The Faith and Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer with Dr. Vicki Barnett

In this episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Victoria J. Barnett, one of the world's leading experts on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the history of German Protestant churches during the Nazi era. This podcast coincides with the release of Dr. Howell's new book, Reading the Bible with Bonhoeffer. Dr. Barnett, author of For the Soul of the People: Protestant Protest Against Hitler and former general editor of the English edition of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works project, shares her deep insights into the complex reality of Bonhoeffer's life, his theology, and the German Confessing Church. Together, they look past popular mythologies to examine the real man behind the icon: his personal transformation, his key relationships, and how his historical legacy continues to be understood today.  Whether you've read The Cost of Discipleship or are discovering Bonhoeffer's story for the first time, this thoughtful conversation offers a grounded, nuanced perspective on faith, history, and moral courage.  

Dr. Howell talks with Marcia Ellis, a human development professional and author of Your Career Is Calling, about career and personal development. She shares insights from more than 30 years of helping individuals navigate career decisions, offering practical wisdom on aligning work with values, rediscovering purpose, and taking meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling professional life. Ellis holds advanced degrees in Counseling and Education from SUNY Albany and SUNY Brockport.

Dr. Howell talks with Rev. Kate Murphy, pastor of The Grove in Charlotte and author of Lost, Hidden, Small: Finding the Way of Jesus Where We Never Think to Look. She reflects on the gap between the Jesus we meet in Scripture and the habits of the modern church, and why seeking God in discomfort, smallness, and unlikely places can reshape our faith. Rev. Murphy earned both an M.Div. and an STM from Boston University School of Theology.

Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Mary Martha Bledsoe Felkner, a beloved pediatrician and author of In the Room: A Physician's Reflections on Hurting, Healing, and Living. She shares stories from her years of caring for children and families, the lessons she learned about waiting, listening, and presence, and how those experiences shaped her writing. Dr. Felkner received her medical degree from the UNC School of Medicine and completed her residency at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Howell talks with Jennifer Vollmer about the inequality and injustice in our court and justice systems, and how community support and court advocacy help people going through these difficult processes. Jennifer is the co-founder and executive director of the North Carolina Community Justice Center and works directly with the justice system to help people navigate the system.

Dr. Howell talks with Shannon Klug, an Air Force veteran, parent, and activist, about how individuals and faith communities can help prevent gun violence and build a culture of responsibility, compassion, and care. Shannon shares her experiences and highlights how thoughtful conversations and small actions can lead to real change. Shannon is the Be SMART Lead for North Carolina and a member of the Everytown Veteran Advisory Council. She encourages responsible gun ownership and empowers families and communities to promote safety, connection, and hope.

Dr. James Howell talks with Dr. Ben Gosden, senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Savannah, GA, about recovery and his new book, Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery. Ben earned his M.Div and D. Min at Candler School of Theology. Ben is a husband, father, and Jesus follower. He is also a person who lives to be sober one day at a time in the hope that God's greatest work comes out of our deepest wounds.

Dr. Howell talks with Boris Henderson about the impacts of gentrification and displacement in communities, and how churches and other organizations can support justice, community engagement, and housing stability in vulnerable neighborhoods. Boris is the Senior Director of Community Engagement & Philanthropy at Aldersgate. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary and has served in leadership roles at Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Housing Partnership and on the board of Habitat for Humanity International.

In this special episode, Dr. Jonathan Page of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC) interviews Dr. Howell about the election and spirituality as part of their series, Voting While Christian. As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election draws nearer, the VAUMC will share resources with their conference on topics ranging from how to have hard conversations to the impact on community organizing and advocacy in light of the current social and political climate, a climate that local churches and individuals must navigate as people of faith. Check out their page at https://vaumc.org/votingwhilechristian/.  

Dr. Howell speaks with Marty Folsom, a relational theologian and counselor, about the theology of Karl Barth and how we can find freedom through a relationship with God. Folsom holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Otago and has authored numerous books including two recent volumes of Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics for Everyone.