"Inner Compass is an intelligent and engaging addition to public
television--a refreshing response to the growing hunger in our culture
to meaningfully engage the intersection of religion, ethics, and public
life that is coming to define the 21st Century."

~Krista Tippett, creator and host of public radio's Speaking of Faith

 

Our Hosts:

Shirley Hoogstra

Shirley Hoogstra

Karen Saupe

Karen Saupe

 

 

 

Inner Compass set

Inner Compass is a 30-minute television interview show that explores how people make decisions about ethical, religious, and social justice issues. Guests include authors, activists, religious leaders, and other engaging thinkers from around the world.

Steering away from a hard-driving religious focus, the show's two alternating hosts openly explore facts, values, and motivations with guests of various religious and non-religious backgrounds on topics such as:

  • racism
  • marriage
  • evangelical politics
  • religious trends
  • modern-day slavery

Inner Compass Season 1 was broadcast on 75 public television stations around the United States, starting in West Michigan.

Samples: watch 2 full episodes now

Microfinance Miracles



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.

Watch by clicking above, or:
(download video [.mp4 75 Mb])

(download audio [.mp3 12.6 Mb])

 

Progressive Evangelical Politics



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 Doesn't Get it, pinpoints a “moral center” and its corresponding political revival in America today. Karen Saupe hosts.

Watch by clicking above, or:
(download video [.mp4 75 Mb])

(download audio [.mp3 12.6 Mb])

 

30-Second Promo: watch now

Freeing Today's Slaves



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.


Telly AwardTwo More Awards! Telly Award

Supporting Locally Owned Businesses
Host: Karen Saupe

Inner Compass has just received two Bronze trophies in the 29th Annual Telly Awards competition, which received over 14,000 entries from all 50 states and many foreign countries.
Authentic Race Relations
Host: Shirley Hoogstra

 

Noteworthy

Uplink Date Selected

Inner Compass has aired for 8 years on southwest Michigan PBS station WGVU-TV. On September 28, it began distribution to PBS stations throughout the country through NETA.

Viewer comments:

 "They know the topic and they know about the guests, and it shows. There simply is not another interview series like this available. The topics are topics that we don't see addressed elsewhere, they're always thought-provoking and I'm always sorry to see the episode end.We appreciate the fact that sometimes the guests have a spiritual story to tell and some don't. That reflects life today. We're delighted to be the presenting station for this show.”

~Carrie Corbin, Program Manager, WGVU TV

"I've never been a groupie before! Even as a teenager, I didn't keep up with the rock groups of my time (the 1970s and 80s), and I was content playing Bach for my piano lessons. But I am definitely an Inner Compass groupie.

On a serious note, thank you for a program that delivers content without being shrill, without the shouting and the hard sell. Thank you for asking the hard questions without playing "gotcha" and for being a solutions-oriented show.

When I listen to Inner Compass I feel I'm going to get something I can use. I do a little homeless volunteering. Ron Jimmerson's episode gave me hope that homeless issues have answers. And if I need to, he's someone I could call. He's not an out-of-reach celebrity. You have people on your show who are ordinary, yet do extraordinary things. That gives me hope that I can do better. Your show extends my network, in a way."

~Natalie Everett, podcast viewer, Seattle, Washington

Previous Awards

Redefining Masculinity
Host: Shirley Hoogstra

 

Two 2007 Awards of Distinction from The Communicator Awards, an international video competition "recognizing creative excellence in the communication field," for "exceeding industry standards in quality and excellence."

Eating Like a Woman
Host: Karen Saupe

Telly Award

Bronze Winner in the 27th Annual Telly Awards competition, which received over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.

 

Award of Excellence from The Accolade Competition

"Award of Excellence" from The Accolade Competition, honoring outstanding craft and creativity in film, video, television, and commercials.
 

 

Award of Distinction

"Award of Distinction" from the Videographer Awards international video production competition for being "clearly above industry standards."