Looking Back: The Regent Podcast at 10 Years!

We're interrupting our usual bi-weekly release schedule at the beginning of a new term to share a special bonus anniversary episode! We're talking with current and former students who, inspired by the Regent College Podcast, "upped stumps" (thanks, Susie) and came to Vancouver to study at Regent College. Susie, Jacob, Silja, and Rachel share their journeys to Regent, reminisce about favourite past episodes, and reflect on how they are experiencing, or have experienced, life at Regent. We hope that as you listen, you'll be inspired to go into the back catalogue to (re)discover ten years of meaningful conversations. Maybe you'll take a class yourself, or consider joining us here for a time in our very unique community, where you can be yourself and bring your questions, whether you are discerning ministry, vocation, or academic research.Past Podcast Mentions:#044 Hans Boersma on Theology and Tradition (October 2016)#068 A new language for the sexual crisis of our generation - with Dr. Sarah Williams (July 2019)The Artist #1-3 (November 2022)From Politics to Palliative Care - With Mike Baird (May 2022)Whole Person Healthcare - with Morgan Wills (October 2021)#055 Pain, suffering, and depression in the life of a believer—with Dr. Ross Hastings (April 2019)#140 Friendship recentered - with Dr. Maxine Hancock and Dr. Cindy Aalders (March 2021)Called to be Friends - With Dr. Cindy Aalders and Dr. David Robinson (November 2021)Helpful Info for Discerning Coming to RegentRegent College AdmissionsAcademic AdvisingStudying OnlineLife in VancouverCommunity LifeCurrent FacultyRegent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

In this episode, Regent grad and artist-pastor-theologian David Taylor shares insights on the relationship between art, theology, and vocation, drawn from over thirty years of theological reflection and ministry with artists. Beginning with his reflections on how Regent College influenced his understanding of art and theology, David then discusses core aspects of the book: the importance of belovedness in vocation, who gets to call themselves an artist, and the historical shift from artisans to artists and creative entrepreneurs. He also reflects theologically on the role of the Holy Spirit in artistic creation, and the limitations and constraints placed on creative work modelled in the life of Jesus. David also shares the formational aspects of being an artist, including practices for combating creative stagnation and the importance of doing art in community. Finally, he shares the missional purpose of art-making in a world on fire: home-making, which points us to the truer story in which we are living.David's BioW. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, an Anglican priest, and an internationally recognized scholar of theology, worship, and the arts. He has written books including Open and Unafraid, Glimpses of the New Creation, and Prayers for the Pilgrimage. His newest book, To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God's Creation, draws on more than three decades of pastoral ministry, theological scholarship, and collaboration with artists around the world. Previous Podcast AppearancesOn the Arts and Worship (September 2017)The Formative Power of the Arts (November 2019)Broken Raging Hearts Before God (February 2021)Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

As we wrap up Season 8 of the podcast, we take time to catch up with prolific chemist-theologian-pastor-writer and much-loved Regent professor, Dr. Ross Hastings. Ross's new book, God and Molecules: Chemical Evolution and Divine Providence, explores how God has been working purposefully in his creation all the way back to the first molecules. This is a conversation that stretches the limits of knowledge in the two disciplines Ross is integrating, inviting intellectual humility. Claire and Rachel sought to model this by asking many non-specialist clarifying questions! Even if you are not a scientist, we invite you to listen and learn from the insights chemistry can bring to our understanding of God, his divine agency in the world, and his relationship to creation. As Ross says, these insights inspire our awe and worship, reminding us that our God is too small and our God isn't small enough. See you in September!Ross's BioDr. Ross Hastings, a Zimbabwean Scot, holds PhDs in organometallic chemistry and theology. He currently serves as the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College, where he teaches systematic and pastoral theology. Ross’s most recent books are Pastoral Ethics: Moral Formation as Life in the Trinity, 2nd ed. (Cascade, 2025) and The Glory of the Ascension (IVP Academic, 2026).More from RossWade Even Deeper (Regent Convocation Address 2026)The Son Went Up . . . and the Spirit Came Down: Lessons from the Ascent of the Son and the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Regent Vine Article, May 2026)Sport: Idolatry or the Image of God … or Both? (Regent Vine Article, February 2026)The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ (May 2025)The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (February 2022)Pain, Suffering and Depression in the Life of the Believer (April 2019)Sources MentionedPaul Rimmer's research in chemical evolutionBiologos - Faith and ScienceIntelligent Design - Ken HamRegent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

"The Bible invites us to wrestle with life's realities."In this final episode of our Summer Forecast series of 2026, Rev. Dr. Isabelle Hamley discusses the challenges and importance of preaching from difficult parts of scripture, including texts on judgment, trauma, violence, and justice. While we often want to avoid these sections of Scripture, she helps us think about how to read these texts faithfully and responsibly. Isabelle’s commitment to preaching from the whole counsel of God reminds us to recognize the limits of our capacity to understand God. She also shares thoughtful insights on contemporary humility in relation to the interpretation and misuse of scripture, challenging us to consider the ways in which we, too, miss the mark. TW: references to sexual violence, war, and traumaIsabelle's BioRev. Dr. Isabelle Hamley is a minister, speaker, and writer. She currently serves as Principal of Ridley Hall, an Anglican seminary that trains women and men for lay and ordained ministry. She has previously held posts as church leader, university chaplain, chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Theological Adviser to the House of Bishops. Her interests include the Bible in the life of the church, how Scripture helps shape a Christian response to justice, conflict, and violence, and the relationship between faith, ministry, and mental health. She is an ambassador for Sanctuary Mental Health and co-chairs a World Council of Churches working group on violence, conflict, peace, and reconciliation. She will be back at Regent this summer, teaching Preaching the Unpreachable: Opening Up the “Difficult” Texts of Scripture from July 27-31.Previous Podcast AppearancesBeing Human in God's World (June 2024)Old Testament Suffering and Life with God (February 2022) Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

Our Summer Forecast continues! In this conversation, Dr. Brent Strawn discusses his extensive background in Old Testament studies, particularly focusing on the book of Deuteronomy. He explores its significance within the Torah, its audiences throughout Israel's history, and its unique structure as a covenant document. Brent emphasizes the rhetorical nature of Deuteronomy, its legal framework, and the importance of repetition in its teachings.  In this conversation, we explore the themes of Deuteronomy, focusing on its role in shaping character, the nature of law and leadership, and the importance of heart change. We discuss the contemporary implications of a thin social contract in relation to law and how Deuteronomy encourages a deeper understanding of law as a covenant. Reflecting on Deuteronomy 17, Brent emphasizes the importance of humble leadership and diligent reading of Scripture for pastors and teachers. We also talk about images in the Song of Moses, and how God presents himself through various metaphors and conceptual blends to demonstrate his incomparability. We also touch on Jesus' relationship with Deuteronomy. Finally, Brent shares his pedagogical approach to scripture reading, advocating for empathy and attention in understanding biblical texts without the distractions of technology.Brent's BioDr. Brent A. Strawn is D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law at Duke University. He has edited over thirty volumes, including the award-winning Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Law (2015), and authored seven books and over three hundred articles, essays, and contributions to reference works. His most recent book, co-authored with Walter Brueggemann, is Unwavering Faithfulness: Pivotal Moments in the Book of Isaiah (Westminster John Knox, 2025). An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Strawn has served as a translator and editor for the Common English Bible (2011) and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (2022). He’ll be here teaching Deuteronomy: Moses Amends the Constitution from Jul 20-24.Previous Podcast AppearancesA Skeptic in Scripture (May 2024)Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

This week, we are reconnecting with Dr. Susan Phillips, who has been a long-standing presence at Regent Summer School. This year, she will be back teaching Contemplative Listening: The Foundation of Spiritual Friendship and Direction from July 20-31. Susan has many years of experience as a spiritual director, researcher and teacher. In this conversation, she shares with us about listening as vocation and sanctuary. She also shares helpful perspectives on the transformative power of listening, why it’s so hard to listen, how we slowly build trust in listening relationships, and balance empathy and self-care. As you listen, we hope you receive an invitation to slow down and notice the kind voice of God in your life.Susan's BioA spiritual director and professor of sociology and Christian spirituality, Susan S. Phillips earned a PhD in sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, and served as the Executive Director of New College Berkeley, an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union, from 1994 to 2022. In addition to teaching in a number of institutions within the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and serving on its doctoral faculty, Susan has taught for many years at Fuller Theological Seminary, Regent College, and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Her books, like her teaching, explore the intersection of Christian spirituality and social science, and include the award-winning Crisis of Care: Affirming and Restoring Caring Practices in the Helping Profession (Georgetown University Press, 1995), Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction (Morehouse, 2008), and The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy (IVP, 2015). Susan loves listening to people as they pray and seek the Holy in spiritual direction, retreats, and everyday life. Related ContentPrevious Podcast AppearancesOn Spiritual Practice (Nov 2017)Spiritual Direction, with John Lunn (June 2018)Spiritual Practices in Community (Nov 2021)Regent Vine ArticleAdvent: God Forges a Path (Dec 5, 2025)Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

We're returning to a soul-filling conversation with Dr. Tom Schwanda ahead of his summer class, "Experiencing the Presence: Walking with God All Day Long," which will be running from July 13-17. Two years ago, he spoke with Claire and Christina about the joys of soul recreation, enjoying God, contemplation and meditation. Drawing on the rich history of the church and artistic engagement with Scripture, Tom invites us to slow down and notice God in our lives. He also tackles the distractions that keep us from God. If you are longing for this kind of rest, consider joining us this summer.Tom's BioAfter serving as a pastor for eighteen years, Tom Schwanda taught Christian spirituality at Wheaton College until his retirement. He now serves as Senior Fellow for Christian Spirituality at the C. S. Lewis Institute and continues to teach Doctor of Ministry courses at several seminaries. He is a trained spiritual director and has published widely. His most recent publication is Whitefield on the Christian Life: New Birth to Enjoy God (Crossway, 2025). His current project involves compiling evening hymns and prayers on sleep and insomnia from across the centuries.Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

Today, we are reprising one of our most popular conversations of the past year with Dr. David C. Wang. David will be with us again at Regent this summer, from June 29 to July 3, teaching Trauma & Spiritual Formation: Principles & Practices for Leadership. In this conversation, he touches on many themes that will be discussed in the class, including types of trauma, adverse childhood experiences and ministry leaders, caring for oneself and others in the aftermath of trauma, and what we can learn from those who have experienced trauma in our church communities. Consider joining us in the classroom or online if you want to be part of this important conversation.David's BioDr. David C. Wang is Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders and Professor of Psychology and Spiritual Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also Pastor of Spiritual Formation at One Life City Church in Fullerton, California, and a licensed psychologist. He oversees research grants on the human and spiritual formation of global and ecumenical Christian leaders (www.globalformationproject.com) and mobilizing diverse local congregations to meet the spiritual and mental health needs of trauma survivors.Related ContentThe Scars of the Resurrected Christ: What They Teach Us About Trauma, the Christian Life, and Vocation (Regent Vine Article, Sept 2025)Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

We are diving into another insightful Summer Forecast episode with Dr. Dennis R. Edwards. In our conversation, Dr. Edwards shares insights from his life in pastoral ministry and biblical studies, particularly as we navigate race and ethnicity. Dennis argues that understanding social location is so important as we assess our own culturally-influenced interpretation of biblical texts and theology. While the Bible acknowledges human diversity, he contends that it does not support racial superiority. Drawing on Philippians 2, Dr. Edwards repeatedly calls us back to humility, love, and reconciliation, which transcends racial and ethnic lines, and invites the powerful to relinquish their position so others may be elevated. To learn more from him, consider joining us at Regent this summer for A Biblical Theology of Race and Ethnicity (July 13-17).Dennis's BioRev. Dr. Dennis R. Edwards recently ended his term as the Dean and Vice President of Church Relations at North Park Theological Seminary, where he continues to teach and research the New Testament. He’s the author of several books, including Humility Illuminated and Might from the Margins. Dennis has three decades of urban pastoral ministry experience from Brooklyn, New York; Washington, DC; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dennis holds a BS in chemical engineering and was a high school science and math teacher. He also earned an MDiv in Urban Ministry and an MA and PhD in Biblical Studies. Dennis will be back at Regent this summer, teaching A Biblical Theology of Race & Ethnicity from July 13-17.Previous Podcast AppearancesMight from the Margins (May 2022)Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back

This week, we return to a lively conversation with Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, hosted by Octavio and Claire back in 2020. Here, they consider the need for the North American church to break free from Western cultural captivity and embrace the diversity of our communities in our gathered worship and theology. Soong-Chan emphasizes the importance of diversity, community, and authentic cultural expression in faith communities. If this conversation piques your interest, consider joining him in the classroom this summer. He will be teaching "Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church" from July 6-10. Soong-Chan's BioSoong-Chan Rah is the Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism and Church Renewal at Fuller Theological Seminary. He holds a ThD from Duke Divinity School, with a primary field of study in theology and ethics, and a secondary field of study in American evangelical history. He also holds an MDiv and a DMin, with a concentration in urban ministry leadership, from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a ThM from Harvard University, with a thesis on the immigrant church.Dr. Rah has authored or co-authored over a half-dozen books, which have won many awards. These include The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity(IVP, 2009); Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church (Moody, 2010); Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times (IVP, 2015); Return to Justice: Six Movements that Reignited Our Contemporary Evangelical Conscience (with Gary Vanderpol; Brazos, 2016); Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery (with Mark Charles; IVP, 2019); and Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith (with Mae Elise Cannon, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Troy Jackson; Zondervan, 2014).Dr. Rah is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church and a member of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education, the American Academy of Religion, and the American Society of Missiology. He speaks on the topics of the witness of the church, cross-cultural ministry, and social justice at a wide range of academic conferences, seminaries, Christian colleges, local churches, denominational gatherings, and ministry conferences across the United States and around the world.Regent College PodcastThanks 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 MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back