Thee Quaker Podcast

If you’re looking for Quakers, go to Kenya. There are more Quakers in the East African country than anywhere else in the world, and their numbers are growing. Although American missionaries first introduced them to the faith, Kenyan Friends have made Quakerism their own. 

On this episode, we explore the history of Friends in Kenya, their commitment to peace, the challenges they face today, and why their numbers are growing so quickly.

Visit the episode page at QuakerPodcast.com for discussion questions, a transcript, and links.

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George Lakey is a well known Quaker pacifist, but he didn’t grow up that way. In fact, it wasn’t until George became involved with Quakers that he came to believe in the power of nonviolence.

Now in his 80s, George has spent most of his life as an advocate for social change through nonviolent direct action. In fact, he wrote the book on it. In this episode, he shares his deep conviction that pacifism is the way forward, even in an age of troubling conflict and polarization. We asked George about his lifetime of nonviolent activism, and why Quakers are pacifists.

Find more resources, discussion questions, and a transcript on the episode page.

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Do you have a daily spiritual practice?

On today’s episode, we’re exploring ways that spiritual discipline has helped Quakers connect with the Spirit today and throughout history. 

We made this episode to celebrate the launch of our newest project, the Daily Quaker Message, a daily Quaker devotional designed to nourish your spiritual journey.

Visit our episode page for more information on the topics we discussed today, discussion questions, a transcript and more.

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April is National Poetry Month in the US, and we’re celebrating with an episode on Quakers and poetry. We know many people love poetry, but it can also feel opaque. So, we called up two Friends who have found a home both in Quakerism and in verse.

In our first segment, bestselling author Parker Palmer tells us how he gained a love of poetry and how it helped him during a mental health crisis. He'll also help us find a way into the practice of reading poetry for ourselves.

For the second half of our episode, award-winning writer Leah Naomi Green gives us an intimate and experiential look into how her poetry connects with motherhood and the natural world.

Learn more about our guests, find discussion questions and more on the episode page.

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Feeling lost, lonely, and directionless is part of the human experience, just ask the Biblical prophet Elijah. Faced with death for his convictions, he ran into the wilderness and found a God who met him in his grief and despair.

On today’s episode, Quaker pastor Andy Stanton-Henry shares a message of getting lost and being found by the still small voice of the divine. And he helps us lean in to hear it, too.

Transcripts, discussion questions, and more information about our guest can be found  on our episode page.

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We have an announcement!  Our newest project has launched.

The Daily Quaker Message is an invitation to enter into a closer relationship with Spirit. Every day in your inbox, you’ll get an email with a short Quaker message to meditate on. Often that will be a quote but sometimes a song, a poem, a piece of art, or a video. We’ll also share an exercise to try in your own life and a query to consider throughout the week. 

These daily emails are short but powerful, and we hope they will help you move toward a deeper spiritual practice.

Like the podcast, it’s free to subscribe! Sign up at DailyQuaker.com.

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Lifelong Quaker Bayard Rustin was the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and an international peace activist. 

His identity as a gay man kept him in the shadows for decades, but he’s become something of an icon in recent years. In this episode, we explore the life and work of this groundbreaking Friend who made an indelible mark on American history.

Visit our episode page for more resources on Bayard Rustin, discussion questions, a transcript and more!

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Quakers have a long history of peacefully fighting for racial equality, and there is a lot to explore about their work during the Civil Rights Movement. 

In this episode, we share first-hand stories of Friends whose spiritual courage led them into the heart of the movement, even when they were beaten and threatened with death. Quakers were among the most influential advocates of nonviolent direct action, choosing boycotts and sit-ins over fists and guns. Today, we explore their work and how it affected one of the most important eras in American history.

Visit our episode page for links to books by our guests, discussion questions, a transcript, and to comment.

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Award-winning singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer has been called a “prairie mystic” for her meditative, poetic lyrics and folk-infused melodies. Carrie is also a thoughtful Quaker, whose faith comes through in her music, her poetry, and her podcast with author Parker Palmer.

On this episode, Carrie shares how she came to Quakerism, how she writes from a place of meditation and silence, and, of course, she sings a few songs for us.

Learn more about Carrie Newcomer on her website.

Visit our episode page for discussion questions, a transcript, to comment, and more!

From our sponsor:

New Garden Friends Meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, is accepting applications for a pastoral minister position through April 15, 2024. Find the job description at https://ngfm.org/pastoral-minister-job-description.

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Quaker clothing is something of a mystery for non-Quakers. For more than 300 years, Quakers have been known for their “plain dress.” But what does plain dress mean today?

On this episode, we talk to Quakers who have felt a spiritual leading to dress simply, but as you’ll hear, that means different things to different people.

Comment on this episode, consider our discussion questions, download a transcript and more on our episode page!

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When a midweek worship group for young Quakers sprung up at Portland Friends Meeting in Maine, it ruffled some feathers. Some wondered why they needed to meet separately. 

On today’s episode, we hear how this group of millennials found a spiritual home in not one but two weekly meetings for worship.

Our episode page has discussion questions, a transcript, a place to comment, and more. Check it out! 

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Why are there so few Black Quakers in mostly-white Quaker meetings? What can white Quakers do to support and encourage Friends of Color? And what can we learn from how Black Friends worship? 

This season we’re taking inspiration from Civil Rights organizer Bayard Rustin and looking at how Black Quakers are at work in the world, starting with our first episode of Season 2.

In this episode, we talk to Ayesha Imani, a founder of the Ujima Friends Meeting and Ujima Friends Peace Center.

Through Ujima, Black Friends have created a vibrant hub of worship, culture, and peace by providing for the needs of their Philadelphia neighborhood as they try to embody the Beloved Community — an idea championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in which everyone is cared for and there is no poverty, hunger or hate.

Go to the episode page for discussion questions, a transcript and to leave a comment.

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This year, we’re exploring the life and work of spiritually courageous Friends like Bayard Rustin. We’re delving into burning questions about Quakerism. We’re going inside Quaker meetings across the U.S. and the world. And we’ll introduce you to new voices!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

Leave a comment and find transcripts and discussion questions for every episode at QuakerPodcast.com.

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We’re looking back at some of your favorite episodes and ours with our year-end countdown. Join us as we remember some of the most thoughtful moments in our first season. 

Find links to all of the episodes mentioned, a transcript, and discussion questions at https://quakerpodcast.com/our-top-5-episodes-of-the-year.

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Should Quakers still be on social media? In this bonus episode, author and professor Wess Daniels talks about why he left Facebook and Twitter, and how he's encouraging his students to take a step back from the algorithm to explore an age-old Quaker practice: silence.

Visit our episode page to learn more about Wess Daniels, share your thoughts, read our transcript, and review our discussion questions.

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For the final episode of Season 1, we’re taking a peek behind the curtain of Thee Quaker Project — from inspiration to realization. If you love a good origin story or you’ve got a big idea that you want to turn into a reality, this is the episode for you.

Help us shape Season 2 by taking our survey.

Visit our episode page to leave a comment, read our discussion questions, and download the transcript.

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Quakers tend to think of “vocal ministry” as someone standing and speaking in a Meeting for Worship. But when we approached O about doing an episode with us, she invited us to expand our thinking. 

Join us as we walk with O to listen for God in everyday conversations. 

Visit our episode page to comment on this episode, read the transcript and ponder our discussion questions.

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From Reddit to Discord, Twitter to Facebook… we take a tour of the places where Quakers (and the Quaker curious!) are congregating online.

Visit our episode page for links to the online communities we discussed, discussion questions, and more.

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On a cold, rainy day in October 1656, early Quaker leader James Nayler rode into the city of Bristol on a horse. He was surrounded by his followers singing “hosanna” and laying garments in his path in a re-enactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. 

But by December, Nayler had been convicted of blasphemy, had his forehead branded with a B, and faced other public humiliations before being locked away in Bridewell Prison.

We’ve got questions. 

On this week’s episode, we’ve assembled an all-star team of Quaker historians to discuss the Nayler incident. Why did Nayler do it? What was he trying to accomplish? Why was the government response so brutal? How was the incident a turning point for the Quaker movement, and what questions does it bring up for Quakers today?

Join us, along with historians Stuart Masters, Carole Spencer, Doug Gwyn, and Max Carter (with a special appearance from Johnny Dean of “Delicious Digger Memes for Seventeenth Century Dissident Teens”!) in an attempt to answer these questions, and more. 

Check out our episode page for more on our guests, discussion questions, and a copy of the transcript.

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Ranters, Diggers, Levellers, Muggletonians… These religious and political sects disrupted an already wild era in 17th century England. But who were these radicals and what do they have to do with Quakers? 

We’ll take a look in this week’s episode.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Learn more about early Quakers with our episode George Fox and the Birth of Quakerism.

After you listen, tell us what you thought of this episode on our episode page.

You can also leave us a voicemail with your thoughts at 215-278-9411. We might share them on a future episode.

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Mark Condo brings an unexpected inspiration to his latest sermon series: rock and roll.

The pastor of Reedwood Friends Church has created a mixtape for his Portland, Oregon congregation full of songs that have preached to him. He shares the first track in his vocal ministry mixtape with us this week: a sermon inspired by Matthew 25 and "Does Anybody Out There Even Care" by Lenny Kravitz.

Listen to Mark Condo's full sermon, find discussion questions, review the transcript, and leave a comment on our episode page!

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Isabella Rosner never imagined that her list of strange Quaker names would be liked, shared, and retweeted millions of times.

We asked Isabella where she found these unusual names (i.e. Experience Cuppage), and how deep dive into women’s needlework revealed not only Quirky Quaker monikers but also a colorful and lesser known side of Quakerism.

Visit our episode page for more info on Isabella, a transcript, discussion questions, and more!

We're hiring a social media and newsletter coordinator!

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Quaker author Edith Maxwell is a best-selling mystery writer with more than 30 novels in publication. She says it’s her series about a young Quaker midwife solving murders and delivering babies that is closest to her heart.

In this episode, Edith shares her journey from earning a PhD in linguistics to a career in fiction and how it connects with her Quaker faith.

Tell us what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment on the episode page.

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Our Executive Director Jon Watts didn’t know much about Quakers in Australia before his recent trip Down Under. On this episode, he shares the stories he discovered of Aussie Friends — from the beginnings of Quakerism on the continent to the present concerns of Australian Quakers.

Tell us what you thought of this episode by leaving a comment on the episode page.

Want to support Thee Quaker Podcast? Find out how you can become a monthly donor right here.

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This week, we take you inside of Durham Friends Meeting (the Maine one!) where Craig Freshley asks the provocative question, “What if God was the rest of your body?” 

Have a listen and tell us your thoughts on Craig’s message.

Visit the episode page to leave a comment, read the transcript, and more!

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Friends school graduate Noah Poulos is putting down roots as he and his wife start an organic farm in rural North Carolina. But in the process, he has found his Quaker roots are also sprouting into a spiritual awakening he never expected.

On this episode, Noah shares his journey to Wild East Farm.

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When worship goes online is something lost? Is something gained? 

On this episode, we explore a variety of approaches to using videoconferencing for Quaker worship. And we look to the Amish and find some surprising answers.

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Today, we’re going on a walk to see a tree that has been a witness to the Underground Railroad. It’s a tree that sheds light on Quakers and slavery. A tree that’s been around as long as the United States.

So, put on your sneakers and take a walk with our producer Georgia and historian James Shields as we uncover the rich history of brave Africans seeking freedom and the Quakers who helped them through these North Carolina woods.

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Pastor Ashley Wilcox invites us to listen in to a recent service at New Garden Friends Meeting — a “semi-programmed” Quaker meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina — and she shares how her messages connect with the season of loss and change that her meeting has experienced.

Comment on this episode, download the transcript with discussion questions, and find more information about Ashley on our episode page.

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Zachary Moon was raised in a Quaker Meeting full of anti-war protesters. Then he felt God calling him to join the military as a chaplain. In the following months and years he had to wrestle with that leading and the response of his family and community.

On this week’s episode, we ask, what happens when your calling seems to be in opposition to the thing that unites your faith community? And can you be a Quaker pacifist while wearing a military uniform?

A transcript, discussion questions, and a photo of Zachary in his (very) early protest days are on our website.

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Sarah and Angelina Grimke were unapologetically anti-slavery and pro-women’s rights. Their convictions were driven by their faith in God, yet it got them booted from Quakerism, made their name a curse among their Southern peers, and even caused controversy among fellow abolitionists. 

The Grimke sisters made history, yet their names have largely been forgotten. Today, we introduce you to these unlikely abolitionists.

Find more information about our guests, more information on the Grimke sisters and a transcript with discussion questions on our episode page.

Give us a call and tell us what "conscientious objector" means to you: 215-278-9411.

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How do Quakers prepare for Meeting for Worship? How do we get ready for an hour of silence in which we may feel called upon to stand and give a message? In this week's episode, we share three essays written by members of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting about their experience of Quaker Meeting for Worship.

Learn more about Thee Quaker Podcast, find out how you can support us through Patreon, and download the transcript on our website.

Don't forget to leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on what it means to be a conscientious objector: 215-278-8411. 

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From a 17th century version of Twitter to Q&As on TikTok, we look at how Quakers of the past and present have communicated their message to thousands. And we also consider how  Quakers might take a cue from fandom.

Become a monthly supporter of Thee Quaker Podcast, share your thoughts on this episode, and subscribe to our newsletter at QuakerPodcast.com.

Leave us a voicemail at 215-278-9411 and let us know what “conscientious objector” means to you.

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In the mid-1600s, an unusual man named George Fox rejected the religious norms of his day and founded a radically different faith that came to be known as Quakerism. 

On this episode, we invite you to join us as we explore the life of George Fox and how his spiritual restlessness led him on a tireless pursuit of God and truth… and whether his story is relevant to Friends today.

Become a monthly supporter of Thee Quaker Podcast, share your thoughts on this episode, and get our resource list for this episode at QuakerPodcast.com.

Leave us a voicemail at 215-278-9411 and let us know what the word “Quaker” means to you.

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Who are modern Quakers? What do they believe? Where do they even live? What does the future look like for the global denomination known as the Religious Society of Friends? We set out to explain what Quakerism looks like today, and let’s just say, it was more complex than you might think.

Visit QuakerPodcast.com for more information, to support us on Patreon, for a transcript of this episode, and to share your thoughts on this episode.

What does the word Quaker mean to you? Leave us a voicemail at 215-278-9411.

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Join us each week as we explore stories of spiritual courage. We’ll delve into the lives of Quakers past and present, and explore the big questions about modern life and spirituality. A podcast for spiritual seekers, lifelong Quakers, and everything in between. 

Our first episode drops Wednesday, May 24. 

Visit QuakerPodcast.com for more information.

Find a transcript of the trailer on the episode page.

Original music and sound design: Jon Watts. Listen to more on Band Camp.

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