Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
Discover the Dream School of the Arts with Kenton Hundley
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 …
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Pope Francis and Earth Day 2025
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…
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Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson
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…
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Exploring the Impact of Local Newspapers with Bud Herron
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…
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Finding Purpose and Identity: Bud Herron's Journey in Journalism and Africa
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…
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Seven Tribulations of Higher Education at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
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…
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Exploring Bubba Identity: Bishop Ken Carder on Connection to Roots and God's Love
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…
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Embracing Life's Margins: Bishop Ken Carder's Journey From Exclusion to Belonging
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…
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A Journey of Generosity: Lessons from Jerre Stead
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…
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Jerre Stead's Faith-Driven Approach to Leadership and Organizational Success
March 7, 2025

Jerre Stead's Faith-Driven Approach to Leadership and Organizational Success

In the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson delves into an enlightening conversation with Jerre Stead, a remarkable leader known for his extensive experience with corporate boards and transformative leadership in both for-profit and nonprof…
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Exploring Christian Nationalism: Key Insights from Phil Amerson on 'To Be and Do'
Feb. 27, 2025

Exploring Christian Nationalism: Key Insights from Phil Amerson on 'To Be and Do'

  On a recent episode of "To Be and Do,"  Phil Amerson brings a thoughtful perspective to the topic of Christian nationalism—a concept that has gained traction in some political and religious circles. Phil delves into the origins, m…
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Taking Action: Making the World a Better Place with Dr. Charlie Nelms
Feb. 21, 2025

Taking Action: Making the World a Better Place with Dr. Charlie Nelms

In a thought-provoking episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Phil engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Charlie Nelms, an educator and philanthropist who passionately discusses the contributions individuals can make toward creatin…
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Opening to Joy - Exercise
Feb. 14, 2025

Opening to Joy - Exercise

Opening to Joy - Exercise Philip Amerson How does joy and laughter contribute to our liberation? To our healing? To our knowing God? You are invited to sit quietly for a moment and think of the last time you laughed. When was the last chuckle? W…
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Embracing Education and Encouragement with Dr. Charlie Nelms
Feb. 12, 2025

Embracing Education and Encouragement with Dr. Charlie Nelms

In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," a podcast that aims to foster a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships through storytelling, host  Philip Amerson welcomed the insightful Dr. Charlie Nelms. As a servant leader, philanthropist, an…
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Jesus Wrapped in a Flag
Feb. 10, 2025

Jesus Wrapped in a Flag

  So-called Christian Nationalism appears to have mushroomed in our body politic. Books like Taking Back America for God (Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry) and The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory (Tim Alberta) document the spread and extent …
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Faith Communities Could Boldly Lead
Feb. 2, 2025

Faith Communities Could Boldly Lead

What makes Bloomington “BLOOM”? What offers vitality, hope, knowledge and hospitality? We have great institutions: centers of education, health science, manufacturing and culture. Innovation and technology are known to be essential. Stil…
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Reflecting on Ministry: Lessons from Michael Mather’s Journey with Philip Amerson - Part 3
Jan. 25, 2025

Reflecting on Ministry: Lessons from Michael Mather’s Journey with Philip Amerson - Part 3

In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," https://www.belongingexchange.org/s1e7 we continue our insightful conversation with Michael Mather, a revered guest who has shared profound experiences from his ministry work, particularly during his tenure at …
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Discovering Ministry in Unexpected Places: Insights from Michael Mather and Philip Amerson - Part 2
Jan. 25, 2025

Discovering Ministry in Unexpected Places: Insights from Michael Mather and Philip Amerson - Part 2

  In a recent episode of the "To Be and Do" A Podcast Conversation with Philip Amerson with Mike Mather-Part 2 Philip Amerson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Michael Mather, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Co…
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Embracing Absurdity and Whimsy in Ministry: Insights from Philip Amerson and Michael Mather - Part 1
Jan. 25, 2025

Embracing Absurdity and Whimsy in Ministry: Insights from Philip Amerson and Michael Mather - Part 1

  In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," [https://www.belongingexchange.org/s1e5] host Philip Amerson sat down with his long-time friend, Michael Mather, the lead pastor of Boulder First United Methodist Church. As they reminisce about their e…
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Integrity & Jimmy Carter
Jan. 1, 2025

Integrity & Jimmy Carter

Integrity and Jimmy Carter are synonymous. For one hundred years he offered his witness. There were ups and downs, missteps and the recognition of a Nobel prize. I see his life as a wonder-filled demonstration of human decency and generosity. A para…
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Choose ABUNDANCE in 2025
Dec. 25, 2024

Choose ABUNDANCE in 2025

Christmas Eve 2024 and National Public Radio’s Lisa Desjardins reports on the political word of the year. Suggested words included: Broken, Unstable, Whiplash, Banjaxed (Irish slang meaning broken, not working, messed up), along with Polarized…
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A Journey of Humility and Understanding: Insights from Philip Amerson
Dec. 23, 2024

A Journey of Humility and Understanding: Insights from Philip Amerson

  In a thought-provoking episode of the "To Be Do" podcast, Philip Amerson, a seasoned pastor, delves into the profound concept of embracing our ignorance. Throughout the conversation, Amerson touches upon various experiences and perspectives …
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A Lifelong Friendship: Lessons from Clarence Smart
Dec. 23, 2024

A Lifelong Friendship: Lessons from Clarence Smart

  On the "To Be Do Podcast" host Philip Amerson takes us on an inspiring journey through the life and friendship of Clarence Smart, a man whose story illuminates the transformative power of education, determination, and mutual respect. The epi…
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Embracing The Stranger: Lessons From The Belonging Exchange with Jonathan Massimi
Dec. 18, 2024

Embracing The Stranger: Lessons From The Belonging Exchange with Jonathan Massimi

Embracing The Stranger: Lessons From The Belonging Exchange In the latest episode of "To Be and Do From the Belonging Exchange," host Philip Amerson sits down with Jonathan Massimi to explore the profound themes of faith, community, and what it t…
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