Best Fred Stella Podcasts (2024)

1
Mountain at a Center of the World Parts 1 & 2 55:52

1d ago55:52

55:52

Places of pilgrimage tend to be held as sacred spaces by particular religions. But it's not universally true. Sometimes there are holy sites that are venerated by 2 or more faiths. Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka is one of them. It is climbed constantly by Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and secularists. I suspect it would be climbed by Jews if the…

1
Nature My Teacher Parts 1 & 2 53:45

5h ago53:45

53:45

Ever run into one of those people whose resumes are so bloody full of awesome accomplishments that you wonder why they even let you take up precious space on earth? Well this is one of those guys. James Thornton is a world-renowned environmental lawyer, author, poet, and Zen Buddhist priest. The New Statesman named him as one of 10 people who could…

1
Raging Fire of Love parts 1 & 2 55:00

5d ago55:00

55:00

For centuries theologians, clergy and laity within the Abrahamic traditions have made great attempts to define where the concepts of love and justice fall within their faiths.Many Christians are quick to acknowledge that Christianity is indeed a religion founded on the principle of love, but look upon the Hebrew scriptures as being little more than…

1
EP30 - Simplicity, Spirituality and Service to Others with Mahimarnava Das, at Bhaktivedanta Manor 48:13

7d ago48:13

48:13

------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the podcast explores how we can better understand dharma, and our lives, and recapture the ancient and classical ideals o…

1
Pluralism in Practice Parts 1 & 2 57:04

2M ago57:04

57:04

One of the most important aspects of the interfaith movement is raising the bar from mere tolerance (Hey, I'll let you live!) to pluralism, which encourages actual engagement with those of different theologies while still maintaining one's own personal beliefs. For years now, Harvard has measured this movement in the US and occasionally helps those…

1
Missionary Diplomacy: Sending Jesus & The American Way Around the World Parts 1 & 2 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

Fred Stella welcomes MSU historian Emily Conroy-Krutz to Common Threads to discuss her book, Missionary DiplomacyThe American Christian church has historically been at the forefront of the missionary movement abroad. This is not news. But what many people are not aware of is that for much of the 19th century, Church and State engaged in a serious e…

1
Uncharted Territory: The Catholic Church Declaration on Blessing Gay Couples Parts 1 & 2 56:47

3M ago56:47

56:47

Over the years we've had many discussions on human sexuality and spirituality, including religion's response to homosexuality. As of late, Pope Francis has been making headlines and encouraging controversy with his recent declaration that gives permission to priests to bless gay couples.While many have accused the pontiff of opening the door to a f…

1
Esoterica Parts 1 & 2 58:17

3M ago58:17

58:17

For centuries, Judeo-Christian culture has held a place for the more esoteric elements of spirituality. These would include alchemy, magic, astrology, mysticism and more. Most western religions reject them now as superstitious, or even dangerous.But several millennia ago, the practitioners of these arts (as they were classified then) were members i…

1
EP29 - Being Different, Live in Conversation with Rajiv Malhotra 1:21:20

4M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

Being Different, Live in Conversation with Rajiv Malhotra, eminent author and founder of The Infinity Foundation. ------------------------------------------------------------ The VM Podcast is a Vichaar Manthan project exploring modern-day issues through a Dharmic lens. Through in-depth interviews with some of the best thinkers of our time, the pod…

1
Reflections on the Psalms Parts 1 & 2 55:35

5M ago55:35

55:35

Rabbi David Krishef & I have been friends & colleagues for years. We've had him on before to discuss a fascinating event in his life several years ago. We're having him on again, this time to discuss a remarkable new book of his. If you are a fan of the poetry of the Psalms, I think you'll find this compelling.…

1
Meditation for Mediocre Mystics Parts 1 & 2 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

A cynic might chalk this up to a bit of nepotism, but I would protest. Tom Stella, my cousin, has made more appearances on Common Threads than any other guest. But aside from the sharing of DNA, Tom continues to explore the deeper parts of spirituality in which so many find resonance. In these 2 episodes we discuss his latest book "Meditation for M…

1
Jonestown and the Michigan Connection Parts 1 & 2 55:24

5M ago55:24

55:24

Even though it's been over 40 years, the memory of Jonestown and the massacre that ended it still haunts the American psyche. Few realize that the number of Americans killed on that fateful day is the highest right under the Twin Tower attacks of 9/11. Since the initial reporting of the event, little attention has been paid to any Michigan connecti…

1
Joseph Smith & The Golden Plates Parts 1 &2 54:38

6M ago54:38

54:38

One of the most contentious issues of 19th Century Christian America revolved around the veracity of the story of Joseph Smith and his discovery of golden plates that became the foundation of the Book of Mormon. In these episodes we speak with Prof. Richard Bushman, whose book on this subject is perhaps the most detailed on the subject you'd want t…

1
Sitting In the Shade of Another Tree Parts 1 & 2 56:56

6M ago56:56

56:56

In these episodes we converse with 4 writers of religion who contributed to the now best selling book Sitting In the Shade of Another Tree. And yeah, I'm in it as well, but please don't hold that against the book and these fine minds. We were all tasked with writing an essay on a religion not our own that we hold in high estimation for one reason o…

1
Blasphemy: Appropriate Responses Parts 1 & 2 53:14

7M ago53:14

53:14

Armin Langer is a DAAD Visiting Assistant Professor at the Center for European Studies. Prior to joining CES, he was a Visiting Research Scholar at Brandeis University's Schusterman Center for Israel Studies in Waltham, MA, a Transatlantic Partnership on Memory & Democracy Fellow at the Center for German Studies at the University of Virginia in Cha…

1
Righting the American Dream: How the Media Mainstreamed Reagan's Evangelical Vision Parts 1 & 2 52:04

7M ago52:04

52:04

Diane WinstonBy Diane Winston

1
EP28 - Rebuilding Communities: 18 States and Counting with Kiran Chukkapalli 1:11:32

8M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Our social persona and acceptance throughout our lives are often defined by how well we ‘fit in’ to society. Yet every society has those who reject social conventions - or in the eyes of some, social restrictions - in favour of absolute ‘freedom’. There are even those who defy all stereotypes, using their freedom to undertake spiritual sadhana (jou…

1
The Americanization of the Apocolypse Parts 1 & 2 55:45

8M ago55:45

55:45

Eschatology (the study of end times predictions) has always fascinated me. I'm pleased that these 2023 episodes explain a great deal that I'm sure many of us did not know. Prof. Donald Akenson provides great details on how fundamentalist theology made its way from Britain and Ireland to these shores. This scriptural interpretation has been the caus…

1
Hinduism & America Parts 1 & 2 57:23

9M ago57:23

57:23

Jai Bansal Hinduism in AmericaBy Jai Bansal

1
EP27 - Seeking Sanctity, Finding Dharma with Fred Stella - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 59:54

9M ago59:54

59:54

A lot of our childhood memories and curiosities are forgotten as we grow older. We get comfortable in our surroundings, are influenced by friends and family, and our identity generally freezes to resemble that of our closest circle. But for some, early experiences are filled with uncommon questions that turn into a journey of seeking, leading to ro…

1
Follow Your Heartbreak Parts 1 & 2 55:49

9M ago55:49

55:49

If you are a devotee of mythologist Joseph Campbell you know his mantra for years was "follow your bliss." In the proper context, this can be a wonderful aspiration. However, some may take it at face value and end up living a rather selfish, vapid existence. Fr. Adam Bucko turned this saying on its head by titling his book "Follow Your Heartbreak."…

1
EP26 - Discipline, Dedication, Dharma with Dev Dutt Sharma - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 57:40

10M ago57:40

57:40

The internet is full of advice, ‘life hacks’, self-help blogs, vlogs, ‘How I live my life’ videos from 20,000 different people and whatnot. We have access to all sorts of ‘quick fixes’, and with technology expanding all around us every day. Machines are now handling mundane tasks, and online tools writing automatically for us, all available widely,…

1
The Sacred Time of Sabbath Parts 1 & 2 55:10

11M ago55:10

55:10

Common Threads is both honored and humbled to be named as the #1 podcast in the arena of interfaith. We are indebted to all of you who download, listen or otherwise support our efforts. You can see the list that includes other fine programs as well here:https://blog.feedspot.com/interfaith_podcasts/By Martin Doblmeier

1
As I Lay Dying: Conversation with One Who Has Been There Parts 1 & 2 1:00:02

11M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

I am so pleased to have found yet another cassette tape in my basement from way back when that I'm thrilled to share. All signs point to these episodes being recorded in 2002. Fr.Richard Neuhaus, who died in 2009, was a force to be reckoned with in the conservative Catholic movement. He was the editor of 1st Things Magazine, a journal of social and…

1
Creating the Qur'an Parts 1 & 2 57:24

11M ago57:24

57:24

There are many people of faith who, upon maturing in their spiritual growth, become willing to view the stories that surround the origins of their religions as more allegorical than historical. Admittedly, it's perhaps more challenging to find Muslims who are open to this understanding about their tradition than Jews or Christians. My understanding…

1
EP25 - Mother Earth Bhumi Global - with Gopal Patel - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 40:42

11M ago40:42

40:42

The idea of ‘One World’ or ‘One Family’ - ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - is one of the central themes in the Hindu philosophy. And no other issue has highlighted this truth in recent times as has the effects of climate change that the world has been experiencing lately. Changing weather patterns, natural disasters, melting glaciers and the rising water …

1
Good Death Auspicious Rebirth: End of Life Transitions in the Dharmic Traditions Parts 1 & 2 55:15

12M ago55:15

55:15

Every once in a while there will be episodes about projects that I've been personally involved in. This is that. These 2023 conversations are with Dr. Frank Tedesco of True Dharma International. He produced and directed a documentary that is intended to advise caregivers and medical personnel on providing comfort to those adherents in the Dharmic r…

1
The Life of a Pilgrim Parts 1 & 2 56:24

12M ago56:24

56:24

In the Hindu tradition there is the stage of life called Vanaprastha. It is when one retires from many family and professional responsibilities to dedicate more time to spiritual advancement. Our guest on these 2023 episodes is not Hindu, but Unitarian Universalist. Rev. W. Fred Wooden, and he is expressing this epoch in his life by pilgrimage. He …

1
Attempting to Fight Bigotry with Bigotry: New American Caste Laws Parts 1 & 2 56:11

1y ago56:11

56:11

I suspect that no one who listens to Common Threads would support the oppressing of someone due to their social status or caste. So when we hear of colleges, towns, states, etc., passing legislation or resolutions that claim to protect those born in "low caste" families our initial response might be a positive one. But as our guests on these 2023 e…

1
Polarization in Society and the Church Parts 1 & 2 56:47

1y ago56:47

56:47

We hear and read about how this country is so deeply polarized. The problem is that there is clearly one side that has made a cottage industry out of demonizing the "other side." While there are crazy makers on the left side of the spectrum, it is clearly those who subscribe to a Trumpian philosophy that are doing the most damage. In these episodes…

1
Ali The Iraqi: A Muslim in the House of Mormon Parts 1 & 2 56:36

1y ago56:36

56:36

Years ago the US Government was anxious to resettle Iraqi citizens temporarily in the USA whom they thought had significant leadership qualities. Their purpose was to begin their nation building in a post-Saddam society with returning these men and women in time for a turn toward an American friendly democratic republic. Josh Sobey's family, who ar…

1
EP24 - Kautilyanomics with Sriram Balasubramanian - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 1:18:03

1y ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Historically, Bharat was a thriving centre of trade and commerce, contributing to a major percentage of the world GDP. Exploring some of the architects of this vibrant economy, the name of Kautilya or Chanakya is very often invoked. While many of Kautilya’s political policies are popular, few authors have studied Kautilya’s economic policies. Indee…

1
The White Mosque Parts 1 & 2 56:44

1y ago56:44

56:44

In the late 1800s, a group of German-speaking Mennonites left southern Russia and journeyed into Central Asia following the end-time prophecies of a charismatic preacher. But while the story of these Mennonites’ perilous journey into Uzbekistan is riveting, for Sofia Samatar, the real story begins after the end of the world failed to arrive. In the…

1
Sharing Spiritual Stories Parts 1 & 2 58:19

1y ago58:19

58:19

On an evening not too long ago, Bay Area high school student Ritu Balani hosted an event that allowed fellow students and community members to share with an audience their most intimate spiritual and religious stories. These 2023 episodes contain a conversation with Ritu, as well as excerpts from the night itself.…

1
America's Courts and the Faith Factor Parts 1 & 2 57:24

1y ago57:24

57:24

For the past couple of decades conservatives have been planning and executing a takeover of our court systems. For some odd reason, Democrats have not paid as much attention to this. Thus we are experiencing a significant sea change in American juris prudence. What does this mean to how religion is expressed in this country? A great deal. The term …

1
EP23 - Inclusive and Sustainable Finance, Leadership, Ethics and Culture with Professor Atul K Shah - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 45:03

1y ago45:03

45:03

Global financial institutions have again been making the news in recent times. And given the interconnected complex structures of global financial and trade networks, the effects of disturbance to any part of these networks is felt by the common man in almost every part of the world. Whether through government spending tax collections on bailouts o…

1
EP22 - Reading, ’Riting, & ’Rithmetic: Is culture the missing piece in a sustainable education system? - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 24:31

1y ago24:31

24:31

Register Now for this live event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reading-riting-and-rithmetic-registration-558272527157 In early January 2023, the UK Government announced plans to make post-16 mathematics education compulsory to equip everyone with the skills needed in a world increasingly shaped by data and statistics. But does this add up in prac…

1
The Great Spiritual Traditions of China and the challenge of current restrictions under a dictatorship Parts 1 & 2 56:40

1y ago56:40

56:40

It is so painful to know of the brilliant legacy of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other paths in China that flourished, and see how religion is so under siege today. And along with these indigenous traditions we can see how Islam and Christianity are also under attack.Dr. Kelly Clark has done extensive research in China over the the years. He'…

1
EP21 - The Accidental Author, The Epics Unravelled with Ami Ganatra - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 1:05:56

1+ y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Entire generations of Hindus have grown up with the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These stories have seeped into our lives and our psyche through popular narrations and TV. And many incidents, characters and stories taken from the epics are blamed for current societal issues. In fact, ‘weaponisation of narratives’ is being used for political e…

1
The Heresy of Jacob Frank Parts 1 & 2 55:48

1+ y ago55:48

55:48

As I mention in my introduction, I've got a soft spot in my heart for heretics. They tend to be colorful characters with a story to tell. Well, Jacob Frank was no exception. These episodes explore this visionary/cult leader/misbegotten messiah/iconoclast.Seriously. Listen to these conversations with brilliant theologian Jay Michaelson. You'll thank…

1
EP20 - MULTICULTURALISM - The Hindu Perspective - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 12:45

1+ y ago12:45

12:45

The demographic diversity of the United Kingdom has grown significantly over the last 70 years. The 2021 Census points to a twenty-year decline in residents of England and Wales identifying with an ‘English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish or British’ identity. Immigrant communities from across the world, especially from the former Commonwealth hav…

1
East Winds: A Global Quest to Reconcile Marriage Parts 1 & 2 55:40

1+ y ago55:40

55:40

Remember back in the day when almost from birth a girl was groomed to become a wife? If so, I'm impressed that you're still alive, because I'm pretty old myself, and I have only the vaguest memories of that world. But in certain cultures this still stands. In these episodes with author Rachel Rueckert, we discuss the challenges of growing up in the…

1
American Caliphate parts 1 & 2 57:07

1+ y ago57:07

57:07

Shahan Mufti, who was our guest a few years back, has written a thrilling account of a terrorist takeover of 3 buildings in Washington DC. His book is an impressive of Islam in general, and the Black Muslim movement in the USA in particular.By Shahan Mufti

1
Interfaith Marriage: Jumping the Hurdles Parts 1 & 2 57:26

1+ y ago57:26

57:26

Sociologists tell us that marriages tend to be more successful when certain commonalities are present. Religion is one of them. But we all know that marrying outside of one's faith is much more commonplace than in the days of yore. So how do we navigate such unions? One way is to have honest conversations about the challenges that might erupt betwe…

1
Deep Contemplation in the Time of Covid Parts 1 & 2 56:52

1+ y ago56:52

56:52

There is something special about having access to the private correspondence between thoughtful, literate and spiritually evolved individuals. Mark Taylor and Jack Miles are 2 such people. During the Covid lockdown they wrote to one another regularly. Their insights into religion, politics, life, death and everything in between are compelling and t…

1
EP19 - BUSINESS LEADERSHIP DECODED, the secrets to success with Anil Puri - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 36:16

1+ y ago36:16

36:16

Growing and sustaining a business, especially in the manufacturing industry, is a challenge. To do so in a place away from your native land, facing a variety of different variables, is inspiring. What vision does it take to achieve this? What role do ethics play in this long journey, and where do they lead? Can a Dharmic outlook offer some lessons …

1
Shambala Buddhism Parts 1 & 2 56:56

1+ y ago56:56

56:56

Once again, I find an ancient cassette tape of 2 episodes we broadcasted back in the early days. I have no idea of when we did these, but surely sometime between 2000-2006. And keep in mind that our guest is local, and discusses meditation sanghas here in West Michigan. Any phone numbers or websites shared are not current. But the insights Robert W…

1
Black Theology Through the Ages Parts 1 & 2 59:58

1+ y ago59:58

59:58

Longtime listeners will recall how I have been posting hundreds of episodes from the past 20+ years that were on cassette tapes stored in my basement. I thought I was done, but have stumbled across a few more. These are a couple of those. I'm thrilled to have found them, as this conversation with Dr. Dwight Hopkins, who does such a great job of exp…

1
EP18 - VEGANISM, a trend, a virtue, or a fad? with Dina Aherne - The Vichaar Manthan Podcast 1:16:17

1+ y ago1:16:17

1:16:17

“Veganism isn’t about the mock meat, about replacing life for life, veganism is about whole food and plant-based. So when we talk about vegan foods assisting your health, and giving you a multitude of health benefits, we are talking about pulses, lentils, rice, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. We are not talking about having fake chicken or fak…

1
Leaving Islam Parts ! & 2 53:46

1+ y ago53:46

53:46

Some people just walk away from their faiths of birth with no hard feelings. They just...stop. No issues, no problems. But some religions or denominations do make it a challenge. And leaving can have significant challenges. In the past we've exposed the hard work that many who have left Jewish Hasidim communities have had to do as they attempt to r…

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