Sunday School for Misfits with Dr Selina Stone

Today we continue conversations with creatives, with the gem that is Jake Isaac. We discuss his beginnings playing the drums in church, and his ability to transcend the divide between 'sacred' and 'secular' spaces. Also, what we can learn from MJ, Kanye West and Jon Batiste, and what he hopes his children will learn from his artistic journey. This is a beautiful conversation, I hope you enjoy it.

*Notices*

The competition closes on Sunday 11th August at 12 noon.

To take part in Andy Symmons research on podcasts, faith and spirituality in Britain go to: http://bit.ly/podcastsanddeconstruction

This is a solo episode on being 'the first' and moving into new pastures. I reflect on Joseph's journey and the unexpected communal blessings that can come from an individual's bold movement. Complete with summer life and writing updates.

In this episode, I have special guest, innovator and creative Seth Pinnock (@sethanthonyp) talking all things black creativity, entrepreneurship and imagination. We discuss his musical roots, leading a youth movement at 17, and how to decide which risks are worth taking as an entrepreneur. This is a great conversation with lots of laughter and food for thought.

This week is a special episode to launch the new book by Shani Akilah (@ShaniAkilah) 'For Such a Time as This'. We talk about the journey of becoming a writer, some of the themes covered in this brilliant short story collection - including spirituality and faith - and top tips for those hoping to break into this creative field.

In this episode, I speak with screenwriter Karla Williams (@SheWritesOn) about her journey growing up as a Pastor's kid in a Black Pentecostal church, and her career in the creative industry. We discuss our early church zeal, the lessons we have learnt along the way, and the power of storytelling to build empathy and witness to the truth.

In this episode, I share a bit about the journey to being the first Black woman to be appointed as a lecturer in theology in the country. I then reflect on the trend of "manifesting" our dreams or what Pentecostals often call "writing the vision", and what we might consider as we mark Pentecost and the manifestation of the Spirit among believers.

Welcome back to Season 5 of SSFM! In this episode I reintroduce the podcast for new listeners, and then reflect on my holiday in Gambia. I discuss "sex tourism" and trafficking by white Brits (especially women), the need for "black male studies" and our privileges as Black British travellers.

In this final episode of the season, I process my struggles with hope and despair, and my reading of Afro-pessimist philosophy in light of recent events (Gaza, colonialism debates in the C of E and Diane Abbott). This is not a neat episode, but it's honest - about the reluctance of institutions to change, and the need to create alternative worlds within worlds. I might change my mind, but I am sure I am not alone in feeling these things. Thanks for listening.

*PSA this is not a cheerful Easter episode so feel free to skip it if that's what you need.

In this Lenten episode, Carlton and I discuss an idea which did not make it into our Lenten resources but which is very important in rethinking darkness. We discuss the dark mysteries of God, the known and the unknown in God and in ourselves, and the importance of leaving room for what is uncertain in our journeys of faith. This is not to be missed.

This episode is all about death - our mortality as human beings and the small deaths we experience of our hopes and expectations. It is not a cheery one, but an honest reflection on coming to terms with the end of things, in this season of Lent. We end with help from Cole Arthur Riley's new book Black Liturgies.

(Trigger Warning: grief and loss, suicide and euthanasia)