In Good Faith

Ayesha Daya tells Steve about her experience in learning more about her Ismaili heritage and starting the Muslim Footprints podcast. Learn about prayer, communal worship, and more from this amazing guest! Ayesha Daya is the founder of Kalima, a Dubai-based communications and content creation agency. In 2023 Ayesha launched the Muslim Footprints podcast, in association with the Ismaili community. Previously, Ayesha worked as the Middle East Energy correspondent for Bloomberg News and Dow Jones Newswires.

Janette Ok tells us about the recently released The New Testament In Color, a massive project involving numerous academics and perspectives. She teaches us that, when we view the scriptures through the lens of culture, we can make these sacred texts more colorful and find more application in our lives. Janette H. Ok serves as Associate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Seminary, where she has guest-hosted "Centering: The Asian American Christian Podcast." Her most recent book is the co-edited volume The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Biblical Commentary (IVP Academic, 2024). Janette is an ordained pastor and preacher with over 25 years of ministry experience.

We have a new show in the In Good Faith family that we're excited to share with you. Voiceover: Movies that Move Us is hosted by Heather Bigley; she talks with guests about the movie that made a mark. In this episode she and Steve sit down for a discussion of Dune Part 2, a movie that made Steve think about choices, consequences, and opportunities. Subscribe to Voiceover: Movies that Move Us now, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the BYUradio app.

Dr. Christina and Ekemini, hosts of the award winning podcast Truth's Table, discuss matters of love, justice, and truth-telling. How can we communicate truth with love? How can we prepare for the responses of those around us? Learn the answers, and wisdom!, from these vibrant women. Ekemini Uwan and Dr. Christina Edmondson are co-hosts of the award-winning Truth’s Table podcast, and have co-authored Truth’s Table: Black Women's Musings on Life, Love and Liberation (2022, Convergent Books). Ekemini Uwan is a public theologian, international human rights activist, and a 2022 Aspen Ideas Festival Fellow and a 2023 Special Advisor for The Aspen Institute’s Racial Justice and Religion Collective. Dr. Christina Edmondson co-authored InterVarsity Press’s 2023 Justice Award book of the year, Faithful Anti-racism. She holds degrees from Hampton University, the University of Rochester, and Tennessee State University.

John Philip Newell teaches about celtic spirituality, the relationship between humanity and Earth, and his book The Great Search. Join Steve as he learns more about our guest and his pursuit of spirituality. John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author. Born in Canada, he and his wife now live in Scotland. He has written over fifteen books, including his most recent: The Great Search (2024). He has been described as having “the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar.”

Josh Good discusses the significance of faith in modern society, the value of interfaith collaboration, and how religious diversity can help society create solutions to current issues. Josh Good directs the Aspen Institute's Religion and Society Program and has led Faith Angle Forum, a program that strengthens reporting and commentary on how religious believers, religious convictions, and moral arguments affect American politics and public life. His writing has been published by Rutledge Press in The Hill, national Review, DESE News, and the American.

Dave Gibbons discusses the concept of third culture, and how Jesus may be the ultimate third culture person. He explains how it is important to love and serve in any community, regardless of pain or discomfort, and talks about how he has faced his PTSD and trauma with faith and purpose. Dave Gibbons is the founder and lead pastor of New Song Church in Santa Ana, California. He's recently published "The Shape of My Eyes, a memoir on Race, faith, and Finding Myself" From Worthy Books. Gibbons has served on the Board of World Vision and Fuller Seminary.

Father Laurence Freeman shares his journey to becoming a Benedictine monk and the pivotal role meditation plays in spiritual growth. He delves into the core principles of the Benedictine order and reveals the profound impact of cultivating inner stillness. Tune in for practical tips on beginning your own contemplative practice and enriching your spiritual life. Before entering monastic life, Laurence Freeman worked with the United Nations in New York, in Banking and Journalism. He is Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM), an inclusive contemplative community. A prolific author, his most recent book is Tasting Wisdom: Meditations for Every Day of the Year (Canterbury Press Norwich, March 2025). He was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his work for interfaith dialogue and the promotion of world peace.

Pastor Kevin Brown delves into his transformative journey from leading an executive search firm to co-founding the Perfecting Church. He shares powerful personal stories about why and how he felt called to do God's work. Additionally, Pastor Brown stresses the importance of fostering unity and understanding amidst societal polarization, offering insightful perspectives on building stronger, faith-driven communities. Pastor Kevin Brown founded Perfecting Ministries with his wife, Angela Brown. He's the pastor of Perfecting Church, a growing multi-ethnic church in the greater Philadelphia region. He's also the founder of Diverse But Not Divided, a network of churches of different hues and views that work to unify the church in a day of increasing polarity.

Steve sits down with Julie Boerio-Goates and Dr. Brandon Peterson to chat about the legacy of Pope Frances, including his journey from Jorge of Argentina to the Bishop of Rome. Dr. Julianna Boerio-Goates was our very first guest on Episode 1 and returned to help lead a discussion on Henri Nouwen’t book “Spiritual Direction” in our book club Episode 229. Julie is a retired professor of thermo dynamics. Julie discusses the intersection of science and faith, navigating a mixed-faith marriage, and what keeps her connected to God in her everyday life and in her service to her Catholic parish. Dr. Brandon Peterson is also a returning guest—he was most recently on our Holy Week series talking about the meaning and observance of Good Friday. Brandon is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Utah in the Department of of World Languages & Cultures and an adjunct in the Department of Philosopy. Brandon is also a parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

Major Nesan Kistan discusses the role the Salvation Army has played in his life, outlines some of its charitable programs, and explains how it inspires him to turn his love into kindness. Despite hardship and loss, his faith pushes him to serve. Major Nesan Kistan is the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, currently serving in the Intermountain Division. Previously, he served in Orange County, and was on the Commission to End Homelessness. Born in South Africa, his family relocated to Australia when he was 8 to escape apartheid. He is married to Cheryl Kistan, who is also a Captain in the Salvation Army.

Dr. Pamela Epstein King delves into the intersection of thriving and spiritual development, discussing her personal and professional journey. From pondering the fullness of life to engaging in cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue, Dr. King shares insights on how individuals and communities can thrive. She also addresses the psychological and theological aspects of thriving, emphasizing the significance of relationships, purpose, and unique contributions to community Pamela Ebstyne King is the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at the Fuller School of Psychology and the executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development. Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of thriving and spiritual development. She has conducted research funded by Biologos Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, and Tyndale House. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), she has led high school and college ministries for various community organizations and churches.

Sit down with AJ Levine, Seemi Ghazi, Trey Ferguson, and James Early for a discussion about how Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities interpret the Genesis stories about Adam and Eve. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish studies and has written many books about the New Testament, including Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians. Seemi Ghazi is a lecturer at the University of British Columbia on Quranic Arabic, with interests in Sufism and comparative mysticism, Islamic and Muslim feminism, theology and exegesis, and Muslim vocal arts. Trey Ferguson is a minister, writer, and speaker,. He is the author of Theologizin' Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly and host of the New Living Treyslation podcast. James Early is a Bible teacher and gives talks and conducts workshops for churches and groups. He conducts weekly Bible study classes at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT, and hosts The Bible Speaks to You Podcast.

Gaye Strathearn, Associate Dean of the BYU School of Religion, discusses Easter Sunday.

Jeff McCullough discusses Holy Saturday. Jeff McCullough is the host and producer of the YouTube Channel Hello Saints.

Brandon Peterson shares his personal connection to Good Friday. Brandon Peterson is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Utah, in the Department of of World Languages & Cultures and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Philosophy. Brandon is also a parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

Reverend Dani Lee from St. Mary's Episcopal Church, a friend of the show talks to us about Tenebrae and Maundy Thursday.

Leland Spindler, executive artistic director of Lux Choral Society, discusses the Holy Week musical event that he's organized for the interfaith community for over ten years.

Tyler Griffin, professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, explains Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week.

Pastor Mike Smith from Centerpoint Utah discusses Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the first day of Holy Week.