Thee Quaker Podcast

As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, she invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, to find harmony in dissonance like a jazz musician, and to embrace the profound Quaker practice of discernment in a world crying out for genuine connection and "fiery love."

Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions.

Join Friends General Conference for the 2025 Young Adult and Youth (YAY) Gathering from July 2-6 in Clarkston, Michigan, where our theme "Peace Like a River, Joy Like a Fountain" celebrates creativity, worship, and play in an inclusive, intergenerational Quaker community. Registration and more information is available at www.fgcquaker.org/yay, and is open to young adults (18-35), youth (0-18), their families, and volunteers of all ages. The deadline for registration is June 1st, so don’t delay.

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Are we living through apocalyptic times? If so, how can we navigate this time of turmoil and come out on the other end with a society more whole, more just, and more guided by love? Quakers may have (part of) the answer.

Quaker author and retired pastor, Doug Gwyn joins Jon Watts to explore how the "apocalyptic spirituality" of early Friends offers profound wisdom for navigating our own era of upheaval. From the nonviolent "Lamb's War" of the 1650’s to the direct action of the 1960’s, and right up until today, he leads us to a vision of a grassroots spiritual and cultural revolution against alienation and injustice.

Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions.

World Quaker Day is on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, and this year’s theme is “Love your neighbor.” Friends World Committee for Consultation would like to invite you to take that message to heart and live it out in your own local community. Find helpful ideas for how to do that and free resources at fwcc.world/worldquakerday.

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As our democracy faces an existential threat it’s important that we look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker peace activist George Lakey. Lakey has been singing freedom songs in the streets since the civil rights movement, and on this week’s podcast episode we talk with George about the nonviolent database he helped to assemble which shows 39 recent cases of countries whose people nonviolently overthrew a dictator.

Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions.

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Using both the pulpit and the page, Quaker pastor Philip Gulley has been a bold voice that challenges the church’s stance on heaven and hell, LGBTQ issues, and more. As he’s seen greater censorship in the publishing world, Phil has moved to an online newsletter where he questions the rise of Donald Trump and calls Christians to be more active in the pursuit of truth and justice.

In this interview, Jon speaks with Phil about his changing beliefs in God, his focus post-election, and much more.

Visit the episode page for a transcript, links and discussion questions.

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Spanning more than 150 years, Black Fire brings together the words of Friends who spoke truth to power in some of America’s most tumultuous times. Featuring the writing and speeches of Bayard Rustin, Bill Sutherland, Sojourner Truth and many more, this book is a unique exploration into the spirituality and activism of Black Friends, told in their own words.

In partnership with Friends General Conference, we’re bringing you an exclusive peek into the new audiobook of Black Fire: African American Quakers on Spirituality and Human Rights.

In this behind-the-scenes episode, we’ll speak with some of the book’s editors and share never-before-heard excerpts from the audio version.

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There were so many memorable moments in Season 2 of the podcast that we had to revisit a few for our final episode of 2024. We’ve chosen clips from interviews with famous Friends and moments of deep spiritual insight. Join us as we reflect on a meaningful year with Thee Quaker Podcast.

Listen to our top five episodes:

• How to Vote Like a Quaker
• Quaker Musician Carrie Newcomer Finds Songs Out of the Silence
• What Do Quakers Wear?
• How to Build a Daily Quaker Practice
• What Do Quakers Believe?

We’re hiring a new podcast producer. Check out the job opening at theequaker.org/jobs.

Follow Georgia's next steps:

@Georgiaonyrmnd

@PatentPendingCeramics

Georgia's audio homepage

Find a transcript and discussion questions (and leave us a comment) on our episode page.

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‘Tis the season to answer one of the Internet’s most burning questions…Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? We called up Friends from around the globe to find the answer(s), and you might be surprised at what they say. 

Visit our episode page to comment on this episode, for discussion questions, and for a transcript.

Thank you to our sponsor Right Sharing of World Resources
Do you want to have conversations about global equity? Are you interested in connecting with like minded people who are interested in building a more just world? 

Join Right Sharing of World Resources the 3rd Tuesday of each month on Zoom. Hosted by Nathan Kleban, these Conversations will explore sharing the world’s resources and how this might emerge in our day-to-day lives.

Learn more at https://rswr.org/community-engagement.

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“It's my responsibility and obligation as a Quaker to keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive,” says James Varner. And that’s what he’s done for more than 60 years. In this episode, James shares his passion to promote equality and love in Quaker circles and beyond.

Discussion questions, a transcript, and a link to the full interview with James can be found on our episode page.

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On our final episode of Season 2, we sit down with a US-based Palestinian Quaker who works with refugees. He shares what it was like to grow up in Palestine under Israeli occupation, his views on pacifism in the midst of the Israel-Hamas war, and how he’s trying to live out his Quaker faith.

We know this is a complicated topic, and this episode presents just one person’s perspective. We welcome listener comments and ways that you are navigating this topic as Friends. Please leave your thoughts on the episode page. You can also find a reading list from our guest and our friend Max Carter.

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Why would a virtually unknown Quaker entrepreneur attempt the impossible and run for president of the United States (in 2024)? And how in the world did he win a primary? On today’s episode, we to talk to former presidential candidate Jason Palmer and find out.

Visit QuakerPodcast.com for transcripts, links, and more!

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