Peace Talks

Peace Talks continues exploring the role of art in faith and life with this tender and encouraging interview with Leslie Roberts and Bryanna Russell from Sanctuary Mental Health MInistries (an organization that equips the Church to support mental health and wellbeing).

Leslie and Bryanna share with Vanessa why they've chosen to use art as a medium to give permission, belonging, and support to those struggling with mental health challenges. They also describe the formation, justice, and peace deeply embedded in the landmark project Sanctuary Songs. 

Leslie Roberts is the Communications Director at Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. She holds a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Regent College and lives in Vancouver, BC. Prior to Sanctuary, she worked in advertising, film production and post-production, and ministry at a church in Texas, as well as running her own photography business. In her time working at the church, she recognized that one of the biggest needs in the Church is for education, awareness, and care for people living with mental health challenges. 

Bryana Russell has worked as a consultant, speaker, published writer, producer, and connector in the non-profit sector, including Church ministries, for the past two decades. She has developed curriculums, established youth programs, and grown an international medical institute. Prior to her work with Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries as Director of Engagement, she worked as gallery curator, bridging conversations of art and faith. Her undergraduate work focused on International Studies and Psychology, and she holds a Masters of Theological Studies, with a concentration on art and female embodied. Her most important work, however, is raising four boys, aged 15, 13, 10, and (surprise) 1, alongside her beloved husband, Chris. 

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
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Bishop Todd Hunter and Director of Content and Community Katie Haseltine recap our recent interview with Dr. Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt. Stick around after their conversation for a contemplative meditation led by Peace Talks host Vanessa Sadler on Galatians 5:22-23, as a way to reconnect your heart to God's.

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We are honored to bring you the next episode in our series with prophetic voices in the visual arts, music, and poetry. Dr. Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt challenged how we see things, offered a new way to take in images, and connected all of it to our theology of creation. You don't want to miss this incredible conversation!

Dr. Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt is an Associate Professor of Art and Art History at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and a Little Endowed Scholar. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. As a biracial Japanese-white woman, she has navigated the joys and tensions of a hybrid identity. Weichbrodt has published on topics ranging from contemporary Black photographers to the patronage of Hawaiian landscape paintings to documentary photographs of Japanese Americans during World War II. She also enjoys writing for general audiences on the intersection of art history, politics, and pop culture. Her first book, Redeeming Vision: A Christian Guide to Looking at and Learning from Art, was published by Baker Academic in 2023 and received an Award of Merit from Christianity Today and the Arts and Culture Book Award from The Gospel Coalition.

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show

Peace Talks Season Seven kicks off with a fascinating conversation with artist Laura James. Vanessa and Laura discuss what it means for art— and Jesus—to be accessible, how art can help us personalize Jesus, and why "art for the people" is a meaningful category. Whether you consider yourself "artistic" or not, this conversation is for you.

Laura James has been working as a professional artist and illustrator for over twenty years. In addition to painting sacred images from various religions, she portrays women, families, and scenes of everyday life; blending intricate patterns, text, vibrant colors and sometimes surreal imagery into what she calls “art for the people.” Laura is also a valuable member of her community, and is the originator and Executive Director of BX200: Bronx Visual Artists Directory, an online database of some of the Bronx’s best visual artists. Ms. James has recently completed a special commission for the American Museum of Natural History, as well as illustrations for her second children’s book. She lives and works in the Bronx, NY.

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*

Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

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Peace Talks is honored to present this conversation between host Vanessa Sadler and J.S. Park. Part memoir, part manual on grief, and all heart, J.S. (Joon) offers a glimpse into his life as the son of Korean immigrants, as a hospital chaplain at a Level 1 Trauma Center, and as a father. Join us for this tender exploration of how to show up to our own and others' grief. 

J. S. Park is a hospital chaplain, published author, viral blogger, and teaching pastor. He has spent the past six years as an interfaith chaplain at a 1000+ bed hospital that is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. His role includes grief counseling; attending every death, every trauma, and Code Blue; assisting with end-of-life care; and supporting patient and family advocacy. He also serves as a chaplain at one of the largest nonprofit charities for the homeless on the East Coast. 

J. S. has a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, completed in 2010. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida. He also has a sixth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. 

 J. S. currently lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife, a nurse practitioner, his baby daughter, and half German Shepherd. 

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show

Vanessa's interview with Dr. Barbara L. Peacock is quite simply a delight. Even as they discuss the most difficult issues facing Christians today, Barbara brings us back to Jesus and joy. You will be challenged and encouraged in equal measure.

Dr. Barbara L. Peacock is the award-winning author of Soul Care in African American Practice. She received the Award of Merit from Christianity Today, and the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Award (MIDWC) announced Soul Care in African American Practice as the book of the year in 2021. In addition, she received an award from Christianity for Biblical Equity (Mutuality) and is a finalist with the Museum of African American History Museum (Boston) and with Black Authors Matter.

Dr. Peacock is founder of Peacock Soul Care (PSC). PSC is an institution that offers a certificate of completion in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation for persons seeking the deeper journey with God. PSC is an inclusive Christocentric institute and is the first African American institute that offers these two certificates. PSC also offers special Soul Care Leadership classes for persons that would like to take semester classes.

Dr. Peacock received her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC; her master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Her dissertation emphasis was Spiritual Direction for Ministry Leaders.

She is a passionate spiritual director, preacher, teacher, and intercessor. She serves as a spiritual leader for individuals and groups, desiring them to experience a deeper relationship with God. She is committed to serving with the Charlotte-based True Value of a Woman Ministry, BraveWorks, and for Charlotte Prayer Network. She served as a national speaker with the Exponential Group, a fundraising organization founded by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson.

Dr. Peacock enjoys traveling, writing, and exercising. She is married to Gilbert and they are the owners of Freedom Financial Advantage. The Peacock’s have one daughter, Vernee. She is married to Michael. They and the Peacock’s grandchildren, Eden and Eliah, reside in Milton, MA.

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show

Our interview with Kaitlin Curtice is like a good conversation with a friend. Kaitlin shares her journey to create spaces of healing care that balance fierce truthtelling and gentleness. She also offers comforting wisdom on how to navigate liminal spaces. Join us for this inviting conversation!

Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing.

Her new book, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, examines the journey of resisting the status quo of hate by caring for ourselves, one another, and Mother Earth.

Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, Apartment Therapy, On Being, SELF Magazine, Oprah Daily and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes at The Liminality Journal. Kaitlin lives in Philadelphia with her family.

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show

In this wide-ranging Peace Talks interview, Rev. Eugene Cho warns against being a one-song karaoke monster as an activist and offers the simple practice of sharing a meal as the precursor to hard conversations. He also laments using the words jerk and overrated in his book titles. Find out why.

Eugene is President/CEO of Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger.

Eugene co-chairs the U.S. Nutrition CEO Council, the body of leaders from international NGOs encouraging the U.S. government, civil society, corporations, and other stakeholders to make global nutrition expertise into law and policy. He serves on the board of Interaction; on the Coordinating Committee for the Circle of Protection; and as visionary for One Day’s Wages.

Prior to becoming President/CEO of Bread for the World, Eugene pastored a local church for nearly thirty years.

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating, and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show

Peace Talks is honored to bring you this thoughtful and important conversation with Cindy S. Lee, author of Our Unforming: De-Westernizing Spiritual Formation. Lee unveils what we miss when we choose to see spiritual formation from only one angle. She also describes what healthy—and unhealthy—unforming looks like and explains that the spiritual formation world has always been diverse—we just didn't see it for what it always was. And Vanessa and Cindy talk a lot about doors. Find out why!

Cindy S. Lee is a spiritual director, urban explorer, and author. She has a PhD in practical theology in the area of spiritual formation from Claremont School of Theology and a DMin in transformational leadership from Bakke Graduate University. Lee lived in Beijing and Taipei for six years and currently resides in Los Angeles. She is an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. Lee also leads formation retreats and workshops and mentors new spiritual directors.» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show

Peace Talks Season 6 Debuts with an Interview with Lisa Sharon Harper and a New Format!⁠

Lisa Sharon Harper is a prolific speaker, author, and activist and the founder and president of FreedomRoad.us. Ms. Harper is the author of several books, including The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong can be Made Right (2016) and Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World (2022). 

A columnist at Sojourners Magazine and an Auburn Theological Seminary Senior Fellow, Ms.Harper has appeared on TVOne, FoxNews Online, NPR, and Al Jazeera America. Her writing has been featured in CNN Belief Blog, The National Civic Review, Sojourners, The Huffington Post, Relevant Magazine, and Essence Magazine. She writes extensively on shalom and governance, immigration reform, health care reform, poverty, racial and gender justice, climate change, and transformational civic engagement.

In the debut interview, Lisa shares her disincentive wisdom on how concepts like shalom and the kingdom of God are meant to guide us into being the kinds of people who seek the full flourishing of others. Lisa highlights the true narrative of God and gently leads us to any repentance necessary to live that story.

Lisa has rare wisdom and we are delighted to share it with you.

» Subscribe to PEACE TALKS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-talks/id1590168616

About the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace:
Justice and peace come from the inside out—from the overflow of a transformed heart. This belief led our founder, Bishop Todd Hunter, to start the Center for Formation, Justice and Peace in 2021. The Center brings together a diverse, interdenominational community of people who want to be formed in love to heal a broken world. Because “religion” is often part of the problem, we’ve created a brave, Jesus-centered space for dialogue, questioning, creating and exploration. PEACE TALKS introduces you to women and men who are working to undo oppression, leading to lives of deeper peace for all.

*Connect with The Center Online!*
Visit The Center's Website: https://centerfjp.org
Follow The Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerfjp
Follow The Center on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CenterFjp
Follow The Center on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerfjp/

Support the show