Quakers Today features writers, musicians, and thinkers seeking wisdom and understanding in a rapidly changing world. We do not pretend to have all the answers. Instead, we have a place where you can hear people speak from the heart, grapple with faith, and share the insights they have found along the way. It is also a place where you can share your insights, reflections, and questions. Hosted by Peterson Toscano, he/him and Miche Mcall they/them, Quakers Today is a project of The Friends Pu ...
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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. This podcast will bring together stories of its work and interviews with experts from around the world.
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In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, “What does Quakerism have to offer society?” Co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) explore the concept of prefigurative practice within a Quaker classroom and beyond. What happens when students don't just learn about the future but begin to live it? They also feature queer Jewish p…
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In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, “Who is a historical figure you admire but whose words or actions trouble you?” Co-hosts Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) discuss the complex legacies of two notable Quakers: George Fox and Richard Nixon. George Fox Johanna Jackson and Naveed Moeed are a part of this year's cohort of t…
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In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, “What does it mean to be welcomed in a space?” Peterson Toscano (he/him) and Miche McCall (they/them) discuss the concept of feeling welcome. Miche describes their sense of safety under a blanket while podcasting from Logrono, Spain, during their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. They explore how welcoming spa…
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In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, What does bird watching have to do with Quakers? You will find a complete transcript of this episode at www.quakerstoday.org Lessons from Birds about Nature, Community, and Racial Justice Birdwatching may seem like a serene, perhaps even solitary activity, but in the latest episode of the Quakers Today Podc…
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Season three of the Quakers Today Podcast begins with the introduction of new co-host Miche McCall (they, them). Along with co-host Peterson Toscano, they unpack the profound questions of faith, activism, and the essence of community. Meet Quakers Today podcast’s newest team member, Miche McCall. Miche is a professional Friend who works to inspire …
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Announcing Season Three of Quakers Today Podcast
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In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? In this special episode of Quakers Today, you will learn about what we have in store for you in Season Three. We also look back to share highlights from Season Two. These include: An episode featuring actress and environmental activist Darryl Hannah as…
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Episode 5: Assembly, Part 6: Nidal Ka’bi, performer and choreographer
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Last year, AFSC brought together artists, activists, and cultural practitioners from the Middle East and North Africa in Amman, Jordan. They shared their knowledge and experiences in using art for social change—and strategized ways to support each other in working for peace and justice. Our limited podcast series, “Assembly,” features the stories a…
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Episode 4: Assembly, Part 5: Farah Chamma, poet and performer
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Last year, AFSC brought together artists, activists, and cultural practitioners from the Middle East and North Africa in Amman, Jordan. They shared their knowledge and experiences in using art for social change—and strategized ways to support each other in working for peace and justice. Our limited podcast series, “Assembly,” features the stories a…
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Episode 3: Assembly part 4: Hatem Salama, Program Officer
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Last year, AFSC brought together artists, activists, and cultural practitioners from the Middle East and North Africa in Amman, Jordan. They shared their knowledge and experiences in using art for social change—and strategized ways to support each other in working for peace and justice. Our limited podcast series, “Assembly,” features the stories a…
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Quakers in Conversation: AFSC special: Non-Violence in Times of Crisis
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This bonus episode of Quakers Today features a reunion of Quaker leaders from the U.S. and the U.K., discussing how Quaker organizations work towards a just world. Recorded during American Friends Service Committee's annual Corporation meeting in Philadelphia in April 2023, the episode includes Joyce Ajlouny, Bridget Moix, Oliver Robertson, and Sar…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, How do you process memories, experiences and feelings? For the best listening experience we encourage you to listen to this episode with headphones or earbuds. Rashid Darden's Personal Reflections The episode features Rashid Darden and his reflection of identity and faith. As a Black person in a predominantl…
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BONUS EPISODE: Vicki Winslow Reads Her Short Story ”Sabbatical”
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Writer Vicki Winslow appears in this month's episode of Quakers Today. As part of that episode, this is bonus audio of Vicki reading her story. Music and sound design by Peterson Toscano. After experiencing the loss of her father, Silena Yancey travels from North Carolina to the American Southwest to find inspiration, which she hopes leads to equil…
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Episode 2: Reunion: Quaker leaders reunite
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Reunion: A special American Friends Service Committee podcast featuring Quaker leaders from the U.S. and United Kingdom gathering and sharing insights about how Quaker organizations are activating Quaker values for a just world. The podcast was recorded at the April 2023 gathering in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Marisa Mazria Katz and features Jo…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, Outside of Quaker Worship, where do Quakers seek inspiration, spirituality, and community? Whether you're looking to understand the charismatic charm of megachurches, the deep-rooted history of Pendle Hill, England or the mysticism of Howard Thurman, this episode invites listeners to broaden their horizons a…
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Quakers and Barbie: How Lies Exposed the Truth About Plastic Pollution
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In this episode of Quakers Today, we ask, "When it comes to activism, do the ends justify the means?" A Barbie Hoax with a Message Actress and eco-activist Daryl Hannah speaks with host Peterson Toscano about her announcement that "Mattel intends to go 100 percent plastic-free by 2030 in all their toys. They hope to support a global ban on plastics…
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In this special podcast, we hear from AFSC staff and other community leaders in Palestine. They are working to bring together Palestinian youth across divides and to counter the fragmentation caused by the Israeli occupation. Listen now to hear them discuss equity, identity, and the Palestinian experience.…
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Quaker Worship, Nature, and Hunting The episode introduces Timothy Tarkelly, a Quaker in Chanute, Kansas with a deep love for nature. Tarkelly draws parallels between the stillness of Quaker worship and his experiences in the outdoors, emphasizing the power of silence and anticipation in both settings. He wrote the Friends Journal article, Allowabl…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, What Do You Desire? Linda Seger speaks about Circle Thinking. It is counter-cultural, highly effective, and something Quakers have been doing for a very long time. Her article, “Circle Thinking, A Quaker Model of Leadership” appears in the June/July 2023 issues of Friends Journal. Linda is the author of 34 b…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, What do you expect and need from a leader? Kat Griffith steps out of her comfort zone and runs for local office. The lessons she has learned about herself and her community will encourage, inspire, and challenge you. Learn more about her experience through her article, “One Quaker’s Excellent Adventure in Po…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, What is a daily practice that clears your head and steadies you for the day? The host of Quakers Today, Peterson Toscano, speaks with Karla Jay, the global ministries coordinator for Friends United Meeting. Her husband, Michael Jay, is the pastor of Raysville Friends Church. Karla has been on the pastoral te…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, What are your thoughts and feelings about virtual online worship communities? Writer Linda Seger talks about the essential work of centering into quiet as part of her regular writing process. In her QuakerSpeak interview, “Quakerism, Creativity, and the Artistic Process,” Linda shares about her approach to c…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, How has your view of Jesus God or religion changed since you were young? Hayden Hobby was raised in an evangelical church. He reflects on leaving an abusive God and finding a new way of expressing faith. For Quakers today Hayden talks about the experience that led him to write the essay "Surviving Religious …
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Lucy Duncan and Rob Peagler from Reparation.Works discuss the questions that help guide their work. Lucy has been involved with groundbreaking reparations efforts in Philadelphia's Green Street Friends Meeting. Later this month Lucy and Rob will co-lead an online workshop called Exploring a Quaker Commitment to Reparative Justice. It is sponsored b…
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Episode 3: Assembly part 3: Lalla Kaber, Mauritanian cinematographer
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Assembly: Artists making change in the Middle East and North Africa Earlier this year, AFSC’s brought together activists and artists the Middle East and North Africa to make new connections, talk about their experiences, and support each other in working for peace with justice. In this limited podcast series, “Assembly,” we talk to some of our part…
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Episode 2: Assembly part 2: Talal Afifi, Sudanese producer
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Assembly: Artists making change in the Middle East and North Africa Earlier this year, AFSC’s brought together activists and artists the Middle East and North Africa to make new connections, talk about their experiences, and support each other in working for peace with justice. In this limited podcast series, “Assembly,” we talk to some of our part…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, “What does redemption mean to you?” Attorney, coach, mediator, and Quaker thought leader, Adria Gulizia, speaks with Peterson Toscano about evil. Adria’s article “Facing Evil, Finding Freedom: How Christ's Victory Over Sin Is Ours to Share Today” appears in the December 2022 issue of Friends Journal. To read…
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Episode 1: Assembly part 1: Emad Hajjaj, Jordanian cartoonist
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Earlier this year, AFSC’s brought together activists and artists the Middle East and North Africa to make new connections, talk about their experiences, and support each other in working for peace with justice. In this limited podcast series, “Assembly,” we talk to some of our participants about how art can transform our everyday lives. In this epi…
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In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, “What is a fictional story that has inspired you or challenged your world view?” Writer Anne E.G. Nydam reads an excerpt from her short story, “The Conduits.” You can read the entire story in the November 2022 Fiction edition of Friends Journal. Click here to hear Anne reading the whole story. Visit nydampri…
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What is Quakers Today and Who is Making it Happen?
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Hi I’m Peterson Toscano. I am a Quaker and a podcaster. Whenever I tell someone that they thought I think they imagine some dude sitting behind a microphone in quiet contemplation. Ah, no. For me podcasting is all about sounds. It is also about people and the stories they have to tell. For over 10 years I have produced or hosted nearly 10 podcasts.…
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How do prevailing cultural values affect your life? What is your understanding of the Divine and how it works in you? What music, films, or games represent how you see yourself in the world? Quakers Today are asking all sorts of questions. We decided to invite Quakers and other seekers to share their questions and their journeys with us. Hi, I’m Pe…
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Episode 10: AFSC On the Issues: Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Community Resilience
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 9: AFSC On the Issues: The real impact of the Build Back Better plan
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 8: AFSC On the Issues: Bystander Intervention, Community Safety, and De-escalation
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 7: AFSC On the Issues: Taking care of one's self and one's community
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 6: AFSC On the Issues: Episode 6 - Abolishing ICE in 2021 and Beyond
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 5: AFSC On the Issues: Farming for Social Change
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 4: AFSC On the Issues: Radical Acting in Faith
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 3: AFSC On the Issues: Unpacking Biden's Border
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 2: AFSC On the Issues: Immigration as a Black Issue
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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Episode 1: AFSC On the Issues: Black Lives Matter
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Since April of 2020, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been bringing in-the-moment updates of our work responding to community needs and addressing issues around the world through our weekly series of Facebook Live conversations. AFSC On the Issues revisits those conversations in podcast form to help you stay informed and stay engaged w…
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