United Women in Faith: Faith Talks

To say that our children are our future is more than a cliché. It is the truth. Children are our most valuable resource, deserving of love, care, and support. That’s why we are excited that United Women in Faith – and The United Methodist Church – will soon participate in a Children’s Sabbath. Launched by the Children’s Defense Fund, these observances are an opportunity to center children, focus on how we can serve children, and renew our commitment to them. On this episode of Faith Talks will welcome the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, Rev. Dr. Yvette R. Blair-Lavallais, and Rev. Vahisha Hasan as guests on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast. Our very own Sally Vonner, general secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith, will also join, which is exciting.  Rev. Dr. Wilson is the president & CEO of the Children's Defense Fund; Rev. Dr. Arroyo is the general secretary and CEO of The General Commission on Religion and Race; Rev. Dr. Blair-Lavallais is the co-founder and curator of Every Body Needs Food, and a 2024-25 Feeding America Equity Research Fellow; and Rev. Hasan is the founder and executive director of Movement in Faith. With such powerful voices, we know you will leave the conversation feeling inspired and reflective.

Each September, the National Association of Mental Illness recognizes Suicide Prevention Month, and Faith Talks wants to talk about it. Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.  We are talking about this on Faith Talks not only because we know that many hide topics such as this, but because we could all use more information around suicide prevention. We are delighted to interview Pastor Mya Miller, founder of Chosen Ministries. Her goal is to save souls, build disciples, and passionately teach others about God’s love and grace. Our intention is for this to be a hope and information-filled segment that will help listeners and people of faith access critical tools, resources, and support. We also hope this conversation contributes to the de-stigmatization of suicide and mental health challenges broadly. 

Faith communities have always been institutions for refuge and restoration. In addition to a source of spiritual guidance, they may serve to help us heal from the long-standing harms we face. As our understanding of sexual, racial, and generational trauma expands, we must consider the role of the Church as a sanctuary where healing and wholeness can take root.With our churches, our communities, and our loved ones – or even ourselves – affected, there is much to learn about how trauma impacts us, and how we can start to heal from it. On this episode of Faith Talks we will welcome Julia Matallana Freedman as a guest on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast. Matallana Freedman is the author of the forthcoming book, “Sanctuary of Healing Transforming Churches into Trauma-Informed Spaces.” With so much to learn from her expertise in faith, healing, and trauma, you will leave this conversation ready to listen, understand, and get involved.

The summer can be an amazing period of relaxation, travel, and renewal. But for young people, it can also come with an unexpected loss of learning and gains made during the prior school year. Two and a half months may seem like a drop in the bucket, but it can bolster or sideline students depending on how it’s used. Please join us for a conversation with Erica Clark, director of student success at the Wellington School, for a conversation around preventing summer learning loss. She’ll offer suggestions on what we can do to keep our children on track while anticipating the new school year.Because the school year is bound to be filled with ups and downs, we also want to ensure our students, and the people who care for them, are prepared from a social and emotional standpoint. As such, we will also interview Ruth Ifakemi Jeannoel to discuss her new book, Restorative Justice Practices: Circle Keeping for Community Healing.

When we are faced with anger, stress, frustration, and division, it can be difficult to remember the good things. Life can be overwhelming and hard. How do we stay kind and compassionate when things are so tense?The book Appreciate These Things: Eight Ways of Cultivating Compassion finds an answer in Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” On this episode we will welcome author Jill Duffield as a guest on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast to discuss her book, Appreciate These Things, and the importance of this scripture.By way of background, Duffield is a senior minister and an author of several other books, and she formerly served as the editor of The Presbyterian Outlook. She holds an M.Div. from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a D.Min. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.You will leave this conversation feeling fulfilled and grateful for the good things in life. 

For years, we have been discussing the climate crisis and the need to shift to just energy. Now, with the U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, many are processing the impact this shift will have on frontline communities.   As women of faith, we are clear about the mandate to care for all of God’s creation. In scripture, we are called to be stewards of the earth. However, humanity has not kept up with this task. On this episode we will welcome Roishetta Sibley Ozane and Gavriela Reiter as guests on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast. Will you join me?  By way of background, Ozane is the founder, director, and CEO of The Vessel Project of Louisiana, and Reiter is the fossil fuel phaseout campaign coordinator at the Institute for Policy Studies. We may also have a cameo from our own Ilka Vega, the executive for economic and environmental justice at United Women in Faith! You will leave this conversation inspired and determined.

Grief is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s losing a loved one, watching tragedies around the world, or anything else that creates difficulties, it is important to acknowledge and process it. Without processing grief, it will weigh heavy on your shoulders and affect your mental health.With Mental Health Awareness Month starting in May, it’s a great time to reflect on the impact of grief on our wellbeing. On this episode of Faith Talks we will welcome Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye to discuss grief and mental health.We will discuss different types of grieving and productive ways to process grief for the benefit of our mental health. For background, Dr. N’Diaye holds a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University, and acts as an integrative therapist, author, and peace-builder.This conversation will leave you feeling healed and prepared to tackle the difficult feelings that arise throughout life. //Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer.

We always have more to learn as we find our own paths. Oftentimes, we forget that the experiences of those in generations older than ours can be valuable in finding our way. Moreover, we forget that we are an important source of guidance for the children and young people in our lives who are just starting out—and that they can teach us something too. Intergenerational learning is meaningful at every age, and it can bring you closer to your community and to God. We all benefit from intergenerational learning, but we sometimes need guidance on how to initiate it. Join us as we welcome Rev. Dr. Tanya Marie Eustace Campen and Dr. Faye Wilson as guests on the live recording of the Faith Talks podcast. We hope you will join us and invite a friend as they guide us on this learning journey. For background, Campen is an ordained deacon and the director of Intergenerational Discipleship for the Rio Texas Conference Office, and her specialization is in children’s spirituality. Wilson is a writer, educator, and musician who has worked across the globe, and who co-authored the 2025 resource book Carrying Our Faith Forward for United Women in Faith. With so much to learn and so much to say, you will leave this conversation ready to listen and share wisdom with people at all points of their lives.

We are delighted to invite you to join us as we talk with preacher, pastor, author, coach, and soul care minister, Rev. Dr. Kymberley Clemons-Jones. She is a Biblical scholar, a coach, and a leading voice at the intersection of spirituality, Scripture, and social justice.Rev. Dr. Kymberley Clemons-Jones will be leading an interactive two-part Bible Study on Rizpah for United Women in Faith members in May 2025, diving deep into a powerful and under-studied Biblical story that inspires and informs our work to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. She will be joining us on Faith Talks to share more about Rizpah's story and her own.//Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer and produced by United Women in Faith.

It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with current events. With access to media 24/7 and contentious issues seen around the world, it is more important than ever to remain rooted in hope and community. Fortunately, our Mission u authors address just that: Practicing Hope Together. If you’ve ever experienced Mission u, we are sure you’ll agree it is transformative. If you’ve never participated, it’s not too late to enroll. We are excited about this year’s theme, "Practicing Hope Together." On this episode we'll welcome Mission u authors Joni Cisowski, Regina Heater, and Tabatha Holley as guests on the Faith Talks podcast.Cisowski wrote Hope as a Resurrection People: A Children’s Curriculum, Heater wrote Communities of the Spirit: Living into Hope as Resurrection People: A Youth Curriculum, and Holley wrote Practicing Hope: An Adult Curriculum. At a time when hope appears to be in short supply, you’ll leave this conversation inspired and encouraged in your Christian journey.

On this episode of Faith Talks we will talk with Melissa Bowe and Alba Jaramillo, of the Immigration Law & Justice Network, and Sarah Kolsto from Della Lamb Community Services.Care and concern for immigrants has always been a priority for our community. However, with the recent enforcement actions, we are concerned about how undocumented loved ones are faring. We will discuss the current climate for immigration and impact on our communities.//Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer.

Join us for a special Faith Talks recording with Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter. Dr. Hunter is a Professor of Sociology and African American studies at the University of California at Los Angeles. While he is the author of several books, we are excited to talk with him about his most recent work, Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation.We’ll discuss the book and the expansive nature of reparations. When many people think of reparations, they think in economic terms. Dr. Hunter believes there are many forms of reparations, including, racial, spatial, social, and spiritual reparations. We hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be an enlightening and uplifting conversation.//Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer and produced by United Women in Faith.

On this episode of Faith Talks we will discuss Estate and End of Life Planning. While this may be a sobering topic, it is helpful to take heed to the psalmist’s words in Psalm 90:12 and “number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”It is quite easy to focus on what is before us. To think about our careers, our hobbies, and temporal things. But we also want to be intentional, thinking about what it means to prepare for our eventual and final transition. Why not have this conversation with our Faith Talks community.We'll interview Suzanne Toma, United Women in Faith director of development, and Deaconess Christi Campus, United Women in Faith executive for development & donor relations. We hope you’ll join us for this essential conversation. We are sure you’ll leave inspired and uplifted.//Faith talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. It is produced by United Women in Faith.

Throughout much of 2024, we’ve heard about Project 2025. It has dominated headlines and been a trending topic on multiple social media platforms. It is now in the news again as many of the architects of Project 2025 are being appointed to President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet.For all the talk about Project 2025, many people are wondering what it entails and who is most likely to be impacted by the policies and proposals included therein. Some are also wondering how Christian women might respond to Project 2025. Is there a unique role for us to play or something specific we should be doing?We will address these questions and more on this episode of Faith Talks podcast. This will be the first  episode of 2025 and it is a fitting way to kick off the new year. We are excited to interview Dr. Iva Carruthers and Rev. Dr. Susan Smith of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. 

Children develop at different paces. Some kids appear to be naturally fast. Others appear to move slower. The pace at which a child completes various tasks and projects is known as processing speed. We typically notice when children have slower processing speeds, and this can be challenging for the child and the adults around them. But processing speed is not indicative of intelligence or I.Q. And with support, children with slower processing speeds can thrive. It is therefore imperative that parents, grandparents, educators, and caregivers gain strategies for supporting all children, regardless of how they learn.On this episodes of Faith Talks we talk with with Dr. Ellen Braaten. Braaten co-authored the book Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up. She’ll share tips for seeing and honoring all children, while equipping us to better support the young people in our lives.Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer.

As you may know, November is Native American Heritage Month. November 29 is also the 160th remembrance of the Sand Creek Massacre, in which a Methodist pastor led the slaughter of 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. Most of the loved ones who were slain were women, children, and elders.The United Methodist Church is in a repenting and repairing process for its involvement in this particular incident but also for its mistreatment of Native Americans throughout history. The Cheyenne people didn’t just experience Sand Creek, but multiple other traumas including displacement, boarding schools, other massacres, and the suppression of cultural norms. This has led to generational traumas that persist to this very day.This episode of Faith Talks is focused on Native American Heritage Month and the Sand Creek Massacre. We will talk with Otto Braided Hair, who is a Northern Cheyenne descendant, and Bishop Elaine Stanovsky, who co-chaired, along with Otto, an advisory report on the Sand Creek Massacre during the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon. We hope you’ll join us in learning about our history and recommitting ourselves to the work of healing and reconciliation. Please register and invite a friend to do so as well. Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith. This episode is hosted by Emily Jones, the Executive for Racial Justice at United Women in Faith.

Join us as we discuss Hurricanes Milton and Helene with United Women in Faith members from Florida. I’ll interview Edith Zewadski-Bricker and several members of the Green Team at her United Methodist Church.We’ll also touch on the 2024 presidential election with the goal of offering encouragement and hope.Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer from Spotlight PR.

When children go to school, we expect they will be in environments that are safe, nurturing, and conducive to learning. But this assumption isn’t always borne out in every school across the country. A student’s race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and class influences how they are received in schools. While this isn’t something many will readily admit, our school communities have work to do to create the beloved community in each and every classroom.The good news is that each of us has an opportunity to support students and educators. On the next live recording of the Faith Talks podcast, we are excited to have a conversation with several members of the Dignity in Schools Campaign during the coalition’s national week of action. we will talk with Khem Irby, a fierce advocate for public education; and Andrew Hairston, a civil rights attorney with Texas Appleseed.Please join us for what I’m sure will be an enlightening and uplifting conversation.Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer from Spotlight PR.

How do you pray when you are angry, afraid, or confused? If you’re like many people, you may struggle to find the words or even the desire to pray when your world has been turned upside down. Or you may be stuck with unrealistic notions of what prayer should or should not be. Join us on this episode of Faith Talks as we talk with Rev. Elizabeth Ashman Riley to discuss her new book, Rage Prayers.Rev. Elizabeth Ashman Riley is an Episcopal priest serving in the Diocese of Olympia. Riley was ordained through the Diocese of Alaska as a deacon in 2012 and as a priest in 2013. She previously served as a board member of Young Clergy Women International, and on the board of Stanford's Episcopal Campus Ministry. ​During the pandemic, Riley started to do this style of praying on TikTok and it resonated with her diverse following—even those whose relationship with God was tenuous. Her following has grown to nearly 60,000 people. We are delighted to spend time with Elizabeth and learn more about persisting in prayer, even when we am angry, afraid, or anxious. We believe you’ll not only enjoy this conversation but walk away with practical tips to strengthen your prayer life.