Best Unitarian Universalist Podcasts (2024)

1
'LISTENING TO YOUR LIFE' - Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk 21:27

42m ago21:27

21:27

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, Programs Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk reflects on her transformative experience at the Subaki Grand Shrine in Japan, focusing on the ritual of sweeping as a metaphor for personal and spir…

1
Labors of Love, Rev. Lara Cowtan, September 1, 2024 28:00

2h ago28:00

28:00

Is making a meal or baking or creating art or music an expression of your love? Let us lift up the many labors that go unsung, the under appreciated and maybe uncompensated work of people for others that enrich our lives in priceless ways. This podcast begins with a reflection by worship associate Lorelee Wederstrom.…

1
Old Ships and New Traditions, Matt Meyer, August 25, 2024 14:41

6h ago14:41

14:41

We’ll explore the depth of tradition and the benefits of renovation through a journey at sea.

1
'AN #'UNFILTERED CONVERSATION' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar & Rev. Randy Lewis 38:14

1h ago38:14

38:14

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar and Rev. Randy Lewis. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar and Rev. Randy Lewis engage in a thoughtful dialogue with the congregation. The discussion touches on a range of topics, including the impact…

1
What's Trust Got to Do with It?, Rev. Karen Hering, August 18, 2024 23:03

3h ago23:03

23:03

In the uncertainties of our times, our mistrust — of the future, of ourselves and one another — might be justified. But we are called, as people of faith in a liberating love, to cultivate greater trust. Let’s explore how to become more trusting and more trustworthy in the face of change. Rev. Karen Hering…

1
'BACK TO SCHOOL- SHOULD BIBLES COME TOO?' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar 21:37

2h ago21:37

21:37

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: This message addresses the recent mandate by Oklahoma's superintendent requiring public schools to include the Bible in their curricula. Rev. Dr. Lavanhar argues that this mandate is unco…

1
A Time for Every Single Thing, Rev. Victoria Safford, August 11, 2024 20:00

2h ago20:00

20:00

The life of the spirit is all about triage: attending to this thing and then that thing, each in its time, with care. But the planet spins beneath our feet, sometimes careening wildly, and our days are disjointed and dizzying. When the known world flies apart, what holds you in place? Join us for pancake brunch after the service.…

1
'I AM DEI' - Rev. Randy Lewis 29:08

23d ago29:08

29:08

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world often divided by fear and misunderstanding, we come together to reaffirm the values that unite us and delve deep into the principles of DEI—not as mere buzzwords, but as the essentia…

1
'WHY ATHEISTS COME TO CHURCH' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar 22:02

16d ago22:02

22:02

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION In his thought-provoking message, Reverend Marlin explores the reasons why humanists, atheists, rationalists, agnostics, and many others find a spiritual home at All Souls Unitarian Church.…

1
The Danger of a Single Story, Sara Ford, August 4, 2024 16:54

9d ago16:54

16:54

There were some audio issues with this recording. The audio gets better at the 30 seconds mark. We are all familiar with the story of Henry David Thoreau and his two-year experiment on a plot of land owned by his teacher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. We are less familiar with the story of Harriet Jacobs, Thoreau’s contemporary, who also, alone, entered a s…

1
'TRIGGER WARNINGS' - Rev. Randy Lewis 28:57

11d ago28:57

28:57

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world filled with divisive triggers, we are inviting you to embrace peace, understanding, and compassion. Rev. Randy Lewis explores how we can transform moments of conflict into opportunitie…

1
Queer Migration, Rev. Laura Smidzik, July 28, 2024 29:38

26d ago29:38

29:38

As hostile laws are adopted across the county, queer families and individuals are making their way to states like Minnesota. We will paint a picture of what is happening, how Unitarian Universalists are connected, and supporting the effort to find safety and sanctuary for those who are migrating to Minnesota.…

1
SERMON: Second Tour: Pat Scanlon 30:27

1M ago30:27

30:27

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, July 28, 2024.By Pat Scanlon

1
The Road to Joy, Sara Ford, Kevin Ward, Jess Goff, Sunday, July 21, 2024 36:45

1M ago36:45

36:45

This service begins with a reflection by Sara Ford followed by Kevin Ward and Jess Goff. What happens when a book changes your life? You buy copies for your friends? Or maybe you talk about it in a summer service. In 2016, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote The Book of Joy. Some of their ideas are weird and unattainable (like — Can yo…

1
'21ST CENTURY SPIRITUALITY' - Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk 21:17

29d ago21:17

21:17

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, Guest Minister. DESCRIPTION: This message explores the transcendentalist ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Howard Thurman, focusing on their spiritual connection to nature. Emerson emphasized the divine presence in nature, c…

1
SERMON: Weightlessness: Rich Abreu 18:25

2M ago18:25

18:25

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, July 21, 2024.By Rich Abreu

1
Hoy por ti, mañana por mí /Today you, tomorrow me, Rev. Lara Cowtan, July 14, 2024 29:05

1M ago29:05

29:05

This sermon podcast begins with a reflection by worship associate Chris Russert. In a consumer society focused on limited resources and rugged individualism, many are left feeling estranged from one another and numb. How might we move from a culture of scarcity towards abundance, understanding the power of sharing, and embracing our human vulnerabi…

1
'AI: HACKED HUMANITY' - Rev. Randy Lewis 22:49

1M ago22:49

22:49

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION: This sermon explores the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. We discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, emphasizing the potential benefits and risks. T…

1
SERMON: Reflections on Change: Lucy Humphrey 14:34

2M ago14:34

14:34

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, Jul 14, 2024.By Lucy Humphrey

1
'WHO GETS TO TELL THE AMERICAN STORY?' - Rev. Gerald L. Davis 27:29

1M ago27:29

27:29

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Gerald L. Davis, Affiliate Minister. DESCRIPTION: This message emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and understanding across diverse backgrounds, advocating for collective action to overcome challenges and create a better world. Rev. Dav…

1
Spiritual Practices and Climate Justice 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

"Spiritual Practices and Climate Justice" Sunday, July 7, 10:50 am, 2024 "We can never return to innocence, but we can move forward with integrity." - Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman The 20th-century spiritual leader, Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, loved San Francisco. A mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Pauli Murray, Thurman found in this city a special dy…

1
Encountering Herr Buber and Mr. Douglass, LauraSue Schlatter, July 7, 2024 22:58

1M ago22:58

22:58

What does it mean to have a conversation or an encounter with another human that invites the divine into relationship? When we talk about “going deep quickly” and knowing each other “in all our fullness,” what do we mean? Why are these things important? And what do Herr Buber and Mr. Douglass have to teach us about all this?…

1
SERMON: A Great Mystery: Roddy Emley 15:28

2M ago15:28

15:28

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, July 7, 2024.By Roddy Emley

1
'HERETICS & HYPOCRITES' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar 23:23

1M ago23:23

23:23

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: Today's sermon reflects on the journey from seeking universal approval to embracing the unique perspectives and beliefs that define individuality. It highlights the value of diversity withi…

1
Radical Rethinking of God: God is Queer 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

"Radical Rethinking of God: God is Queer" Sunday, June 30, 10:50 am, 2024 On this Pride Weekend, we will dive into Queer Theology: What does it have to say about the nature of God and of the holy? Why is that important for all of us? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Wo…

1
Spiders in the Moss, Nelson Moroukian, June 30, 2024 21:24

1M ago21:24

21:24

This sermon podcast begins with a reflection by worship associate Caswell Burr. There is a great, interconnected web of existence, a great and entrancing mystery, and we are starting to see more of the effects of our neglect for that interdependence. How can our UU faith and principles help guide us through the growing imperative to change our rela…

1
SERMON: Walking Backwards: Marie O'Brien 19:43

2M ago19:43

19:43

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, Jun 30, 2024.By Marie O'Brien

1
Accidental Blessings: What Remains, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, June 23, 2024 24:14

2M ago24:14

24:14

This Sunday reflects on the milestone events since Rev. Kathleen’s arrival at Unity Church in September 2022: successes, missed opportunities and work that is still in the making.

1
'WALKING IN THEIR TRANS SHOES' - Rev. Randy Lewis 25:23

2M ago25:23

25:23

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this thought-provoking Pride Month sermon, titled "Walking In Their Trans Shoes," Rev. Lewis explores the courage it takes for transgender individuals to live openly in a society that often d…

1
Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance 1:01:30

2M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

"Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance" Sunday, June 23, 10:50 am, 2024 "Bigger" Music Sunday is thrilled to present "Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance," a mesmerizing service full of vocal and instrumental masterpieces sung by Areté Singers, an East Bay ensemble renowned for their innovative vocal performances. …

1
SERMON: A Poetic Celebration of Summer: Darrell Waters/Alan Kemp 18:33

2M ago18:33

18:33

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, Jun 23, 2024.By Darrell Waters & Alan Kemp

1
'THE ART OF BEING A MAN' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar 21:49

2M ago21:49

21:49

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar addresses the often-overlooked issue of loneliness and despair among young men in the United States. Highlighting alarming statistics, he underscor…

1
God Was Not Your Father, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, June 16, 2024 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Fatherhood has changed a lot since the first celebration of Father’s Day in 1910, as have ideas about masculinity. Worship associates Charlie Caswell, Chris Russert, and Isaac Fried will reflect on their own experiences of fathers, and the joys and the challenges of navigating maleness amidst a culture that insists on binary thinking. …

1
What They Taught Us? 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

“What They Taught Us?” Sunday, June 16, 10:50 am, 2024 What does it mean to be a man? What did we learn, from whom, and how? What do we want to pass on? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Trio: Akané Ota, Kei Uchida, Tetsuya Taura, singers; Yuki Ota and Haruka Ota, cellists; Mark Sumner, pianist Jonathan Silk,…

1
SERMON: Something's Lost But Something's Gained: Rev. John O'Connor 19:00

3M ago19:00

19:00

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, Jun 16, 2024.By Rev. John O'Connor

1
'MRS. ROSA PARKS' - performed by Vanessa Adams-Harris 30:31

2M ago30:31

30:31

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. DESCRIPTION: Today, the Chautauqua movement focuses on a living history program in which performers, in costume and in character, bring historical figures to life through theatrical monologues. The 2024 Chautauqua theme is Lift Every Voice: 60 Years…

1
'CORETTA SCOTT KING' - performed by Rebecca Marks-Jimerson 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. DESCRIPTION: Join us as we welcome Coretta Scott King, performed by Rebecca Marks-Jimerson, to the pulpit, where she shares her profound journey. Coretta reflects on her early relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., their shared commitment to …

1
Cultivating a Climate of Care, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, June 9, 2024 20:10

3M ago20:10

20:10

We are well aware of the realties of climate change; we see evidence of the changing earth on an almost daily basis. Yet climate fatigue — the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness is also evident. How do we cultivate a sustainable level of energy and care for the environment when our own resources are often thin? How is that climate of care pra…

1
A Look Back 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

"A Look Back" Sunday, June 2, 10:50 am, 2024 Let's look back on our year together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Andrew Kessler, Guest Director; …

1
SERMON: Flourishing: Faring Well: Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie 29:11

3M ago29:11

29:11

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, Jun 9, 2024.By Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie

1
An Ode to Joy, Rev. Lara Cowtan, June 2, 2024 17:08

3M ago17:08

17:08

Beethoven was completely deaf when he embarked on his masterpiece, Ode to Joy, and it’s a tragedy that he never heard a single note of it except inside his head. At many times in our lives, finding joy may seem impossible. Life can seem painful or tragic, and joy completely out of reach. Not ignoring the truths of the tragedies and challenges of ou…

1
Mercy Without End, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, May 26, 2024 28:58

2M ago28:58

28:58

Ukraine. Israel and Palestine. Haiti. Eritrea. Ethiopia. There are so many places around the globe where violence and the war that follows results in an endless cycle of retaliation and devastation. On this Memorial Day Sunday, we honor those who have died in past wars, while maintaining the hope that we can learn the things that make for peace.…

1
'PROMISES, PROMISES, PROMISES' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar 23:08

2M ago23:08

23:08

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, we explore the significance of promises in our lives and community. Promises are integral to our human experience. We also recognize the inherent promise within each individ…

1
Metaphors for Us 13:53

2M ago13:53

13:53

"Metaphors for Us" Sunday, June 9, 10:50 am, 2024 Bring your flowers this week as we engage in the ritual of the end of our year, where we make visible the life we have made tangible among us. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Secretary, Boa…

1
SERMON: Beloved Spiritual Companions: Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, June 2, 2024.By Rev. Kim K. Crawford Harvie

1
'WHAT'S WRONG WITH BEING RIGHT?' - Rev. Randy Lewis 24:19

3M ago24:19

24:19

The message was delivered on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION: Join us as we delve into the pitfalls of instant expertise and the importance of true knowledge. We uncover how the relentless pursuit of being right can distance us from meaningful relationships…

1
Meditations on the Transformative Power of Street Ministry 30:12

3M ago30:12

30:12

"Meditations on the Transformative Power of Street Ministry" Sunday, May 26, 10:50 am, 2024 Join Rev. Charlotte as she reflects on her experiences as a street minister in Marin, the transformative power of connecting with our unhoused neighbors (and how it changed her life), and her new project helping communities create spaces of belonging for all…

1
SERMON: Multitudes: Rev. Ali Jablonsky 22:23

3M ago22:23

22:23

Recorded live at Arlington Street Church, Sunday, May 26, 2024.By Rev. Ali Jablonsky

1
'THE GRADUATE'S DILEMMA' - Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar 10:29

3M ago10:29

10:29

The message was delivered on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this message, we explore themes of belonging, identity, and the pressures to conform. Drawing parallels with classic tales and real-life experiences, we delve into the struggles many face…