Intersections Archive

Each episode of Intersections features notable individuals in diverse fields who are asking important questions, and whose experiences and perspectives challenge us to pursue lives of meaning and purpose. Click each title to listen to the episode, read a short bio, and find online resources to learn more about the guest.

Personal Growth
A Conversation with Author & Speaker Curtis Chang
We live in an anxious age where many of us struggle with anxiety and worry. But can anxiety be an opportunity for personal growth and development? Author and speaker Curtis Chang, who has struggled with anxiety for many years, discusses how anxiety can become a hidden opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth.
Relationships & Marriage
A Conversation with Author Dorothy Littell Greco
The longing for deep connection and intimacy runs deep in every human heart. Yet marriage and long-term relationships can be quite difficult while also being deeply rewarding. Dorothy Greco has been writing about marriage for many years and shares about her own experiences and insights to help couples continue growing while navigating the challenges of life in a lasting partnership.
Music
A Conversation with Songwriter Bob Bennett
All of us go through challenges in life, but not all of us write songs that capture these seasons. For over 40 years, Bob Bennett has been writing, singing and performing songs that chronicle his own life journey with authenticity and hope amidst surprises and disappointments.
Leadership
A Conversation with Executive Coach Karen Howells
How do you build and develop healthy leaders–in government, business, and community initiatives? Karen Howells, an executive coach and organization development consultant for over 30 years, shares about how she helps develop principled leaders in a world where social goodwill and trust is essential for flourishing.
World Religions
Four Religious Voices Reflect on Their Ancient Stories
Each spring for hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of years, Jews, Christians and Muslims observe important holidays in their Abrahamic faith traditions. In the spring, these faiths remember foundational stories in their traditions which are told over and over again each year. These are more than simple tales; they are grand spiritual narratives that they believe connect them to a larger purpose and a supreme destiny. Four spiritual leaders from one community in California reflect on these timeless stories of the season: Jewish Rabbi Eli Cohen, Muslim leader Ihab Saud, and Christian pastors Richard Gotthardt and Andy Lewis share these ancient stories and how these narratives shape their lives and values today.
Writing
A Conversation with Author & Speaker Anne Snyder
Skillful communicators can have a way of identifying underlying contemporary challenges while articulating a compelling vision for a world that could be. Anne Snyder uses language to speak into the issues of our time through a focused social, cultural and spiritual lens. Her work combines poignant social criticism with a transcendent hope that embraces a future of justice, beauty, and redemption. Anne is Editor-in-Chief of Comment Magazine and a senior fellow with the Trinity Forum. She discusses the work she does and the values and beliefs that inform her writing.
Human Thriving
A Conversation with Therapist Janice McWilliams
A variety of indicators point out that many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety from work, political polarization, and worries about the future. This ongoing pressure impacts people's daily lives and can result in deepening despair and discouragement. Is it possible to regularly recalibrate our busy lives so we can find a depth and richness to make positive contributions to others? Janice McWilliams, writer, speaker, and therapist, discusses her beliefs and the importance of integrating practices that can renew our emotional and spiritual lives.
Climate Change
A Conversation with Abel Mkulama
Abel Mkulama grew up in Malawi and personally experienced climate change on his family farm. He is a Program Associate at the Center for Effective Global Action at the University of California at Berkeley where he works on sustainability and the challenges of climate change. Abel discusses his experiences in Malawi, the projects he is working on to support developing countries, and the beliefs that undergird his work.
World Religions
A Conversation with Professor Laurie Schlaepfer
In all different cultures around the world, humans are passionate about their spiritual beliefs. It seems that we have a propensity to be religious–to have some kind of spiritual perspective and distinct religious practices that inform and shape how we live our lives. Laurie Schlaepfer, a professor of world religions, discusses the common questions that all religions answer.
Science
A Conversation with Genetic Biologist Dr. Darrel Falk
Dr. Falk has been an accomplished biologist for over 40 years and has been a researcher, university instructor and author. His unique approach as a biologist caused some controversy at the religious academic institution where he taught. Dr. Falk discusses his work, how he reconciles his spiritual beliefs with science, the controversy that almost resulted in losing his position, and his ethical concerns about current genetic research.
Journalism
A Conversation with Newspaper Editor Don Miller
Local journalism is facing an existential crisis: A variety of forces are pressing in on small-town newspapers that may soon make them obsolete. Don Miller has been a local journalist in California for almost 4 decades and he discusses his experiences, concerns and beliefs about the challenges currently facing local publications around the country.
Social Issues
A Conversation with Retired Pastor Barney Wiget
Barney Wiget preached thousands of sermons over 30 years of pastoring churches on California's central coast. Yet a series of personal crises turned his world upside down and dramatically changed how he now approaches some of the core teachings of his faith. His recent book "What on Earth?" explores the social implications of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and speaks to many of the issues currently polarizing our country.
Human Service
A Conversation with Child Life Specialist Katie Nees
How do children process and grow through life-threatening trauma? Katie Nees shares about the work she does supporting children in crisis and and how her own beliefs are both challenged, and strengthened, through her experiences.
Music
A Conversation with Songwritier Ken Medema
How does a singer-songwriter unable to see from birth craft songs that powerfully impact others? Ken Medema shares about his artistic vision for writing music that makes a difference in people's lives and the personal beliefs that sustain him.
Film
A Conversation with Documentarian Martin Doblmeier
How does a filmmaker's personal values and beliefs shape their approach to filmmaking? Award-winning documentarian Martin Doblmeier discusses his provocative pubic television films and why he engages in these projects.