Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
July 16, 2025

Navigating Change, Racism, and Hope at Indiana University (Petition Attached)

On this episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson delivers a passionate and deeply informed reflection on troubling developments at Indiana University (IU) and explores their broader significance amidst contemporary American cultura…
July 16, 2025

Conspiring for Wholeness and Justice

To Be and To Do: Conspiring for Wholeness and Justice  In this episode of "To Be and Do" from The Belonging Exchange podcast, host Phil Amerson embarks on an insightful exploration of what it means to live holistically as people of faith, pa…
July 16, 2025

A Reflection on Racism and Change

To Be and Do Podcast:  – A Reflection on Racism and Change In the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson delivers a thoughtful, honest, and sometimes impassioned reflection on the current state of racism in Ame…
July 11, 2025

The Chairs upon Which We Sit - A Sermon by Philip Amerson

The Chairs upon Which We Sit (A Sermon Delivered at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Bloomington Indiana)   Fourth Sunday of Pentecost                 &n…
July 11, 2025

Bearing Witness and Building Bridges in the Holy Land – Insights from “To Be and Do” with John Wagner

In the latest episode of To Be snd Do, host Phil Amerson welcomed guest John Wagner, whose heartfelt witness from the West Bank and longtime activism provides a crucial perspective on justice, solidarity, and faith-driven action. Their thoughtful co…
July 4, 2025

Revisiting the Roots and Realities of Faith in Palestine and Israel  with John Wagner from United Methodist for Kairos Response

To Be snd Do: Revisiting the Roots and Realities of Faith in Palestine and Israel  In this thoughtful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Reverend John Wagner, a pivotal voice in United Methodists for Kairos R…
June 26, 2025

A Conversation with Inspiration: Jacaiya Gross on To Be and Do

On the latest episode of “To Be snd Do,” host Phil Amerson sits down with an impressive and determined young woman, Jacaiya Gross, a sophomore at Indiana University. With warmth and curiosity, Phil delves into Jacaiya’s journey…
June 20, 2025

Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community with Dr. Gloria Howell

Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community: Dr. Gloria Howell on "To Be and Do" In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," we were treated to an inspiring and insightful conversation with Dr. Gloria Howell, the director of the Neal-Marshall Bl…
June 13, 2025

Finding Belonging and Resilience: Jaciaya Gross on To Be and Do Podcast

Finding Belonging and Resilience: Jaciaya Gross on To Be and Do Podcast In the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Jaciaya Gross, an inspiring sophomore at Indiana University, to discuss her journey thro…
June 11, 2025

"Having Nothing, Possessing Everything": A Conversation with Rev. Michael Mather about Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places

Finding Belonging and Animation in Ministry: Lessons from Mike Mather on “To Be and Do” In the latest bonus episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, host Philip Amerson invites listeners into a deeply reflective conversati…
May 30, 2025

The Trifling Picnic Update: The Importance of Gathering

Blog Post:  In the latest episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, host Phil Amerson takes us on a heartfelt journey about community, connection, and the simple yet profound joys of gathering. Drawing from years of tradition, Phi…
May 22, 2025

Lessons in Community, Love, and Imagination with Seana Murphy

To Be and Do: Lessons in Community, Love, and Imagination with Seana Murphy On the latest episode of To Be and Do, host Phil Amerson warmly welcomes Seana Murphy for a profound conversation about love, abundance, and resilience in community lif…
May 16, 2025

Finding Abundance and Belonging: Key Lessons from Seana Murphy on “To Be and Do"

On the latest episode of “To Be and Do,” host Phil Amerson welcomes Seana Murphy—a proud parent, community leader, educator, and one of his “many teachers”—for an inspiring and deeply candid conversation. Their …
May 8, 2025

Sickness Unto Death

Philip Amerson                                       &…
May 1, 2025

Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley

In the episode of the To Be and Do podcast titled "Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley" host Philip Amerson is joined by the talented poet Kenton Hundley. This episode invites listeners on a journey through heartfelt poetry tha…
April 24, 2025

Discover the Dream School of the Arts with Kenton Hundley

In this inspiring episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson engages in a heartfelt dialogue with Kenton Hundley. The conversation takes listeners on a journey from their first meeting in San Diego to Kenton's creative work with …
April 23, 2025

Pope Francis and Earth Day 2025

Our Common Home Pope Francis and Earth Day 2025 On Easter Monday 2025 the lead story in every newspaper is that Pope Francis is dead. I read the headlines, and glancing above my desk, see a copy of what I believe is one of the most important d…
April 17, 2025

Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson

In this compelling episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Bud Herron as guest and host Philip Amerson. The dialogue transports us to Bud's college days at Indiana University, where he meets Pat Patterso…
April 10, 2025

Exploring the Impact of Local Newspapers with Bud Herron

In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," we had the pleasure of hearing from Bud Herron, a seasoned journalist, as he shared insights from his distinguished career. Hosted by Phil Amerson, this episode delves into Bud's experiences in both religio…
April 4, 2025

Finding Purpose and Identity: Bud Herron's Journey in Journalism and Africa

In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," hosted by Phil Amerson, guest Bud Herron offers an insightful narrative filled with rich history and life lessons, underscoring the essence of interdependence over mere independence. In this captivating c…
March 30, 2025

Seven Tribulations of Higher Education at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Seven Tribulations of Higher Education Indiana University, Bloomington   Like the Ten Plagues visited on the ancient Egyptian Pharoah, today American universities struggle with the Seven Tribulations of Higher Education.  Sadly, great f…
March 27, 2025

Exploring Bubba Identity: Bishop Ken Carder on Connection to Roots and God's Love

In the recent episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson delves into a riveting conversation with Bishop Ken Carder, uncovering the profound lessons of identity, belonging, and love. The episode starts on an intriguing note—with the ta…
March 20, 2025

Embracing Life's Margins: Bishop Ken Carder's Journey From Exclusion to Belonging

In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson engages in a profound conversation with Bishop Ken Carder. Ken's new book, "Shifting Margins: From Fear and Exclusion Toward Love and Belonging," serves as a springboard for this enlig…
March 14, 2025

A Journey of Generosity: Lessons from Jerre Stead

In this inspiring episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson engages in a conversation with the remarkable Jerre Stead. Known for his philanthropy and leadership, Jerre shares insights into his lifelong commitment to giving and how…