Best Susie and Jonathan Podcasts (2025)

1
What "Elbows Up" Means to Canadian Christians with David Harrison | Episode 232 42:21

2d ago42:21

42:21

In this episode, we look at the shifting dynamics between Canada and the United States amid rising nationalism, influenced by recent U.S. political rhetoric. I speak with David Harrison, an Anglican priest, about the impact on Canadian Christians navigating economic challenges and national identity. We discuss how churches are providing community s…

1
Choosing joy over fear and pessimism when life feels heavy | with Nicole Zasowski 41:44

2d ago41:44

41:44

Have you ever lived in a mindset where you're basically waiting for the other shoe to drop, hope feels impossible or too dangerous? It can feel safer to fly low, embrace pessimism and cynicism and think, “if life turns out half as bad as I imagine, then at least I'll be ready for it.” That's the kind of mindset Stephanie had when she was younger. S…

1
The Urgency of Grace in Today's World with David Zahl | Episode 236 55:01

6d ago55:01

55:01

In this episode, I chat with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of "The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace in a Worn-Out World." We explore the essential role of grace in providing relief amid modern pressures and its importance in fostering genuine connections. Zoll emphasizes the need for vulnerability in relationships and cri…

1
The philosophy of fun | Myriam François, Freya India, James Tartaglia 50:35

9d ago50:35

50:35

The essential philosophy of fun Do we need to have fun or is it an unnecessary excess? Are we living in an age of fun's decline, what with the moralism and strictures of Gen Z, or is there something else going on? On this panel, our three guests - philosopher James Tartaglia, film-maker Myriam François, and writer Freya India - dive into the idea o…

1
How do I cultivate my spiritual heart? 41:06

9d ago41:06

41:06

What is wisdom? What is righteousness? Who are the primary role-models in wisdom and righteousness in the Old Testament, and how do they point us to Christ? As we conclude our last episode in our Gospel Spice Proverbs series, Stephanie invites us to take a final look at what righteousness and wisdom truly are, and then we will gaze at the Face of H…

1
Something Positive for Positive People with Courtney Brame 37:55

10d ago37:55

37:55

In this episode, I interviewed Courtney Brame. Courtney is a dedicated yoga teacher, a yoga therapist in training, and the insightful founder of Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP). Courtney's work provides crucial guidance for individuals navigating the often isolating experience of stigma, a journey deeply informed by his own experienc…

1
Brian Velasquez Reid’s (family) business 1:13:31

11d ago1:13:31

1:13:31

“ It was always in me — my grandparents were almost like these mystical figures, and they did really great things. So I was always like, ‘Why can't I discover more of that side of me?’ ” Brian Velasquez Reid is co-founder + CFO of Dear Flor, the first Filipina-owned cannabis brand — bringing Filipino culture to the world, one flavor at a time. And …

1
Neoliberalism: A Soviet nightmare | Abby Innes 31:25

13d ago31:25

31:25

There is an old Soviet joke, ‘Capitalism is the exploitation of man by man. Communism is its exact opposite.’ On the surface, neoliberalism, with its emphasis on free markets, competition and privatisation, is as far removed as possible from the Soviet Union. But behind the policies, could they be guided by the same false utopianism? Abby Innes, pr…

1
A Church Restarts in Brooklyn with Ben DeHart | Episode 235 52:43

14d ago52:43

52:43

Summary In this conversation, Ben DeHart shares his unique faith journey, growing up in a mixed-religion household and finding his way into the church through an evangelical community. He discusses his transition to St. John's in Brooklyn, the dynamics of the Park Slope community, and the importance of preaching in revitalizing a church. Ben emphas…

1
Dream small, because we serve a big God! 36:59

16d ago36:59

36:59

Today, Stephanie invites us to discover the wisdom and peace that come from being deeply immersed in God’s Word, learning to frame our lives from His perspective, and embracing the power of “dreaming small” in a world obsessed with performance, productivity, and success. She invites us to dream small, because we serve a big God. She begins by refle…

1
The dark side of chasing rewards | Paul Bloom, Nancy Sherman, and Dan Ariely 46:48

16d ago46:48

46:48

Something for nothing Do rewards and incentives damage our humanity? In much of our personal and professional lives, we receive rewards for good behaviour and carrying out our responsibilities. But, evidence now suggests there are risks to this approach. Studies show rewards can damage wellbeing, fostering dependence and undermining our own sense o…

1
"Yoga Snacks”: Bite-sized Breaks, Backed by Science with Ann Swanson 30:33

20d ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, I spoke with Ann Swanson—author of the bestselling Science of Yoga, which has been translated into over 15 languages and sold over 1/2 a million copies worldwide. Overcoming chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, into the cadaver lab to teach anatomy, to night school to become a licens…

1
Rethinking the Enlightenment | Historian Aviva Chomsky 26:24

22d ago26:24

26:24

The spectre of the Enlightenment What the Enlightenment a net positive or a net negative? Or is that the wrong question, and should we look at it simply as a historical period? Join Professor of History Aviva Chomsky as she dissects one of the most important periods in modern history from the lens of a critical historian. The Enlightenment was not …

1
What is distracting me from God today? 43:29

23d ago43:29

43:29

Will we dare to diagnose our distractions? This heavy topic is on our mind today as we ponder the lessons from the Book of Proverbs about priorities, and distractions. Stephanie introduces us this week to a new fictitious character, who constantly seeks to maintain herself in a state of numbing and escape from the real world. And so, we look at the…

1
Star Wars: the Fourth with you (maybe?) 1:15:42

26d ago1:15:42

1:15:42

“ It's a message of resilience in the face of adversity — a sandbox, where every person has a story, an important point of view — folks doing something different who can be interesting, wonderful, and celebrated.” A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, we saw Star Wars for the first time — and everything changed, for so many of us. Let’s be ho…

1
Was Karl Marx misunderstood? | Terry Eagleton on the forgotten ideals of Marxism 24:23

27d ago24:23

24:23

Why Marx was right Having fallen out of favour around the turn of the century, Marxism is now back in fashion, often playing the role of an alternative to the increasingly right-wing politics of the modern world. Once the guiding ideology of Korean guerillas and Hampstead screenwriters alike, Marxism is back and taking universities and intellectual…

1
The Church and the Working Class with Brian Dijkema |Episode 234 1:00:20

27d ago1:00:20

1:00:20

In this episode, we examine the intersection of faith and the working class with Brian Dijkema, president of CARDUS. We discuss how traditional churches connect—or fail to connect—with blue-collar workers amid shifting socioeconomic dynamics. Brian shares insights on the historical involvement of churches in labor movements and the challenges they …

1
The power and the pitfalls of narrative | Matthew Beaumont, Ruth Padel, and Theodore Dalrymple 42:34

1M ago42:34

42:34

Lost in stories Is life a story or a sequence of events? Our narratives enable us to make sense of the complex, often confusing, world that we live in. And yet there is a risk that rather than helping us to truly understand this world, narratives can hide reality from us, providing delusional states of mind in its place. From witch hunts to cults, …

1
Oceans of faith: facing fears and finding God among coral reefs | with Rachel Jordan 1:03:54

1M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

For marine biologist, writer, and lay theologian Rachel Jordan, the ocean has never just been a backdrop—it’s been a living metaphor for her relationship with God. Raised in a Christian household, Rachel’s wonder at tide pools and the mysteries of the deep developed alongside her budding faith. She explains how the intrigue of peering into tiny, br…

1
Jonathan Hill’s (Second) Most Perfect Episode Ever 1:16:10

1M ago1:16:10

1:16:10

“Even though this is a book about snake girls and lizard boys — it's about universal experiences: we can't change what's happening, but you never know when being kind will change somebody else. ,” Jonathan Hill’s an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, and educator in Portland, Oregon — and a returning guest - to celebrate the launch of his lates…

1
Redefining Evangelism in an Age of Sadness with Andrew Root | Episode 233 47:14

1M ago47:14

47:14

I had a conversation with Andrew Root, who is a theologian and wrote the book "Evangelism in an Age of Despair." We explored how evangelism can serve as a way to comfort others, stressing the importance of real human connections during hard times instead of just trying to get people to attend church. Root criticizes how faith is treated like a prod…

1
Reflections on mental health today | Interview | Susie Orbach 23:02

1M ago23:02

23:02

The dark side of 'mental health' with Susie Orbach Why are psychotherapy, psychology, psychoanalysis, therapy so popular today? Do these respond to a new need in our society or are they evolutions of age-old human approaches to resolution and knowing oneself? Join psychotherapist and psychoanalyst (famously Princess Diana's therapist!) Susie Orbach…

1
Jesus and the Feast of First Fruits: a resurrection celebration 37:55

1M ago37:55

37:55

Jesus has set the Easter table richly, for us to partake. Come to His table today through our exploration of Easter, which took place on the very day of the Jewish Feast of First Fruits. What does it mean for us today? The story of Easter is a tapestry woven with complex emotions—the somberness of Good Friday followed by the overwhelming joy of Eas…

1
Keith Pedro’s (Trillipino) journey 1:09:17

1M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

“They want your immigrant voice — they don't want to hear about me just growing up, even though that's the truth, right? And then I realized I could clearly make a living just performing for my people.” Keith Pedro is a renowned Canadian comedian who has garnered worldwide acclaim through his captivating live performances. In 2022, he was honored w…

1
The life and philosophy of Peter Singer | In conversation with Myriam François 25:56

1M ago25:56

25:56

Peter Singer is one of the world's leading philosophers, renowned for his challenging and often controversial views. From animal ethics to effective altruism, Singer has shaped the philosophical landscape. In this episode we uncover the key events in his life that led to his ideas, and hear him answer his critics and defend the convictions that hav…

1
Holy Week and the Feast of Unleavened Bread echo each other in Christ 1:03:16

1M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

In the heart of the Christian and Jewish traditions lie two sacred week-long holy feasts: Holy Week and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As Scripture and tradition invite us into the intricacies of these feasts, we invite you to connect the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus to the rich tapestry of Jewish Torah and tradition. Passover and the Fea…

1
Suresh’s (journey) home 57:01

2M ago57:01

57:01

“When everything changed recently, we promised ourselves we would not get wrapped into the daily news. Yes, we're paying attention, but it's going to happen - and the coping mechanisms have never changed.” Suresh is a Malaysian-born, London-raised, gay media exec in NY, who over the years, has become an important voice about authenticity, discipli…

1
Pelvic Yoga Therapy for the Whole Woman with Cheri Dostal Ryba 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

In this episode, I interviewed Cheri Dostal Ryba. Cheri has devoted over 20 years to embodied inquiry & transformation as a movement educator, fitness trainer, dancer, C-IAYT yoga therapist, speaker and author. Her approach weaves the cyclical wisdom of nature with nervous system and polyvagal informed whole person pelvic care. Cheri published her …

1
The price of everything, value of nothing | Politics series | Daniel Susskind, Abby Innes, Will Hutton, Richard Kibble 51:30

2M ago51:30

51:30

Under capitalism, it can be hard to disentangle an idea of 'value' from that which the market sets as 'valuable' - that is to say, expensive items. Is the price mechanism in any way a useful or accurate way of representing value, or are we unable to measure what we really value through it? Join our panel of four diverse social scientists to make se…

1
The Good and Bad of DEI with George Yancey | Episode 231 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

In this episode, I explore the complex topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within contemporary church teachings and societal dynamics. I engage in a conversation with George Yancey, a Professor of Sociology and Religion, who shares his insights on DEI’s role in fostering inclusive communities amid a polarized political climate. Together…

1
The crisis of the new | Stanley Fish, Claire Hynes, and Martin Puchner 59:13

2M ago59:13

59:13

Is genuine originality a realistic goal for artists? From fashion to fantasy, entertainment to enterprise, we seek the 'new' as the means to originality, change, and creativity. And for the most part, we imagine the new is always identifiable as a radical break from the past. But the nature of the new is more elusive and unknown than it first appea…

1
Passover's prophetic threads: Tasting the connections to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection 52:25

2M ago52:25

52:25

Passover is a prologue to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This most essential of Jewish feasts seamlessly transitions from prophecies in the Old Testament, to fulfillment in Jesus. We invite you today to see how this prophetic landscape is shaped with divine orchestration by the hand of our deeply loving God! Passover is a significant Jewish …

1
Nicole Ponseca’s (igniting) hospitality 1:09:13

2M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

“ I certainly learned about how media works — our faces and our stories weren't included. That was my bat signal to make that change.” Nicole Ponseca is a pioneering voice in the culinary world and one of the most respected thought leaders in the Hospitality and Filipino community. Nicole has proven herself on the NYC scene with critically acclaime…

1
The Rise and Fall of the United States Institute of Peace with Susie Hayward | Episode 230 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

We explore the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) with Susie Hayward, a former senior advisor with extensive experience in religion and inclusive societies. Hayward shares insights into USIP's mission, history, and the recent challenges it faces following actions by the Department of Governmental Efficiency. We discuss her personal journey, em…

1
Sartre vs Baldwin | Joanna Kavenna, Jonathan Webber, and Marie-Elsa Bragg 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

We take it for granted that through language and communication we can learn about the experience of others. But it remains unknown whether we can fully know what it is like to be another human being. James Baldwin and Jean-Paul Sartre take radically different approaches. For Sartre, the experience of others is unknown to us. Fundamentally, we are a…

1
Finding God's timeline: navigating friendship and life transitions | with Grace Valentine 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

Stephanie welcomes Grace Valentine, author and speaker, to explore how to navigate friendships and understand God’s timing when life doesn’t seem to make sense. This conversation will equip every woman navigate friendships better; it will also be a very insightful tool for every man who has a woman in their life whom they wish to understand just a …

1
Filipino Food (faves all) Month 1:00:40

2M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

“Food is our love language. It's those types of food memories that are straight from the motherland — these are the things we carry with us.” Did you know April was Filipino Food Month? While we’ve all got a Filipino friend (or three), can you name more than one Filipino food besides those amazing tiny spring rolls (Lumpia FTW)? Either way, we’ve g…

1
The philosophy of geopolitics SPECIAL | Donald Trump, Homer's Odyssey, and Korean Web Novels 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

What do Friedrich Nietzsche, the Korean War, and Homer's Odyssey have in common? Join the team at the IAI for four articles about the history and philosophy of geopolitics, ranging from Nietzsche's impact on Russia's imperialist strategies to the importance of Ancient Greek tragedies during the decline of the West. Written by Slavoj Žižek, John Mil…

1
USAID, Revisited with Peter Mandeville | Episode 229 54:04

2M ago54:04

54:04

I speak with Peter Mandeville, former head of the faith-based office at USAID, about the complexities of U.S. foreign aid and the agency's current challenges. Peter shares his insights on how faith influences international development and discusses recent shifts under the Department of Government Efficiency. We highlight the crucial role of faith-b…

1
The philosophy of dehumanisation | David Livingstone Smith 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

The philosophy of dehumanisation with David Livingstone Smith In this exclusive interview, philosopher David Livingstone Smith explores the history, nature, and evolution of dehumanisation. As what is 'acceptable' in society changes, so do the tactics of undercover dehumanisation. How can we identify these, and how might we progress? Smith's soluti…

1
What is keeping me away from God today? 37:30

2M ago37:30

37:30

Will I dare ask myself if greed is an issue in my life? Will I dare ask myself if greed is an issue in my life? What is keeping me away from God today? Could greed be a problem? There’s a French saying: some people are so poor, all they have is money. Today we are talking about replacing greed, and all forms of idolatry, with joy. Greed. What does …

1
Vaib’s (American) dream 54:37

2M ago54:37

54:37

“Living in the US was like a hand in a glove for me — I just came here and loved it. Now, my opinion is slowly changing - seeing everything that's happening. But I still miss it because it made me the person I am today.” Vaib’s a friend of a friend - we were told we should meet because we’d get along. We covered a lot of ground — the political diff…

1
Staying at the Communion Table in Politically Divisive Times with Jonathan Hall | Episode 228 1:04:18

2M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

I talk with Jonathan Hall, the pastor of First Christian Church of North Hollywood, as he shares his experiences in leading a politically diverse congregation. He discusses his journey from Alabama to various church communities, emphasizing the need for open communication on difficult subjects. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how empathy…

1
Consciousness is quantum mechanical | Stuart Hameroff 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Consciousness is one of the most fundamental aspects of our existence, but it remains barely understood, even defined. Across the world scholars of many disciplines - philosophy, science, social science, theology - are joined on a quest to understand this phenomenon. Tune into one of the more original and controversial thinkers at the forefront of …

1
The sacred dance of beholding, becoming, and belonging | with Dr Saundra Dalton Smith 43:14

2M ago43:14

43:14

Stephanie explores with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith the intricacies of identity, rest, and spiritual fulfillment. According to a recent article from CNBC, Americans have been taught that our work is the single most important way to prove our worth. In essence, what we do has been heralded as far more important that who we are. No matter our life stage…

1
Susie Quesada’s (whole) self 1:14:21

3M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

“It's important we bring our whole self — that's how you create trust, you bring that vulnerability. I had to learn to let my guard down, and it's made me a better leader.” Susie Quesada is President of Ramar Foods - one of the oldest leading manufacturers of Filipino foods in America. While Ramar is news to most of us - it’s not to the 4M+ Filipin…

1
Defending panpsychism | Philosophers Philip Goff and Hilary Lawson 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

Metaphysics vs consciousness Panpsychism has recently become something of a household term in philosophical and scientific conversations alike. Deceivingly simple, it defends the view that consciousness is the primary 'stuff' of reality, and that all things have mind-like qualities. Join philosopher Philip Goff, one of the world's leading defenders…

1
Second Thoughts from a Republican Refugee with Gretchen Purser | Episode 227 1:12:43

3M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with Gretchen Purser, a former Republican operative, about her 20-year experience in national campaigns and her transformation into a "Republican refugee." We discuss her evangelical roots, the GOP's departure from foundational values under Trump, and the intersection of faith and politics. Gretchen calls…

1
Consciousness beyond the brain | Rupert Sheldrake 31:25

3M ago31:25

31:25

Re-thinking the limits of the mind Most scientists think that consciousness is created by the brain. After all, most assume consciousness vanishes if the brain is destroyed. But what if this consensus view is radically mistaken? Join distinguished scientist Rupert Sheldrake as he argues that the mind extends beyond the brain and explores the radica…

1
How can I live in deeper awareness of God's love for me? 39:07

3M ago39:07

39:07

Are you ready for a fresh, spicy approach to the love of God today? We've all heard that God loves us. Do we really believe it? How can we live in deeper awareness of God's love for me? The Book of Proverbs might not be overtly explicit about God's love, but it is the underlying foundation for the entire book. So, today, we are pondering God's love…

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