Conversations with Campolo

About Conversations with Campolo

Conversations with Campolo, is a new podcast featuring interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. The Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo is recognized as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th Century. Tony's formation, work and witness began at Eastern in 1952 and eventually as the Patron Saint of Eastern. The ministry that Tony began and led at Eastern for over 70 years continues as a legacy in motion through the Campolo Fellows and other students at Eastern.

Publisher

Campolo Center

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Dec 2025

Latest episode

27 May 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 May 2026

   A Conversation with Be The Change Panel Presentation : Faithful Organizing for Transformational Change

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today’s Show is a presentation of a plenary panel from the Campolo Institute for Social Justice “Be The Change” event in April 2026 titled “Faithful Organizing for Transformational Change” The featured speakers inc luded Dr. David Kaib from American University; Dr. Kimberlee A. Johnson of Palmer Seminary and Shane Claiborne from Red Letter Christians Rev. Dr. Kimberlee Johnson is an educator, activist, administrator, Jesus-follower, preacher, justice advocate, and clergy leader whose love for God and humanity have fueled a lifetime of service in academic, church, and community settings. She is the Dean of Palmer Seminary and College at Eastern University where she also founded the Prison Education Program. Dr. J. is also president of a nonprofit organization that serves women clergy. Additionally, she is an avid gardener and is devoted to her family. David Kaib is a long time political educator, a higher education worker, and an elected workplace leader in his union.  He lives and works in Washington, D.C. Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author.  Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia.  He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence. Today’s Tony Campolo Excerpt from “What Can Be Done (https://on.soundcloud.com/omg091zCzzc7iy6F1d⁠)” - https://on.soundcloud.com/omg091zCzzc7iy6F1d (https://on.soundcloud.com/omg091zCzzc7iy6F1d) Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Special Guest: John Steen, Research Assistant for the Campolo Institute Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

2. 

   6 May 2026

   A Conversation with Jodina Hicks - An Urban Promise and a Life of Service

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today’s Guest is Jodina Hicks Over the past 35 years, Jodina’s worked in the realms of national and regional prisoner reentry, public policy, and youth development. Jodina led UrbanPromise Ministries in Camden, NJ, an organization she helped to start earlier in her career. Jodina led national demonstration projects focused on prison reform and prevention while at Public/Private Ventures, where she helped launch Amachi and the Ready4Work (President’s Reentry Initiative). Both initiatives were highlighted in a State of the Union addresses and led to new federal funding streams. She was a senior executive of the Safer Foundation, a prisoner reentry/employment organization. Her work at Safer reached 10,000 people each year, and her policy work at Safer included the writing and passage of state and local legislation aimed at reducing barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals, federal testimony and state reentry policies and procedures. She is the President of Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, which has a mission to empower vulnerable communities, families, and individuals through support and resources that lead to health and stability. Jodina’s publications include The Illinois Plan to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety, Chapter 4; The New Scarlet Letter “X”, the Christian Association for Prison Aftercare; and Employment Upon Reentry in Corrections Today. Jodina earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. Jodina was given the New Jersey Hero Award from the Governor (2014), the MLK legacy award from Rutgers Law School (2018), was named a top 100 Pennsylvania Non-Profit Leaders (2022), and awarded the Mary Philbrook Award (2023). Today’s Tony Campolo Excerpt from “June 27, 2013 - Creation Festivals” - https://on.soundcloud.com/qmvVLMxusJBCgRtll4 (https://on.soundcloud.com/qmvVLMxusJBCgRtll4) For more information about Tony Campolo's work in Philadelphia and other urban centers listen to "How Youth Groups Can Minister" (https://on.soundcloud.com/XhGeS0m9YDPWvql0fQ) Books mentioned on this podcast: Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire (https://www.readsandcompany.com/item/uAeSMnMLehtmpY_pI2vshw) When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron (https://pemachodronfoundation.org/product/when-things-fall-apart-book/) Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Olivia Mattiolli Audio Board Operator: Josie Dowd Edited b y John Doyle Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier The Campolo Center for Ministry (https://www.eastern.edu/campolocenter) prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

3. 

   29 Apr 2026

   A Conversation with David Gushee - Moral Teachings of Jesus is Challenging Times

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's today we are sharing an episode from another podcast at Eastern University, Human Connections, launching this summer. This episode was recorded last spring and we will share the episode in full. Dr. David P. Gushee is Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University in Atlanta. He has been president of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Christian Ethics. He is the author, co-author, editor, or co-editor of 30 books, including the bestsellers Kingdom Ethics and Changing Our Mind. His other most notable works are Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies, After Evangelicalism, and most recently, The Moral Teachings of Jesus. He lectures and consults globally, regularly speaking to the press and on podcasts, as well as in academic and ecumenical church settings. He is widely regarded as one of his generation’s most significant Christian moral thinkers. Today’s Tony Campolo Excerpt from “March 7, 2011 - First Presbyterian Church of FL Part 2” (https://on.soundcloud.com/0SGZSAvpGBhV4Teuzz)https://on.soundcloud.com/0SGZSAvpGBhV4Teuzz Books mentioned on this podcast: Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies https://newbooksnetwork.com/defending-democracy-from-its-christian-enemies (https://newbooksnetwork.com/defending-democracy-from-its-christian-enemies) ---------- After Evangelicalism https://www.wjkbooks.com/bookproduct/0664266118-after-evangelicalism/ (https://www.wjkbooks.com/bookproduct/0664266118-after-evangelicalism/) -------- The Moral Teachings of Jesus (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-moral-teachings-of-jesus-radical-instruction-in-the-will-of-god-david-p-gushee/) https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-moral-teachings-of-jesus-radical-instruction-in-the-will-of-god-david-p-gushee/ -------- Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Lily Bertolet Special Thanks: Hannah Gerber, EU Communication Studies Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier LINK TO HUMAN CONNECTIONS The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

4. 

   21 Apr 2026

   A Conversation with Hugh Hollowell - Caring for Others with the Heart of Jesus

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is Hugh Hollowell Hugh Hollowell (https://hughhollowell.org/)and his family have lived in Mississippi for over 200 years, and he grew up in the North Mississippi hill country. He lived in Memphis TN in his 20's, and then moved to Raleigh, NC, where he ran a faith based non-profit that focused on homelessness from a harm-reduction perspective. Hugh Hollowell is the pastor of Open Door Mennonite Church. He served as Community Pastor between 2018 and 2023, when he was called by the congregation to be the senior pastor. He is an active writer and speaker on issues of race, justice, and poverty, with his work being featured in places like The Washington Post and Sojourners. Hugh also serves on the board of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Central States Region. Hugh currently lives in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson, MS, Today’s Tony Campolo Sermon Excerpt from “The Great Commandment (https://on.soundcloud.com/LcY6qssknfeVhaeccA)” - https://on.soundcloud.com/LcY6qssknfeVhaeccA (https://on.soundcloud.com/LcY6qssknfeVhaeccA) Books mentioned on this podcast: Richard Rohr, Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality (https://store.cac.org/products/things-hidden-scripture-as-spirituality-1?srsltid=AfmBOoprFekX1WMLAO0oD1kD-NyIEDChdC-zVITPPhnSEsrTfVYOv2Sj) Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance (https://blackgarnetbooks.com/item/oR7uwsLR1Xu2xerrvdfsqA) Hugh Holowell, Food Is Love (https://canebrakestudio.com/) - https://canebrakestudio.com/ Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Olivia Mattioli Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology. We are working on transcripts for all episodes.

5. 

   15 Apr 2026

   A Conversation with Dr. Sarah C. Williams - Justice, Prayer and Josephine Butler

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is Dr Sarah C Williams Sarah C. Williams is a historian, writer, and storyteller. Sarah trained as a historian at the University of Oxford, where she taught Modern History at Harris Manchester College. She was also a lecturer at Trinity College, and praelector at Lincoln College. She has written and edited numerous academic articles and books, including the acclaimed monograph Religious Belief and Popular Culture, 1880–1939. She is also the author of a widely-read spiritual autobiography titled Perfectly Human: Nine Months with Cerian (https://a.co/d/051Cj7Ti). Her most recent book is When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women. (https://buxtonbooks.com/item/tQ3740nauv4lZ__tQsLpmQ) Today’s Tony Campolo Excerpt from “Discipleship_Living_Life_to_the_Nth_Degree” - https://on.soundcloud.com/qW3neSOdAS9T5jR1nr (https://on.soundcloud.com/qW3neSOdAS9T5jR1nr) Books mentioned on this podcast: Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Selah Curcuruto Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier Board Op: Paul McConnell Student Producer: Olivia Mattioli Special Thanks to Dr. Jonathan Reimer The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

6. 

   8 Apr 2026

   A Conversation with Rev. Dr. David Smith - Faith and Finances

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is REVEREND DR. DAVID SMITH David serves as the Senior Pastor of Church of the Redeemer Baptist in Philadelphia, PA. He is the founder and owner of Cortez IT, a consulting firm that specializes in assisting its clients with IT strategy and governance serving organizations like The Commonwealth of PA, Highmark Insurance and The Pennsylvania State University. David founded the nonprofit organization – Winning Wealth Services – to provide financial literacy training to underserved populations. David S. Smith is an assistant professor in the College of Business and Leadership at Eastern University, with a focus on Business Technology. Today’s Tony Campolo Excerpt from “November 17, 2012 - Youth Specialties Conference” - https://on.soundcloud.com/QuBio0WfhUDMjCjsZl (https://on.soundcloud.com/QuBio0WfhUDMjCjsZl) Books discussed on this episode: Red Letter Christianity by Tony Campolo (https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/red-letter-christians-a-christians-guide-to-faith-and-politics-a-citizens-guide-to-faith-and-politics_anthony-campolo/334349/#isbn=0830745297) Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Julie Trautner⁠ Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier Board Op: Sean Carter Edited by John. Doyle Crew: Olivia Mattioli, Christopher Leader The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

7. 

   1 Apr 2026

   A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Timothy Roberts - Community and Relationship in Faith

   Conversations with Campolo features interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’ Campolo’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is Timothy Roberts Rev. Dr. Roberts is a Presbyterian Church Minister of Word and Sacrament. He is a Florida native born and raised in Jacksonville. He attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, earning his B.A. in philosophy and religion. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. He began his ministry working with Young Life as a volunteer, then as a Young Life Church Partner in Tampa. He has served churches in Virginia and Florida and has led mission teams in Jamaica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Today's conversation considers issues around mentorship, leadership, caring for a congregation and deep spiritual relationships. Today’s Tony Campolo Excerpt from “Compassion for all Creation” ⁠https://on.soundcloud.com/WyA6WgIDPw3d2SGOTs⁠ (https://on.soundcloud.com/WyA6WgIDPw3d2SGOTs⁠) Books mentioned in this episode: How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshipping Nature by Tony Campolo ⁠https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780850095715/how-to-rescue-the-earth-without-worshipping-nature/used⁠ (https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780850095715/how-to-rescue-the-earth-without-worshipping-nature/used⁠) Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Campolo Fellow Mary Kulp Interviewer: Za'niyah Wesley Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier Board Op: Sean Carter The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology. Click here for a transcript of this episode: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/18i8f_JtYSMQ-XvpTL3zIbnBSfLzvMaFv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109517941042594623504&rtpof=true&sd=true)

8. 

   25 Mar 2026

   A Conversation with Rev. Joshua Connerty - Faith, Labor and the Worker Dignity

   Conversations with Campolo, is a new podcast featuring interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is Josh Connerty Joshua Connerty is a labor and community organizer, currently working with SEIU’s Committee of Interns and Residents in Wilmington, DE. Before union organizing, Joshua worked as an interfaith hospice chaplain at the New Jewish Home in New York, NY. He has lived on Mt. Rainier for a summer, bike-packed across Ireland, jumped out of an airplane with his father and moved to New York to earn a masters of divinity from Union Theological Seminary. Joshua also spent several years living and working in a Catholic monastic community. Joshua is a member of the Church of the Nazarene, a denomination in which he pastored for several years while earning a BA in religious studies and social justice at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Joshua is faithfully committed to the work of collective liberation, grounded in contemplative prayer and direct action  striving for justice and people’s human dignity. Today’s Tony Campolo Expert from “Christianity Looks At Marx (https://on.soundcloud.com/rHbENYRcLaR3rhwqLF)” https://on.soundcloud.com/rHbENYRcLaR3rhwqLF (https://on.soundcloud.com/rHbENYRcLaR3rhwqLF) Tony Campolo article about Labor and the Church: https://sojo.net/magazine/septemberoctober-2018/why-pastors-should-preach-about-labor-unions (https://sojo.net/magazine/septemberoctober-2018/why-pastors-should-preach-about-labor-unions) Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Za'niyah Wesley Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier Board Op: Jason Karch Crew: Alayna Casey and Erin Speak Editor: John Doyle The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Scholars Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

9. 

   18 Mar 2026

   A Conversation with Dr. Gregory Thompson - Public Memory and Racial Reconciliation

   Conversations with Campolo, is a new podcast featuring interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is Dr. Greg Thompson Gregory Thompson is an artist, pastor, chef and historian who works at the intersection of moral imagination and social healing. Focusing on matters of race, religion, public memory, and hospitality, Gregory currently serves as Co-Director of Voices Underground, a Creative Consulting firm specializing in helping communities honor their African American histories, as a writer of The Welcome Table, a column on Food, Culture, and Hospitality at Comment Magazine, and as Creative Director of Star & Lantern, a cocktail bar and restaurant honoring African American Food-ways and the history of the Underground Railroad in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He is the author of several books including, Reparations: A Christian Call to Repentance and Repair (with Reverend Duke Kwon) The Welcome Table: Breaking Bread, Healing Communities (Forthcoming, with pitmaster Russ Whitfield), and Blood from the Ground: Public Memory and Racial Repair.(Forthcoming.) For more information about the National Underground railroad memorial or to support the project visit https://www.voicesunderground.com/ (https://www.voicesunderground.com/) Books featured in this episode: Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587435980_reparations (https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587435980_reparations) This week's sermon excerpt from "The Great Things We Can Do" by the Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo. Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Hannah Gerber Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier Editor: John Doyle Board Op: Sean Carter Crew: Olivia Mattioli, Christopher Leader and Za'niyah Wesley The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Fellows Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology. https://www.eastern.edu/campolocenter

10. 

    11 Mar 2026

    A Conversation with Steve Chalke - Justice and Faith and Tony Campolo

    Conversations with Campolo, is a new podcast featuring interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Today's Guest is Steve Chalke Chalke is a prominent theologian, social activist and leading advocate of the role of Christian faith in public life and the delivery of public services including education, health care, youth services. Chalke founded the Oasis Trust in 1985 with a vision to build inclusive local communities. Oasis is now one of the largest charities in the UK, as well as working in a host of other countries. It provides housing, education, healthcare, various other community-building initiatives including a therapeutic alternative to a youth prison for violent young people. Steve is also an author, speaker, former UN Special Advisor on Human Trafficking and a Baptist minister. He holds an MBE and various honorary fellowships, Books featured in this episode: A Manifesto For Hope: Ten principles for transforming the lives of children and young :www.abebooks.com/Manifesto-Hope-Ten-principles-transforming-lives/32233398351/bd (www.abebooks.com/Manifesto-Hope-Ten-principles-transforming-lives/32233398351/bd) The Lost Message of Paul: Why has the Church misunderstood the Apostle Paul? https://www.abebooks.com/9780281079407/Lost-Message-Paul-Church-misunderstood-0281079404/plp (https://www.abebooks.com/9780281079407/Lost-Message-Paul-Church-misunderstood-0281079404/plp) This week's sermon excerpt from "The Church God's Instrument for Changing the World by the Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo. Hosts: Jy'Aire Smith-Pennick and Mary Kulp Interviewer: Robert Gauthier Producer: John Doyle and Robert Gauthier Editor: John Doyle Board Op: Jason Karch Crew: Alayna Casey and Za'niyah Wesley The Campolo Center for Ministry prepares students in the Campolo Fellows Program for servant-leadership in the Church, Christian ministries, and the public sphere – for the glory of God and in honor of Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, distinguished Eastern University Professor Emeritus of Sociology.

11. 

    2 Dec 2025

    Conversations with Campolo Trailer

    Conversations with Campolo, is a new podcast featuring interviews with the next generation of faith- and thought-leaders reflecting on Tony’s witness and its relevance for the challenges facing the church and society today. Hosted by Campolo Fellows Mary Kulp and Rev. David Brown. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get every interview with our friends of Tony Campolo. Leave a review, rate us and share our episodes on your social media if you find our content meaningful. Email us at campolocenter@eastern.edu with your memories of Tony Campolo and we will share them on the podcast. For more information about Tony or the Campolo Center for Ministry visit the Camopolo Center on Eastern University’s website :⁠https://www.eastern.edu/campolocenter (https://www.eastern.edu/campolocenter). Produced by Campolo Center for Ministry and the Eastern University Communications Studies Department.

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