The Quaker experiment at Eastern State Penitentiary was meant to be a sanctuary for the soul, a place to reform criminals through silence and reflection. Instead, it accidentally engineered a form of psychological torture: solitary confinement. This episode uncovers the complicated history of this "Great Experiment" and then journeys to the offices of AFSC Prison Watch, where a new generation of Quaker activists are confronting this legacy by listening to the raw, firsthand accounts of people who have survived the modern system. ---------------------------------------------Westtown School, a leading Quaker day school for Pre-K to 12th grade is hosting Open Houses this Fall. Upper School, Saturday, October 25th, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.Middle School, Thursday, October 30th, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.Lower School, Wednesday, November 5th, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.Learn more at www.westtown.edu/fall.
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27:55
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27:55
Can We Make America Good? with Philip Gulley (re-release)
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 examines the rise of Donald Trump and calls on Christians to be more active in the pursuit of truth and justice.In this interview, Jon speaks with Phil about Christian nationalism, his focus post-election, and much more.This episode was originally released on February 12, 2025. Check out our full archives for more stories of spiritual courage.
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38:33
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38:33
David LaMotte: Quaker Musician and Hope-Monger
Despair doesn't serve the world, but neither does cheap hope. So what's the alternative? Join Quaker musician and author David LaMotte on a journey from smoky bar gigs to the silence of a Quaker meeting to discover a powerful vision of "grounded hope" that confronts the myth of powerlessness. Stick around for profound insights and two live song performances that will leave you feeling a little less alone and a lot more capable of changing the world. https://www.davidlamotte.com/
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37:18
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37:18
Why Do Quakers Worship in Silence?
Quakers have a long tradition of worshipping in silence, but what really happens when the room gets quiet? In this episode of Thee Quaker Podcast we visit a silent Quaker Meeting for worship and find out for ourselves about this challenging, powerful, and ultimately freeing experience of trying to listen for the divine in a noisy world.
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33:38
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33:38
“Where You Go, I Will Go” with Brenda Esch
This week, we take you to New Garden Friends Meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina where pastor Brenda Esch delivers a deeply personal message about the fear and promise of new beginnings.
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Join us each week as we explore stories of spiritual courage. We’ll delve into the lives of Quakers past and present, and explore the big questions about modern life and spirituality. A podcast for spiritual seekers, lifelong Quakers, and everything in between.
New Zealand