Explore the beauty, importance, and vitality of silence, as we explore the spirituality, psychology, and sheer humanity of silence. Subscribe to the podcast through Amazon, Google, or your favorite podcast subscription site. If you enjoy the podcast, please share us with your friends — and please support us through Patreon.
Encountering Silence with Sister Joyce Rupp
June 3, 2022 • 62 MIN
A conversation with Servite Sister Joyce Rupp, author of many books including "Return to the Root: Reflections on the Inner Life."
Sarah Lund: Silence in Teen and Child Mental Health
April 11, 2022 • 58 MIN
The Reverend Sarah Lund returns to Encountering Silence to share with us insights from her latest book, "Blessed Youth."
Nikki Grimes: Encountering Glory, and Silence, in the Margins
October 14, 2021 • 60 MIN
A conversation with award-winning poet and children's author Nikki Grimes.
Amy Frykholm: Encountering the Wilderness of Silence
August 26, 2021 • 54 MIN
A conversation with contemplative author Dr. Amy Frykholm, whose books include "Wild Woman" and "Julian of Norwich: A Contemplative Biography."
Sophfronia Scott: Silence, the Seeker, and the Monk
April 2, 2021 • 61 MIN
Sophfronia Scott speaks to Encountering Silence about her latest book, in which she explores her interest in the Trappist monk Thomas Merton.
Barbara Brown Taylor: Silence, Vulnerability, and Love (Part Two)
March 17, 2021 • 29 MIN
Part Two of Our Episode with New York Times bestselling author Barbara Brown Taylor, author of "When God is Silent" and many other books.
Barbara Brown Taylor: Silence, Vulnerability, and Love (Part One)
March 9, 2021 • 31 MIN
Part one of our two-part conversation with New York Times bestselling author Barbara Brown Taylor.
Encountering Silence and Contemplating Now
February 25, 2021 • 44 MIN
In today's episode of Encountering Silence, we visit co-host Cassidy Hall's new podcast, Contemplating Now: A Podcast Exploring the Intersection of Contemplation and Social Justice. Join us as we listen to wisdom from previous Encountering Silence guest, Therese Taylor-Stinson: spiritual director, author, and ordained deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
Silence in Sound: A Collection of Ambient Field Recordings
February 16, 2021 • 34 MIN
A collection of ambient field recordings from birds to surf to wind. Listen to how subtle nature is, and listen for the silence in the sound.
Kaya Oakes, Silence, the Body, and Women Mystics (Part Two)
January 5, 2021 • 29 MIN
The conclusion of our conversation with writer Kaya Oakes.
Kaya Oakes, Silence, the Body, and Women Mystics (Part One)
December 29, 2020 • 38 MIN
The first part of our two-part conversation with author Kaya Oakes.
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel: Silence, Ritual, and the Earth (Part Two)
December 8, 2020 • 38 MIN
The conclusion of our conversation with Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Zen priest, author, and poet.
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel: Silence, Ritual, and the Earth (Part One)
December 1, 2020 • 40 MIN
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Zen priest, author, and poet, joins us for this first part of a two-part conversation.
Emilie Townes: Silence, Storytelling, and Womanist Thought (Part Two)
November 17, 2020 • 24 MIN
Our conversation with Dean Emilie M. Townes concludes.
Emilie Townes: Silence, Storytelling, and Womanist Thought (Part One)
November 10, 2020 • 35 MIN
Part one of a two-part interview with Womanist theologian Emilie M. Townes.
Cynthia Bourgeault: Silence and the Imaginal Realm (Part One)
October 13, 2020 • 45 MIN
Cynthia Bourgeault returns to Encountering Silence to discuss her new book, Eye of the Heart. Part one of a two-part interview.
Rick Hanson: Silence, Buddhism and the Brain
October 6, 2020 • 50 MIN
A conversation with New York Times bestselling author Rick Hanson, PhD.
Jim Forest: Silence, Protest, and Radical Love (Part Two)
September 29, 2020 • 31 MIN
We conclude our conversation with returning guest, author/biographer/peacemaker Jim Forest.
Jim Forest: Silence, Protest, and Radical Love (Part One)
September 22, 2020 • 37 MIN
Part 1 of our conversation with returning guest Jim Forest: noted author, biographer, peacemaker, and friend.
Paul Quenon, OCSO: Silence, Poetry and Monastic Wisdom (Part Two)
September 15, 2020 • 26 MIN
Brother Paul Quenon, OCSO, concludes his conversation with us recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paul Quenon, OCSO: Silence, Poetry and Monastic Wisdom (Part One)
September 9, 2020 • 30 MIN
Br. Paul Quenon, OCSO, Trappist monk, poet, and photographerm, returns to share his humble, joyful wisdom.
Dr. Leah Gunning Francis: Silence, Ferguson, and Faith (Part Two)
August 18, 2020 • 35 MIN
Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis.
Dr. Leah Gunning Francis: Silence, Ferguson, and Faith (Part One)
August 3, 2020 • 32 MIN
Part one of our conversation with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, author of "Ferguson and Faith."
Kaitlin Curtice: Silence, Faith, and Indigenous Culture (Part Two)
June 22, 2020 • 31 MIN
The conclusion of our interview with author Kaitlin B. Curtice.
Kaitlin Curtice: Silence, Faith, and Indigenous Culture (Part One)
June 16, 2020 • 29 MIN
Kaitlin B. Curtice is the author of Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God. Part 1 of a 2-part interview.
Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD: Silence, the Disinherited, and the Wisdom of Howard Thurman for Our Time
June 9, 2020 • 74 MIN
Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown returns to the podcast to share more wisdom about Howard Thurman.
Kerry Connelly: Silence, Privilege, and Dismantling Racism (Part Two)
June 1, 2020 • 29 MIN
This episode continues our conversation with blogger/activist Kerry Connelly.
Kerry Connelly: Silence, Privilege, and Dismantling Racism (Part One)
May 25, 2020 • 31 MIN
Author Kerry Connelly discusses the silence embedded in white privilege and systemic racism. First of two parts.
Kathleen Norris: Silence, Acedia, and Pandemic (Part Two)
May 21, 2020 • 29 MIN
The conclusion of Kathleen Norris's second conversation with Encountering Silence.
Kathleen Norris: Silence, Acedia, and Pandemic (Part One)
May 11, 2020 • 35 MIN
Our returning guest, Kathleen Norris, is an award-winning poet, writer, and author of numerous books.
In Pursuit of Silence, Earth Day, and the Dawn Chorus (Episode 98)
April 22, 2020 • 42 MIN
Patrick Shen returns to the podcast to talk about Earth Day, filmaking, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Valters Paintner: Wild Silence and the Cloister of the Earth (Part One)
April 3, 2020 • 31 MIN
Christine Valters Paintner, abbess for Abbey of the Arts, returns to Encountering Silence.
Encountering Silence in Times of Crisis
March 25, 2020 • 39 MIN
This week's episode features just Cassidy, Kevin and Carl, reflecting on this extraordinary moment we find ourselves in.
Pádraig Ó Tuama: Silence, Poetry, and Conflict Resolution (Part Two)
March 18, 2020 • 33 MIN
The conclusion of our conversation with poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama.
Pádraig Ó Tuama: Silence, Poetry, and Conflict Resolution (Part One)
March 5, 2020 • 32 MIN
Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet, theologian, and conflict mediator, who brings interests in language, violence and religion to his work.
Therese Schroeder-Sheker: Silence, Music, and Death (Part Two)
February 25, 2020 • 28 MIN
The conclusion of our conversation with harpist and thanatologist Therese Schroeder-Sheker.
Therese Schroeder-Sheker: Silence, Music, and Death (Part One)
February 18, 2020 • 49 MIN
The first part of our deeply contemplative conversation with harpist and thanatologist Therese Schroeder-Sheker.
J. Brent Bill: Beauty, Truth, Life, and Love — and Holy Silence (Part Two)
January 28, 2020 • 30 MIN
Cassidy's conversation with Quaker author Brent Bill concludes.
J. Brent Bill: Beauty, Truth, Life, Love — and Holy Silence (Part One)
January 20, 2020 • 34 MIN
Quaker author J. Brent Bill joins us for a conversation about silence and other essential elements of life.
Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza: Silence and Activist Theology (Part Two)
December 17, 2019 • 22 MIN
Our conversation with Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, the author of Activist Theology, concludes this week.
Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza: Silence and Activist Theology (Part One)
December 11, 2019 • 27 MIN
Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, the author of Activist Theology, joins our conversation this week.
Adam Bucko: Silence, Sacred Activism, and the Spiritual Imagination (Part Two)
October 29, 2019 • 32 MIN
Our conversation with the Rev. Adam Bucko concludes in this second part of a two-part interview.
Adam Bucko: Silence, Sacred Activism, and the Spiritual Imagination (Part One)
October 22, 2019 • 35 MIN
Fr. Adam Bucko directs the Center for the Spiritual Imagination at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, NY.
Silence and the Wisdom of Henri Nouwen: A Conversation with Gabrielle Earnshaw (Part 1)
October 7, 2019 • 37 MIN
Gabrielle Earnshaw is the founding archivist of the Henri Nouwen Archives in Toronto, Canada.
Bushi Yamato Damashii: Silence and the Peaceful Samurai (Part One)
September 16, 2019 • 36 MIN
Bushi Yamato Damashii is the founder of Sangha Bodhi Christo (a Buddhist-Christian student and practice community), and directs the Thomasville Buddhist Center in Thomasville, NC.
Unteachable Lessons: Encountering Silence in Wisdom That Can’t Be Taught
September 9, 2019 • 40 MIN
Kevin, Cassidy and Carl discuss Carl's latest book, "Unteachable Lessons."
Philip Roderick: Encountering Silence in Quiet Gardens (Part Two)
August 26, 2019 • 32 MIN
Here is the second part of our conversation with Anglican priest Philip Roderick, founder and patron of the Quiet Garden Movement, of Contemplative Fire and of Hidden Houses of Prayer.
Philip Roderick: Encountering Silence in Quiet Gardens (Part One)
August 9, 2019 • 34 MIN
Philip Roderick, a priest of the Church of England, is the founder and a patron of the Quiet Garden Movement, of Contemplative Fire and of Hidden Houses of Prayer.
Ruben L. F. Habito: Christianity, Buddhism, and Silence (Part One)
July 8, 2019 • 35 MIN
Part one of a conversation with Ruben Habito, who is both a Zen roshi and a Catholic spiritual director.
Kathleen Deignan: Silence and Nature (Part One)
June 13, 2019 • 37 MIN
Sr. Kathleen P. Deignan, C.N.D. is an Irish-American theologian, author, and sacred song writer.
Carrie Newcomer: Silence, Song, Blessing and Waiting (Part Two)
May 29, 2019 • 30 MIN
Our conversation with musician, songwriter/poet, and Quaker Carrie Newcomer concludes this week.
Carrie Newcomer: Silence, Song, Blessing and Waiting (Part One)
May 21, 2019 • 46 MIN
Acclaimed folk musician and educator Carrie Newcomer helps us to explore the relationship between silence and music.
James Finley: Reflections on the Spirituality of Silence (Part One)
May 8, 2019 • 28 MIN
Contemplative author, teacher, retreat leader, and psychologist James Finley returns to Encountering Silence.
Therese Taylor-Stinson: Silence, Contemplation, and Justice (Part Two)
April 22, 2019 • 29 MIN
The conclusion of our two-part conversation with author and spiritual director Therese Taylor-Stinson.
Therese Taylor-Stinson: Silence, Contemplation, and Justice (Part One)
April 17, 2019 • 33 MIN
Therese Taylor-Stinson, the founder of the Spiritual Directors of Color Network, explores the intersection of contemplation and the struggle for justice.
Mary Margaret Funk, OSB: Silence Matters, Part Two (Episode 53)
February 27, 2019 • 40 MIN
The conclusion of our conversation with Sr. Mary Margaret Funk.
Mary Margaret Funk, OSB: Silence Matters, Part One (Episode 52)
February 20, 2019 • 49 MIN
Benedictine Sister (and interfaith activist) Mary Margaret Funk joins us from her convent in Indiana.
Celebrating Mary Oliver (Episode 49)
January 27, 2019 • 41 MIN
"Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?" asks Mary Oliver, who recently died at the age of 83.
Andō: Silence in the Forest, Part 1 (Episode 47)
January 14, 2019 • 44 MIN
Andō — lay monastic, zen poet, and contemplative — joins us for a conversation rich with silence.
Br. Paul Quenon, OCSO: Silence in Chicago (Episode 44)
December 20, 2018 • 49 MIN
Trappist monk and poet Br. Paul Quenon, OCSO returns to Encountering Silence.
Rebecca Bratten Weiss: Silence, Feminism, and Literature (Episode 42)
December 6, 2018 • 48 MIN
Kevin and Cassidy speak with Rebecca Bratten Weiss at the Terra Incognita conference.
Christine Valters Paintner: Silence, Art, and Contemplation (Episode 40)
November 13, 2018 • 43 MIN
Christine Valters Paintner explores silence, contemplation, creativity, and living as a monk in the real world.
Judith Valente: Silence, St. Benedict, and Writing (Episode 39)
November 6, 2018 • 49 MIN
A conversation with poet, journalist and Benedictine Oblate Judith Valente.
Helen Lees: Silence, Politics, and Education (Episode 38)
October 30, 2018 • 43 MIN
British writer and educator Dr. Helen E. Lees explores topics such as education, silence and art.
Allison M. Sullivan: Silence, Yoga, and Faith (Episode 37)
October 23, 2018 • 48 MIN
Allison M. Sullivan, author of "Rock Paper Scissors" explores the intersection of silence and faith with us.
Kathleen Norris, Part Two: Silence, Poetry, and Acedia (Episode 36)
October 15, 2018 • 33 MIN
In this episode we conclude our interview with poet and essayist Kathleen Norris.
Kathleen Norris, Part One: Silence, Poetry, and Acedia (Episode 35)
October 9, 2018 • 34 MIN
Cassidy Hall speaks with self-described "evangelist for poetry," Kathleen Norris .
Paul Quenon, OCSO: Silence and Poetry at Gethsemani Abbey (Episode 32)
September 20, 2018 • 57 MIN
Cassidy Hall speaks with Trappist poet, photographer, and memoirist Br. Paul Quenon, OCSO.
James Finley: Silence and Vulnerability (Episode 29)
July 23, 2018 • 60 MIN
Cassidy Hall interviews author, retreat leader, and psychologist James Finley.
Kenneth S. Leong: Silence, Christianity and Zen (Episode 27)
June 25, 2018 • 44 MIN
Kenneth Leong, reflects on how silence takes us beyond the limitations of doctrine, dogma, or religious culture.
Six Months of Encountering Silence! (Episode 25)
June 6, 2018 • 24 MIN
After six months, Cassidy, Kevin and Carl reflect on the lessons and insight this podcast has provided.
Mirabai Starr: Silence, Stillness, Passion, and Embodiment (Episode 24)
May 30, 2018 • 37 MIN
Mirabai Starr muses on the profound relationship between silence, stillness and mystical love.
Jessica Mesman Griffith: The Silence of Missing Voices (Episode 23)
May 24, 2018 • 58 MIN
Author Jessica Mesman Griffith talks about silence, creativity, fear, doubt, death, and missing voices.
Kurt Johnson: Silence, the Body, and Movement (Episode 22)
May 16, 2018 • 58 MIN
Kurt Johnson talks to us about silence, the human body, movement, exercise, wellness and performance.
Jim Forest: Silence and Peacemaking (Episode 20)
May 2, 2018 • 55 MIN
Jim Forest's humility and sincerity reveal much about listening, truly seeing, and deeply caring for each other.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM: Silence, Action, and Contemplation (Episode 19)
April 25, 2018 • 52 MIN
Richard Rohr talks with us about silence, spirituality, contemplation, action, and why discernment matters.
Br. Elias Marechal, OCSO: The Silence of a Trappist (Episode 15)
March 28, 2018 • 50 MIN
Meet Brother Elias Marechal — Trappist monk, contemplative, and the author of "Tears of an Innocent God."
Fr. James Martin, SJ: Silence as the Bridge to Christ, the Self and the “Other” (Episode 13)
March 7, 2018 • 64 MIN
New York Times bestselling author Fr. James Martin, SJ looks at silence in the light of Ignatian spirituality.
Fr. Stephanos Pedrano, OSB: Silence in the Cloister (Episode 11)
February 21, 2018 • 50 MIN
Cassidy Hall goes to the monastery to inverview Benedictine monk Fr. Stephanos Pedrano, OSB.
Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD: Howard Thurman and the Inner Authority of Silence (Episode 9)
February 7, 2018 • 59 MIN
Professor Lerita Coleman Brown describes Howard Thurman's rich and deeply silent spirituality.
Pilot Episode: Meet the Hosts of Encountering Silence
December 6, 2017 • 33 MIN
Meet Kevin Johnson, Cassidy Hall, and Carl McColman. We are the hosts and co-creators of Encountering Silence.