In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jonathan Merritt as he talks about growing-up as the son of a Megachurch pastor while being gay. He recounts the harrowing experience of being publicly outed and how these early experiences shaped his life today. Jonathan discusses how difficult it is to trust again after trust has been broken, and he also shares how his communication and preaching styles often place him as a person struggling in his stories—not as the hero. When Jonathan creates he often has his audience in mind, and from this interview it is clear that he is someone who lives his life honestly so that others might have the courage to do the same.

More about Jonathan Merritt:

Jonathan Merritt is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today.

In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology and is the recipient of the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, and the Religion News Association’s columnist of the year award.

Show Note Links:
 

Books:  https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/writing

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/jonathan_merritt

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Tia Norman to discuss how Tia’s journey into a contemplative spirituality has transformed her life and faith—a faith that is deeply rooted in the mystical teachings of the Christian tradition. Tia believes that “in the stillness of prayer, breath, and silence, we release what is temporary and rest in what is eternal” and it becomes clear from this interview that Tia truly practices what she preaches.

More about Tia Norman:

Tia Norman is a teacher and guide specializing in spirituality and practices anchored in the mystical teachings of the Christian contemplative tradition. She leads workshops, retreats, and courses while serving as Pastor of Awakenings, Inc., a contemplative community based in Houston, Texas. Recognized by USA Today as a landing place for those leaving organized religion and seeking spiritual refuge, Awakenings provides a space for exploration, healing, and connection.

Tia has been recognized by Wesleyan Impact Partners as a Woman with an Entrepreneurial Spirit and as part of the next generation of leaders changing the face of the Christian church. She is a 2023 sendee of the Center for Action and Contemplation's Living School, deepening her study and practice of contemplative spirituality.

Show Note Links:

Personal Website https://tiaariane.com/

Schedule 1:1 Time with Tia: https://www.acontemplativespace.com/guidance

Learn More About Contemplative Consulting Here: https://www.acontemplativespace.com/consulting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2btia/?igsh=MTBqeGppdXk3ejhwMA%3D%3D

In this episode, host Ericka Graham and Co-Host Joshua Carney sit down with Dr. John Chisholm, an Astrophysicist and astronomy professor at UT Austin, to explore the groundbreaking discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope. This episode is a wonder-inducing conversation through space, matter, time—and ultimately ourselves.

More about Dr. John Chisholm:

Dr. John Chisholm was born and raised in Madison Wisconsin. He obtained a Bachelor's of Science from Boston College and then attended the University of Wisconsin Madison for his PhD. He studied how galaxies launch large-scale outflows of gas in order to regulate the growth of galaxies. He then went on to the University of Geneva for two years and the University of California — Santa Cruz after that. In 2021, he started as an Assistant Professor in the Astronomy Department at the University of Texas—Austin where he has been leading multiple programs on the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Show Note Links:

www.chisholmjohn.com
 

[email protected]

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Winnie Karanja and Victoria Chen to talk about how they are “reimagining education” through Nakira’s World and BridgeYear. Both women are asking big questions about what it means to educate for the future, and as founders of successful companies and organizations they are creating solutions that have impact and endurance.

More about Winnie Karanja:

Winnie is the CEO and Founder of Nakira’s World. Nakira’s World is focused on engaging young children in the wonders of STEM by connecting science to everyday life. In 2019, Winnie was named one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. With a background in STEM education, technology and workforce development, Winnie is committed to education equity. Her innovative programs go beyond learning—they inspire and equip the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Winnie holds a Masters of Science in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was named one of Forbes “World’s Brightest Young Leaders” for Racial Justice & Inequality in 2023.

More about Victoria Chen:

Victoria Chen received her undergraduate degree from Brown University in neuroscience and her MBA from the Yale School of Management. Through her work at BridgeYear, she received the Thorne Prize for Social Innovation at Yale University in 2017 and was named the Texas Executive Women’s Rising Star in 2019. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of BridgeYear, and she is committed to helping students from low-income communities reach their full potential through postsecondary education. BridgeYear is a Houston-based nonprofit that connects underserved youth to careers and educational opportunities that led to economic stability and independence. BridgeYear focuses on well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree and provides students hands-on career exploration opportunities, tangible resources, and direct access to local training programs through MorePathways.org.

Show Note Links:

Nakira’s World

https://nakirasworld.com

Winnie Karanja

winniekaranja.com

BridgeYear

https://www.bridgeyear.org

https://www.morepathways.org/s/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jared Byas, co-host of the Bible for Normal People, to explore how biblical interpretation is shaped by historical context, cultural bias, and personal experience. They discuss how ancient traditions become relevant today, and how learning to let go and embrace uncertainty in our own lives is often an act of faith. 

More about Jared Byas:

Jared Byas runs the Bible for Normal People and regularly writes and speaks about the Bible, truth, creativity, wisdom, and the Christian faith. He has written a handful of books including Love Matters More and Jonah for Normal People.

Show Note Links:

Bible for Normal People:

https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/about-jared-byas/

Love Matters More (book):

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-matters-more-jared-byas/

Jonah for Normal People (book):

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jonah-for-normal-people-jared-byas/

In this episode, Matt Kuykendall talks about what it means to educate and be educated. He shares the skills and habits that his students adopt through the lens of Metacognition in his Deep Learning Seminar. We also discuss how AI might change classrooms like his, and redirect the questions of the future.

More about Matt Kuykendall:

Matt Kuykendall currently teaches Deep Learning and Psychology at the American School in Japan. Matt has authored both a Theory of Knowledge and Psychology text for the IB diploma program and recently formalized his love of collaborating with other educators through the creation of Educated Consulting, where he works with schools and professionals to design learning experiences for students that are competency focused, engaging, and create conversations.

Show Note Links:

https://www.educatedconsulting.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattdkuykendall/?hl=en

Basketball training IG: https://www.instagram.com/educatedbasketballtraining/

In this conversation, Dr. Ruth N. López Turley talks about growing up at the southern border, and the fear and miracles that co-existed at that border. As you will hear, her story is a love story. It a story about the love of God, the love she encountered at summer camp, and the love she continues to pour-out through her research to make Houston and the world a better place.

More about Dr. Ruth N. López Turley:

Professor López Turley directs the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, which brings together data, research, engagement and action to improve lives. In 2011, she founded the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), a research-practice partnership between the Kinder Institute and 11 Houston area school districts, representing over 700,000 students. A program of the Kinder Institute, HERC works to improve educational equity by connecting research to policy and practice, working directly with district leaders. She directed HERC from 2011 to 2022, during which she raised over $30M so that school districts would not have to pay for research. She also founded the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships, which connects and supports over 60 partnerships between research institutions and education agencies throughout the country. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed her to the National Board for Education Sciences, which advised and approved priorities for the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. She is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard and is originally from Laredo, Texas.

Show Note Links:

https://kinder.rice.edu
 

https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/kinder.rice.edu/HERC

https://nnerpp.rice.edu

https://kinder.rice.edu/initiative/kinder-houston-area-survey

Ed-Talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohKWUwwa9rY

In this conversation, Drew Jackson discusses his poetry and the many influences that have shaped him as a thought-leader today. Drew also reads some of his poetry to us in this episode—and you will not want to miss the magic that is his Drew Jackson and his prophetic voice through spoken word.

More about Dr. Drew Jackson:

Drew Jackson is a poet, speaker, and public theologian. He is the author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming, which was a finalist for the Christian Book Award, and Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way. His work has appeared in Oneing from the Center for Action and Contemplation, The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad, Christianity Today, Made for Pax, The Journal from the Centre for Public Christianity, Fathom Magazine, and other publications. Drew was a contributing artist on Jon Batiste’s Grammy-nominated album World Music Radio, and also appeared in the award-winning documentary American Symphony on Netflix. Drew is also a co-host of the Everything Belongs podcast from the Center for Action and Contemplation.

Drew received his B.A. in Political Science from the Univ. of Chicago and his M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He currently works as the Managing Director of Mission Integration for the Center for Action and Contemplation, and lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and daughters.

Show Notes:
 

Personal Website:  https://drewejackson.com/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=%2Fd.jacksonpoetics%2F&source=omni_redirect

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/d.jacksonpoetics

God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming (book)

https://www.amazon.com/God-Speaks-Through-Wombs-Unexpected-ebook/dp/B08WQ444Q6?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way (book)

https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Earth-Poems-Drew-Jackson-ebook/dp/B0B1SDY25N?ref_=ast_author_dp

In this conversation, Dr. Hayley Crain talks about empowering parents with inclusive parenting strategies. Her passion lies in helping parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

More about Dr. Hayley Crain:

Dr. Hayley Crain brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work supporting families and children with neurodevelopmental differences. Her passion lies in empowering parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders while reducing the mental load through inclusive parenting strategies.

After earning her doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a master’s degree from Columbia University, Dr. Crain developed her clinical expertise through specialized work at several leading institutions. She served as a supervising site clinician for the CDC’s Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), one of the largest studies in the U.S. focused on understanding autism risk factors and characteristics.

At Haven Psychology, Dr. Crain provides therapy, parent support, and assessment services, drawing from her extensive training in evidence-based treatments. Her personal journey with ADHD, dyslexia, and a side of anxiety gives her a unique lens (and a lot of empathy) to connect with families navigating similar paths. She’s no stranger to juggling life’s complexities—she transforms big, messy concepts into practical strategies that parents can actually use, all while laughing at life’s chaos.

After years of training across the country, including work at renowned institutions like the Waisman Center, Dr. Crain has returned to her hometown community. She finds joy in family time, being close to the water, and supporting families as they create calmer, happier homes—because she knows firsthand that calm doesn’t mean perfect, and that’s okay.

Show Notes:

Website:   https://www.havenpsychologyllc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleycrain?igsh=Y3Y3c3J0aW5mdDRj

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld : https://www.amazon.com/Rabbit-Listened-Cori-Doerrfeld/dp/073522935X

In this conversation, Aaron Niequist describes how faith is not just a belief, but a practice to be actively participated in. He reminds Christians that as part of their faith, they are invited to join in building the kingdom here on earth and that includes protecting those without power.

More about Aaron Niequist:

Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, and pastor who recently graduated from General Theological Seminary in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), he created A New Liturgy - a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. He then curated a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called “The Practice.” Aaron released a book called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-based Faith can Save us from Drowning, and continues to create resources to help others flesh it out. He currently serves at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea and helps lead Pastors, Priests and Guides retreats around the country. The best part of his life is his wife Shauna, and their sons Henry and William.

Personal Website :  aaronniequist.com

Aaron’s IG : https://www.instagram.com/aaronieq/

Pastors, Priests, & Guides Retreat : https://pastorspriestsandguides.com/schedule-info-houston

The Eternal Current Book : https://a.co/d/j983peL