The Growing Edge

Latest Episodes:

Episode 38 The Angels & The Furies Oct 31, 2021

Show notes

In this episode Carrie and Parker discuss May Sarton's powerful poem, "The Angels & The Furies." In this conversation we talk about the angels and furies of our nature. In these times when many of us are wrestling with what to do with our furies in life giving ways, what does it mean to be "perfectly human but never perfect"? How do we also incline our heads and notice where the graces of our lives appear and support our own better angels? And finally, how do we balance the both/and of our lives.

Episode 37: Writing From The Margins & The Red Thread - A Conversation with Author Parker J. Palmer Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

In this episode Carrie and Parker continue their conversation about creativity and the undivided life, writing from the "margins", following a call to and beyond the growing edge, and the red threads that run through Parker's work over the past 50 years. This podcast also features one of Parker's poems, "The Poem I Would Have Writ."

Episode 36 Until Now: Creativity At The Growing Edge Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

In this episode Parker and Carrie take a moment to talk about Carrie's newest companion projects Until Now CD & Until Now: New Poems. They discuss the themes that run through these two companion pieces; resilience and uncertainty, loss, discover and being in process. They discuss how creativity can be expressed in a traditional art form, but also in how we approach our relationships, parenting, community, vocation and as a spiritual practice. We'll be giving a sneak peek listen to the new songs and poetry before it's release date, September 10, 2021.

Episode 35: Learning In Public - A Conversation With Courtney Martin Jul 31, 2021

Show notes

In this episode Parker and Carrie are in conversation with author, journalist, activist, Courtney Martin, about her new book, Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter's School. Courtney has a popular Substack newsletter, called Examined Family, and speaks widely at conferences and colleges through out the country. She is also the co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, FRESH Speakers Bureau, and the Bay Area chapter of Integrated Schools. We're both very moved by Courtney's new book and her open, honest, informed and humble presentation of the story of this book, which reads like a memoir and yet filled with such important information about what it means to try to live a moral and ethical life in such divided times. “Writing with equal passion as a journalist and a mother, Courtney Martin interrogates the history and the moral contradictions of “elite parenting,” gentrification, and school choice. She lives the question of how to chart a new way forward with her daughter in their neighborhood. This is a kind of modeling our society needs – as openly messy as the work of remaking our world.”―Krista Tippett, host of On Being and author of Becoming Wise

Episode 34 - Real Change: A Conversation With Sharon Salzberg Jun 30, 2021

Show notes

A conversation with beloved meditation teacher and founder of The Insight Meditation Society. In this episode we explore the practice of mindfulness and meditation to deepen our own lives and sustain our capacity to stay engaged and serve others. We discuss Sharon's book "Real Change" and her work with diverse groups to process suffering and create a sustainable positive change. Sharon leads us and our Growing Edge listeners in a short mindful meditation.

Episode 33: Rebroadcast of "A Conversation with Author/Poet Mark Nepo May 31, 2021

Show notes

Because Carrie was in the studio this month working on a new album, we decided not to record a new podcast for June. Instead, we are revisiting our 2019 interview with our dear friend, Mark Nepo, poet and author. In this interview we explored what it means to show up as our authentic self and how when we are in touch with our deepest human experiences we are in touch with our shared human experience. Mark Nepo has moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening. Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our times”. Mark will be offering a 3-session webinar in June 2021 called The Life of Expression: Finding Your Voice (June 13, 20, 27, 2021, 1-2:30PM ET). Registration for this webinar is NOW OPEN at http://live.marknepo.com/. Parker and I will also be adding a new conversation starter for this episode. You can download that conversation starter for personal journaling or group discussions. We loved our time with Mark Nepo, we hope you enjoy this rebroadcast. We’ll be back with a new episode in July, when our guest will be our friend Sharon Salzburg, founder of the Insight Meditation Society and internationally recognized mindfulness teacher.

Episode 32: Identity, Resiliency & Spiritual Calling - A Conversation with Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr. Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

For our May, 2021 podcast, we welcome Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr., Professor Emeritus at Candler Seminary, author, educator, pastor, mystic, and elder. In this episode we talk about how identity is shaped and expanded and how conversations about race could be more authentic and powerful. We also explore what it meant for him to follow a spiritual calling and the experiences that led him to his friendship and academic study of author and mystic, Howard Thurman.

Episode 31: The Power of Story & Song with John McCutcheon Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

Parker and Carrie welcome singer songwriter, activist John McCutcheon, musician, activist and spiritual seeker. He has 41 albums to his credit, has received six Grammy Award nominations and worked for 40 years bringing together intelligent thoughtful songs, fearless commentary and music for social change. In this episode we talk about the power of music to connect and inspire, the dignity and value of each human being told in story and song, spiritual seeking and embracing the role of elder.

Episode 30: From Polarization to Healing, with John Paul Lederach Feb 28, 2021

Show notes

For our March, 2021 podcast, we welcome John Paul Lederach, Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding, and internationally respected expert in conflict transformation. John Paul describes the stages that lead to violence in a society, as well as the ways people heal and create communal networks of change. Please join us for this insightful conversation. "Peacebuilding is walking toward a horizon. You never really reach the end of that walk, but it gives you an orientation.”

Episode 29: The Handing Over Time Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Carrie and Parker reflect upon the happenings of 2020. They discuss challenges we've faced in the past year as well as focus and evidence for hope in the new year. They explore the idea of living in the "Tragic Gap" and living into creative citizenry. They read Mary Oliver's lovely poem "Starlings in Winter" and discuss grief and getting past it, and what is is putting lift into their boots. Carrie performs the song "The Handing Over Time" By Carrie Newcomer and Gary Walters

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