Stay ConnectedIn these engaging podcasts, our guests share their encounter with Henri Nouwen and his writing and his influence on their spiritual lives. Our conversations reflect the ways that his ideas continue to resonate and be relevant today.
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What happens when an unexpected “yes” leads you somewhere you never imagined? In this episode of Now and Then Again, Wendy VanderWal Martin sits down with Sharon Ramsey, newly appointed Chair of the Henri Nouwen Society, for a deeply personal conversation about calling, uncertainty, leadership—and what it means to know that you are beloved. Why does Nouwen’s message feel so urgent in an age of loneliness, polarization, distraction, and constant change? And what might it look like to carry his legacy forward—not by putting him on a pedestal, but by living into the deeper invitation of his life? Sharon and Wendy explore the difference between solitude and loneliness, the life-changing experience of being truly seen and heard, and the courage it takes to move from certainty to discernment. At a time when so much pulls us toward fear, achievement, and doing more, this conversation asks a different question: What if the deeper calling is simply to become more present—to God, to ourselves, to one another, and to the world? Come listen to a conversation about saying yes, embracing the unknown, and discovering what it means to live from belovedness. ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
What if the ordinary moments of our day are where God most wants to meet us? In this episode, Wendy VanderWal Martin talks with author Marla Stewart Konrad about Henri Nouwen's lasting influence, the life-changing truth of belovedness, and the inspiration behind Marla's new children's book, God in My Day. Together they explore the Daily Examen, helping children pray through their everyday experiences, and how simple practices of gratitude, reflection, and awareness can shape hearts of every age. This conversation is a gentle invitation to slow down, pay attention, and discover God's presence in the rhythms of daily life. Marla Stewart Konrad is an award-winning author of several picture books for children. She is dedicated to creating books that foster love, kindness, and connection. Her most recent book, God in My Day, was inspired, in part, by the work of Henri Nouwen. The book gives children an opportunity to talk about the ordinary occurrences of their day through interactive prayer, helping them recognize God’s love and presence in every moment. Marla loves reading books of all kinds with a hot cup of tea in one hand and her exuberant dog, Zoey, at her feet. Links Free printables and free curriculum are available to go alongside the book. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762911/god-in-my-day-by-marla-stewart-konrad-illustrated-by-linhan-huang/ ___________ Book Discussed: God In My Day https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762911/god-in-my-day-by-marla-stewart-konrad-illustrated-by-linhan-huang/ (US) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/authors/90046/marla-stewart-konrad (CA) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
What does it mean to find home in a wounded world? In this deeply moving episode of Now and Then ...Again, host Wendy VanderWal Martin welcomes Dr. Carlos Thompson, professor of Christian Ministry and Disability at Western Theological Seminary and steward of the Friendship House Fellows Program. Fresh from his keynote address at the Henri Nouwen Society’s international conference, Longing for Home: The Prophetic Witness of Henri Nouwen in a Wounded World, Carlos reflects on the enduring wisdom of Henri Nouwen and the surprising places where God meets us. Drawing from Nouwen’s vision of the “wounded healer,” Carlos explores why our deepest longings cannot be fulfilled through achievement, expertise, or self-sufficiency. Instead, home is something we receive—not create. Through stories of community, disability, friendship, and faith, he offers a powerful invitation to embrace vulnerability, honor our human neediness, and become fellow travelers with one another. This conversation challenges the myth of independence and reveals how belonging is discovered in relationship—with God and with others. Thoughtful, honest, and hope-filled, it is a rich exploration of what it means to slow down, “waste time” with Jesus, and discover that the very needs we try to hide may be the doorway to divine belonging. If you long for deeper connection, this episode is for you. Resources & Links Western Theological Seminary: https://www.westernsem.edu/ Friendship House: https://www.westernsem.edu/beyond-the-classroom/friendship-house/ Bio and Contact for Carlos: https://www.westernsem.edu/faculty/thompson/ Book Discussed: Wounded Healer Finding Our Way Home * TO DONATE & SUPPORT: https://henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: https://henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/
In this episode of Now and Then Again, host Wendy Vanderwal Martin speaks with Meagan Harkins, a participant in the Henri Nouwen Society’s “30 Under 30” program. Meagan shares her journey from early encounters with Henri Nouwen’s writings to her current work in foster care and social work. Together, they explore themes of identity, belonging, and spiritual formation—reflecting on what it means to be human, to embrace limitation, and to find “home” in both God and self. Through honest conversation about transition, community, and the wisdom of Nouwen, this episode offers a hopeful vision for living with presence and purpose in a wounded world. Links: 2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/ Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give ___________ Book Discussed: Way of the Heart (US) https://amzn.to/2MZHLcX (CAD) https://amzn.to/2AxEi2y Return of the Prodigal Son (US) https://amzn.to/3z5WDya (CAD) https://amzn.to/3vexKiN The Inner Voice of Love (US) https://amzn.to/3fq4CKN (CAD) https://amzn.to/37kJJOm Community (US) https://amzn.to/3tTdnW8 (CAD) https://amzn.to/39mZMgk ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
In this episode of Now and Then Again, host Wendy VanderWal Martin speaks with Jenna Calabrese, a member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort and newly licensed occupational therapist. Jenna shares how her encounter with Henri Nouwen’s writings and her experience at L’Arche shaped her vocation, spiritual life, and understanding of presence and participation in a wounded world. Together, they reflect on mentorship, generational faith, and how young leaders are embodying Nouwen’s prophetic witness today. 2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/ Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give ___________ Book Discussed: Adam: God’s Beloved https://amzn.to/3fsJxiS (US) https://amzn.to/2MP02tq (CAD) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
In this episode of Now & Then… Again, Wendy VanderWal Martin sits down with Matthew Vaccaro, a Divinity student, youth minister, and member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort. Matthew reflects on his journey from an anxiety-filled rapture theology to the spacious, compassionate spirituality of Henri Nouwen. Together, they explore loneliness, community, Gen Z’s exhaustion with productivity culture, and the healing power of rest, ritual, and belovedness—offering a hopeful vision of what it means to find “home” in a wounded world. ___________ Resources & Links 2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/ Sponsor 30 under 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give https://www.retreathousecommunity.org/ https://www.gilmont.org/ Book Discussed: Reaching Out https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US) https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (CAD) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
In this episode of Now & Then… Again, Wendy VanderWal Martin sits down with Gavin Cogburn—a Texas-based spiritual director-in-training, retreat leader, and member of the Henri Nouwen Society’s 30 Under 30 cohort. Gavin shares her surprising journey from early childhood education to interfaith spiritual formation, her deep connection to Henri Nouwen’s writings, and her vision for creating retreats that speak to an overstimulated, longing generation. Together, they explore silence, safety, belovedness, and the ache for “home” in a wounded world—offering a hopeful glimpse of how Nouwen’s wisdom is being reimagined by young leaders today. ___________ Resources & Links 2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/ Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give https://www.retreathousecommunity.org/ https://www.gilmont.org/ Book Discussed: Way of the Heart https://amzn.to/2MZHLcX (US) https://amzn.to/2AxEi2y (CAD) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
In this episode, Gaby Salib shares how Henri Nouwen’s spiritual wisdom shaped her faith, vocation, and sense of belovedness amid the pressures of academia and early adulthood. Drawing from her Coptic Orthodox roots and participation in the 30 Under 30 cohort, Gaby reflects on ecumenical friendship, mentoring across traditions, motherhood, and her creative project of children’s books inspired by Life of the Beloved. Together with Wendy VanderWal Martin, the conversation explores longing for home, hospitality, and finding freedom and identity as God’s beloved in a wounded and divided world. 2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/ Sponsor 30 > 30 https://www.henrinouwen.org/give Register For January’s Book Club for Reaching Out https://henrinouwensociety.ticketspice.com/january-book-club-reaching-out ___________ Book Discussed: Reaching Out https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US) https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (CAD) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
In this rich and intimate conversation, four of Henri Nouwen’s former Harvard Divinity School assistants—Jim Smith, Barbara Prey, Peter Weiskel, and Michael C. O'Laughlin—reunite to reflect on a formative era in Henri’s life and work. Together, they open a window into the daily rhythms, challenges, joys, and spiritual depth of accompanying Henri during his influential Harvard years. With warmth, humor, and candor, they share what it was like to support a world-renowned spiritual writer whose brilliance was matched only by his vulnerability. Their stories illuminate Henri’s creative process, his pastoral heart, and the personal struggles that shaped his teaching and writing. Listeners will hear how each assistant’s journey was impacted by Henri—and how his presence continues to ripple through their lives today. This episode offers a treasure trove of personal insight for long time admirers and newcomers alike. It reminds us that behind every great spiritual guide is a community of people helping to carry the work forward—often quietly, faithfully, and with deep love. Tune in for a rare, behind-the-scenes portrait of Henri Nouwen, told by those who knew him best during a pivotal chapter of his life. 2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/ ___________ Book Discussed: Henri Nouwen: His Life & Vision https://a.co/d/2hu2bnu (USD) https://a.co/d/0yw2dhE (CAD) The Return of the Prodigal Son https://amzn.to/3z5WDya (US) https://amzn.to/3vexKiN (CAD) Lifesigns https://a.co/d/7YZnYok (US) https://a.co/d/05BfJPc (CAD) ¡Gracias! https://amzn.to/2YZfTvl (US) https://amzn.to/3db5RvW (CAD) Jesus: A Gospel https://amzn.to/3dFGliE (US) https://amzn.to/2Do8NJr (CAD) ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/ PINTEREST: www.pinterest.ca/henrinouwen/
As the noise of the holiday season rises, how can we recover the stillness, peace, and joy at the heart of Advent? In this deeply moving episode of Now & Then, host Wendy VanderWal Martin welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas to explore his new devotional, Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal. Rich shares how the rhythms of the church calendar have reoriented his life and ministry in New York City — “the city that never sleeps” — toward waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. Together, Wendy and Rich reflect on how these ancient Advent themes offer an antidote to our culture’s frenzy and distraction, inviting us into a slower, more attentive way of being with God. Listeners will be drawn into stories of how prayer sustains community, how true peace begins within, and how joy and lament can coexist in the same heart. Rich also opens up about the lasting influence of Henri Nouwen — his honesty, vulnerability, and insistence that we are all the beloved of God. Whether you’re longing to rediscover the sacred meaning of Advent or simply seeking renewal in a weary world, this conversation offers a compassionate and contemplative guide to centering your life on Christ amid the clamor of December. “Waiting is not despair — it’s dependence.” — Rich Villodas Listen now to be inspired, refreshed, and reminded that even in a restless world, the invitation to behold beauty and live as God’s beloved still stands. ___________ Resources: https://www.richvillodas.com/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/776021/waiting-for-jesus-by-rich-villodas/9780593602607 ___________ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/ * SIGN UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/ * FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/henrinouwensociety/ TWITTER: twitter.com/nouwensociety FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nouwensociety/
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