Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
Reflecting on Goodbyes
June 17, 2026

Reflecting on Goodbyes

 The latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast invites listeners into a meaningful contemplation on the significance of goodbyes. With over a hundred episodes behind it, the podcast pauses to reflect on the moments of parting that shape ou…
"Because": Rethinking Trash, Compassion, and Social Responsibility
June 14, 2026

"Because": Rethinking Trash, Compassion, and Social Responsibility

The latest "Because" episode of To Be and Do, invites listeners into a raw, deeply reflective conversation about what trash in our neighborhoods truly reveals about us—and the often-overlooked connections between everyday debris, social…
Finding Presence in Grief: Reflections on Loss and Faith with Tom Heaton
June 11, 2026

Finding Presence in Grief: Reflections on Loss and Faith with Tom Heaton

In this moving episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson sits down with Tom Heaton for an honest, vulnerable discussion on family tragedy, grief, and the enduring presence of faith. Known for his work as a pastor, preacher, and advocate for mis…
Because: Reflection on Family, Faith, and Inclusion: Insights from Phil Amerson
June 7, 2026

Because: Reflection on Family, Faith, and Inclusion: Insights from Phil Amerson

This "Because" episode invites listeners into a moment of deep reflection on the meaning of family—from both a personal and spiritual perspective. The episode begins with commentary on Indiana’s political leaders urging citizens to foc…
The Power of Doing Over Talking:  Tom Heaton and Mission Guatemala
June 4, 2026

The Power of Doing Over Talking: Tom Heaton and Mission Guatemala

 In this episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson welcomes a long-time friend and respected community leader, Tom Heaton, founder of Mission Guatemala. The conversation explores Tom Heaton's deep connections to Indiana communities, the trans…
Exploring Why We Read Scripture
May 31, 2026

Exploring Why We Read Scripture

 In this reflective "Because" episode of “To Be and Do,” Phil Amerson invites us to reconsider our relationship with scripture and the deeper reasons for living as people of faith. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful inter…
Reflecting on Morality, Education, and Civic Life
May 28, 2026

Reflecting on Morality, Education, and Civic Life

In this thoughtful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson, offers a poignant commentary on the present state of society, politics, and education. The conversation weaves together personal reflection, critique of policy decisions, and an…
Rediscovering Faith Beyond Institutions
May 24, 2026

Rediscovering Faith Beyond Institutions

In the latest "Because" episode of To Be and Do  Phil Amerson invites listeners into a thoughtful reflection on faith, the church, and the role of institutions. Through the lens of personal experience and the words of theologian Willie James …
Renewal, Community, and Grace
May 21, 2026

Renewal, Community, and Grace

To Be and Do Podcast: Episode Reflections — Renewal, Community, and GraceIn the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson reflects on the current state and subtle renewal happening across religious communities in the Unite…
Exploring Meaningful Media and Life Transformation: Key Lessons from Brad Miller
May 14, 2026

Exploring Meaningful Media and Life Transformation: Key Lessons from Brad Miller

Exploring Meaningful Media and Life Transformation: Key Lessons from Dr. Brad MillerIn this inspiring episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson sits down with Brad Miller, a retired United Methodist clergy person who has transformed hi…
Because: Embracing the Boundless Parish
May 11, 2026

Because: Embracing the Boundless Parish

 In this reflective Because episode of To Be and Do,  Phil Amerson — invites listeners to reconsider traditional concepts of parish life, faith, and community. Through historical anecdotes, present-day examples, and heartfel…
Navigating Leadership Transitions: Lessons from Jonathan Massimi
May 7, 2026

Navigating Leadership Transitions: Lessons from Jonathan Massimi

Navigating Leadership Transitions: Lessons from Jonathan MassimiIn a thought-provoking episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Jonathan Massimi, Managing Director at Civic Bloom and community leader in Kitchener, Ontario, joined the conversation …
Reflections from Retreat: Beyond Playing the Instrument
May 4, 2026

Reflections from Retreat: Beyond Playing the Instrument

Reflections from Retreat: Beyond Playing the InstrumentIn episode this "Because" epiosode of To Be and Do, Philip Amerson takes listeners inside a recent retreat for pastors, sharing both the intention behind the gathering and a powerful story…
Exploring the Human Side of Technology: Lessons from Community, Memory, and Art with Jonathan Massimi
April 30, 2026

Exploring the Human Side of Technology: Lessons from Community, Memory, and Art with Jonathan Massimi

In this episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson reconnects with Jonathan Massimi, a multifaceted thinker, author, and community pastor based in Kitchener, Ontario. Their insightful conversation dives deep into the evolving intersect…
Because: Embracing Community and Sacred Silence
April 26, 2026

Because: Embracing Community and Sacred Silence

Embracing Community and Sacred Silence:In this "Because" episode of To Be and Do, Phll Amerson invites us into a deeply moving reflection on the power of community, music, and the sacredness found in shared spaces. Centered around a recen…
Connectorship and Community with Tyler Brinks
April 23, 2026

Connectorship and Community with Tyler Brinks

To Be and Do Podcast: Embracing Connectorship and Community with Tyler BrinksIn this latest episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, Phil Amerson welcomes Tyler Brinks for an inspiring and reflective conversation focused on the intersection of b…
Because: Reflections on Belonging and Communion
April 18, 2026

Because: Reflections on Belonging and Communion

To Be and Do : Reflections on Belonging and CommunionTo Be and Do’s latest episode, , invites listeners into a quiet meditation on what it means to belong—both to one another and to something greater. With gentle musings rooted in …
Revitalizing Faith Navigating Decline and Abundance in Modern Ministry with Tyler Brinks
April 16, 2026

Revitalizing Faith Navigating Decline and Abundance in Modern Ministry with Tyler Brinks

To Be and Do Podcast: A Conversation with Reverend Tyler BrinksIn this insightful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Tyler Brinks, Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, to explore the …
Because: Episode Reflection: Choosing to Sparkle — Lessons from Bob and Joe
April 13, 2026

Because: Episode Reflection: Choosing to Sparkle — Lessons from Bob and Joe

In this deeply personal and stirring episode of "To Be and Do," Phil Amerson brings forward a meditation on human nature, perspective, and the ongoing inner choice between complaint and hope. Through the simple vignettes of two very different men&…
Rediscovering Neighborhood Flourishing: Key Insights from Tim Soerens on To Be and Do
April 9, 2026

Rediscovering Neighborhood Flourishing: Key Insights from Tim Soerens on To Be and Do

 On this episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson) welcomes  Tim Soerens, executive director of the Parish Collective and author of Everywhere You Look. Together, they explore what it means to “be and become the chu…
Episode Reflection: Tim Soerens on Interdependence, Parish Life, and Finding Hope
April 2, 2026

Episode Reflection: Tim Soerens on Interdependence, Parish Life, and Finding Hope

In the latest episode of To Be and Do  host Phil Amerson welcomes Tim Soerens, pastor, author, and executive director of the Parish Collective. This meaningful conversation explores foundational shifts in church life, the power of interd…
Because: Reflection and Paradox: Meditations
March 29, 2026

Because: Reflection and Paradox: Meditations

In the latest "Because" episode of To Be and Do,  the podcast takes listeners on a contemplative journey through poetry, paradox, faith, and the lived realities of a fractured modern world. Host Phil Amerson gently guides the meditation,…
Finding Joy, Gratitude, and Community in Spiritual Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Metheny
March 26, 2026

Finding Joy, Gratitude, and Community in Spiritual Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Metheny

On the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson sits down with Rachel Metheny, pastor at Meridian Street Church, for an inspiring conversation about self-care, spirituality, and the evolving nature of community. The discussion dive…
Because: Exploring The Vanishing Church: Faith as Community Versus Commodity
March 22, 2026

Because: Exploring The Vanishing Church: Faith as Community Versus Commodity

 This episode of “To Be and Do,” hosted by Phillip Amerson, dives deeply into the evolving role of the church in modern society. Drawing from recent literature—including “Separation of Church and Hate” by John …