Regent College Podcast

Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, work, and economics with Claire's fellow Aussies: faith-work expert Kara Martin and theologian-economist Dr. Paul Oslington. We talk together about how we can transform our understanding of work, integrating it with our Christian faith. We consider the pervasiveness of the sacred/secular divide, how the relationship between theology and economics has changed through time, and how to engage critically with societal challenges like AI, inequality, and precarious work. Paul shares his thoughts on wise Christian responses to global market issues, such as tariffs and trade wars, and Kara reminds us of the church's role in advocating for vulnerable workers. If this conversation piques your interest, you can join them this summer for "Faith, Work and Economics" from June 29-July 3. Guest BiosKara MartinKara Martin is the author of Workship: How to Use your Work to Worship God, and Workship 2: How to Flourish at Work; co-author of Keeping Faith: How

Summer Programs 2026 is coming!In this catch-up and course preview conversation, Claire and Rachel reconnect with Dr. Elizabeth Sung, who shares her journey through systematic theology to moral theology and questions of spiritual formation. She shares her reflections on the good life and how biblical principles from the gospel can transform our understanding of flourishing here and now. She shares her lived experience and perspectives on the depth and breadth of salvation, love, shalom, and spiritual formation. Lisa offers reflections on the particular pitfalls of "false gospels," the expansiveness of agape love, and the delusions of the false self. Lisa shares her insights and takeaways from the Scriptures, the writings of Dallas Willard, and other key theologians and spiritual writers in ways that have touched and formed her own life.Lisa's BioElizabeth (Lisa) Sung, PhD, is a systematic theologian and spiritual director. She served as Visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Regent College

In this conversation, we catch up with our friends at Strathcona Vineyard, a small, vibrant, multi-ethnic, mixed-socio-economic congregation in the heart of Vancouver's DTES, Canada’s poorest urban postcode. Dawn Humphreys, Jamie Hellawell, and James Witwicki share what incarnational ministry means, emphasizing the importance of presence, relationship, and community engagement that levels inequalities and invites people to participate. They share their experiences living in the DTES, and the challenges and rewards of long-term commitment to a community. We touch on the significance of kinship, the need to challenge power dynamics, and the transformative nature of living in proximity to suffering. If you've ever wondered what living in inner city Vancouver will do to your ecclesiology and how you measure success in ministry, listen in, and perhaps embrace the risk of following God's call into this community, or another community like it.Guest BiosDawn Humphreys helped plant Strathcona Vineyard C

In this wide-ranging, holistic conversation, we catch up with theologian and practitioner, Dr. Ruth Padilla-DeBorst, who discusses her experiences living between cultures and her understanding of justice and peace from a biblical perspective. She emphasizes the importance of integral mission and evangelicalism's struggle to integrate evangelism and justice work, as seen in her experience at the Lausanne Global Conference in 2024. She also reflects on how peace and justice go hand in hand. A member of the newly formed A Rocha Costa Rica, Ruth reflects on Casa Adobe's engagement with ecological justice and the impact of climate migration. She advocates for a Latin(o/a) perspective in reading Scripture and theology, reflecting on the fact that all theology is contextual. Finally, she calls for the Western church to learn from the resilience of global communities in our particular historical moment. Note: This podcast was recorded on Thursday, Jan 22, 2026.Ruth's BioDr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst is a th

Join us for a lively conversation as we meet the 2026 Laing Lecturer, Dr. Meghan Sullivan, who explores how Christian faith provides a profound framework for navigating AI's ethical challenges. Though a serious topic with deep philosophical underpinnings, Meghan offers practical insights and ideas about the human implications of the DELTA framework (Dignity, Embodiment, Love, Transcendence, and Agency). In her work at Notre Dame, these are the key pillars underpinning an ethical approach to AI that ensures we don't lose sight of what makes us human and gives us hope for the future of our humanity and relationships.We delve into how AI challenges our notions of dignity and embodiment, and why love must remain the central organizing principle of our lives. Megan also addresses the environmental and political implications of AI, advocating for responsible stewardship and ethical boundaries. Her insights offer a practical guide for individuals and communities to engage with AI thoughtfully and faithfull

In this conversation, we introduce our new Academic Dean, Dr. Jerry Hwang, who shares his journey to Regent College and discusses his diverse background in IT, pastoral work, and academia. He emphasizes the importance of cultural context in education, the role of language in understanding the Bible and theology, and the influence of the Old Testament on Western culture. Dr. Hwang understands systems, institutions and people, as well as many languages and cultures. Jerry urges students to care for their whole selves throughout their studies and emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the academic community, cautioning against knowledge acquisition at the expense of relational health and collegiality.Jerry's BioRev. Dr. Jerry Hwang joined the Regent College faculty as Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament in October 2025. He previously served as an Associate Professor of Theology at Trinity Christian College in the Chicago area. From 2010 to 2023, he served as a missionary with OM

This week, we're talking with Regent alum and professor of systematic theology, Dr Barnabas Aspray, about his new book On the Significance of Religion in Immigration Policy, co-written with Dr David Elcott. Barney shares insightfully about the connection between religious identity and religious belief with immigration policy, arguing that religion significantly influences nations’ responses to immigration in ways that are not often acknowledged. Moreover, religious identification can be both compassionate and exclusionary, as demonstrated in European responses to the 2015 refugee crisis. Barney shares insights from the perspective of being an immigrant in the US himself, encouraging pastors and church leaders to have conversations around immigration in order to prevent polarisation. Barney urges us to maintain conversations across differences and identify Christian aspirations, as well as the harrowing realities of history that demonstrate the ways we have fallen short of those ideals. Barnabas's Bi

The Saint John's Bible is a work of sacred scripture and art, including more than 160 hand illuminations. A team of scribes used ancient natural inks, hand-ground pigments, and gold and silver leaf gild to create the original, which was completed in 2011. The Heritage Edition is a full-size, fine art reproduction – and we have one in the Allison Library at Regent College. In this conversation with Rev. Dr. John Ross and Colton Whelpton, we learn about the Bible’s history and craftsmanship, where you can find copies, the ways communities engage with it, and how it is used in the life and rhythms of Regent College. We consider the artfulness of corrections, the power of reading in community, and the interweaving of art with Scripture in causing us to slow down and experience Scripture in a new way. Interviewee BiosThe Reverend Dr. John F. Ross is the Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Prior to his work at Saint John’s, John s

In this first episode of 2026, picture yourself in Boston in late November. It’s chilly, a little rainy, and there are scholars everywhere. Rachel is on the road, meeting Regent alums and early career researchers at the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature Conference. In this special episode, she catches up with Madison Lyonhart, Abraham Wu, James Smoker and Rachel Wilkowski, hearing about their presentations, research projects, and perspectives on the conference. They also share about how their Regent days influenced their career trajectories and interests. We're moving through history, theology, the arts, and biblical studies, so it's a smorgasbord of topics and perspectives. We hope you enjoy this episode and it whets your appetite for an array of great conversations in 2026.Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Y

We're finishing the year by squaring the circle and chatting again to Dr. Quentin Genuis ahead of his J-Term class at Regent on Addiction, Personhood and Christian Communities. Quentin has just released a book, Recovering People: Addiction, Personhood and the Life of the Church, distilling insights and stories from his work as an emergency doctor, his theological training and experience learning in community in the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. Quentin speaks compassionately and insightfully about addictions, their causes and consequences, and the ways that churches and communities can attend to the underlying hunger for connection that persons with addictions fear to lose in the process of recovery. Quentin also has wise words for church leaders, family and friends of persons with addictions, and careful reflections on why an understanding of human sin and the practice of confession are levellers in creating a context of hospitality and refuge. Quentin will be launching his book in partnership with th

In this episode, Regent grad and spiritual director Carolyn Watts shares about her life and learnings from serving as an obstetrician in Afghanistan until a debilitating chronic illness (POTS) ended her medical career. Reflecting on her memoir, Risking Rest, Carolyn shares how her obstetrical training gave her images for interpreting God's intimate care for us, as well as His invitations to us to rest from our labours. Carolyn also shares about the gifts of singleness, trusting God in challenging circumstances, and living a restful life with God amid pressures, demands and personal limitations. Throughout the conversation, she conveys God's gentleness and loving kindness, which continues to meet her in her limits, enabling her to relinquish her drivenness.Carolyn's BioCarolyn Watts is an obstetrician, author, and spiritual director. She completed an MATS at Regent College, where she began working on Risking Rest: Embracing God’s Love Through Life’s Uncertainties. In her memoir, she shares her e

What is the biblical vision of the church, and what does it mean to be a family in Christ, adopted as brothers and sisters? Especially when family is messy. In this conversation with Dr. Carmen Imes, we broach a biblical theology of the church and Scripture's emphasis on the need to be in community across difference and despite previous experiences of harm. Carmen encourages us towards healthy interdependence, a diversity of opinions and perspectives, and honesty in our communal relationships. She believes the church can still be a force for good, and that God invites us to be his family so that we can share that welcome with others.Carmen's BioCarmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Today, we are discussing the third (and final) book in her trilogy, Becoming God&

Claire and Rachel caught up with Dr. Shelly Rambo, a theologian at Boston University, working in the areas of trauma, spiritual care and chaplaincy. Shelly’s book Spirit and Trauma is a seminal work in the field of trauma and theology, and she brings over twenty years of thought and exploration to the study of Scripture and the Christian tradition through the lens of trauma. We talk about the reality of trauma that remains, and how Jesus prepares us to live with the unresolved, what we can learn from Julian of Norwich about regaining inner spiritual authority, and the theological classroom as a site of post-traumatic growth. Shelly finishes by sharing insights from Howard Thurman on maintaining spiritual vitality in the midst of embodied threat. In a time when many are leaving institutional religion, Shelly brings wise insight into the reasons people leave and ways in which they can develop a sustaining spiritual community in the aftermath of harm.Shelly's BioDr. Shelly Rambo is a theologian and professo

Do you have questions about the Book of Daniel? What’s going on with the Daniel diet? What about linguistic issues like the use of Hebrew and Aramaic in Daniel, and what it communicates about living as exiles in an oppressive empire? How do we understand God’s deliverance in the court tales and the apocalyptic imagery that comes later? We discuss all these topics and more with Dr. Aubrey Buster, who has been collaborating on a commentary series on Daniel with Dr. John Walton. Aubrey was with us at Regent in June, teaching on Daniel. We were grateful to mine her insights from exegetical study, as well as its applications to living today as we wait for the coming of Christ. Aubrey's BioDr. Aubrey E. Buster is an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois, where she has been a faculty member since 2018. She earned her Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Emory University. Dr. Buster's research focuses on the Psalms, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Daniel, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. She is the

Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred joins Claire and Rachel to share his journey of faith and ministry, the spiritual work of healing and reconciliation, and the significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day/Orange Shirt Day in Canada. Ray’s generous pastoral heart and years of ministry experience are reflected in his commitment to developing empathy for the pain of others. Framing reconciliation through the lens of becoming relatives, he shares Indigenous perspectives on relationality, connecting them to insights from the life and passion of Jesus. Ray encourages us to rethink our understandings of repentance and holiness, portraying an expansive view of the life we are invited to in Christ. He provides practical steps for listening well and learning about Indigenous culture and history as we work to address injustices and develop a shared plan for the future.Ray's BioRev. Dr. Ray Aldred is a Cree theologian and ordained minister from Treaty 8. He serves as Director of the Indigenous Studies Program at Vancouver School

Welcome back to the Regent podcast after our summer hiatus! We are kicking off Season 7 with our new President, Dr. Paul Spilsbury. In this conversation, we take some time to learn about Paul’s connections to Regent, his holistic vision for the College’s flourishing, which he describes as “Rooted and Growing,” and his plans to build on the College's strategic goals. We especially focus on building a healthy community, deepening formation, and growing enrollment. Paul’s interview is a must-listen for current and prospective students, offering helpful insights into life at Regent in this new era, characterized by Paul’s posture of listening and learning in humility.Paul's BioDr. Paul Spilsbury is Professor of New Testament and the new President of Regent College, a role which he began July 1, 2025. Before that, he served as the Academic Dean since 2015. He holds a PhD in early Christian and Jewish history from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College. A respect

Claire and Rachel are joined today by Dr. James Smoker, the Registrar at Regent College and the original instigator of the Regent College Podcast. We talk about his PhD research, which focused on the thought and theology of the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. A close friend of William Wordsworth, Coleridge is renowned for observing and learning from the natural world, grappling with life’s profound questions through fairy tale, and incorporating theological reflection into his work. As James shares, Coleridge has become a companion on his journey in a faith that holds questions. If this conversation piques your interest, consider joining James’s Fall class: “Imagining Being Human: The Theology and Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.” Listen to the end for an announcement about a short break in broadcasting! We’ll be back with more good conversations on a biweekly release schedule from September 12. James's BioDr. James Smoker serves as the Registrar at Regent College where he also contributes as a

Today we are joined by a favourite past (and future) summer professor who teaches in the Literary Arts, Dr. Karen Swallow Prior. We are focusing on her new book, You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful, which releases on August 5, 2025. In our conversation, Karen dismantles some contemporary thought around calling (in the Instagram world) to present a vision of a good, true and beautiful life – even when we are not paid to do what we love. She brings years of mentoring and advising college students to her book, while drawing on her own recent experience with unexpected direction changes. Her extensive knowledge of literary characters who grapple with questions of work and vocation is also carefully woven in, giving helpful examples. Karen’s main premise is that in order to have a calling, you need to be called. She also identifies ways in which the culture around us is skewing our understanding of passion and purpose. Listen in and consider: who is calling you, and who are y

What is the Masters of Arts in Leadership, Theology and Society (MALTS)? What might it involve, how does theology integrate with the workplace, and what’s it like to study while continuing to work in a leadership context? In this episode, we catch up with Dr. David Robinson and three MALTS students, Israel, Jonathan and Zelna, to hear more about the 2-year cohort-based program. David helpfully frames the vision and ideas behind MALTS and the students bring it to life, sharing examples from their experiences of the classroom, peer support, and mentorship. They also share about their integrative projects, applied to specific contexts in New Zealand, Singapore and Australia. Join us for our broadest ever range of accents, contexts and perspectives in one podcast episode – maybe it will tempt you to be in the next cohort!Faculty and Student BiosDr. David RobinsonDr. David Robinson is the R. Paul Stevens Assistant Professor of Marketplace Theology and Leadership here at Regent College. He directs the Master of Art

What was it like to be a Christian in the earliest centuries after the resurrection of Christ? How did theological thinking and the understandings of authority develop? Dr. George Kalantzis helps us consider the layers of complexity that early Christians wrestled with as the church was established. George points out the important place of canon, creeds, apostolicity and ethics, underpinned by submission to the Holy Spirit. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, George brings a unique perspective to the study of the patristic period, so bring your questions into the classroom for “The First Christian Centuries” (July 28–Aug 1). You can also catch his Evening Public Lecture on July 28 at 7:30 pm: Migration and Refugees (and the Re-humanizing Role of the Church).Note: At 49:50, Dr. Kalantzis references Project 1611, but he intended to say Project 1619 and the 1776 Commission when reflecting on competing historical narratives in the United States.George's BioDr. George Kalantzis is Professor of Theology and Dire