Curiously with Ericka Graham

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka sits with Aimée and Edward Sanchez for the podcast’s first-ever couples interview, exploring their shared life as artists, parents, and partners navigating creativity, homeschooling, and intentional living. Together, they reflect on what it looks like to build a family rhythm outside of cultural comparison, choosing instead to shape their lives around presence, curiosity, and a deep commitment to raising emotionally aware children. Aimée shares about her work as an illustrator and her instinct toward a slower, more grounded way of living, while Edward speaks to his practice as a creative dire...

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka sits with Dr. Valerie Akinwande and Dr. Kelly Edmiston for a conversation about women’s bodies, sexuality, and the shame so many of us inherited around both. Together, they explore the importance of honest, ongoing conversations about puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and sex, especially within families and faith communities.

Dr. V shares from her work as a pelvic floor physical therapist helping women better understand and care for their bodies through every stage of life, while Dr. Kelly talks about her upcoming book Shame-Free Sex Talks and creating healthier, more open conversations ar...

Hillary McBride, PhD, is a Registered Psychologist, researcher, podcaster, and author, but underneath all of that she is a human, who loves asking questions about what it means to be human, how we heal and grow, and what it means to be a body. In this interview, Dr. McBride and Ericka Graham discuss eating disorders, mother-daughter relationships, and what it means listen to the wisdom of our bodies.

More info on Hillary McBride: 

She publishes written works for community and academic audiences about embodiment, trauma, eating disorders, mental health and...

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka sits with Reverend Father Will Parker and explores how improv can become a spiritual practice. What begins as a conversation about creativity opens into something deeper about listening, presence, and the way we learn to love each other in real time.

Along the way, Will shares about grief, mental health, and the experiences that shaped his path to priesthood. Together, they hold a simple but meaningful idea. That maybe the work is to show up, pay attention, and respond honestly to what is in front of us.

S...

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka sits with Matt Russell for a conversation that moves between story, faith, and the question of what actually changes us. Matt shares pieces of his own journey, from early experiences in the church to the work he’s done alongside people in recovery, where he began to see that connection often matters more than having the right answers. Together they explore the difference between service and justice, and how belonging often comes before belief. The conversation also touches on the tension many feel with the church today, and the desire for spaces where pe...

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka sits with Irene Greaves and traces a deeper question beneath everything we think we know about love: where did we actually learn it? Irene shares how growing up and her global work in education helped to cultivate her practice, Lovescaping, a framework that sees love as something we practice through action. As they talk, the conversation moves between the outer work of building connection through  shared experiences and the quieter inner work of learning to regulate ourselves, to pause, to breathe, and return to our bodies before reaching for others. Irene shares her b...

Links:

https://nishweiseth.substack.com/about

Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World

Favorite Books: 

The Year of Magical Thinking

All the Light We Cannot See

How to Stay Married

In this episode, Ericka Graham engages in an inspiring discussion with Rev. Canon Dr. Canon Stephanie Spellers about her transformative journey to becoming an Episcopal priest and the evolving dynamics of church communities. They address the urgent need to reimagine traditional denominations, emphasizing authenticity, passion, and spiritual depth. Insights from Spellers' book 'Church Tomorrow?’ illuminate the path forward, advocating for innovative church leadership and the inclusion of non-traditional spiritual practices. Together, they passionately explore how curiosity and genuine engagement can reignite the heart and soul of faith communities, ensuring a vibrant future for the church.

And join Er...

In this episode, Ericka welcomes Scott Erickson, an artist and author, to discuss his new book 'In the Low' and his unique approach to creating meaningful art. Scott shares his journey of blending spirituality with visual storytelling, his experiences with depression, and the importance of honesty in art. They also explore how friendships and community play crucial roles in overcoming life's challenges. Scott provides insights into his inspirations, faith evolution, and the creative process behind his multifaceted work.

website: https://www.scottericksonart.com/

book: 'In the Low'

instagram : https://www.instagram.c...

In this episode, Ericka sat down with the Creative Director and Producer of this Podcast, Dani Hooper, to discuss what it was like to create a podcast together.

More about Dani Hooper:

Dani is an artist of many kinds.
She finds beauty wherever she goes, creates spaces she loves, finds presence in yoga, captures the world through her lens, writes music from the heart, loves deeply, and somehow also finds time to bring this podcast to life with care and creativity. She’s thoughtful, creative, and always chasing what’s honest and b...

In this episode, Ericka sat down with New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs, to discuss the potent influence of mothers, the voices erased from history, and how to reclaim a more honest narrative moving forward.

More about Anna Malaika Tubbs:

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a 2X New York Times Bestselling storyteller who grew up in Dubai, Mexico, Sweden, Estonia, Azerbaijan, as well as the United States. Influenced by her exposure to all kinds of cultures and beliefs, Anna is inspired to bring people together through the celebration of difference. Motivated b...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Katie Crokus to discuss the awkwardness of change, the freedom found from leaving restriction and choosing abundance, and how regaining a menstruation was a sign of health.

More about Katie Crokus:

Katie is a mom to three, animal-obsessed, kitchen-dwelling, over-sharing, recipe-developing storyteller. She is committed to nurturing people with delicious food and stories that intersect celebration, healthy living and healing.

LINKS:

Website for Katie Crokus:  https://www.empowernutritioncoach.com

Substack for Katie Crokus: https://substack.com/@katiecrokus

I...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Francesca Hogi to talk about finding true love, dating apps, flirting, modern love, and more. This is a conversation for singles looking for love, and also for partnered couples looking to create deeper intimacy.

More about Francesca Hogi

Francesca Hogi helps people find true love inside and out. A former corporate lawyer turned matchmaker turned love coach, Francesca is an author, TED speaker, and host of the relationship podcast Dear Franny. She’s been featured in media outlets such as The Today Show, Marie Claire, The Ne...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Rev. Katie O’Dunne to talk about how OCD treatment is also a spiritual practice for both her and her clients. Although this conversation is centered around those with OCD, the theme of surrendering to uncertainty and choosing faith is really a spiritual practice that all people can benefit from.

More about Katie O’Dunne:

Rev. Dr. Katie O'Dunne founded and leads an inclusive virtual community for those navigating faith and OCD called Stick with the Ick. An ordained minister in the United Church of Chris...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Sean Palmer about his life, being a dad, and what it means to live with death in mind.

More about Sean Palmer:

Previously profiled in Christian Standard Magazine as one of “40 Leaders Under 40,” and with 24-years of ministry experience, Sean is a sought-after national keynote speaker, teacher, writer, and workshop facilitator. His writing has been featured on Scot McKnight’s Jesus Creed at Christianity Today, Sojourners, FOXNews.com, The Lookout Magazine and Christian Standard Magazine. 

Sean is also a featured writer and board mem...

In this episode, Ericka interviews three remarkable women who share their journeys through motherhood, personal hardships, and faith. They discuss the courage to make difficult decisions, and the importance of showing up for themselves and their children.

More about Felicia Martin:

Felicia is the President & Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network (TFN), and Prior to TFN, Felicia served as the Regional Director of Academic Programs in Texas for The Jed Foundation (JED). Felicia also previously helped build EMERGE, a Houston-based college success nonprofit, into a nationally recognized organization. Over her 8 ye...

In this episode, Ericka interviews three remarkable women who share their journeys through motherhood, personal hardships, and faith. They discuss the courage to make difficult decisions, and the importance of showing up for themselves and their children.

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More about Elizabeth Enns Petters:

Elizabeth “Lizz” Enns Petters is a writer, speaker, and co-host of the Deconstructing Mamas podcast. She is dedicated to creating a supportive space for individuals navigating faith deconstruction, particularly parents striving to raise children while reexamining their spiritual beliefs. Her work focuses on fostering a sense of safety...

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka is joined by Pastor Chris Seay to discuss the urgent issue of affordable housing in Houston. Pastor Chris, who recently testified in Austin, explains the various projects his community is undertaking to increase housing inventory through legislative support, church land use, and the conversion of vacant office spaces into housing. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe, clean, and affordable living conditions and fostering community support. The conversation also touches upon the broader implications of addressing homelessness and the need for collective action from individuals, churches, and the government.

M...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with her friend JT Roach to discuss his career as a singer and songwriter—and the leaps of courage that he has taken to get to where he is today. The two discuss creativity, leaving what is familiar for the unknown, and what it was like to prepare a song for One Republic and play alongside talents like Mike Shaw.

More about JT Roach

JT Roach is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his emotive vocals and genre-blending sound that spans from indie folk, pop...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jonathan Merritt as he talks about growing-up as the son of a Megachurch pastor while being gay. He recounts the harrowing experience of being publicly outed and how these early experiences shaped his life today. Jonathan discusses how difficult it is to trust again after trust has been broken, and he also shares how his communication and preaching styles often place him as a person struggling in his stories—not as the hero. When Jonathan creates he often has his audience in mind, and from this interview it is clear that he is...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Tia Norman to discuss how Tia’s journey into a contemplative spirituality has transformed her life and faith—a faith that is deeply rooted in the mystical teachings of the Christian tradition. Tia believes that “in the stillness of prayer, breath, and silence, we release what is temporary and rest in what is eternal” and it becomes clear from this interview that Tia truly practices what she preaches.

More about Tia Norman:

Tia Norman is a teacher and guide specializing in spirituality and practices anchored in the my...

In this episode, host Ericka Graham and Co-Host Joshua Carney sit down with Dr. John Chisholm, an Astrophysicist and astronomy professor at UT Austin, to explore the groundbreaking discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope. This episode is a wonder-inducing conversation through space, matter, time—and ultimately ourselves.

More about Dr. John Chisholm:

Dr. John Chisholm was born and raised in Madison Wisconsin. He obtained a Bachelor's of Science from Boston College and then attended the University of Wisconsin Madison for his PhD. He studied how galaxies launch large-scale outflows of gas in o...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Winnie Karanja and Victoria Chen to talk about how they are “reimagining education” through Nakira’s World and BridgeYear. Both women are asking big questions about what it means to educate for the future, and as founders of successful companies and organizations they are creating solutions that have impact and endurance.

More about Winnie Karanja:

Winnie is the CEO and Founder of Nakira’s World. Nakira’s World is focused on engaging young children in the wonders of STEM by connecting science to everyday life. In 2019, Winnie was...

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jared Byas, co-host of the Bible for Normal People, to explore how biblical interpretation is shaped by historical context, cultural bias, and personal experience. They discuss how ancient traditions become relevant today, and how learning to let go and embrace uncertainty in our own lives is often an act of faith. 

More about Jared Byas:

Jared Byas runs the Bible for Normal People and regularly writes and speaks about the Bible, truth, creativity, wisdom, and the Christian faith. He has written a handful of books including Lo...

In this episode, Matt Kuykendall talks about what it means to educate and be educated. He shares the skills and habits that his students adopt through the lens of Metacognition in his Deep Learning Seminar. We also discuss how AI might change classrooms like his, and redirect the questions of the future.

More about Matt Kuykendall:

Matt Kuykendall currently teaches Deep Learning and Psychology at the American School in Japan. Matt has authored both a Theory of Knowledge and Psychology text for the IB diploma program and recently formalized his love of collaborating w...

In this conversation, Dr. Ruth N. López Turley talks about growing up at the southern border, and the fear and miracles that co-existed at that border. As you will hear, her story is a love story. It a story about the love of God, the love she encountered at summer camp, and the love she continues to pour-out through her research to make Houston and the world a better place.

More about Dr. Ruth N. López Turley:

Professor López Turley directs the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, which...

In this conversation, Drew Jackson discusses his poetry and the many influences that have shaped him as a thought-leader today. Drew also reads some of his poetry to us in this episode—and you will not want to miss the magic that is his Drew Jackson and his prophetic voice through spoken word.

More about Dr. Drew Jackson:

Drew Jackson is a poet, speaker, and public theologian. He is the author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming, which was a finalist for the Christian Book Award, and Touch the E...

In this conversation, Dr. Hayley Crain talks about empowering parents with inclusive parenting strategies. Her passion lies in helping parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

More about Dr. Hayley Crain:

Dr. Hayley Crain brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work supporting families and children with neurodevelopmental differences. Her passion lies in empowering parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders while reducing the mental load through inclusive parenting strategies.

After earning h...

In this conversation, Aaron Niequist describes how faith is not just a belief, but a practice to be actively participated in. He reminds Christians that as part of their faith, they are invited to join in building the kingdom here on earth and that includes protecting those without power.

More about Aaron Niequist:

Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, and pastor who recently graduated from General Theological Seminary in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), he created A New Liturgy - a co...

In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Edmiston describes how to practice, parent, and participate in an embodied faith, through the lens of spiritual sexuality. While many Christian communities have trouble navigating language about sex and sexual ethics, Dr. Edmiston offers a holistic approach that is both practical and deeply theological.

More about Dr. Kelly Edmiston:

Dr. Edmiston is the Lead Pastor at the Vineyard Church in the Sugar Land Stafford area of Texas, and she has spent more than 20 years in ministry in both domestic and international contexts. Her passion is to see the Ch...

Welcome to Season 2 of Curiously with Ericka Graham! We are so glad you're here!

In this episode, Ericka Graham interviews KC Davis, author of "How to Keep House While Drowning," who shares her compassionate approach to managing household chores amidst mental health challenges and overwhelming life circumstances. Davis discusses her personal journey that inspired her to develop shame-free methods prioritizing function over form and self-compassion, and offers listeners a refreshing perspective on housekeeping that prioritizes mental health over perfection.

More about KC Davis: 

KC Davis is a licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health platform Struggle Care.

KC’s com...

In this Episode, Ericka sits down with her good friend Judy Le to talk about her story as a Vietnamese refugee, and how that beginning has shaped her beliefs about building trust, leading with courage, and adapting for change today. In this episode, Judy and Ericka also explore questions about what it means to be human . . . as well as what it means to be at a Beyoncé concert.

More about Judy:

Judy Le has over 20 years of leadership development experience. As CEO of TakeRoot, Judy works with clients to create meaningful change in th...

In this Episode, Ericka sits down with her friend fahad punjwani, to talk about the deepening questions that they often explore together within their friendship.  These questions include what Taylor Swift has taught them about themselves, and how some of life’s biggest questions come with so much contraction and tension.

More about fahad punjwani (he/they)

fahad is a strategist, designer, poet, and uncle. He was raised in Karachi, Pakistan and now proudly calls Houston home. His vision is to root change in beauty, liberation, and dialogue.

As a mana...

In this interview, Ericka sits down with her friend Mia Mends, who was named “one of the Most Powerful Women in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise. The two discuss how Mia leads with courage, integrity, and radical hope—and not just in the office and board rooms—but at home too. 

More about Mia:

Mia Mends is the Chief Executive Officer of C&W Services—a division of Cushman & Wakefield. She currently oversees operations across the US and Canada and Puerto Rico, with nearly 13,000 people serving clients across a variety of industries.

Prior to joining...

In this episode, Ericka Graham sits down with the professor that first introduced her to Biblical Studies at Rice University, Dr. Mattias Henze. The two discuss the power of asking questions, and what it means to hold onto a Christian faith while using other texts and religions to improve literacy. 

About Dr. Henze:

Matthias Henze was born and raised in Hanover, Germany. In 1992 he earned a Master of Divinity from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Harvard’s Department of Near East...

In this episode, Ericka Graham sits down with the professor that first introduced her to Biblical Studies at Rice University, Dr. Mattias Henze. The two discuss the power of asking questions, and what it means to hold onto a Christian faith while using other texts and religions to improve literacy. 

About Dr. Henze:

Matthias Henze was born and raised in Hanover, Germany. In 1992 he earned a Master of Divinity from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Harvard’s Department of Near Eastern Lang...

In this episode, Ericka Graham sits down with her friend Joshua Carney to talk about his time as a Pastor leading a church community, and his recent month-long manic episode that took his friends and family by surprise. This is a casual and conversational episode, as two friends exchange their honest lived experiences.
 

More about Joshua Carney:

Joshua served as the Pastor for the University Baptist Church in Waco for 15 years, and now he currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the Waco Family Medicine Foundation, a FQHC, that aims to bring high q...

In this episode, Ericka Graham sits down with Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale to discuss her own OCD diagnosis, and exchange stories about what it means to surrender and live a life of faith and recovery. 

Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, Ph.D. is the director of the OCD Institute of Texas and adjunct faculty at Baylor College of Medicine. Elizabeth founded the Peace of Mind foundation and OCDChallenge.org (a self-help website for OCD), both now within the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Elizabeth was the first-ever national spokesperson for the IOCDF where she now serves as a board me...

In this interview, Ericka sits down with Denise Hamilton to discuss her life as not just a founder and thought-leader, but also as a visionary who leads companies and individuals through change. Denise encourages listeners to own their gifts and “superpowers,” so that we might one day live in a world that is more connected to ourselves and each other.

About Denise:

Denise is an author, speaker and consultant who focuses on the people side of change. Whether it’s remote work, AI or a diversifying workforce, today's leaders need new skills to navigat...