Candid Conversations With Leaders Episodes

The wait is over! In this episode of Grounds for Peace, host Blake Smith sits down with Joelle Wight, director of the upcoming 2026 Peace Forum, to talk about the highly anticipated return of the church's flagship peace event. Joelle shares how we can embrace "faithful disagreement" with wonder, what to expect from the brand-new Creative Reuse Pop-Up, and the incredibly inclusive ways for adults, youth, and global online congregations to participate. Secure your early bird registration before S...

What is the Christian Church? Why is it important for Christians to meet together in fellowship and worship? In a social climate where division and marginalization of others seem to be trending in the wrong direction, it’s important for us to remember the place and purpose of the Church. Join host Carla Long and guests Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith for this discussion on various models the church can be and its theological purpose as they explore the term "ecclesiology," which originally aired...

Do you have to be religious to live a good life? In this thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation, Shannon McAdam and Jack Hindle explore what it really means to be a "good person" through the lenses of honesty, self-reflection, compassion, grace, and community. Together they wrestle with questions about spirituality, accountability, human nature, and the challenge of choosing what is right over what is comfortable. Along the way, they discover that a good life may be less about having all the a...

Courageous compassion, prophetic witness, and faithful engagement in a hurting world are all a part of being a disciple of Jesus, the Peaceful One. Join Blake Smith and Linda Stanbridge in a conversation that explores difficult questions surrounding advocacy, empathy, media attention, and the call to stand with vulnerable communities while affirming the worth and dignity of all people. Grounded in Christian discipleship and peacemaking, the discussion offers practical ways to move beyond awarene...

What does it really mean to be a “good person,” and is that the same thing as being Christ-like? In this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Jack Hindle and Shannon McAdam wrestle with questions of faith, community, belonging, evangelism, and the courage to change our minds. From joy and justice to loneliness, rigid beliefs, and the longing for authentic connection, this episode explores how spirituality can create space for people to show up as their truest selves. Honest, reflective, and...

Something new is brewing at Faith Unfiltered, and this is it... Reclaim with host Jessica Pycior. In this premier episode of Reclaim, Jessica invites listeners into a deeply embodied and expansive vision of faith through the life and witness of Pastor Jenny Lowndes—artist, athlete, spiritual leader, and advocate. In a rich and honest conversation, Jenny reflects on what it means to live with authenticity, embracing every facet of her identity as a sacred expression of God’s work within her. From...

What does it really mean to be religious—and who gets hurt when belief goes unexamined? In this thought-provoking episode, Jack and Shannon dive into big, uncomfortable questions about faith, power, and the real-world impact of theology. From challenging harmful interpretations of suffering to exploring whether “faithful disagreement” has limits, the conversation pushes beyond easy answers into the messy, human reality of belief. It’s honest, nuanced, and an invitation to wrestle with faith in w...

From a devout Catholic childhood in Brooklyn to the hard questions of identity, addiction, and faith, Mary Cusack’s story is one of honesty, struggle, and remarkable resilience. In this deeply personal conversation with host, Robin Linkhart, Mary reflects on growing up surrounded by the rituals and beauty of Catholic devotion while wrestling with the painful belief that who she was might be incompatible with the God she loved. Her journey reveals how faith can endure—even when everything you tho...

Welcome to The Cafe, the latest addition to the Faith Unfiltered Podcast family and the Brewed Awakening series. Grab your coffee or tea, or whatever makes you feel most grateful and kick back for a casual conversation among friends. In this episode of The Cafe, you’ll hear about serviceberries, generosity, and reciprocity. Panelists Nick Keehler and Linda Stanbridge are joined by guest Blake Smith to talk about gift economies and how they can change the world one relationship, one life, and one...

It’s time to meet the rest of the panel for the new Brewed Awakenings panel series. From extroverts with lots to say to introverts trying to find a voice and fill up space, there is room for everyone at this table. Join host Blake Smith in a sit-down with the other half of the panel, Nick Keehler, Mary Cusack, and Linda Stanbridge, who will be bringing hard conversations about important topics to the forefront. Listen in to find out why they agreed to be on the panel and what areas of social jus...

Ever wished the church would talk about a topic that mattered to you, but didn’t because it was too edgy or too politically charged or just not “appropriate” to discuss in public? You are not alone. In this new series, Brewed Awakenings, you're sure to hear conversations that will get you thinking. In this introductory episode, you’ll meet and hear from some of the panelists who are passionate about social justice and they’re not afraid to talk about it. Find out why they’re here and allow their...

Something new is being born in Community of Christ. A new spirit of hope is rising, and sometimes we need a reminder of all that we’ve experienced as a people and how we’ve been blessed by being open to God’s movement among us. This Cuppa Joe episode which originally aired two years ago, is a great way for us to remember our past, and ground ourselves for what is yet ahead. Much has happened since the start of our movement... some good, some not so good … but all of it is filled with valuable te...

It all started with the pandemic which found many congregations gathered in virtual fellowship and worship, helping maintain community despite losses. And, for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls congregation, it didn’t end there. Instead, the entered into a discernment journey that led them to new and exciting adventures. With an emphasis on teamwork, communication, and leveraging their strengths, this congregation has found its new calling. Join host Robin Linkhart and the pastor team of the Waterloo-Ced...

You are seen and you are known in all the good ways ... and, you are part of us. These are the “take away” words of Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith in this second part of their conversation with host, Blake Smith. If you find yourself – in the past, now, or in the future – in what you consider a time of crisis or doubt with regards to your faith journey, you are likely to find this conversation uplifting and encouraging ... not to change, but to recognize that there is a safe space for you in Co...

Not everyone experiences faith in the same way. As a matter of fact, some find themselves in a crisis of faith, while others have decided to discard faith altogether... often because of a disconnect between what they were taught and what they have come to know. But what if doubt and questioning were a good thing? Is that even possible? Well, according to guests Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith, not only is it possible, it is often healthy and helpful as we navigate our spiritual journey. Grab a c...

How does one find hope in the midst of the suffering and evil that are present in our world? Why do we blame God when there are things we can do to make a difference? Join Carla, Tony and Charmaine as they discuss Liberation Theodicies’ answer to these questions and more ... and how their focus on Jesus’ understanding of systemic injustice calls us to move from theory to action. Recommended by Tony and Charmaine for further study: Why is There Suffering: Pick Your Own Theological Expedition by ...

Carrie may not survive a Zombie Apocalypse, but there is so much that she can do and loves to do. Join Say What hosts, Kassie and Mary Anne, for a behind the scenes look at the life of newly ordained apostle, Carrie Welch. Find out what brings Carrie joy and what she’s been learning about herself and her new colleagues as she lives into her new role. From music to books to travel, Carrie shares a more personal side in this candid and casual interview. Listen to the Nice to Matcha episode with C...