The American South has a well-earned reputation for things like heritage, pride and storytelling. But many of those points are being revisited as part of a reexamination of what they meant in context to the African slave trade, reconstruction, Jim Crow and how they manifest themselves today.

To help get proper context on these stories, James Howell's guest of today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed is Vernon Burton. Vernon is a professor of history at Clemson University, as well as a prolific author.

Vernon joins James to talk about many of today's most pressing topics, including what it means to see Confederate statues being removed (and what people like Robert E. Lee would have thought about that today - the answer may surprise you), the Supreme Court's role in legislating a post-slavery society, stories of how Abraham Lincoln himself learned to evolve as a leader despite the weight of the world around him, and how Vernon's hometown of Ninety Six, SC got its name.

In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Myers Park UMC Youth Ministry leader Jason Rhymer talks about how God uses the people who show up. That's certainly not just something he preaches, Jason Rhymer epitomizes the philosophy of showing up. Jason has been an athlete, a certified personal trainer, a mentor, a youth leader and even an actor.

James Howell talks to Jason about his various roles in life and how they've all influenced one another. He asks Jason where he sees divinity in athletic movement and training. The two explore Jason's acting path, and James also tells a story of him missing an easy basketball pass to Jason in the clutch.

As a pastor, James Howell has worked with many community members suffering from dementia. Today's guest has a particularly close experience with this often misunderstood disease. Leading theologian Bishop Kenneth Carder's wife Linda bravely battled with dementia before passing away.

In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, James and Kenneth talk about how theology views dementia, why the disease didn't change who Linda was in God's eyes, why no loving act goes to waste, and how an old pocket knife helps Bishop Carder keep it all in perspective.

Today's episode is a republication of a Wednesday Bible Study session. To watch these chats live, log onto the Facebook page of Myers Park United Methodist Church every Wednesday at 11 a.m. or 8 p.m.

Savvy diners in Charlotte are familiar with restaurateurs Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel's lineup of high quality restaurants concentrated in the NoDa area: Haberdish, Crepe Cellar, Growlers and Reigning Doughnuts have all been lauded by eaters and critics alike. During the pandemic, when many restaurants were forced to close or pivot, the couple turned their attention to opening a new concept in Plaza Midwood called Supperland.

On today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, host James Howell talks to Jamie and Jeff about their background and entering the world of restaurant ownership, the theories of hospitality and attention to detail that goes into everything they do, their adjustments during the pandemic, and opening one of the most highly anticipated restaurant concepts in the city.

Poet and spoken word artist Hannah Hasan joins Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. James talks to Hannah about white privilege and its misconceptions and juxtapositions, her work in the community with her Muddy Turtle Talks, her upbringing in Wilkesboro and how her father's death inspired a beautiful moment for her.

Renowned theologian and prolific author Walter Bruggemann joins Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed.Walter has published more than 50 books (almost all of which Dr. Howell has read), and is regarded as one of the world's greatest Old Testament theologian.

Walter and Dr. Howell's conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of praise, the dangers of idolatry, the functions of quality poetry and much more.

On this week's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Dr. James Howell is joined by professor Amy-Jill Levine. She grew up loving and knowing many aspects of the Christian traditions—although she is herself an Orthodox Jew. Her perspective is unique and intriguing: she is Jewish, and has a lifelong love and appreciation for things Christian. No surprise she's one of the world's greatest New Testament scholars.

You know Roy Williams the basketball coach. Since 2003, Roy Williams has been the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, and has enjoyed plenty of success, including three national championships.

In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, you'll get to meet Roy beyond the basketball court. Roy joins host Dr. James Howell, who have been close friends for many years. Roy talks about the recent passing of his father in law, and the lessons he learned from him about being a good husband, father and community leader, roles that Roy says come far before his head coaching duties. Tune in now to meet Coach Williams the man, not the coach.

Being a Pastor is no easy task. Particularly when you're tasked with local, national and even global outreach for your church. But that's what Nathan Arledge does for Myers Park UMC as Pastor of Missions and Community Engagement.

Pastor Arledge embodies the global mindset. He's travelled all over the US and the world on mission trips and community engagement projects. He's met thousands of diverse people in his travels, and impacted countless others with his tireless work. He also has a keen sense of how to connect with others who may not be like him.

In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Dr. James Howell talks to Pastor Arledge about what he's learned from his experiences in the world, and how broadening your perspective helps cultivate empathy for those around you.

Hear's Pastor Arledge's sermon from this past Valentine's Day.