In this episode, Ericka Graham engages in an inspiring discussion with Rev. Canon Dr. Canon Stephanie Spellers about her transformative journey to becoming an Episcopal priest and the evolving dynamics of church communities. They address the urgent need to reimagine traditional denominations, emphasizing authenticity, passion, and spiritual depth. Insights from Spellers' book 'Church Tomorrow?’ illuminate the path forward, advocating for innovative church leadership and the inclusion of non-traditional spiritual practices. Together, they passionately explore how curiosity and genuine engagement can reignite the heart and soul of faith communities, ensuring a vibrant future for the church.

And join Ericka and Stephanie next month at Pastors, Priest and Guides, an upcoming one-day retreat in Houston on February 9th!

Show Notes

Pastors Priests & Guides Houston Retreat: https://pastorspriestsandguides.com/schedule-info-houston

Church Tomorrow? Book: https://stephaniespellers.com/church-tomorrow

More about Stephanie Spellers: https://stephaniespellers.com

Hopi Elders Message: https://bemagazine.org/hopi-elders-prayer.
Church Goin' Mule: https://www.churchgoinmule.com.

In this episode, Ericka welcomes Scott Erickson, an artist and author, to discuss his new book 'In the Low' and his unique approach to creating meaningful art. Scott shares his journey of blending spirituality with visual storytelling, his experiences with depression, and the importance of honesty in art. They also explore how friendships and community play crucial roles in overcoming life's challenges. Scott provides insights into his inspirations, faith evolution, and the creative process behind his multifaceted work.

website: https://www.scottericksonart.com/

book: 'In the Low'

instagram : https://www.instagram.com/scottthepainter/

In this episode, Ericka sat down with the Creative Director and Producer of this Podcast, Dani Hooper, to discuss what it was like to create a podcast together.

More about Dani Hooper:

Dani is an artist of many kinds.
She finds beauty wherever she goes, creates spaces she loves, finds presence in yoga, captures the world through her lens, writes music from the heart, loves deeply, and somehow also finds time to bring this podcast to life with care and creativity. She’s thoughtful, creative, and always chasing what’s honest and beautiful. We love Dani!!

LINKS:

Dani Hooper on Spotfiy: https://tr.ee/oPJ118haw4

Dani's Website: https://www.danidesign.me/

Follow Dani on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dani_hooper_/

Listen to her latest song, TIES: https://open.spotify.com/track/1jtd44R6vOGeyD4K4PlZTU?si=CEduxIjrRseXHEbFapMdHw

In this episode, Ericka sat down with New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs, to discuss the potent influence of mothers, the voices erased from history, and how to reclaim a more honest narrative moving forward.

More about Anna Malaika Tubbs:

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a 2X New York Times Bestselling storyteller who grew up in Dubai, Mexico, Sweden, Estonia, Azerbaijan, as well as the United States. Influenced by her exposure to all kinds of cultures and beliefs, Anna is inspired to bring people together through the celebration of difference. Motivated by her mother’s work advocating for women’s and children’s rights around the world, Anna uses an intersectional lens to advocate for women of color and educate others in all of her projects. Anna holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Masters in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge in addition to a Bachelors in Medical Anthropology from Stanford University. She takes from her academic background and produces content that is easy for others to connect with and understand. Her focus is on addressing gender and race issues in the U.S., especially the pervasive erasure of Black women.

Anna has published articles on topics ranging from celebrating motherhood to addressing the forced sterilization of Black women as well as the importance of feminism, intersectionality, and inclusivity. Her writing has been featured in TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, CNN, Motherly, the Huffington Post, For Harriet, The Guardian, Darling Magazine, and Blavity.

Her first book, titled The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, was published by Flatiron Books in February of 2021. A New York Times’ Bestseller, a New York Times Editors Choice, and an Amazon Editor’s choice, the book has achieved critical acclaim and has been featured in Oprah Daily, People Magazine, USA Today, The Skimm, Fortune Magazine, MSNBC, CBS, C-Span, NPR, Forbes, The 19th News, GMA.com, Yahoo News, The Washington Post, Southern Living Magazine, and more.

Her new book released in May of 2025, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us became an instant New York Times Bestselling book as well

Anna is a highly sought-after speaker who travels across the world on her mission to engage more audiences in conversations about race and gender. Her TED Talk “How Moms Shape the World” has amassed 2 million views.

Anna recently signed a major two-book deal for her next two non-fictions, she is working on a novel as well as a children’s book series, and she’s developing scripted and unscripted screen projects.

LINKS:

Website for Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs:

https://annamalaikatubbs.com

IG:

https://www.instagram.com/annamalaikatubbs/?hl=en

Buy Her Books:

https://annamalaikatubbs.com/bookshelf/

Ted Talks:

https://www.ted.com/talks/anna_malaika_tubbs_how_moms_shape_the_world?language=en

https://www.ted.com/talks/anna_malaika_tubbs_the_critical_role_of_black_mothers_and_how_to_support_all_moms?language=en

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Katie Crokus to discuss the awkwardness of change, the freedom found from leaving restriction and choosing abundance, and how regaining a menstruation was a sign of health.

More about Katie Crokus:

Katie is a mom to three, animal-obsessed, kitchen-dwelling, over-sharing, recipe-developing storyteller. She is committed to nurturing people with delicious food and stories that intersect celebration, healthy living and healing.

LINKS:

Website for Katie Crokus: https://www.empowernutritioncoach.com

Substack for Katie Crokus: https://substack.com/@katiecrokus

IG: https://www.instagram.com/katiecrokus/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Francesca Hogi to talk about finding true love, dating apps, flirting, modern love, and more. This is a conversation for singles looking for love, and also for partnered couples looking to create deeper intimacy.

More about Francesca Hogi

Francesca Hogi helps people find true love inside and out. A former corporate lawyer turned matchmaker turned love coach, Francesca is an author, TED speaker, and host of the relationship podcast Dear Franny. She’s been featured in media outlets such as The Today Show, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Forbes. She is the founder of The True Love Society, a community for those seeking deeper self and romantic love. Her first book, How to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships, was recently released and is available wherever you get your books and audiobooks.

LINKS:

Learn more: https://francescahogi.com/

Buy the book: https://linktr.ee/howtofindtruelove

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dearfranny/

Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/francesca_hogi_true_love_and_the_myth_of_happily_ever_after

Francesca’s Mom (who has never posted on IG) https://www.instagram.com/joycehogi

TV ON THE RADIO: https://tvontheradio.com/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Rev. Katie O’Dunne to talk about how OCD treatment is also a spiritual practice for both her and her clients. Although this conversation is centered around those with OCD, the theme of surrendering to uncertainty and choosing faith is really a spiritual practice that all people can benefit from.

More about Katie O’Dunne:

Rev. Dr. Katie O'Dunne founded and leads an inclusive virtual community for those navigating faith and OCD called Stick with the Ick. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she spent 7 years as the Academy Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, simultaneously consulting on interfaith programming nationwide. Drawing on this experience, Katie educates clinicians and clergy, promoting culturally responsive treatment across religious/spiritual traditions. She leads the IOCDF Faith & OCD Action Council, consults on Religion & OCD with OCDI Texas, and received Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Ministry Award for Distinction in Integrative Care Practices.

Katie O’Dunne’s Website: https://www.revkatieodunne.com

Stick with the Ick App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stick-with-the-ick/id6478934982

Katie’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/revkrunsbeyondocd/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Sean Palmer about his life, being a dad, and what it means to live with death in mind.

More about Sean Palmer:

Previously profiled in Christian Standard Magazine as one of “40 Leaders Under 40,” and with 24-years of ministry experience, Sean is a sought-after national keynote speaker, teacher, writer, and workshop facilitator. His writing has been featured on Scot McKnight’s Jesus Creed at Christianity Today, Sojourners, FOXNews.com, The Lookout Magazine and Christian Standard Magazine.

Sean is also a featured writer and board member for Missio Alliance, a contributing writer to The Voice Bible, and author of Unarmed Empire: In Search of Beloved Community, which has been called “the best book about the church,” which reached #1 in Christian Discipleship on Amazon. Be sure to check out his other books (like Forty Days on Being A Three) on his website, linked below.

Sean is a frequent guest on a range of podcasts and has been featured on National Public Radio. Sean is also a speaking and preaching coach, helping speakers conquer self-doubt, lack of clarity, and listener boredom through the craft of storytelling.

Sean studied Youth and Family Ministry at Abilene Christian University and Homiletics at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary, The Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, and Fuller Seminary.

Sean and his wife, Rochelle, have been married for over 25-years and live in Houston, TX. They also have two incredible adult daughters.

Website: https://www.seanisaacpalmer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.palmer1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanisaacpalmer/
Books: https://www.seanisaacpalmer.com

Subscribe to Sean’s Substack: https://seanpalmer.substack.com