Conversations about hopeful faith and hopeful theology.
Rector’s Cupboard Podcast
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4.8(4 reviews)
142 episodes
Updated Monthly
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Podcast Overview
Conversations about hopeful faith and hopeful theology.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/31/2020
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Recent Episodes
July 3, 2026
This Week in God: Host Episode
The final episode of Season 7 of Rector's Cupboard. Do you remember Stephen Colbert's This Week in God segment from the early days of The Daily Show? Inspired by that idea, the hosts gather to reflect on a handful of recent stories from the world of religion. What on earth is happening with Christianity right now? And perhaps more importantly, what kind of faith are these stories inviting us toward? Our conversation explores some of the central convictions of hopeful Christian theology that have shaped Rector's Cupboard from the beginning: that truth does not need fear to defend it, that humility is more faithful than certainty, and that if the "Good News" is truly good, it should be good for everyone—not only for those who consider themselves believers. Enjoy the conversation. References from this Episode This Week in God Compilation Stephen Colbert and Ricky Gervais Interview Stephen Colbert and Dua Lipa Interview “Pope Leo Faces the First Crisis of His Pontificate” New York Times, June 20, 2026 “Southern Baptists vote to advance a formal ban on churches with women pastors” AP News, June 10, 2026 “Where Testosterone and the Bible Are the ‘New Punk Rock'” New York Times, June 26, 2026 Tasting Notes Hello-Bello Recipe, gratitude to Harry at Pub Saint Pierre in Montreal for this wonderful cocktail. Shot of espresso and Campari (shaken no ice)Pour into glassThen add fresh OJ, about juice of half an orangeIce and prosecco, just to top itOrange peel as garnish
June 19, 2026
I Get to Be Alive with Ken Best
What happens when we look back at the faith communities that shaped us and ask, Where are those people now? Have they remained where they started, or have their experiences led them somewhere unexpected? And what can we learn when we listen to the stories of those whose journeys have unfolded differently than our own? In this episode, we welcome Ken Best, therapist and longtime friend of Todd. They reflect on the formative church culture they shared and the ways their lives have diverged and intersected over the years. The conversation invites listeners to consider how other people's experiences can help us reinterpret our own past—and perhaps move toward a more hopeful future. This conversation also marks the beginning of our new Community Mental Health Talks series with Ken. What would it look like to create spaces where people feel seen, understood, and free to be themselves? Join us on June 22 for the first talk in the series, Queerly Beloved, an evening exploring how we can better understand and support the queer people in our lives. More information about this event here.
May 15, 2026
A Conversation About MAID with Ken Bell
In this episode of Rector’s Cupboard, Allison, Amanda, and Ken sit down for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about MAID — Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. Drawing on Ken’s work as a Spiritual Health Practitioner at Lions Gate Hospital, we explore what MAID actually is, how the process works, and why it remains such a difficult and emotional topic for many people, especially within faith communities. Along the way, we talk about suffering, grief, agency, palliative care, and what it means to accompany people through death with compassion and dignity. Ken shares stories from his work with patients and families navigating end-of-life decisions, reflecting on the sacredness, tension, and beauty that can exist even in the hardest moments. This isn’t a debate episode or an attempt to land on easy answers. Instead, it’s an honest conversation about mortality, care, faith, and how we show up for one another when life becomes fragile. References: If you’d like to do some more reading on MAID in Canada, Ken suggests the following resources. This is Assisted Dying, Dr. Stefanie Green (2022) A memoir by a Canadian physician at the forefront of MAID, exploring her experiences and the decisions behind the practice. The Last Doctor: Lessons in Living from the Front Lines of Medical Assistance in Dying, Dr. Jean Marmoreo and Johanna Schneller (2023) Follows one of Canada’s first MAID practitioners, providing stories of patients and families. Unravelling MAID in Canada, Edited by Ramona Coelho and Trudo Lummens (2025) A collection of perspectives from experts exploring the expansion and ethical, legal, and social implications of the practice. The Many Faces of MAID: What to Expect When Someone You Know Chooses Medical Assistance in Dying, Cynthia Clark and Carol Cram (2023) A resource for families, friends, and caregivers dealing with the emotions surrounding a loved one’s decision. Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Activity Book, KidsGrief.ca, a specialized guide designed to help children understand and navigate the experience of having a loved one choose MAID. Sixth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, Government of Canada (November 2025) The annual report on MAID that outlines MAID requests, assessments, and provisions across Canada in 2024.
142 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Rector’s Cupboard Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates monthly.
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This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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