts on Rumi in 13th century Anatolia as well his esteemed writing style and influence. Rasoul Sorkhabi holds a PHD in geology from Kyoto University in Japan, as well as M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees from Jammu University in India. He has conducted geological studies in India, Nepal, Japan, Borneo, the Rockies and the Great Basin of the American West. He has also constructed a global database on sedimentary basins. He is currently a professor at the University of Utah. He reviewed Swallowing the Sun for the journal Interreligious Insight Kevin Blankinship is an assistant professor at BYU in the Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages, teaching Arabic language and literature, Islamic civilization, and the Koran. He holds a Phd from the University of Chicago, an MA from UNC Chapel Hill, and a BA from BYU. Under the aegis of the Fulbright program, he lived and conducted researched in Morocco for a year.

Steve discusses homeland, holocaust, and humanity in the first half of the show with Americanish podcast hosts Adela Cojab & Mariam Wahba, learning about their experiences finding friendship with each other. Both women are from the Middle East: Mariam is a Coptic Christian and Adela a Syrian Jew; both are working to foreground faith in America. In the second half of the show, Steve chats with his dear friend Asker Ashkenazi, who discusses the Israeli high school tradition of a field trip to Auschwitz. When these field trips were canceled during the global COVID-19 shutdowns, Asher made sure to take his son on his own.

Rev. Deacon Sandra Jones shares a life-long faith that blossomed into ministry in her later years, when she stopped fighting a call she'd always felt. She tells how adding a little "Mary to her Martha" added meaning to her life and let her know she was always connected to God. (pictured, Deacon Sandra Jones--3rd from right--working on one of her social-good projects.)

Steve chats with two historians about the importance of ancient Christianity today. Elizabeth Schrader Polczer discusses how an answered prayer developed her interest in Mary Magdalene and led to a new career in biblical scholarship. Dr. Schrader Polczer is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Villanova University, having recently defended her PhD in Early Christianity and New Testament at Duke University. Her studies focus on textual criticism, Mary Magdalene, and the Gospel of John. Craig Evans maps out the ideas in his book "From Jesus to Church." Craig A. Evans is the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University in Texas. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College, he received his M.Div. from Western Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Claremont Graduate University in southern California. A well-known evangelical scholar, Evans is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies. He also serves as the Director of the Christian Thinkers Society Fellows Program and Strategic Studies.

Steve sits down with Oren Jay Sofer and chats about how meditation is needed in tumultuous times, how to develop inner strength, and how the play of small children is an important skill we all should retain. Oren Jay Sofer teaches Buddhist meditation, mindfulness, and communication internationally. He holds a degree in comparative religion from Columbia University and is a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the healing of trauma. Born and raised in New Jersey, he is the author of several books; most recently, "Your Heart Was Made for This: Contemplative Practices for Meeting a World in Crisis with Courage, Integrity, and Love."

Is it ever too late to learn more about your faith? Join Mary Lahaj as she tells Steve about her experience turning to God during a low point in her life. After growing up having not learned much about Islam, her family's religion, she tells about her journey to learning more. Mary Lahaj currently lives in Lowell, Massachusetts, and works as a professional freelance writer for a prominent law firm in Boston. Over the years, she has reimagined religion, not as an organized institution, but as an open question. In Bird on a Wire, her recent memoir, she makes a compelling case to her readers to do the same.

Steve discusses love and grief with Colin Campbell, author of Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose. Colin Campbell is a writer and director for theater and film. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Seraglio, a short film he wrote and directed with his wife, Gail Lerner. He has taught Theater and/or Filmmaking at Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, Cal Poly Pomona University, and to incarcerated youth through The Unusual Suspects. His one person show titled, Grief: A One Man S**tShow, premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival where it won a Best of Broadwater Award. He lives in Los Angeles and sometimes Joshua Tree. In the second half of the hour, Steve chats with Daniela Lee, the priest-in-charge at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Provo, Utah. The Reverend Daniela Lee is originally from Romania and has traveled from the Baptist world through the Lutheran world and ended up in The Episcopal Church. With her husband and two kids, she likes to travel and stargaze. They currently live in Utah where they enjoy the two seasons, the dry air, and the beautiful landscape. Dani is passionate about evangelism and about how to live responsibly in the world.

This is the first of three interviews about Passover. We hope you enjoy all three. Steve chats with Cantor Sharon Brown Levy from Kol Ami in Salt Lake City about the musical rituals of Seder. The Cantor sings several songs for us, including Dayenu, the first psalm of the Hallel (Psalm 113), and the first of the four questions. Cantor Brown-Levy certified in cantorial arts from both the Reform Movement’s American Conference of Cantors and the Conservative Movement’s Cantors Assembly. Prior to her arrival here in Utah, she served pulpits in Toronto, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Florida. She is also a respected choral conductor, co-leading one of the country’s largest community interfaith choirs, Voices in Harmony. For Passover 2024, the Cantor invited the local general public to celebrate Seder with the Congregation Kol Ami. Check their website for more info!

Harold Koenig discusses how patients' religious beliefs and practices significantly impact their health and recovery, a realization that stemmed from his days as a nurse and later reinforced during his medical and psychiatric practice. Harold Koenig is Director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology & Health and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University. He is the lead author of the Handbook of Religion and Health, the seminal research text on the relationship between theistic religion, interfaith worship, and meditative prayer, which is the most cited of all references on religion and health. He has published 65 books on the subject. In 2022 he was ranked 1st in the world by ScholarGPS in the academic discipline of spirituality. Dr. Koenig will present at the upcoming Faith & Science conference: https://www.faithandscience.eu/

Rev. Canon John Peterson is the former Secretary General of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. This week on "In Good Faith" you'll sense his passion for service, and have the chance to consider a few simple verses from the New Testament that guide his efforts.

Steve speaks with Barbara Brown Taylor, New York Times best-selling author, about her book "Holy Envy," and how to find God in the faith of others. Barbara Brown Taylor is a best-selling author, teacher, and Episcopal priest. Her first memoir, Leaving Church, won an Author of the Year award from the Georgia Writers Association in 2006. Her next three books earned places on the New York Times bestseller list. Taylor has served on the faculties of Piedmont College, Emory University, Mercer University, Columbia Seminary, Oblate School of Theology, and the Certificate in Theological Studies program at Arrendale State Prison for Women in Alto, Georgia. Her latest book, Always a Guest, was released in October 2020 from Westminster John Knox Press. Photo Credit: Jean Santopatre

Steve talks to Mathew Schmalz about the different ways suffering enters our lives and how God's presence can heal and teach us. Mathew Schmalz is a professor of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross, and founder of the "Journal of Global Catholicism". His publications engage global Catholicism (particularly in South Asia), Catholic theology and spirituality, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has written a personal spiritual memoir, "Mercy Matters: Opening Yourself to the Life Changing Gift". He is also co-author with Alonzo Gaskill (BYU) of the forthcoming "Understanding our Catholic Neighbors: A Guide for Latter-Day Saints". He lives in Worcester, Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters.

"You can know--without a shadow of a doubt--you can know whether you know you know you are going to heaven." That's Walt Raber, he was born to an Amish family and later became Mennonite. He'll inspire you with his infectious happy nature and his heart for serving other people.  (Walt Raber, pictured here with his wife, Mary Louise.) Walt and Mary Louise Raber

A Trappist monk since age 19, the Right Reverend Casimir Bernas reflects on a life of study and devotion mixed with physical labor.

This week producer Heather Bigley speaks with Raj Mankad, the Op-ed Editor of the Houston Chronicle. A shorter version of this interview ran in Episode 111 about building new communities of faith. Raj's story continues in a discussion of finding community in one of the most diverse cities in America as he raises his children. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYUradio—and be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

In this episode we learn about finding spiritual direction through the mind, the word, and our communities. How do those three areas of our lives help us encounter God? Join Julie Goates, Steve, Josh, James, Alia, and Heather as we learn together. Juliana Boerio-Goates is a retired professor of chemistry at BYU, where she was named a Karl G. Maeser Professor of General Education for her contributions in the classroom. Dr. Boerio-Goates belongs to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem, where she has been active in leadership positions, including coordinator of the first Christmas Eve Midnight Mass celebrated at the Provo LDS Tabernacle. She and her husband, Steven R. Goates, are the parents of two children.

Steve speaks with Michael Schnabel and Jonathan Rose on faith-building experiences in revelation and healing. Michael Schnabel is the author of "Daddy's Girl", a memoir about the challenges and struggles of parenting through a medical crisis. A graduate of Nothern State University, Michael developed his passion for writing and storytelling during his thirty-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Michael lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife, and when not spending time with family, you can find him tending to his 26-acre tree farm. Dr. Jonathan Rose is the series editor, and the translator, researcher, annotator, and fundraiser for The New Century, an ongoing project that incorporates the latest scholarship in modern, accessible English translations of Emanuel Swedenborg's theological works. Dr. Rose has focused his career and research on Swedenborg's life and works and developed an algorithm for analyzing Swedenborg's Latin. He was the curator of Swedenborgiana library and both a tenured professor of religion and sacred languages and chaplain at Bryn Athyn College before taking on his current position with the Swedenborg Foundation.

Dr. Richards is a clinical psychologist at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with formal training in theology and comparative religion. Earlier in his career, he pursued psychedelic research at Spring Grove Hospital Center and the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in Baltimore. His graduate education included studies at Yale, Brandeis, Catholic University, the Andover-Newton Theological School, and the University of Göttingen.

Steven Kapp Perry speaks in-person with the Smiths. They each share how they were called to ministry and answered that call. They describe how to discern the voice of God in our lives, including how He has helped them and their children find a higher purpose. Dr. Welton Smith is the pastor of the Greater Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is involved in AIDS Awareness and Men’s Health issues. Reverend Debra Smith focuses on women’s issues and education. Pastor Welton Smith and Reverend Debra Smith have labored together in ministry for over twenty years. Both have served Churches, Conventions, and the U.S. Military as Facilitators, Messengers, and Instructors. They are anointed to teach, preach and heal through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Currently they serve at the Greater Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas.

Advaita Das, International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) talks about his path from Croatia to the US and his faith journey. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith--Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Mormon--in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYU radio--and be sure you subscribe to the podcast!

Think of it as a family Christmas devotional: a little praise, a little witness, some tears, and some laughter, familiar, yet loose around the edges. We'll hear from Cherie Call, Paul Jacobsen, and Molly in the Mineshaft, as well as pianist Jared Pierce and Mark Geslison, who is the director of several student ensembles here at BYU. Our first hymn is "Once in Royal David's City", performed by Cayson Renshaw and Riley Davis. Cayson Renshaw is a singer-songwriter from the San Francisco Bay-area, currently based in Utah. He's joined here by guitarist and vocalist Riley Davis. See their performance on YouTube Next, Steve speaks with Mark Gelison, leader of the Celtic Ensemble for 30+ years, a student performance group at BYU, who will perform "O Come O Come Emmanuel." This year the ensemble includes, Emily Wall, Kaydie Gillam, Kate Reich, Brandon Torruella, Sarah Shipp, Rebecca Meiss, Eric Christensen, James Hecht, Owen Clarke, and Lawson Archibald. Following this performance comes 'Molly in the Mineshaft'. They play "Gesu Bambino" and "We Three Kings", arranged by Scott and Grace Monson from the contemporary folk ensemble. Molly in the Mineshaft is made up of Lucy Larsen, Grace Monson, Jordan Benson, Douglas Patterson, Talmage Haines, Alex Vincent, and Scott Monson. See their performance on YouTube. Then, Paul Jacobsen performs the spiritual "Go Tell it on the Mountain" for us in the studio. Paul Jacobsen is a singer-songwriter who performs independently but also with the Madison Arm and The Lower Lights. See his performance on YouTube. Mark Geslison returns with Mountain Strings, a student ensemble from BYU playing a medley of "The Holly and the Ivy"/ "Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plain"/"Joy to the World". Mountain Strings includes Madeline Charles, Arthur Prusso, Austin Johnson, Ellie Geslison, Emily Wall, Tyler Anderson, Christina Iverson. Next we're talking with Cherie Call, a singer-songwriter who brought us one of her own compositions, a modern Christmas song about modern challenges during the holiday sea

Dr. Ravi Gupta, a scholar of Hinduism and holder of The Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies at USU, talks about Vaishnava Hinduism and many questions of faith; Does becoming a scholar of your faith rob you of the joy of simply believing and practicing? Is holy writ to be taken as literal or symbolic--or does it even matter as long as it is "true"? In this interview he shares a favorite verse of the Bhagavata Purana (which he has translated into English and published) in Sanskrit, and shares why it's important to him. Questions of family, parenthood, arranged marriage, and eco-theology come up as well. Enjoy this time with a devoted practitioner and scholar who shares his faith and stories with warmth and thoughtfulness. Dr. Gupta is currently a visiting scholar at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University.

What are key beliefs in the most ancient world religion? Listen as Steve talks with Arman Ariane about how he came to Zoroastrianism, what it is, and how it guides him to be more God-like. Arman Ariane is a businessman from Claremont, California who was previously the President of the California Zoroastrian Center. He is currently a council member on the Zoroastrian Studies Council at Claremont Graduate University and speaks on Zoroastrianism all over the United States. He appeared in Morgan Freeman's National Geographic documentary series "The Story of God."

This week, we hear from Alejandra Oliva, author of 'Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith and Migration'. She discusses the difference between being interested in an issue, and being involved in the issue. Her conversation with senior producer Heather Bigley covers the spiritual needs at the border. Alejandra Oliva is an essayist, translator, immigrant justice advocate, and embroiderer. Currently she teaches for NYU’s School of Professional Studies. She is a recipient of a 2022 Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant and was a Franke Fellow at the Yale Whitney Humanities Center in 2022. She has also worked at the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago in Community Engagement. She holds a Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.

Carmela Javellana chats with Steve about the importance of crisis as an opportunity for growth and the universal nature of suffering. She shares how she came to Buddhism and the vibrant differences within Buddhism. Dr. Carmela Javellana is a volunteer assistant minister at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple since 2010, which includes leading meditation service, teaching Buddhism classes, and co-teaching a 6-week course on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and Integrative Mental Health called “Into the Light: the Shin Buddhist Path through Difficulties.” She is also a practicing psychiatrist and the founder and director of SHIN, a sanctuary for healing and integration, in Bountiful, UT.

Harry Kraemer, Jr. from the Kellogg School of Management, and former Chairman and CEO of Baxter International, talks about faith, life balance, and the importance of self-reflection, from his book, "Your 168: Finding Purpose and Satisfaction in a Values-Based Life."

Elaine Pagels is an American historian of religion. She is the Harrington Spear Paine Professor of Religion at Princeton University. Pagels has conducted extensive research into early Christianity and Gnosticism, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. She is the author of The Gnostic Gospels, Beyond Belief, and Revelations. (See links below to learn more.) In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYUradio—and be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

An in-person discussion on maintaining religiosity without isolating those of other faiths. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with Dr. Trevan Hatch, Pritha Lal, Maysa Kergaye, and Luke Miller. Dr. Trevan Hatch is the Anthropology, Ancient Near East, Middle East, and Religious Studies specialist at the Lee Library at Brigham Young University. He is also an adjunct instructor in the Department of Ancient Scripture. Trevan has a MA and two doctoral degrees (soon to complete the second PHD) in fields related to the Bible, Jewish studies, and religious studies. Trevan is the author of "A Stranger in Jerusalem: Seeing Jesus as a Jew", and he coedited with Leonard Greenspoon (Jewish studies chair at Creighton University) the volume, "The Learning of the Jews: What Latter-day Saints can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience". Pritha Lal is first a mom. She is also a homemaker by choice, a systems thinker by profession, a writer out of habit, a podcaster out of the pandemic, and is currently pursuing a certification towards becoming a life coach. She has lived in Springville, Utah for over two decades. Even though she is a huge admirer of Rumi, and aspires to live her life following the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Philosophy of Vedanta, for all practical purposes, she follows these wise words of Piglet, from Winnie the Pooh: "The things that make me different are the things that make me, me." Maysa Kergaye has been part of the Salt Lake community for the past 30 years. She is a mother of four, and grandma to two, and taught math at the Salt Lake Community College for 15 years. She discovered Zumba and has been teaching it for the past 12 years at many locations. She is well traveled and speaks many languages but most proficient is Arabic, French, and most of all English. She is active on the interfaith council as well as managing and running the Islamic Speakers bureau. She volunteers her time at the women's prison, Sunday school, and helping the local refugees. "I love teaching Zumba but I always have to warn people that it c

Psychologist and Therapist Dr. Christy Kane talks about the ways our faith and our mental health influence and interact with each other, especially in times of crises. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith—Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Latter-day Saint—in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYUradio—and be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

Today on In Good Faith, Jeff Olsen shares insights from his near-death experience after a terrible car accident, and on-going inspiration from 'the other side,' thereafter.

Steve discusses The Stewardship Principle with author and podcast host Ganel-lyn Condie in the first half of the show. Her recent book examines how people can face challenges and thrive, without taking ownership, but instead turning to God. In the second half of the show, Steve interviews Marian Edmonds-Allen, who worked with Utah legislators to protect homeless LGBTQ teens and shares how she's learned to solve issues facing our community.

Join Heather in talking with fellow podcasters Robert Monson, Zaiba Hasan, and Samuel Gay. Robert Monson Jr. is a writer, musician, creative, avid reader, and theologian who does work around the intersection of Black liberation and womanist theology. He is a graduate of United Theological Seminary and is currently working towards a Ph.D. His two podcasts, Three Black Men and Black Coffee & Theology, along with his work as co-director of the organization Enfleshed seek to bring about thought around liberation for all. Zaiba Hasan is an American Muslim, born and raised in Chicago. Growing up biracial and bicultural, Zaiba’s Irish/Pakistani heritage and interfaith upbringing gave her a head start navigating between identities. When she isn’t busy with podcasting, public speaking, fostering interfaith community, or working with her parent coaching clients at Emerge Consulting Solutions, Zaiba can usually be found on the basketball court or baseball field with her husband and their four children. Sam Gay is a writer, theologian and cohost to Three Black Men Podcast. Sam has been a dedicated youth pastor and musician who has yielded his talents to local congregations. He holds a B.A. in digital cinematography from Full Sail University and an A.A. in Biblical Studies from Reformation Bible College.

Steve chats with Rachel Whipple, Shahab Saeed, and Kimberly Applewhite Teitter about what God's love means in their different traditions. Guests share scripture, hymn, and personal experience to help illustrate God's love. Rachel Whipple is an attorney and Provo City Councilor, and a former Research Fellow at the International Center for Law and Religion Studies. She is also a member of the Provo Awakening Valley Sangha Board of Directors. Shahab Saeed is a business and community leader in Salt Lake City. He has served as a Trustee for Intermountain Healthcare System’s corporate board and as a faculty member for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the American Hospital Association. He is a practitioner of the Baha'i faith. Kimberly Applewhite Teitter, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, a published author, an adjunct professor, and an entrepreneur in the Salt Lake City area. She is also a wife and a mother to two daughters and is the director of the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir in Utah. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rachel Whipple

Pastor Oscar T. Moses, from Calvary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, shares his background as a police officer in Chicago, what it means to receive a call to ministry, and perspectives on race and faith in the time of Black Lives Matter.

Anne Snyder, Editor-in-Chief of Comment Magazine, joins Steve for a conversation about public theology. Discover how faith can transcend individual congregations and touch communities, blending spiritual and secular efforts. Anne shares her unique perspective shaped by her childhood experiences in outside the US and discusses the significance of public trust in religious and governmental institutions. Anne Snyder is the founder of Breaking Ground, which seeks to leaven our common life with a Christian humanist lens. Anne is also the host of The Whole Person Revolution podcast, co-editor of Breaking Ground: Charting Our Future in a Pandemic Year, and author of The Fabric of Character: A Wise Giver’s Guide to Renewing our Social and Moral Landscape. Anne is a Senior Fellow of The Trinity Forum and a Fellow at the Urban Reform Institute, a Houston-based think tank that explores how cities can drive opportunity for the bulk of their citizens. She has published widely, including The Atlantic Monthly, the Washington Post, City Journal, and, of course, Comment, and lives in Washington, DC..

Dr. Julianna Boerio-Goates--retired professor of thermo dynamics, discusses the intersection of science and faith, navigating a mixed-faith marriage, and what keeps her connected to God in her everyday life and in her service to her Catholic parish. Comments? We'd love to hear from you at ingoodfaith@byu.edu Follow us on Twitter: @InGoodFaithbyu

Today on In Good Faith, we have a special panel discussion on “How to Talk About Religion” featuring four local clergy members–if you are a long-time listener, you’ll recognize some of our guests from past episodes. Rabbi David Levinsky currently serves at the Temple Har Shalom in Park City. Bishop Carla Long, from the Community of Christ, has previously volunteered with the World Service Corps. Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center has led American groups to Mecca on the Hajj for the past 15 years. And, last but not least, Jan Saeed of the Baha'i faith has served with a number of community organizations including presenting at the Parliament of World Religions in 2004, 2015, and 2018. Listen as this esteemed panel explores (how to talk about) religion.

Gaye Strathearn, Associate Dean of the BYU School of Religion, discusses Easter Sunday.

Bishop Carla Long talks about the importance of community, how each congregation is different, finding the "God moments" in life, and identifying core principles that keep us anchored to who we want to be. In Good Faith is the place to hear stories and accounts from believers, told in their own words. Our hope is to listen with an open heart, celebrating the power of faith and belief, and what those stories mean to the ones who tell them. Host Steven Kapp Perry talks with believers from all walks of faith--Catholic and Episcopalian, Buddhist and Baptist, Jewish and Hindu, Presbyterian and Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim and Mormon--in other words, human beings and believers, sharing their personal experience with the sacred and the divine. Sundays on BYU radio--and be sure you subscribe to the podcast!

Dr. Farina King joins the podcast to discuss her experiences with the spiritual power of the peoples and places of Dine culture. To learn more go to https://farinaking.com/. Farina King, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, is the Horizon Chair in Native American Ecology and Culture and Associate Professor of Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma, in the ancestral lands of the Caddo Nation and Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. Many diverse Indigenous peoples have converged in the region of what is now considered Norman, Oklahoma, including Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and Osage nations. Before joining the University of Oklahoma faculty, King was Associate Professor of History and affiliated faculty of Cherokee and Indigenous Studies at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, in the homelands of the Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees. She also directed and founded the NSU Center for Indigenous Community Engagement. She received her Ph.D. at Arizona State University in History, and she specializes in twentieth-century Native American Studies, especially Indigenous experiences in boarding schools. She is the author of The Earth Memory Compass: Diné Landscapes and Education in the Twentieth Century, and co-author with Michael P. Taylor and James R. Swensen of Returning Home: Diné Creative Works from the Intermountain Indian School. She is the current President of the Southwest Oral History Association

Dr. Dale Coulter, Associate Professor at Regent University School of Divinity in Virginia Beach, shares his faith as a Pentecostal member of the Church of God. He talks about combining faith and scholarship for a broader view of each, and about the experiential nature of Pentecostal worship. "I've come to the conclusion that we're shaped today by the prayers that were uttered by our ancestors 100 years ago. Not because they knew how those prayers would shape us, but because the God to whom they uttered them knew." In this episode of In Good Faith Dr. Dale Coulter talks about his faith journey, including how his brother's suicide helped him develop more empathy towards everyone around him. Dr. Dale Coulter

Mike Hampton, from Christ United Methodist, talks about the turning points in his faith journey, and the ways he sees the hand of God in his life.