Humbird is a musical experience with Siri Undlin at its center. Her music has been described with terms like contemplative folk musings and resigned tenacity, but I would simply call it heart and soul stirring combined with instrumental genius. Siri lives in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, while the rotating band membership of Humbird reaches further afield. With 3 albums to her name, there's lots of variety and depth to be explored, with decades of richness yet ahead for this young and accomplished singer/songwriter.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Lutheran, Earth-based Spirituality, Unaffiliated
Our 2nd visit with Michael Beer, director of Nonviolence International since 1998. Last time Michael talked mainly about his book, Civil Resistance Tactics in the 21st Century, but this time we talk more widely about the nuts-and-bolts of the work of Nonviolence International, which, among other tasks, advocates for active nonviolence and supports creative constructive nonviolent campaigns worldwide.
Amanda Udis-Kessler is not only a musician, but she's a sociologist, a social ethicist, a theologian, and a writer, and it's her writing that brings her here to us today. Her latest book is Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing, and in it Amanda helps us chart a way forward beyond the usual statements of principles and creeds, looking at real humans and where and how we thrive.
In 2016, Peggy & Mark Halvorson picked up and moved to Liberia, West Africa, with 4 kids in tow, as part of their growing passion of adaption, but also healing for the people of that country. That devotion has only grown in the following years, and so has the organization that Peggy shepherds, Teamwork Africa.
A visit with 2 people, from opposite corners of the globe, trying to help with recovery and healing from severe trauma. Terry Hokenson & his interest in regenerative agriculture led him to a total shift in his worldview, guided by the insights and work of Francis and Barbara Bettelyoun, and the Indigenous American organization called Buffalo Star People. This interview took place before the members of Minneapolis Friends Meeting on Easter Sunday 2024.
The team at of FNVW and their Everyday Nonviolence Podcast guest-hosts today for Spirit In Action. PJ Hoffman interviews acclaimed sociologist, writer, and Quaker activist George Lakey about a broad swath of his life in activism, including his recent memoir Dancing with History: a life for peace and justice.
This is our 2nd visit with Earth Mama/Joyce Rouse and her rich assortment of musical influences, combined with great lyrics and a truly beautiful voice, all in service of the people and creatures of this planet. Joyce's 15 albums of fun, deep, joyful, and thought-provoking songs make Earth more stunning and hopeful.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Lutheran, Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Quaker
All featured music is written and performed by Earth Mama/Joyce Rouse:
Grassroots - from Grassroots!
Lovingkindness - from Lovingkindness
To Rest In The Green - from To Rest In The Green
The Land Remembers - unreleased
All That's Gold - from A Sense of Place
Larry Tye captures history and writes books about transformation, like the progress brought about by the black musicians who captured hearts in the USA. Larry's latest book is The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America, a combination of legends, deep examination, and inspirational story-telling. This is the 9th book by Larry, all of which open hearts and minds with real-life stories.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Jewish