Inner Compass interview show

Enfolding Ex-Prisoners

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:17:48 -0500

Forever defined by their worst choices, former prisoners re-enter a society that locked them up and tried to throw away the key. Harold Dean Trulear of the Howard University School of Divinity and The Center for Public Justice shows how churches across the nation work to provide a warmer return for these citizens. Karen Saupe hosts.

Religion & Reporters: Oil & Water?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:43:56 -0500

As religion becomes a central theme in the headlines of the day, many journalists find themselves to be under-informed. Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. describes how he brings religion experts and reporters together for some revealing conversations. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Forsaking the Fast Track

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 13:31:09 -0500

John Rodden, a scholar and writer who no longer specializes in one area of study, describes his motivations and adventures after walking away from a promising career as a professor in order to pursue his dreams. Karen Saupe hosts.

When Groups Play: Flash Mobs & Urban Experiments

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:10:10 -0400

What does it take to get thousands of people to show up downtown for a pillow fight? Rob Bliss, creator of The Rob Bliss Urban Experiments, tells how technology and social dynamics help him gather crowds for memorable happenings. Karen Saupe hosts.

True Community Development

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:00:44 -0400

When families climb out of poverty, they often leave their old neighborhoods behind. What can help an at-risk population when it loses its stabilizing core? Today we'll hear from long-time civil rights activist and author John Perkins, who holds 9 honorary doctorates for his tremendous success building up poor communities across the country. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Freeing Today's Slaves

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:01:36 -0400

Across the world, children as young as five are sold into brothels, and widows lose land and livelihood due to unenforced laws that could protect them. Human rights activist Sharon Cohn Wu tells stories of International Justice Mission rescuing victims in their own countries using local courts and litigation. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Connecting Cancer & the Environment

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:42:26 -0400

If a chemist could sample your body's chemistry, she would find scores of toxic chemicals picked up throughout your life, as early as in your mother's womb. Is this an unavoidable part of life on modern earth? Sandra Steingraber is an ecologist, writer, and cancer survivor who promotes a different path. Karen Saupe hosts.

Plotting Paths to Power

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:50:37 -0400

Some people seem born to climb the ladder of success and power. Are leadership qualities innate, learned, bought? January Series guest Michael Lindsay of the Rice University Center on Race, Religion, & Urban Life has interviewed hundreds of prominent public leaders; he shares his notes with host Shirley Hoogstra.

Are Christians Losing Touch?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:04:00 -0400

There's a growing skepticism among young people toward Christianity, and Christians don't even seem to be aware of it. Public opinion pollster David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group and author of unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity, explains what young adults are looking for and why they're not finding it at church. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Microfinance Miracles

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 13:50:25 -0400

It may be hard to believe that $50 can lift a family out of poverty for life, but it’s happening every day around the world through simple microfinance lending partnerships. Robert Rooy has not only watched it happen—he has dedicated his life to helping others watch, too, through film. Karen Saupe hosts.

Presidential Character: An Ethical History

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:18:35 -0400

Is being a "natural politician" a mark of truth or falsehood? Better to forge ahead in the face of opposition, or to be swayed by the citizens? Presidential historian and biographer Richard Norton Smith draws on a wealth of stories to bring to light the issue of presidential character. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

What Marriage Does

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:07:53 -0400

Marriage is more than a piece of paper, yet it's more difficult to buy a new car than to wed someone for life. John Witte, Jr., director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University, traces the view of marriage throughout western history, suggesting ways to strengthen and enrich the institution today. Karen Saupe hosts.

Middle East Christianity

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:06:11 -0400

Christianity was born in the Middle East, yet it's a minority religion there. Egyptian minister Victor Makari, Middle East liasion for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), relays the challenges and dreams of Christians living there and how U.S. churches can partner with them. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

The Gifts of Art

innercompass@calvin.edu — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:52:43 -0400

Montreat College’s Jim Southerland is an artist who developed his own version of the camera obscura, an ancient predecessor to the camera. Anyone can use it to create drawings in correct proportion. Southerland guides host Karen Saupe as she gives it a try, and describes the joys of sharing art creation with underprivileged children around the world.

An Orphan Crisis

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 3 Mar 2009 13:59:11 -0500

Publicity abounds on the growing number of orphans overseas, but little is known about our domestic situation. Is our foster care system veiling a similar crisis? Kerry Hasenbalg, co-founder of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, brings the problems to light, offering ways to enfold orphans wherever they may live. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Giving Advice

innercompass@calvin.edu — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:52:40 -0500

What's a 17-year-old to do after lashing out at Mom? Ask Amy. Amy Dickinson’s Chicago Tribune column appears daily in more than 150 newspapers, replacing Ann Landers's long and legendary run. Dickinson gives advice about giving advice, and discusses her memoir The Mighty Queens of Freeville with host Karen Saupe.

Explaining Emergent Churches

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 12:08:56 -0500

Who is God? Do we dare answer, or does defining become confining? It's a big question of the emergent church; philosopher Peter Rollins, founder of the Ikon emergent community in Northern Ireland, offers big answers in his books How Not to Speak of God and The Fidelity of Betrayal. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Silent Racism

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:43:12 -0500

Is racism a thing of the past or is it still with us, something many people try to will away and out of sight? Barbara Trepagnier, sociology professor at Texas State University-San Marcos, discusses the subtleties of prejudice in her book Silent Racism: How Well-Meaning White People Perpetuate the Racial Divide. Karen Saupe hosts.

Setting Boundaries: Personal & Professional

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:02:42 -0500

Do you find yourself texting at soccer games? Do you avoid confronting an inefficient employee? Clinical psychologist and leadership consultant Henry Cloud, author of The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success, examines the boundaries we cross at our own expense. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Socially Responsible Clothing

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:39:10 -0500

Buying a shirt? Basing your decision on the look and price? Shopping for clothing may feel like a straightforward venture, yet the story behind each garment is complex. Activist and entrepreneur Marta Swain, owner of a community-minded apparel store in Grand Rapids, weaves stories of sustainable farming and labor practices with advice for benefiting everyone involved in your purchase. Karen Saupe hosts.

Politics by the Bible

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:36:47 -0500

Whose job is it to ensure justice, human rights, and care of our neighbor? What does the Bible say that could guide our voting and political priorities? Steve Monsma of Calvin College’s Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics describes the possibilities from his book Healing for a Broken World: Christian Perspectives on Public Policy. Shirley Hoogstra hosts.

Progressive Evangelical Politics

innercompass@calvin.edu — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:20:15 -0400

Some say the era of the American religious right is over. Which direction will evangelicals head next? Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and author of the bestseller God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets it Wrong and the Left Doesn¹t Get it, pinpoints a "moral center" and its corresponding political revival in America today. Karen Saupe hosts.

Questioning Emergent Churches

innercompass@calvin.edu — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:42:37 -0400

"Coffee, candles, and couches" is how some critics describe the style of emergent churches, which are popping up across the U.S. and Europe. As usual, popularity brings questions and concerns. Pastor Kevin DeYoung and writer Ted Kluck, from Lansing, MI, describe theirs for host Shirley Hoogstra as they discuss their book, Why We¹re Not Emergent (by Two Guys Who Should Be).

Evangelicals & Mary

innercompass@calvin.edu — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:40:52 -0400

In Protestant churches, Mary the mother of God takes the stage at Christmas, only to disappear backstage for the rest of the year. Should she play a leading role year-round? Christianity Today's Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, tells host Karen Saupe what evangelicals can learn from why Catholics revere Mary.

Striving Toward Multi-Ethnic Church

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 14:20:11 -0400

Martin Luther King, Jr. famously pronounced eleven o'clock Sunday morning as the most segregated hour in America. How can churches work to reverse this trend? Sociologist Gerardo Marti of Davidson College tells host Shirley Hoogstra about his research on what works and what doesn't.

IC820 - Christians in the Courtroom

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:36:02 -0400

Witnesses place their hand on the Bible before they testify: how would principles from that Bible play out if it were actually opened up and applied? Would prosecutors be arguing for forgiveness? Stephen Bloom, attorney with Irwin & McKnight law firm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and author of The Believer's Guide to Legal Issues, wonders with host Karen Saupe how empty courtrooms might become.

IC820 - Promo: Christians in the Courtroom (30 sec)

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:11:50 -0400

IC819 -The Life of a Scientist Mom

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:08:35 -0400

Field biologist Margaret Lowman has balanced research and family in rainforest treetops around the world. Lowman, author of It’s a Jungle Up There: More Tales from the Treetops, tells host Shirley Hoogstra how her high-reaching adventures grounded her as a mother and advanced forest-canopy research for scientists, indigenous people groups, and the online student community.

IC819 - Promo: The Life of a Scientist Mom (30 sec)

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:30:53 -0400

IC818 - Stand if Able: Disability and the Church

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:28:17 -0400

If the Church is the "body" of Christ, then church members function as its distinct yet complementary parts. When those roles aren't obvious, how can we help each other find them? Christopher Smit of the Calvin College communication department explores with host Karen Saupe how churches can progress beyond installing ramps to fully embracing the unique roles of the disabled.

IC818 - Promo: Stand if Able: Disability and the Church (30 second promotional clip)

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:07:17 -0400

IC817 - Is More Better? Rethinking Consumption

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:05:51 -0400

America is the land of opportunity . . . to buy stuff. Yet all this spending isn't making us any happier, studies show, and it depletes our environment and communities. Activist and author Bill McKibben discusses his latest book Deep Economy: the Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future with host Karen Saupe.

IC817 - Promo: Is More Better? Rethinking Consumption (30 second promotional clip)

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:40:55 -0400

IC816 - Who is Gospel Music For?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:03:04 -0400

Many people have strong feelings about what kind of music is appropriate for church, and exactly how it should be performed. Performed for who? James Abbington of Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and executive editor of the African American Church Music series, takes host Karen Saupe on a tour at the piano.

IC816 - Promo: Who is Gospel Music For? (30 second promotional clip)

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 6 May 2008 14:42:57 -0400

IC815 - Nuclear Power: Promise or Peril?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:53:28 -0400

France generates over 80% of its energy using nuclear power plants; the United States, 20%. Why the difference, and whose air is cleaner? Sigval Berg of UniStar Nuclear Energy, a joint venture of American and French power companies, details to host Karen Saupe the advantages and concerns surrounding the use of nuclear power as an energy source.

IC815 - Promo: Nuclear Power: Promise or Peril? (30 second promotional clip)

innercompass@calvin.edu — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:08:23 -0500

IC814 - The Changing Face of Illegal Immigration

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 1 Apr 2008 14:51:12 -0400

What if you were a constantly hungry child whose mother moved away for a job, to send you money for food and schooling? And what if that short separation turned into years, decades? Thus begins Enrique’s Journey, written by guest Sonia Nazario. She tells host Shirley Hoogstra of her adventures in covering this Pulitzer Prize-winning story of a Honduran boy’s odyssey to be reunited with his mother in the U.S.

IC813 - Does Humanitarian Relief Relieve?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:42:32 -0500

When we hear about devastating floods or earthquake overseas, Americans quickly respond. Not only does USAID offer to help, but individual citizens immediately start sending money and supplies. Calvin College January Series guest William Garvelink, until recently the overseer of USAID's worldwide humanitarian assistance programs, tells host Shirley Hoogstra what happens. He also describes his current work as U.S. ambassador to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

IC812 - Altering the Disabled: The "Pillow-Angel" Controversy

innercompass@calvin.edu — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:42:35 -0500

Many severely disabled children are cared for at home until they grow too large for their parents to be able to handle them. But what if a surgery could keep such a child mid-sized forever? Douglas Diekema, a Seattle physician and ethics consultant, tells host Shirley Hoogstra about such a surgery at his hospital and how people have responded to it.

IC811 - Space Exploration: What's it Worth?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:42:37 -0500

It's been 35 years since humans last touched the moon--ancient history to our young people. Host Shirley Hoogstra asks chief NASA administrator Michael Griffin about his dreams for the nation's space program and his concerns about its past & present.

IC810 - Religion's Place in International Relations

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:51 -0500

No matter how much the U.S. may value its separation of church & state, many other countries either aren’t buying it, or are condemning us for it. Chris Seiple, president of the Institute for Global Engagement in Washington, describes for host Shirley Hoogstra his Council on Faith & International Affairs, which provides resources for today’s leaders about the role of religion in global issues.

IC809 - Women in Political Leadership

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:45 -0500

Is a woman strong enough to be President of the United States? To lead us into war, to stand up to terrorists? And can she do it all in a pink suit? Why does it matter what she wears? Host

IC808 - Equality or Equity? Defining Justice

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:41 -0500

We're uncomfortable with the idea of inequality, yet we see it all around us, even in nature. Do we need to get more specific with our concerns about justice? Michelle Loyd-Paige, dean of multicultural affairs at Calvin College, suggests to host Karen Saupe a closer look at the term equity.

IC807 - Lower to Middle Class: Building Bridges

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:34 -0500

How would you like to walk up to a line of homeless people waiting for food, and offer a respectable job to everyone who wanted one? Ron Jimmerson, workforce diversity manager at plastics manufacturer Cascade Engineering, got the chance to do just that. He tells host Karen Saupe how it turned out.

IC806 - Suffering In Marriage

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:27 -0500

It has been said that we don’t keep marriage vows; they keep us. David Gushee, professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University in Atlanta and author of Getting Marriage Right: Realistic Counsel for Saving and Strengthening Relationships, tells host Shirley Hoogstra how we can strengthen this kind of commitment in a culture where expectations run high and tolerance for suffering is low.

IC805 - What Are Schools For?

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:23 -0500

Does a grade label readily come to mind for what kind of student you were? Does that label accurately reflect you? David Purpel, author of The Moral & Spiritual Crisis in Education, wonders with host Karen Saupe why most schools are more interested in sorting students than in supporting and exhorting them.

IC804 - Moving to South Africa

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:18 -0500

We hear stories of destitution and unnecessary death in developing countries. Perhaps you’ve thought of helping. But how about selling your home and moving there with your children? Jared and Jennifer Adams, business owners in Zeeland, Michigan tell host Karen Saupe about their upcoming move to South Africa to join AIDS and education projects in Finetown, a settlement near Johannesburg.

IC803 - Moral Messages of Disney Films

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:14 -0500

Why do the words “it's a Disney film” mean “it's wholesome” to so many? Dr. Annalee Ward of the Trinity Christian College communication arts dept., and author of the book Mouse Morality: The Rhetoric of Disney Animated Film, shows host Karen Saupe how parents can take a closer look at these films and provide better guidance for young viewers.

IC802 - Adults with ADD

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:50:10 -0500

Many of us know someone who can’t hold onto a job, an education program, or even a marriage. We might call them “irresponsible.” But what if all this could be set right with a daily dose of medicine? Dr. Oren Mason, of the Behavioral Medicine Center in Grand Rapids, tells host Shirley Hoogstra how adults are suffering with, discovering, and treating their A.D.D

IC801 - Christians in Palestine

innercompass@calvin.edu — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 15:42:58 -0500

In the place where Christianity was born, the number of Christians has now dwindled to less than 2%. Maria Khoury, a Greek Orthodox resident of Palestine, explains to host Karen Saupe what life is like there now, why so many Christians have fled the country, and what she is trying to do about it.