Episodes

  • Finding Belonging in Ecumenical Places with Owen Copps

    Finding Belonging in Ecumenical Places with Owen Copps
    Jan 23 2026
    In this episode of the Collective Voice podcast, Rev. Phil Dieke, Rev. CeCie Suknaic, and Owen Copps explore themes of faith, community, and belonging. They discuss Owen's journey from the mountains of Colorado to seminary in Austin, the importance of creating and finding community, and the role of justice work in faith. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitions, the significance of intergenerational connections, and the exploration of personal call and purpose in ministry.

    Show Notes:
    • Gather Network
    • Seminary of the Southwest
    • First Light Coffee in Austin
    • Book People in Austin
    • Yellow Bike Project
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
    04:26 Nature and Faith: Owen's Journey
    09:53 The Search for Belonging
    20:02 Finding Community in Austin
    27:42 The Role of Young Adults in Faith Communities
    38:32 Navigating Transitions and Future Aspirations
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    46 mins
  • Flipping Tables: A Call to Justice with Brien McChesney

    Flipping Tables: A Call to Justice with Brien McChesney
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode, Rev. Phil Dieke interviews Brian McChesney, a young adult passionate about advocacy, justice, and ministry. Brian shares his journey from aspiring architect to pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church, emphasizing the importance of integrating justice into congregational life. He discusses his experiences in seminary, the significance of the Flipping Tables initiative at Violet Crown City Church in Austin, TX, and the upcoming Nativity Demonstration focused on immigration advocacy taking place at the Texas Capitol on December 20th. The conversation highlights the need for community, belonging, and theological imagination in faith, as well as the importance of nurturing one's soul amidst activism.

    Show Notes
    • The Writing on the Wall: Signs of Faith Against Fascism - Eric Martin
    • Illustrated Ministry
    • RSVP for the Nativity Demonstration on December 20th in Austin
    • Email Brien - brien@violetcrown.church
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Brian McChesney and His Journey
    02:53 The Call to Justice in Ministry
    06:07 The Role of Seminary in Shaping Faith
    08:55 Exploring the Flipping Tables Initiative
    11:41 The Significance of the Nativity in Immigration Advocacy
    14:50 Building Community and Belonging in Faith
    17:55 Theological Imagination and Childlike Faith
    19:53 Nurturing the Soul Amidst Activism
    20:09 Conclusion and Call to Action
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    52 mins
  • Wild Church Fresno with Rebeca Pessoa

    Wild Church Fresno with Rebeca Pessoa
    Nov 21 2025
    In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke speaks with Becca Pessoa about her journey into spiritual leadership and the formation of Wild Church Fresno. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature, the role of environmental justice, and how Becca's personal experiences have shaped her understanding of spirituality. The conversation highlights the significance of community, storytelling, and the need for a deeper connection to the earth and each other.

    Do you find spiritual connection in nature? We'd love to hear about it.

    Show Notes:
    • Wild Church Fresno Website, Instagram, Facebook
    • Willow Mennonie Church
    • Sovereign Spirits Instagram
    • Rebeca Pessoa Instagram

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Wild Church and Personal Background
    09:56 Connection to the Watershed and Environmental Justice
    19:53 Structure and Activities of Wild Church Fresno
    29:52 Community Engagement and Personal Stories
    30:30 The Role of Wild Church in Community
    33:13 Redefining Spirituality and Christ
    38:51 Sovereign Spirit: A Personal Journey
    44:45 Final Thoughts on Spiritual Connection
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    52 mins
  • Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with JD Mechelke on Environmental Catastrophe

    Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with JD Mechelke on Environmental Catastrophe
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke engages in a profound conversation with JD Mechelke about the themes of climate justice, hope, and the role of the church in addressing the climate crisis. They explore the implications of living in the Anthropocene, the myth of progress, and the importance of facing hopelessness. The discussion also highlights indigenous perspectives and the need for a revised eschatology that reflects the current realities of climate change. Through personal stories and theological reflections, they emphasize the necessity of action and resilience in the face of environmental catastrophe.

    Show Notes:
    • Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults
    • David Wallace Wells - The Uninhabitable Earth
    • Talitha Amadea Aho - In Deep Waters: Spiritual Care for Young People in a Climate Crisis
    • Lauren Berlant - Cruel Optimism
    • Barbara Brown Taylor - Learning to Walk in the Dark
    • Donna Haraway - Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
    • Anna Tsing - The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Hungry for Hope
    02:51 Exploring Climate Catastrophe
    05:37 Personal Journey and Climate Awareness
    08:46 Theological Reflections on Climate Change
    11:27 The Myth of Progress and Its Implications
    14:34 Hope and Hopelessness in the Anthropocene
    17:20 Indigenous Perspectives on Hope
    20:38 The Role of the Church in Climate Action
    23:28 Rethinking Eschatology
    26:13 Stories of Resilience and Beauty
    29:19 Concluding Thoughts on Hope and Action
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    53 mins
  • A Theology of Aging with Hanna Newcomer Sliva - part 2

    A Theology of Aging with Hanna Newcomer Sliva - part 2
    Oct 19 2025
    In this episode, Rev. Phil Dieke is once again joined by Hanna Newcomer Sliva to discuss the evolution of Hanna's project within the Polaris Leadership Network, focusing on the theology of aging and the importance of storytelling. They explore cultural insights from Hanna's experiences in Hawaii, the significance of scars and survival, and the impact of personal growth on their understanding of faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic storytelling and the reverence for aging in a society that often seeks to erase the evidence of time.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Updates
    02:58 The Polaris Leadership Network and Project Overview
    05:52 The Theology of Aging and Storytelling
    08:48 Collecting Stories and Cultural Insights
    12:00 Exploring Life Expectancy: Hawaii vs. Mississippi
    15:03 Experiencing Tongan Culture and Mother's Day Celebration
    17:48 The Art of Storytelling in Tongan Culture
    20:55 Reflections on Trust and Transformation
    23:50 Understanding God Through Stories
    26:52 The Multifaceted Nature of Human Experience
    30:10 Exploring God's Presence in Everyday Life
    32:41 Stories from the Tongan Community
    35:38 Connecting with Nature and Spirit
    38:27 The Impact of Conservation Efforts
    42:36 Experiencing Awe and Humanity
    44:28 The Theology of Aging and Hope
    47:14 Cultural Attitudes Towards Aging
    49:53 The Significance of Scars and Stories
    51:15 Future Projects and Storytelling
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    54 mins
  • Church of Earth with Rachel Becker

    Church of Earth with Rachel Becker
    Oct 3 2025
    In this episode, Phil Dieke and Rachel Becker explore the intersection of spirituality, nature, and community. Rachel shares her journey from art to becoming a death doula, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, acceptance, and the sacredness of life and death. They discuss the role of activism in spirituality, the healing power of facing mortality, and the need for community rituals that foster connection. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating trauma and burnout in spiritual practices, and the significance of relationships in creating a supportive spiritual environment.

    Show Notes:
    • Rachel's Website
    • Going With Grace Death Doula Training

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Connection and Nature
    02:51 Rachel's Journey: From Art to Spirituality
    05:59 Exploring the Concept of the Sacred
    08:59 The Intersection of Spirituality and Activism
    11:48 Navigating Trauma and Burnout in Spirituality
    14:43 The Role of Curiosity in Spiritual Exploration
    17:30 Understanding the Church of Earth
    20:26 Community and Ritual Beyond Traditional Church
    23:35 Healing Through Acceptance and Surrender
    26:20 The Role of Death in Life's Meaning
    29:30 Facing Death: The Role of a Death Doula
    32:25 The Healing Power of Facing Our Mortality
    34:56 Curiosity and Relationships as a Path to Healing
    37:39 The Value of Life in the Face of Death
    40:50 Technology, Death, and the Quest for Immortality
    43:30 Finding Peace in the Temporary Nature of Life
    46:17 Grounding in Love Amidst Fear
    49:19 Embracing Change and Empowerment
    51:59 Conclusion and Reflections on Spirituality
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    53 mins
  • Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with Sarah Brock Iverson on Mental Health

    Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with Sarah Brock Iverson on Mental Health
    Sep 14 2025
    In this episode of the 787 Collective Podcast, Rev. Phil Dieke engages with Sarah Iverson, a physician assistant and co-author of the chapter 'Health and Wholeness: Trauma, Anxiety, and Our Call to Mental Health' from the book 'Hungry for Hope.' They discuss the intersection of mental health and spirituality, the importance of community, and the role of the church in addressing mental health issues. Sarah shares her personal experiences with anxiety, the significance of medication, and holistic approaches to mental well-being. The conversation also touches on trauma, the institutional responses to mental health, and the hopes for the church and young adults in navigating these challenges together.

    Links from this episode:
    • Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults
    • Riverside Innovation Hub at Augsburg University
    • Edina Community Lutheran Church
    • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis dial 988


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Health and Wholeness
    02:30 Connecting Health and Ministry
    04:34 The Riverside Innovation Hub Experience
    06:39 Gratitude and Community in the Church
    09:50 Writing the Chapter on Mental Health
    12:08 Understanding Anxiety in the Church
    15:21 The Ecosystem of Mental Health
    19:55 Medication and Holistic Approaches
    20:39 Spiritual Practices for Mental Health
    24:48 The Lens of Gratitude and Meaning Making
    25:53 Understanding Mental Health and Spirituality
    26:32 Trauma's Impact on Mental Health
    29:00 Institutional Responses to Mental Health
    31:11 Creating Resilient Communities
    35:38 Hopes for the Church and Young Adults
    42:41 Finding Beauty and Connection in Everyday Life
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    46 mins
  • Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with Rev. Baird Linke on the Tokenism of Young Adults in the Church

    Hungry for Hope: A Conversation with Rev. Baird Linke on the Tokenism of Young Adults in the Church
    Aug 18 2025
    In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke is joined by Rev. Baird Linke, a pastor and co-author of the chapter about the tokenism of young adults in the soon to be released book Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults. They discuss how the challenges and opportunities facing young adults in the church today led to the creation of this book and why it is not just a book about young adults or a guide to attract young adults back to church. Baird also shares his journey into ministry, the importance of community, and the need for the church to adapt to the changing dynamics of faith and engagement. The conversation emphasizes the value of young adult voices and the necessity for the church to listen and respond to their needs.

    References from the episode:
    • Preorder Hungry For Hope
    • Augsburg University Riverside Innovation Hub
    • Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
    • Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to The Collective Voice Podcast
    01:41 Baird Linke's Journey into Ministry
    03:06 The Hungry for Hope Book Project
    06:24 Listening to Young Adults: Themes and Concerns
    10:34 Tokenization and Young Adult Leadership
    11:45 Understanding the Audience: The Church's Role
    15:03 Young Adults and Their Spiritual Curiosity
    18:20 The Importance of Community in Faith
    24:18 Transparency in Church Communities
    29:25 Institutional Challenges and Spiritual Priorities
    33:18 Challenging Worldviews in Faith Communities
    35:43 The Pressure of Tokenization in Churches
    37:38 Young Voices and Institutional Resistance
    39:48 Navigating Conflicts Between Generations
    41:52 The Value of Young People's Perspectives
    44:22 Balancing Institutional Needs with Community Values
    48:03 Transforming Institutions for a New Generation
    50:36 Embracing Change and Transformation in Faith
    56:37 Grounding in Community and Personal Well-being
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    1 hr and 4 mins