Jen and Patrick are joined by Mallory Everton to explore the themes of personal peace, the complexity of relationships, and the foundational story of Adam and Eve as a lens for understanding conflict and decision-making. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and the role of creativity in navigating life's challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for community and connection in the pursuit of peace and spiritual growth.

• Personal peace is defined as a deep state of trust.
• The Adam and Eve story serves as an archetype for understanding conflict.
• Conflict often arises not from good versus evil, but from differing perspectives.
• Spiritual growth requires embracing uncertainty and complexity.
• Vulnerability is essential for meaningful connections and creativity.
• Self-compassion is crucial for extending grace to others.
• Creativity often emerges from tension and conflict.
• We are all called to explore different truths in our spiritual journeys.
• The complexity of the Adam and Eve story highlights the nuances of human experience.
• Finding peace involves recognizing the interconnectedness of our choices and relationships.

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

Jennifer Finlayson-Fife joins Jen and Patrick to discuss the multifaceted nature of peace, particularly in the context of relationships and marriage as they read about Adam and Eve. She emphasizes that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but involves a sense of well-being and mutual respect. The discussion explores the importance of navigating differences, the role of conflict in fostering growth and intimacy, and the significance of agency and responsibility in relationships. Additionally, the conversation touches on societal pressures regarding gender roles and the impact of these dynamics on personal relationships. The dialogue encourages listeners to embrace conflict as a means of creating deeper connections and understanding in their relationships.

• Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of well-being.
• Relationships thrive on the introduction of difference and the ability to navigate it.
• Resentment in marriage often stems from unmet expectations and the need for validation.
• Creating a marriage requires active participation and self-determination from both partners.
• Conflict can be a catalyst for growth and deeper intimacy in relationships.
• Agency in marriage means taking responsibility for one's own happiness and choices.
• The story of Adam and Eve illustrates the importance of mutual decision-making in relationships.
• Moral development involves moving from obedience to personal responsibility and integrity.
• Societal pressures can create division between genders, impacting personal relationships.
• Finding common ground in conflict is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace podcast, hosts Patrick Mason and Jennifer Thomas are joined by Jared Halverson to explore the themes of peace and conflict through the lens of scripture. They discuss the significance of division in creation, the life-giving aspects of conflict, and the balance of opposites in relationships. The conversation delves into the creation, fall, and atonement as a divine paradigm, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity amidst differences.

• Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of unity amidst differences.
• The Old Testament offers insights into peacemaking, often overlooked in favor of conflict narratives.
• Division in creation is essential for life and growth, not something to be feared.
• The balance of opposites, such as light and darkness, is crucial for a robust creation.
• Conflict can be life-giving, providing opportunities for growth and understanding.
• The fall is a necessary part of the divine paradigm, leading to greater holiness.
• Unity in relationships requires maintaining individual differences while working together.
• The atonement stage is about balancing the strengths of creation and fall stages.
• True peace is found in the presence of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
• The journey from creation to atonement involves embracing and learning from conflict.

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

Welcome to Season 2 of the Proclaim Peace podcast, where hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason will read through the Old Testament through the lens of peacemakers. Join us with special guests to discover what we can learn about how to follow Jesus Christ's example of being a peacemaker from the oldest stories in the Bible.

For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason welcome listeners to Season Two, emphasizing the ongoing need for peacemaking in a world filled with conflict. They discuss the importance of the Old Testament as a source of wisdom for peacemaking, highlighting its lessons on humanity, redemption, and God's unwavering support. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the Old Testament and its teachings, fostering a community dedicated to peace and understanding.

• The discomfort we feel is linked to a loss of peace.
• Conflict is a natural part of life that requires engagement.
• Peacemaking is a continuous effort that never truly ends.
• There is hope and goodness in the world despite challenges.
• The Old Testament offers valuable lessons on peacemaking.
• God's desire for humanity is one of redemption and return.
• The Old Testament reflects the complexities of human nature.
• Peacemaking involves transcending our worst selves.
• Fear not; God is always with us in our struggles.
• Community and collaboration are essential for fostering peace.

00:00 Welcome to Season Two
02:06 The Call to Peacemaking
04:42 Exploring the Old Testament
05:00 Conflict and the Old Testament
10:56 The Redemptive Nature of Peacemaking
14:45 Fear Not: Embracing the Journey

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://proclaimpeace.org

For this 3 part bonus mini series, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason engage in a thoughtful conversation with Paul Lambert from the Wheatley Institute. Together, they explore the complex emotions and tensions that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may experience when feeling attacked or judged. The discussion highlights three common responses: retreating inward, trying to correct misunderstandings, and defending one's beliefs. Paul offers insights on how grounding oneself in the teachings of Jesus Christ can lead to unexpected, outward-focused actions that promote peace and understanding. 

[00:00:26] Religious pluralism in society.

[00:06:01] The importance of religion.

[00:07:34] Peacemakers in a divided world.

[00:10:54] Public benefits of living faith.

[00:15:25] Principles for harmony and respect.

[00:17:02] Living faith publicly on social media.

[00:20:12] Christ's example of invited discourse.

[00:26:58] Faith and compassion in relationship.

[00:27:40] Building non-contentious settings.

[00:32:38] Spiritual identity over political identity.

[00:35:17] Interfaith work's significance.

[00:39:17] Faith as the first principle.

[00:42:44] Interfaith engagement for flourishing society.

[00:45:41] Peace through communion with God.

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

For this 3 part bonus mini series, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Aaron Dorfman of A More Perfect Union to explore the experiences of Latter-day Saints as a minority community, especially in the wake of recent events that highlight the challenges faced by religious minorities. They reflect on the importance of understanding the dynamics of being part of a smaller faith community, particularly outside of Utah, and the varied relationships that can arise from this position. The discussion emphasizes the opportunity to learn from other communities, particularly the Jewish community, which has a long history of navigating religious minority status in often unfriendly societies. 

[00:01:47] Religious minorities and their impact.

[00:05:11] No one is defined by worst.

[00:07:15] Antisemitism and misinformation strategies.

[00:12:10] Standing up for communities.

[00:14:20] Easing suffering through community engagement.

[00:20:14] Tikkun olam: repairing the world.

[00:21:40] Collaborative repair of the world.

[00:25:08] Faith's role in democracy.

[00:28:33] Shabbat dinner family ritual.

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

For this 3 part bonus mini series, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by Nealin Parker from Common Ground to reflect on recent tragic events affecting the Latter-day Saint community, including the death of President Nelson and a horrific attack on a local ward that resulted in multiple fatalities. As they process these heavy developments, they discuss the emotional toll on church members and the broader implications for peace. The episode serves as a heartfelt exploration of grief, community resilience, and the principles of the gospel that can guide us in difficult times. 

[00:02:19] Peacemaking in challenging times.

[00:06:00] Redemptive suffering and compassion.

[00:10:01] Conflict's enduring legacy in towns.

[00:12:00] Long shadow of violence.

[00:16:50] Gentleness as antidote to fear.

[00:20:33] Fear replaced by love.

[00:25:42] Community support in tragedy.

[00:28:39] Prayer and gratitude for peace.

For full show notes and transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this special live recording of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hostJennifer Thomas is joined by repeat guest Chad Ford to discuss the impact of recent events on their community and the importance of fostering peace amid fear and conflict. Chad shares insights from his research on conflict mediation, emphasizing how fear can hinder collaboration and peace-building. The conversation highlights the significance of showing up for one another in challenging times and encourages listeners to create supportive spaces as they navigate their own concerns and emotions. Join them for a heartfelt dialogue aimed at uplifting and empowering individuals to become better peacemakers. This episode was recorded with a live audience on 9/18/25 at the Compass Gallery in Provo, UT.

[00:02:29] Seeds of non-fear.

[00:06:00] Forgiveness and peacemaking challenges.

[00:10:00] Conflict resolution through love.

[00:14:30] Jesus' message of peace.

[00:17:44] Transformational call to action.

[00:21:17] Managing fear and suffering.

[00:24:39] Accepting differences in relationships.

[00:30:33] Resistance to calls for peace.

[00:32:40] Trauma and its impact.

[00:39:14] Transformation through love and growth.

[00:42:05] The power of meekness.

[00:45:34] Changing input for peacemaking.

[00:52:13] Peacemaking amidst fear and anger.

[00:55:16] Alleviating suffering through understanding.

Find the transcript and full show notes at https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace

In this bonus episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, host Jennifer Thomas explores the challenges of political engagement in the face of slow or no change. Jennifer shares her conversation with Julie Rose on the Uncomfy podcast, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in peacemaking. The discussion highlights how discomfort is often a necessary part of fostering understanding and building relationships that contribute to a beloved community. Listeners are encouraged to embrace uncomfortable conversations and stay engaged, as the long-term rewards of peacemaking far outweigh the short-term discomfort. Join Jennifer as she reflects on these themes and offers practical advice for navigating challenging interactions.

[00:02:46] Advocacy outside comfort zones.

[00:05:21] Women of faith in politics.

[00:09:05] Peacefully expressing anger effectively.

[00:10:17] Channeling anger to action.

[00:14:51] Advocacy as a long game.

[00:18:24] Politics and instant gratification.

[00:21:42] Finding purpose and joy.

See full show notes from the Uncomfy podcast episode here: https://www.byuradio.org/how-to-stay-politically-engaged-when-you-feel-like-giving-up-jennifer-walker-thomas

Watch this episode from Uncomfy on BYU Radio’s YouTube channel here.

For transcript, visit https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/proclaim-peace