Holy Roast: Anti-Racism, Christian Faith & the Work of Change with Rev. Dr. April Casperson
What does anti-racism have to do with Christian discipleship? And what happens when conversations about race make us uncomfortable?
On this episode of Holy Roast, Rev. Rob Tucker and Rev. Rachel Wallace sit down with Rev. Dr. April Casperson, Director of Enrollment Management at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio and the leader of upcoming anti-racism training for clergy in the Kentucky Annual Conference.
April helps us unpack what anti-racism means in a Christian context—and why this work is about more than simply having the “right” beliefs or saying the right things. We talk about navigating discomfort and defensiveness, responding faithfully when conversations about race become difficult, and some of the assumptions and misconceptions April encounters in anti-racism work.
Most importantly, we ask: How do churches move beyond talking about diversity and inclusion toward meaningful, lasting change? What might anti-racism look like in our congregations, leadership, ministries, and communities?
Come for the conversation. Stay for the uncomfortable questions. And, as always, bring your own cup of coffee to the roast.
8 Jun 2026
S3E7 - Andrew Pomerville
n this episode of the Holy Roast Podcast, Rob sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville, President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, for a thoughtful conversation on the future of theological education. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville brings to Louisville Seminary successful experience in both higher education and ecumenical parish ministry, defined by innovation, energy and joyful communication as an executive administrator, chaplain, and senior pastor.
Together, they explore how seminaries honor tradition while forming leaders for an increasingly diverse and ecumenical church, the evolving ways students learn and prepare for ministry, and why seminary formation still matters today. Dr. Pomerville also shares insights on Methodist Studies at LPTS and offers a hopeful vision for the next generation of church leaders.
All links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast
For more info about Louisville Seminary, visit [www.lpts.edu](http://www.lpts.edu/)!
30 Mar 2026
S3E6 - John Randolph
In this month’s episode, Rob and Rachel sit down with Rev. John Randolph. John is the pastor of Genesis UMC and Crescent Hill UMC in Louisville, KY.
Rev. John Allen Randolph is a lifelong Louisville native and graduate of DuPont Manual High School and the University of Louisville, where he studied Justice Administration with a minor in Pan-African Studies. Licensed to preach in 2013 and ordained in 2022 at Bates Memorial Baptist Church under Rev. Dr. F. Bruce Williams, John holds a Master of Divinity in Black Church Studies from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he co-founded the Gayraud S. Wilmore Society of Black Seminarians.
In this episode, we explore the experience of pastoring in two unique congregations, highlighting the cultural, historical, and spiritual differences that shape ministry in each context. It reflects on how preaching adapts, or remains rooted, across these spaces, and lifts up the wisdom and practices of the Black church that could deepen congregational life. The discussion also names the challenges of navigating dual contexts, the resilience required to sustain such work, and the ways the United Methodist connectional system can both support and complicate cross-cultural ministry.
You can check out John’s Substack here.
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68,644
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
18 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
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Quality
43
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
51
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