“Do what you and your family need. Let go of the cultural and even the church expectations. Just take time to behold — to behold the wondrous mystery of Christ among us and Christ in us and Christ born for us.”  — Leslie Leyland Fields

Author and writing teacher Leslie Leyland Fields joins us on the podcast to discuss the beautiful messiness of Advent and the joys of writing one’s own story.

As we look toward the start of Advent on December 1, some of us might be frantically crafting our to-do lists and dreading a busy month of deadlines. But what if it could be different? Author and writing teacher Leslie Leyland Fields joins us on the podcast to discuss the Advent book she recently edited entitled A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season. Leslie talks with us about her own complicated history with Advent and Christmas, then offers actionable suggestions for making choices that can shape a more manageable holiday season. We discuss her work as a writing teacher, and Leslie makes a convincing case for the importance of writing one’s story. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on A Radiant Birth for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Leslie shares her experience of juggling a teaching career while raising four small children. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"We need to be cautious about hyperbole, about dramatizing things before they are reality. One of the major issues we are facing in politics for a decade or more now is the erosion of truth, the erosion of fact based information and that comes in lots of different forms and lots of different directions, but the misrepresentation of one another and the ways that fear is evoked in people is extremely powerful and can be dangerous." — Miranda Zapor Cruz

Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author and professor Miranda Zapor Cruz where they talk about our primary citizenship in the Kingdom of God and how that relates to the important task of political engagement.

In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Miranda Zapor Cruz about her book Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club!

Miranda Zapor Cruz helps us to envision what faithful citizenship looks like, from the lens of being citizens of God’s kingdom. She talks about the reality of Christians who share a common faith thinking very differently about politics. She discusses the kind of spiritual disposition we need to exhibit in the wake of the elections and offers us practical advice on how we can have constructive conversations in our churches with Christians who think differently from us. She reminds us of the mission of the Church and our witness in how we engage with politics.

Miranda Zapor Cruz is professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University and Chair of the School of Theology and Ministry. She teaches courses in systematic theology, church history, and American and global Christianity. Her research, writing, and speaking focus on faith and politics, religious nationalism, and theological foundations for justice. She directs The Sacred Alliance, a subsidiary of Wesley Seminary which helps denominations, churches, and pastors move from simply affirming women in ministry leadership to implementing their support practically. She is also a preacher with a deep love for the church and sees her teaching and writing as a ministry in service of the Kingdom of God. Miranda holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University, and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. She lives in Indiana with her husband and daughter.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“I love the relational dimension of teaching, where you get to meet someone at the point of their curiosity or openness, right at their learning edge, and help them into a place of seeing something more complexly or shifting a perspective in such a way that it changes something, for them and for me. It feels magical to me. It still does, after so many years. I think teaching is a pastoral ministry.”  — Marilyn McEntyre

Spiritual writer and speaker Marilyn McEntyre joins us on the podcast to talk about leaning into the darkness of winter and uncovering our creative gifts in that quiet space. 

It’s November, and winter is just around the corner. What might you do to embrace the quiet and depth of this season? Spiritual writer and professor Marilyn McEntyre joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Midwinter Light: Meditations for the Long Season. In our conversation, Marilyn shares her thoughts on creativity, slowing down, and hope as we discuss life in academia and the challenges of our world. Marilyn offers her own thoughtful wisdom on engaging with the news of the day, as well as some tips for incorporating play into your life. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Marilyn shares her best writing strategies for people in academia.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The core message for leaders is that before you do anything, that relationship with the Lord is the central piece.... The Lord loves you independently of anything you do.”  — Sheila Wise Rowe & Nicholas Rowe

Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to talk about the inner work required to lead as a secure and healing-centered person. 

What does it take to invest in our own healing and growth so that our leadership reflects our most centered and secure selves? Authors Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe join us on the podcast to discuss their book Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish.  In our conversation, Sheila and Nicholas share stories from their 30 years of marriage, ministry, and service, pointing us toward a vision for leadership that is secure and healing-centered. Together, they explain why even our most personal and private wounds can profoundly impact our leadership skills, and they offer some practical thoughts particularly for women in academia. Their shared history gives them a unique perspective on the healing journey of leaders, and I think you’ll really appreciate the wisdom they have to share with us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Healing Leadership Trauma for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Sheila and Nicholas share some profoundly wise and spiritual advice for surviving this election season.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“The biggest thing is to affirm ourselves and not wait for anyone or any room or anyone with any degree or any letters behind their name to affirm our voice and to say that our voice matters. We need to say it to ourselves and for ourselves.”  — Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez 

Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to talk about cultivating communities that offer a sense of safety, belonging, and sacredness to each person. 

What does it mean to pursue truth, compassion, and dignity in our church communities? Author Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez joins us on the podcast to discuss her book Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to Be Sacred, Soft, and Safe.  In our conversation, Pricelis offers a clear-eyed critique of some of the areas where our churches have failed in communicating compassion, then gently offers thoughtful suggestions for ways that we can reform and repair our own hearts and our beloved communities. Pricelis combines spiritual formation practices and an invitational style with stories about justice and a vision for a more reflective church body. Her own personal stories add specificity to her vision, and we’re left with a set of tools for growth and self-examination. I think you’ll enjoy our conversation, and if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt where Pricelis offers encouragement for grad students about perseverance.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“If you have two choices, go with the one that’s going to ask you to become a larger person, not the one you think you are capable of doing in that moment. That would be my advice to women…. Do the thing that you don’t think you can do right now and ask God to make you adequate for that.”  — Shirley Mullen

Author and Houghton University president emerita Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to talk about making space for nuanced conversation and political engagement in a polarized society. 

What does it look like to inhabit a middle space in the midst of a polarized society? Author and academic Dr. Shirley Mullen joins us on the podcast to discuss her vibrant work on the task of creating space for the exploration of complex perspectives. In our conversation, Shirley describes a path toward a more nuanced view of those black-and-white issues that permeate our social and political discourse. She shares her own personal experience of staking out middle spaces and offers suggestions for those of us in academia who feel exhausted by the sensation of not fitting in on any side. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Shirley talks about how the experience of women in academia differs depending on marital status.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

“When I practice receiving the love of God, opening myself to receive the love of God, I’m blessed by that encounter, understanding that God is love. He is the very essence of love. The very essence of God is love.”  — Barbara L. Peacock

Author and spiritual director Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to talk about the ways attending to the care of our souls impacts our lives. 

How can we attend to the care of our souls in a way that helps us to flourish in our lives? Author, spiritual director, and ministry leader Dr. Barbara Peacock joins us on the podcast to discuss her work in the practice of soul care. In our conversation, Barbara explores the breadth of spiritual practices that can support our formation and the ways we can integrate these into our lives. We talk about her work in understanding the shaping force of history in our spiritual lives, particularly the impact of African American history in our culture today. Barbara’s wisdom and experience offers great insight into spiritual growth for all of us. In addition — I’m pleased to tell you that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on one of Barbara’s books for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase Soul Care in African American Practice at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. For those interested in Barbara’s book Spiritual Practices for Soul Care, you’ll find a link to that book in the show notes as well. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Barbara offers her best spiritual advice for graduate students and faculty.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"Your education is not just about the knowledge-acquisition, it’s not just about the degree at the end, but it’s also about your formation. How would God speak to you through whatever class you’re in, whatever program you’re in, through the community of scholars you’re a part of? Be looking for that too." — Rob Dixon

Authors Amy and Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to talk about encouraging women and girls to fully receive the good gifts God gives to each of us.

What does it look like to empower women to live out their God-given callings even from girlhood? In an interview that is a little different from our usual offerings, Amy & Rob Dixon join us on the podcast to discuss their new picture book entitled *Penny Preaches.* Our conversation covers Amy & Rob’s writing and publishing process, the joys of working on this project together, and the appreciated they’ve already heard from readers of this book. They talk frankly about some of the opposition they’ve experienced as well as the hope they have for women in the church. Amy & Rob were really fun to talk with, and I’m extra-pleased to invite you into a book giveaway! Head to 2well.us/penny before September 18 and fill out our book giveaway form to be entered into a drawing for one of four copies of Penny Preaches. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Amy & Rob offer some tips on raising children in a dual-career family.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"In your heart of hearts — your deepest conviction — do you believe that God is sufficient for your need? Because if we don’t, it’s treating perfection like an idol in our life. We can become enslaved to the point where it distorts us." — Joanna Meyer

Listen in on our summer book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals director Karen Guzmán conducts an online discussion with author Joanna Meyer where they talk about perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of our podcast as we share the recording from our Summer 2024 Book Club author event. In this interview, we hear from the director of Women Scholars and Professionals, Karen Guzmán, who hosts a conversation with author Joanna Meyer about her book Women, Work, and Calling. 

This conversation with Joanna offers a snapshot of the experience of participating in a Women Scholars and Professionals book club — plus, you’ll enjoy getting to know Joanna and the ideas in her book as they discuss perfectionism, mentorship, and the nuances of working well with male colleagues. Our book club finale episode begins with Karen’s introduction of our guest and we’ll cap it off (after the credits) with an excerpt from the conversation where Joanna asks a question for our book club members that she is curious about. 

You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

"You're someone who's smart and who's capable and God has plans for those gifts." —Dr. Jennifer Holberg

What is the best advice you've heard about starting the school year? Listen in to some of the wisest moments from our podcast in this special back-to-school episode.

We’re looking toward a fresh school year and thinking especially about those of you who might be looking for some tips and tricks from women who have experience with university life and rhythms. Perhaps you’re a first-year graduate student, preparing yourself for a course of rigorous study. Or maybe you’re easing into life as a faculty member at a new institution. Or perhaps you’ve been around for a little while but you’re looking for some fresh tips and energy to help you start the year well.

For this special podcast episode, we’ve combed through our interviews from the past year and curated a series of conversation moments that address the question: What advice do you have for women who are new grad students or faculty? We invite you to settle in and receive these words from women who have been there and have hope for your future.

We’re going to dip into six different podcast conversations for this episode. I won’t offer lengthy introductions of each of these guests or their books, but if you’d like to follow up and listen to the full conversations with them, you can find links to all of the featured episodes in our show notes. 

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well.

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!