As a PhD student in 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made an astronomical discovery, only to have the Nobel Prize in Physics for that discovery go to her male colleagues instead. But instead of becoming jaded by the misogyny she’s experienced, Jocelyn has become a beacon for women in the sciences. On today’s episode, we talk to Jocelyn about her Quaker r…

It is easy to be hard on ourselves and hard on other people, but what if we practiced gentleness? And what if we believed that God’s posture toward us is gentle? That’s the message that Quaker pastor Hannah Lutz brings us on today’s episode, and it’s one that she learned when she realized there was “chainmail” around her heart. Join us as we hear s…

Thousands of Quakers left the American South in the 1800s because of their anti-slavery beliefs. And many of those Friends settled in Ohio. On today’s episode, local historian Christine Snyder takes us on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio and shares some of the remarkable stories of these Quakers — tales of daring rescues, an outspoken m…

As a professor at Earlham College, Michael Birkel was known for his dynamic and thoughtful teaching style. As an author, he is known for capturing Quaker theology and practice in an accessible way. Today, we’ve got this thoughtful Quaker scholar on the show to share his thoughts on mysticism, spiritual reading, and giving the next generation of Qua…

Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs. Vis…

We don’t hear much about Quakers in China, but from the very early days of the faith, Friends felt called to go to the Far East. On today’s episode, we explore the history of Quaker missionaries in China — both evangelical and liberal — as they lived and worked amid wars, internal conflict, and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party. And we ask, h…

On today’s vocal ministry episode, Quaker pastor Mark Pratt-Russum shares a message inspired by a recent trip to Hawaii in which he was confronted with the uncomfortable marriage of Christianity and colonialism. Mark is the pastor of West Hills Friends, a Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, and he speaks to the need to attend to Spirit in the natur…

Monopoly is a game of wealth and property…or is there more to it? In this episode, we explore the twisty history of the world’s most popular board game, from its anti-capitalist origins to the Quakers who transformed the game into what it is today. This is a story of innovative women, big business, deceit, and the unknown legacy of Friends. We've g…

This week we’re sharing our first international vocal ministry episode by taking you inside a Kenyan service! While visiting Kisumu, Kenya, our colleague, Hannah Mayer got to visit Friends Church Manyatta — a lively evangelical Quaker congregation in the city of Kisumu. Join us as we hear a message of faith, peace, and new life from Reverend Pamela…

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 …

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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 exercis…

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 Frien…

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…

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 fr…

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…

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 trans…

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 fir…

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…

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. Become a monthly supporter! Sign u…

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, rea…

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 o…

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 …

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. Become a monthly patron of Thee Quaker Project! Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker M…

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 …

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 …

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 Anybod…

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. Visi…

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 he…

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…

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! Help Thee Quaker Podcast expand by becoming a mont…

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. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Q…

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. Become a monthly supporter! Sign up for the Daily Quaker Message.By jon watts, georgia, max carter

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 s…

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, a…

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 …

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 bee…

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, …

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…

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 …

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 …

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.…