Quakers Today

Quakers and Virtual Communities

In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, What are your thoughts and feelings about virtual online worship communities? 
Writer Linda Seger talks about the essential work of centering into quiet as part of her regular writing process. In her QuakerSpeak interview, “Quakerism, Creativity, and the Artistic Process,” Linda shares about her approach to creativity and spirituality and how it is shaped by her Quaker faith.“Being able to center allows you to go to the computer to start that process without being in a frenetic desperate state.”
Linda also wrote the article “Nothing Can Separate Us from the Light” for the March issue of Friends Journal, in which she asks the question, “How isolated are we?”
Ann Jerome shares with us the success of creating and maintaining a sacred online gathering. She wrote the Friends Journal article, “We Listen as God Listens: Cultivating Sacred Space Online.”“The format is similar to worship sharing. What distinguishes it as unique is a handful of elements. One is the nature of the queries, which are written to be especially deeply searching and broadly welcoming.” Ann agreed to share some of the queries with us.What is silence, in addition to the absence of sound?
When have you experienced rebirth?
How do you know when you’ve entered sacred space, or when sacred space has entered you?
How has God surprised you lately?
Click here to listen to Ann Jerome read her entire article.
And Anita Bushell talks about the many ways she believes Zoom fails to provide the connections Quakers need. You can read her article, Zoom Spells Doom and Gloom: The False Promise of Virtual Meetings.“When we are present, fully 100% present with each other in person, we are not doing anything else. I think that social skills and social interactions always excite me.”
You will find a complete transcript of this episode at Friends Journal
After the episode concludes we share voicemails from listeners who answered the question, What are your thoughts and feelings about virtual online worship communities?
Question for next month
In the April issue of Friends Journal we will consider revival and personal spiritual growth. 
What about you? What is a daily practice that clears your head and steadies you for the day?
Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the USA.
Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online.
Season One of Quakers Today is sponsored by Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS).
Are you a young adult between 21 and 30 years old? Do you know a young adult who is looking for community and purpose-driven work? QVS is a year-long fellowship for young adults. Fellows work at nonprofits while building community and exploring Quakerism. Visit quakervoluntaryservice.org or find QVS on Instagram @quakervoluntaryservice.
Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org.
Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound. You heard “Tell It Later'” by Kikoru, “A Thousand Moons Ago” by Johannes Bornlog, “Company Keeper” by Frank Johnson, “School Days” by John Runefelt, “Breeze U” (instrumental version) by Collin Lilm, “Water Mirrors” by More Sugar, “The Big Let Down” by Curiosity, and “Stoked” by FElix Johansson Carne.

Faith Transformations

In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, How has your view of Jesus God or religion changed since you were young? 
Hayden Hobby was raised in an evangelical church. He reflects on leaving an abusive God and finding a new way of expressing faith. For Quakers today Hayden talks about the experience that led him to write the essay "Surviving Religious Trauma, How I left an Abusive God." Today he studies in a program taught jointly by Bethany Theological Seminary, and Earlham School of Religion.
Calliope George, a young adult and lifelong Quaker, continues to find her place in Quaker meetings. She talks about community within her age group and beyond.  You will find the full video and other QuakerSpeak videos at the QuakerSpeak YouTube channel, or visit Quakerspeak.com
You will also hear about a new book that explores forests around the world. In The Tree Line, The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth, Ben Rawlence connects with indigenous leaders who have been guardians of threatened wild spaces. He hopes his readers will learn how to think like a forest. 
You will find a complete transcript of this episode over at QuakersToday.org.
After this episode concludes we share voicemails from listeners who answered the question, How has your view of Jesus God or religion changed since you were young?
Question for next month
In the March 2023 issue of Friends Journal various writers will share their experiences, insights, and opinions about the many ways people found or failed to find community on-line during the COVID-19 Lockdown. They raise questions about the merits and limitations to virtual Quaker meetings for worship, and they highlight best practices that worked for some. 
What about you? What are your thoughts and feelings about virtual on-line communities or worship? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. 317 Quakers. +1 if calling from outside the USA.
Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. 
Season One of Quakers Today is sponsored by Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS.) 
Are you a young adult between 21 and 30 years old? Do you know a young adult who is looking for community and purpose-driven work? QVS is a year-long fellowship for young adults. Fellows work at nonprofits while building community and exploring Quakerism. Visit quakervoluntaryservice.org or find QVS on Instagram @quakervoluntaryservice. 
Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org.
Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound. You heard Timelapse by Phello, Sweeping Grounds by Major Tweaks, Pray by Gamma Skies, Final Wish by Dreem, and Smoky Smoky by John Runefelt.

Quakers and Reparations

Lucy Duncan and Rob Peagler from Reparation.Works discuss the questions that help guide their work. Lucy has been involved with groundbreaking reparations efforts in Philadelphia's Green Street Friends Meeting. Later this month Lucy and Rob will co-lead an online workshop called Exploring a Quaker Commitment to Reparative Justice. It is sponsored by Pendle Hill Quaker Center in collaboration with the Woodbrooke Centre in Birmingham, England.
We share an edited excerpt of the conversation. Click Here to listen to the complete conversation.
Links
(video) Rob and Lucy chatting with Quaker Earth Witness' Beverly Ward 
A Quaker Call to Abolition and Creation By Lucy Duncan (Friends Journal)
Dr. David Ragland, Reparations Are a Peace Treaty (Yes Magazine)
Germantown Quakers plan to give $500,000 as reparations to Black neighbors over the next decade. (Billy Penn) Green Street Friends is starting with a series of legal clinics to help preserve the wealth of Black homeowners.
Reparations leaders demand Biden act on H.R. 40 (Evanston Roundtable)
A Quaker Take Podcast: What Are Reparations?
Rethinking William Penn By Trudy Bayer (Friends Journal)
Bruce’s Beach heirs to sell land back to Los Angeles county for $20m. (The Guardian) California had returned land seized from Willa and Charles Bruce in 1920 to their heirs last year as part of its reparations policy
(video) Rise up for Reparations: a Juneteenth Revival
Avis Wanda McClinton talks about Manumissions and her mission to identify the Africans enslaved by Quakers in Philadelphia. The Quaker and Special Collections archive at Haverford College contains documents for 339 enslaved Africans who were freed between 1765 and 1790 by slaveholding families in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Avis Wanda McClinton explains that “The goal of the project is to be a restorative, healing force that connects modern descendants with their enslaved ancestors, and to understand the lives of these first generations of ‘freemen.’”
Last year Avis Wanda McClinton had a conversation with Martin Kelley, the senior editor of Friends Journal. You can see the entire conversation at the Friends Journal YouTube page.
Links
Confronting the Legacy of Quaker Slavery by Avis Wanda McClinton. (Friends Journal)
Inside Haverford’s Manumission Archives: An Interview with Mary Crauderueff and David Satten-López by Martin Kelley (Friends Journal)
Review: Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America By Candacy Taylor. 
This book is about the Green Book, one annual traveler’s guidebook but so much more. It is the story of a lost civilization: one that deserves to be lost but never forgotten. It tells the story of Black resistance to White repression, harassment, and tyranny. It tells about a subversive project: one that was designed to subvert Jim Crow but also contributed to the subversion of legal segregation and the denial of basic civil rights. 
-Paul Buckley, Friends Journal book review
Click Here to read a transcript of this episode.
After this episode concludes we share voicemails from listeners who answered the question, What are your thoughts, feelings, and understandings about reparations?
Question for next month
How has your view of Jesus, God, or religion changed since you were young? This question is raised in Margaret Kelso's article about Lent, which will appear in the February 2023 issue of Friends Journal.
Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. 
Season One of Quakers Today is sponsored by Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS) 
Are you a young adult between 21 and 30 years old? Do you know a young adult who is looking for community and purpose-driven work? QVS is a year-long fellowship for young adults. Fellows work at nonprofits while building community and exploring Quakerism. Visit quakervoluntaryservice.org or find QVS on Instagram @quakervoluntaryservice. 
Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org.
Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound. Tracks include: Soakin up the Sun (Instrumental Version) by Ludlów, Humbot by Wave Saver, A Dark Road to Nowhere by DEX 1200, Brand New Beginning by Öman, 

Quakers and Redemption

In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, “What does redemption mean to you?” 
Attorney, coach, mediator, and Quaker thought leader, Adria Gulizia, speaks with Peterson Toscano about evil. Adria’s article “Facing Evil, Finding Freedom: How Christ's Victory Over Sin Is Ours to Share Today” appears in the December 2022 issue of Friends Journal. To read more of Adria Gulizia’s writing visit Shadow of Babylon. 
Click here to hear a longer version of this conversation
We hear from a group of Quakers in New England who decided to meet regularly on-line to talk about White supremacy and the sin of separation. With the support of Beacon Hill Friends Meeting they created a  community where they could be honest with each other. Lisa Graustein, Aiham Korbage, Emma Turcotte, Jennifer Higgins-Newman, and Briana Halliwell talk about this experiment in community conversations. To learn more watch “Healing From the Sin of Separation” on YouTube. For more QuakerSpeak videos visit Quakerspeak.com. The series is produced by Rebecca Hamilton-Levi. New videos come out every other Thursday
We also look at reviews for the new memoir by longtime peace activist George Lakey. Dancing with History: A Life for Peace and Justice is published by Seven Stories Press and is available at FGC QuakerBooks or wherever you get books. Read Doug Gwyn’s review in Friends Journal.  
Click Here to read a transcript of this episode.
After this episode concludes we share voicemails from listeners who answered the question, What does redemption mean to you?
Question for next month
Our question is inspired by Jeff Hitchock’s essay Quakers and Reparations for Slavery and Jim Crow. It appeared in the June 2008 issue of Friends Journal. Hitchcock opens his article, “Out of the silence a woman asked, ‘Why don’t Friends take reparations more seriously? It’s the kind of issue Quakers take on.’”  In his piece Hitchock asks more questions about reparations. What are Reparations? Why are Reparations a Quaker Issue? How Does Reparations Work Benefit Quakers? What can Quakers do? 
What about you? What are your thoughts, feelings, and questions about reparations? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. 317 Quakers. +1 if calling from outside the USA.
Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. 
Season One of Quakers Today is sponsored by Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS.) 
Are you a young adult between 21 and 30 years old? Do you know a young adult who is looking for community and purpose-driven work? QVS is a year-long fellowship for young adults. Fellows work at nonprofits while building community and exploring Quakerism. Visit quakervoluntaryservice.org or find QVS on Instagram @quakervoluntaryservice. 
Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org.
Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound. You heard Getting Frisky by John Runefelt, Sneaky Sam by Jerry Lacey, Magnified by From Now On, Crab Boys by Auxjack and JOBII, Those Things You Do by Grip City Cronies, Soul on Fire by Nightcap, Through to You by Aluvio, and Excursions by Justnormal. 

Quakers and Fiction

In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, “What is a fictional story that has inspired you or challenged your world view?” 
Writer Anne E.G. Nydam reads an excerpt from her short story, “The Conduits.” You can read the entire story in the November 2022 Fiction edition of Friends Journal. Click here to hear Anne reading the whole story. Visit nydamprints.com to learn about Anne E.G. Nydam’s block prints and books. 
Cai Quirk, a trans and genderqueer photographer, focuses on the intersections of gender diversity and spirituality throughout history. Through the QuakerSpeak video, The Spirituality of Storytelling, they talk about the power of stories we can experience through words and images. In the September 2022 issue of Friends Journal you can see some of Cai’s photos from their book Transcendence. The book is now available for pre-orders. You can hear an extended interview with them on a brand new podcast, The Seed. In the episode Cai considers the question, What can the natural world teach us about ourselves? The Seed is an excellent show hosted by Dwight Dunston. It is a project of Pendle Hill Study Center.
We also look at a new graphic novel about a radical, eccentric prophet against slavery. Marcus Rediker told the story in his 2017 book, The Fearless Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist. And now there is the graphic novel, Prophet Against Slavery. It is authored by Rediker along with Paul Buhle. David Lester drew the dynamic and moving images. Read Gwen Gosney Erickson’s review of the graphic novel in Friends Journal. You will also find an interview with David Lester, the illustrator of the graphic novel. 
Click Here to read a transcript of this episode.
After this episode concludes we share listener voicemails in answer to the question, What is a fictional story that has inspired you or challenged your world view?
Question for next month: Today in the twenty-first century, what does redemption mean to you? We would love to hear and share what you have to say. Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377 (+1 if calling from outside the United States or Canada). Please have your answers in by December 5, 2022. 
Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. 
Season One of Quakers Today is sponsored by Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS.) 
Are you a young adult between 21 and 30 years old? Do you know a young adult who is looking for community and purpose-driven work? QVS is a year-long fellowship for young adults. Fellows work at nonprofits while building community and exploring Quakerism. Visit quakervoluntaryservice.org or find QVS on Instagram @quakervoluntaryservice. 
Feel free to send comments, questions, and requests for our new show. Email us at podcast@friendsjournal.org.

What is Quakers Today and Who is Making it Happen?

Hi I’m Peterson Toscano. I am a Quaker and a podcaster. Whenever I tell someone that they thought I think they imagine some dude sitting behind a microphone in quiet contemplation. 
Ah, no. For me podcasting is all about sounds. It is also about people and the stories they have to tell. 
For over 10 years I have produced or hosted nearly 10 podcasts. They have touched on a variety of issues. LGBTQ+ liberation, faith, Bible scholarship, climate justice, and storytelling. I come to all of these shows as a Quaker seeking to encounter the humanity, insight, wisdom, and world views of the people I feature. And as a member of the Religious Society of Friends I approach each episode with questions. Lots of questions. 
While hosting these shows I have not shied away from my Quaker faith and practice. And I never produced a show specifically about Quakers and the issues that draw us into deeper discussion and reflection. That was until now. I am thrilled to announce that starting on November 15th 2022 I will host the first season of a new Quaker podcast. Quakers Today is a monthly podcast that will feature people and stories from Friends Journal, QuakerSpeak videos, and content generated by listeners. The first season of Quakers Today is made possible through the generous support of Quaker Voluntary Service. 
I will feature Quakers and other seekers who share their questions and their journeys with us. You will also hear reviews about books, films, music, games, and more. 
Each episode begins with a question. Throughout the 15 minute show guests reveal their perspectives and insights. Listeners also have the chance to share their thoughts and feelings by leaving voicemails. Just call 317-QUAKERS.
In our first episode we consider the question,
“What is a fictional story that has inspired you or challenged your world view?”
It may be a story you read in a book or a magazine. It might be a TV series or a film. “What is a fictional story that has inspired you or challenged your world view?” Call 317-Quakers that’s 317-782-5377. 
Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporations, an independent nonprofit Quaker organization that publishes Friends Journal magazine. They also produce the QuakerSpeak video series on YouTube. You will find excellent information about Quakerism on their website Quaker.org. Learn more about Friends Publishing's work at Friendsjournal.org and Quakerspeak.com. 
And many thanks to Quaker Voluntary Service for sponsoring Season One of our show. QVS is the only organization in the United States dedicated solely to the spiritual and vocational needs of young adult Friends and seekers. Learn about the year-long fellowship program for young adults. Or find QVS on Instagram. 
The first episode of Quakers Today will premiere on November 15th 2022. It is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Or visit QuakersToday.org. 
Thank you Friend. I look forward to spending some time with you. 

Announcing the Quakers Today Podcast

How do prevailing cultural values affect your life? 
What is your understanding of the Divine and how it works in you?
What music, films, or games represent how you see yourself in the world?
Quakers Today are asking all sorts of questions. We decided to invite Quakers and other seekers to share their questions and their journeys with us. Hi, I’m Peterson Toscano, host of the new Quakers Today podcast.
Every month Quakers Today will feature writers, musicians, and thinkers who are seeking wisdom and understanding in a rapidly changing world. You will hear views and reviews from a variety of guests, some famous, and most just everyday people.
I realize there is a lot of content coming at us all the time. So we decided to create a short 15 minute show to share some of the people, media, and questions that help ground and guide us in our pursuit of a meaningful life. Each episode begins with a question. We do not pretend to have all the answers. Instead we have a place where you can hear people speak from the heart, grapple with faith, and share the insights they have found along the way. It is also a place where you will have the opportunity to share your own insights, reflections, and questions.
Join me each month as I feature people who are not afraid to ask and answer deep questions. Quakers Today premieres November 15, 2022. 
Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation.