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Crossroads from Washington National Cathedral
50 Episodes
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Dean Hollerith welcomes Bogdan Klich, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, to reflect on the pro-democratic opposition movement in communist Poland during the 1970s and 1980s, including his imprisonment at the time. Together, they explore themes of civic leadership and the place of faith in moments of personal and historical significance.
Author and advocate Tia Levings joins Vicar Dana Corsello to discuss Levings’ experience within a highly structured religious environment and her subsequent journey of reflection and recovery. Their conversation explores belief, authority, theology, and identity, as well as how religious frameworks can shape individual lives and communities.
Additional Resources:
Tia Levings - Personal Website
A Well-Trained Wife
Catch up on the highlights of our recent forum featuring Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D), moderated by Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of TODAY and chief legal correspondent at NBC News. The governors reflect on the responsibilities of leadership in moments of crisis and the work of building civic life rooted in dignity, safety, and hope.
Additional Resources:
A Better Way
On this special Christmas Eve episode, Dean Randy Hollerith and Provost Jan Cope chat with Cathedral Canon John L. Peterson, former Secretary General of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. Alongside Canon Peterson’s fascinating insight into the realities of the Holy Family and Nativity, the group reflects on the deep spiritual resonance of the Holy Land for Christians from around the world.
Additional Resources:
https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/was-jesus-really-born-in-a-stable/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irI0IDvOwI4
For 100 years, Cathedral Age has told the story of Washington National Cathedral, its people, its mission, and its place in the life of the nation. First published in 1925, the magazine chronicled a century of faith, beauty, challenge, and renewal. As we celebrate this milestone, join former editor Kevin Eckstrom and Provost Jan Cope as they reflect on its history and how it speaks to the present moment and inspires generations to come.
Additional Resources:
Cathedral Age
Fall 2025 Issue
Join us for a conversation about food, faith, and community, just in time for Thanksgiving. Kevin Eckstrom and Leonard Hamlin chat with Matthew Bounds, also known on social media as Your Barefoot Neighbor, about his bestselling cookbook, Keep it Simple, Y’all. Listen in to hear more about the power of simple recipes and new friendships through food and fellowship.
Additional Resources:
Your Barefoot Neighbor (personal website)
Matthew's Cookbooks
Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith welcomes Canon Historian Jon Meacham and U.S. Senator Cory Booker for a discussion on the moral foundations of democracy and the role of faith in shaping public life.
Join us for highlights from an in-person conversation with the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas, about the challenges of modern-day faith. Through the lens of Bishop Doyle’s latest book, we discussed the forces that challenge our spiritual lives and how we can respond with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ep-43-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
https://www.churchpublishing.org/unabashedfaith
Join us for a special edition of Crossroads featuring a conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall and Dean Randy Hollerith, recorded just 12 days before her passing. Known and beloved around the world for her groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees and as a global advocate for human rights, animal welfare, and species protection, Dr. Jane spoke to us about faith and hope, the power of curiosity, and the importance of empowering young people to advocate for conservation and the fundamental need to respect all forms of life on Earth.
Download Transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ep-42-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
https://janegoodall.org/
https://rootsandshoots.org/
The Rev. Dr. Russ Levenson, Jr., acclaimed author and spiritual advisor to the late George H.W. and Barbara Bush, joins Dean Randy Hollerith to discuss Rev. Levenson’s latest book, Witness to Belief. Listen along as they dive into insights from the book’s unique collection of interviews—from cultural icons to Oscar winners—on how their Christian faith has fueled their creativity and guided them through the challenges of their lives.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ep-41-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
Witness to Belief
“Do no harm” and “treat the whole person” are fundamental principles of the medical field and also resonate with pastoral care rooted in the Christian tradition. Internationally-renowned physician-scientist Dr. Michael DeBaun joins Canon Missioner Leonard Hamlin and Dr. Sonia Coman to discuss how these principles guide the work of doctors and spiritual shepherds in today’s highly techonologized environment.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ep-40-transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
Dr. DeBaun's Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Continuing our exploration of AI and ethics, the podcast welcomes David Timis, an expert in disruptive technologies and workforce development. With experience at Google and now as part of the leadership of Generation, one of the world’s largest employment nonprofits, David lends his perspective and insight to this timely conversation on how AI is reshaping the workforce.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ep-39-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
Learn more about David
The Human Difference in the AI Age
Icons of biblical and American history adorn many of the Cathedral’s stained glass windows, needlepoint kneelers, and stone carvings. Chosen at the time as figures to be remembered or emulated, what advice or insight might these icons have for us about the challenges of our current society? Canon Leonard Hamlin joins Kevin Eckstrom for a creative exploration of Cathedral iconography.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ep-38-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
"Icons Speak" in Cathedral Age
How can the simple act of gathering interfaith groups for a meal help promote peace? The Rev. Terry Kyllo, Executive Director of Paths to Understanding, is exploring this idea through The Potluck Project. He joins Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith to discuss how this small yet profound exercise can overcome division and help foster understanding across denominations and faiths.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ep-37-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
The Potluck Project
A Better Way
The Cathedral is home to one of 12 special editions of the Saint John’s Bible — the first hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in over 500 years. The Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition, joins the podcast to share the inspiring story behind this masterpiece of Biblical art.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ep-36-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
Learn more about the St. John's Bible
Contact Rev. Dr. Ross
Turning the Pages - Explore a digital version of St. John's Bible
A Closer Look at the Cathedral's Copy of the St. John's Bible
In today’s increasingly AI-powered world, how can churches help their parishioners utilize AI while staying authentic and ethical? The Rev. Mercedes Clements and the Rev. Peter Levenstrong, co-hosts of the AI Church Toolkit podcast, join Dr. Sonia Coman and the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens to discuss ways to center your creativity and your relationship with God to help navigate this new era of disruptive technology.
Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ep-35-Transcript.pdf
Additional Resources:
AI Church Toolkit Podcast
Living Stories Sermons
As we celebrate July 4th and mark just one year until America’s milestone 250th birthday, multidisciplinary artist Chas Fagan joins Kevin Eckstrom and Dr. Sonia Coman for a closer look at our nation’s history at the Cathedral. Fagan, who painted the official portrait of First Lady Barbara Bush and sculpted a statue of President Ronald Reagan at National Airport, shares his unique insights on American iconography at the Cathedral, including his own carvings.
Additional Resources:
Crossroads episode featuring Chas on St. Phoebe carving
Crossroads episode on Edith Wilson
Join us for highlights of an exclusive conversation with Bishop Mariann Budde and Rev. Jo Nygard Owens. Recorded in front of an intimate gathering at the Cathedral, their discussion explores how we can hold onto hope and lean into joy even in the midst of today’s challenges.
Additional Resources:
A Better Way
As we mark ten years since the senseless murder of nine parishioners of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, Senior Pastor Eric S.C. Manning joins the Rev. Canon Leonard Hamlin and the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens for a poignant and inspiring conversation about forgiveness.
Additional Resources:
Mother Emanuel AMEC
Context and Timeline of the Cathedral's Now and Forever Windows
The Cathedral will soon unveil a new addition to its iconography – a beautifully carved statue of St. Phoebe. The Rev. Jo Nygard Owens chats with painter/sculptor Chas Fagan and Cathedral stone carver Sean Callahan about their creative cross-medium collaboration for this project and the significance of St. Phoebe.
Additional Resources:
Photo gallery of St. Phoebe statue
Learn more about Chas Fagan
Chas' portrait of Barbara Bush
St. Phoebe on the Episcopal Lectionary
Elie Wiesel carving
Jonathan Daniels carving
Crossroads Ep. 12 - Meet our Stonemasons
Crossroads Ep. 26 - Celebrating Woman at the Cathedral



