Do you yearn for a new vision of Christianity—one with love and justice at the core of its practice? Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis animates a renewed faith for our times in her new podcast Love Period. As a writer, scholar, activist, and leader of a radically accepting congregation in New York City, Rev. Jacqui brings her devotion, clarity, and energy to this conversational podcast. In conversation with artists, activists, and faith leaders, such as Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor, Wajahat Ali, and many o ...
…
continue reading
"You are a theologian in residence in your own life, beloved." As we prepare for a brand new season in 2025, Rev. Jacqui wanted to do a series of monologues this fall exploring ways in which we could listen, learn, and lean into peace during these challenging times. In this monologue, Jacqui explores the power of love as a guiding principle in a wo…
…
continue reading
What if your deepest identity came from God? On this episode, writer and thought leader Tiq Milan joins Jacqui to discuss the transformative power of Love—particularly when we offer it freely and generously to our LGBTQ friends and family. He offers: "My transness and my queerness make me closer to God. It's my gift. I feel present in this life bec…
…
continue reading
What can we do today to prevent a bit more suffering for those around us? An award-winning writer who serves as Scholar in Residence at the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins Jacqui for the latest episode of Love Period, to discuss healing work that is happening around us even amid chaos and uncertainty. She offer…
…
continue reading
Does your work fulfill your spiritual purpose? On this episode of Love Period, Majora Carter joins Jacqui to help us understand what it means to be inspired to create a professional life that is fueled by spiritual principles. As a real-estate developer, urban revitalization strategy consultant and MacArthur Fellow, Majora Carter’s thriving profess…
…
continue reading
What stories do we miss when we only read the Bible at the surface? In this episode, Rev. Natalie Perkins, co-author of the new book In Trembling Boldness, helps us take a deeper look at how we read and experience traditional from the Bible, as well as stories from extra-canonical texts. Natalie offers us this: “We often approach the Bible as fact.…
…
continue reading
Do you see weeping as a spiritual experience? On this episode, Rev. Ben Perry joins Jacqui to help us embrace the healing power of tears. Together they explore Ben's new book, Cry, Baby, discuss how scripture inspired it, and what tears have to do with our faith. As Ben explains: “Weeping after acts of violence reminds us that this is not the way G…
…
continue reading
What modern rituals stir your heart? On this episode, Rev. Otis Moss III returns to the show and offers his perspective on what living a spiritually awakened life means for us today. He explains, “Love your neighbor. Love your neighbor as yourself. If you are devoid of self-love, if you hate who you are, then you are incapable of loving your neighb…
…
continue reading
How have relationships shifted your perspective on life and love? In this episode, Jacqui talks with John Blake, an award-winning journalist who tells the story of his quest to reconcile with his white mother and the family he’d never met. Together, they explore how healing systems—from families to the culture of an entire country—begins with true …
…
continue reading
What if we refused to break anyone’s heart—including our own? In this episode of Love Period, Jacqui Lewis speaks with Rabbi Josh Stanton, getting to the heart of Jesus’ radical teachings. If you have ever wondered how to love those you don’t understand (or even like), this episode offers guidance. Join us for this new season of Love Period where J…
…
continue reading
Can we be theologians in our own lives? In the first episode of Season 4, Jacqui talks with Marcie Alvis-Walker—author, mother, friend, and theologian who invites us to read the Bible in a way that speaks to our hearts. The author of Everybody Come Alive: A Memoir in Essays, Marcie shares her experience of finding reflections of herself in scriptur…
…
continue reading
How do we teach our kids love and resilience in this divided world? On this episode of Love Period, writer, editor, and President of Interfaith Alliance, Paul Raushenbush joins Jacqui in a conversation about creating interfaith partnerships and the challenge of hopeful parenting. Listen in on Paul and Jacqui’s discussion on the importance of practi…
…
continue reading
How do we let go of fear theology? On this episode of Love Period, Rev. Jacqui Lewis is joined by children’s book author, editor, and activist, Jamia Wilson, for an inspiring conversation that explores how being affirmed in a fellowship of radical Love unleashes our creative potential. In this episode, Jamia and Jacqui discuss how intimate relation…
…
continue reading
What if we considered ourselves first responders to the fires burning in our lives? On this episode of Love Period, Rev. Jacqui invites her friend Kerri Kelly to the table to discuss the healing power of radical love. Amid unfairness of opportunity, capitalist culture, and a maze of misleading information, we need this love now more than ever — for…
…
continue reading
What’s been burdening you lately? Today, it seems everyone is managing the emotional weight of the increasingly insecure tone of our world. In this episode, Religious Scholar Serene Jones joins Rev. Jacqui for a conversation about the impact of trauma on our ability to love. In this healing conversation, Serene and Jacqui share how affirming our em…
…
continue reading
How do we walk through the fire? Trials in life have often been likened to an encounter with fire—first, we experience disorientation, but in the end, transformation, and renewal. In this episode, inter-spiritual scholar and mystical teacher, Mirabai Starr, joins Jacqui in conversation on wise ways to navigate the fires burning in our world. Embrac…
…
continue reading
What can we learn about balance from the natural world? On this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis speaks with Kerry Docherty, Chief Impact Officer of Faherty Brand, to explore how each aspect of our lives has the potential to transform and strengthen our communities. Whether we're focusing on expanding our professional life or our relationships, how do we…
…
continue reading
How do our political realities affect our lives? Can we in fact, heal despite the very real threats that we face today? On this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis is joined by Rev. Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft the Executive Minister for Justice, Education & Movement Building at Middle Church, in conversation about the effect of political injustice on our lives…
…
continue reading
Are you open to a new vision of God? Dr. Christena Cleveland joins Jacqui for the first episode of the third season. In this revolutionary conversation, Rev. Jacqui Lewis and Christena Cleveland, author of God Is a Black Woman, talk about the power of encountering embodied symbols of the Divine that can move us toward greater expansion, hope, and l…
…
continue reading
What does your sanctuary look like? What does it feel like? On this episode, Rev. Jacqui invites author and educator Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts to the table to discuss the nature of joy—how to recognize it, feel it, and invite it into our lives. Through this stimulating conversation, explore how claiming a space of sanctuary can energize your j…
…
continue reading
On the third season of Love Period, Rev. Jacqui Lewis gathers a cadre of writers, parents, and activists looking for common threads of wisdom as they survive and thrive in these traumatic times. What wisdom and insight do their experiences have for each of us? And, as always, Rev. Jacqui is asking "What's fierce love got to do with it?"…
…
continue reading
Kaliswa Brewster joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period, part of our special mini-series celebrating Black History Month. Kaliswa Brewster is an actress based in NYC and helped co-produce Seasons 1 and 2 of Love Period. Kaliswa has recurred on Showtime’s BILLIONS, ABC’s series TIME AFTER TIME, and RELEASE. Film credits include PATERNO for HBO…
…
continue reading
Shaka Senghor joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period, part of our special mini-series celebrating Black History Month. Shaka’s priority is shifting societal narratives through storytelling and developing workshops with high entertainment value and deep social impact. Shaka Senghor is the Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at TripAction…
…
continue reading
Civil Rights icon Ruby Sales joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period, part of our special mini-series celebrating Black History Month. Ruby is a leader in the Southern Freedom Movement, and a mentor to many, including Jacqui. Listen in as she and Ruby discuss what it means to be Black in America today. Ruby Sales is the founder and director of…
…
continue reading
Love Period is sharing a 4 part mini-series to celebrate Black History Month to close out Season 2. In this series, Jacqui is talking with friends about what it means to be Black in America today. Jacqui kicks off this series with poet, pastor, and peacemaker Drew Jackson. Drew E. Jackson is a poet who came late to writing poetry, although he would…
…
continue reading
Abigail Disney joins Jacqui to bring the second season of Love Period to a close. Abigail E. Disney advocates for real changes to the way capitalism operates in today's world. As a philanthropist, she has worked with organizations supporting peacebuilding, gender justice, and systems and culture change. She is an Emmy-Winning Documentary Filmmaker,…
…
continue reading
On this episode of Love Period, Nadia Bolz Weber joins Jacqui to discuss the themes found in the 9th and final chapter of Fierce Love "Believe Assiduously. Have Faith in Love." Nadia Bolz-Weber is an ordained Lutheran Pastor, founder of House for All Sinners & Saints in Denver, Co, the creator and host of The Confessional and the author of three NY…
…
continue reading
Lisa Sharon Harper joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period where they discuss the themes found in the 8th Chapter of Fierce Love: Find Joy Purposefully, It Is The Water of Life. From Ferguson to New York, and from Germany and South Africa to Australia and Brazil, Lisa Sharon Harper leads trainings that increase clergy and community leaders’ ca…
…
continue reading
Rev. Otis Moss III joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period to discuss the themes found in the 7th Chapter of Fierce Love: Live Justly. Choose Fairness and Equality Every Day. With civil rights advocacy in his DNA, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III built his ministry on community advancement and social justice activism. As Senior Pastor of Trinity United …
…
continue reading
On this episode of Love Period, Brian McLaren joins Jacqui to discuss the themes found in Chapter Six of Fierce Love: Think Inclusively. They're Your People, Too! Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, gen…
…
continue reading
On this episode of Love Period, ALOK joins Jacqui to cover the themes found in the fifth chapter of Fierce Love: Confront Boldly, Transform Your Circumstances with Moral Courage. ALOK (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed writer, performer, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the hu…
…
continue reading
Frank Schaeffer joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period where they discuss the themes found in the fourth chapter of Jacqui's new book Fierce Love which is titled "Show Kindness and Affection Wildly. Make Fierce Love Real." Frank is an artist and a New York Times bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction. Frank has lectured at a wide r…
…
continue reading
On this episode of Love Period, Valarie Kaur joins Jacqui in conversation to discuss the theme of Chapter Three: "Travel Lightly. Downsize the Burdens You Carry." Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader and celebrated prophetic voice "at the forefront of progressive change" (Center for American Progress). Valarie burst into American consciou…
…
continue reading
Michael-Ray Mathews joins this episode of Love Period to discuss the theme of Chapter Two: "Speak Truthfully. It Will Set You Free." Michael-Ray Mathews brings over 30 years of leadership experience – as a senior pastor, grassroots leader, psalmist and community organizer – to his work as Deputy Director for Faith in Action (formerly PICO National …
…
continue reading
Love Period. returns with a brand new season based on the themes found in Rev. Jacqui's new book Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World. To kick things off, Wajahat Ali is returning to discuss the theme of Chapter One: "Love Yourself Unconditionally. It All Starts Here." In this conversation…
…
continue reading
Rev. Darrell R. Hamilton, II joins Rev. Jacqui Lewis for this episode of Love. Period. Darrell is the Executive Minister for Operations and Resource Development at Middle Church. Prior to his time at Middle Church, he served as the Pastor for Formation and Outreach at First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, MA, and the Program Director for Urban Pas…
…
continue reading
Rev. Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft joins Jacqui for this episode of Love. Period. She is the Executive Minister for Justice, Education & Movement Building at Middle Church and is also the founder of Raising Imagination, a platform that examines social issues through the lens of imagination and encourages activism with young and old alike. Her activism h…
…
continue reading
Richard Rohr joins Jacqui on this episode of Love. Period. Richard is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province. He is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation and academic dean of the CAC’s Living School. An internationally recognized author and spiritual leader, Fr. Richard teaches primarily on incarnational mysticism, nondual …
…
continue reading
Mark Charles joins Jacqui on this episode of Love. Period. He is the son of an American woman (of Dutch heritage) and a Navajo man, Mark teaches the complexities of American history regarding race, culture, and Christendom in order to help forge a path of healing and conciliation for the nation. He is the co-author of the book, Unsettling Truths: T…
…
continue reading
For the last week of Pride, Kevin Garcia joins Jacqui for Love. Period. Kevin is an author, podcaster, digital pastor and an intuitive soul coach who helps people heal spiritual wounds, create new practices for a healthy life, process experiences related to queerness + faith identity, practice radical honesty, avoid spiritual burnout, and reminds p…
…
continue reading
The Justice Doula Micky ScottBey Jones joins Jacqui for this episode of Love. Period. sharing what she has learned from grief and loving herself and others well. Micky accompanies people as they birth more love, justice and shalom into our world. As a womanist, faith rooted, contemplative activist, movement chaplain, and nonviolence practitioner, M…
…
continue reading
On this episode, Genesis Be joins Rev. Jacqui Lewis for Love. Period. As an artist and activist, her music and art explore the nuances of her intersectionality as a queer, muslim, biracial black woman. Her long work fighting to remove the Confederate flag from the Mississippi state flag culminated in an incredible collaborative victory in June of 2…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Love. Period., Emmy nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis mentors us on how to love the world better. Aside from being an actress, she's also an activist who recently worked to get the Mississippi flag changed. She is the president and CEO of Miss Myrtis Films, and co-founder of Take it Down America. These are two great organizations …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Robert P. Jones, Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Public Religion Research Institute joins Jacqui to talk all things faith, politics, and love. He is most recently the author of "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity" and “The End of White Christian America,” which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Reli…
…
continue reading
Today on the show, Jacqui is joined by her husband, John Janka. Together they explore the various aspects of his journey as a clergy, activist, dad, grandfather, and Jacqui's husband, and all of those have informed his ability to love well. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Ruthie Lindsey joins Jacqui for Love. Period. Listen in as they explore her journey of becoming a love doula as she transformed her story of immense pain and hopelessness into a source of love and connectedness with all. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.…
…
continue reading
How does self-love transform the way we show up in the world? In this episode, columnist, public speaker, and recovering attorney Wajahat Ali joins Jacqui for Love. Period. Listen in as they explore his journey to self-love. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook …
…
continue reading
How do we extend love beyond our neighbors? In this episode, Episcopal Priest, Author, and Teacher Barbara Brown Taylor joins Jacqui to officially kick off Love. Period. Listen in as they explore how she has experienced a deeper understanding of loving herself and the world around her on her farm in Georgia. Resources: The transcript for this episo…
…
continue reading
In this mini-episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis is interviewed by Kaliswa Brewster about the formations of Love. Period. the podcast; why it exists and what she hopes to listeners will take away from it. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts and join us in May for the official launch!Di Center for Action and Contemplation
…
continue reading
Do you yearn for a new vision of Christianity—one with love and justice at the core of its practice? Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis animates a renewed faith for our times in her new podcast Love. Period. Writer, scholar, activist, and leader of a radically accepting congregation in New York City, Rev. Jacqui brings her devotion, clarity, and energy to this …
…
continue reading