The Healing Theology Podcast

In the Season 2 finale of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi is joined by historians Dr. Lloyd Barba and Dr. Sergio González for a timely and powerful conversation on sanctuary cities, religious sanctuary movements, and their deep ties to public health and immigrant justice. Drawing from decades of historical research and current activism, Dr. Barba and Dr. González break down the myths and realities of sanctuary policies, explain the public health impacts of anti-immigrant legislation, and explore the role of faith communities—especially churches and synagogues—in providing refuge, safety, and resistance.

Together, they examin...

On this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we hear from Dr. Jason Sexton, professor of sociology at UCLA. Dr. Sexton shares with us his research, with a focus on the intersection of theology, carceral systems, and eugenics.

In this conversation, they explored the historical context and implications of eugenics, its persistence in fields such as public health and public policy, and its impact on individuals and society. We explore what the point of incarceration is, the impacts it has on individual's health and the effectiveness in building better communities and its complicated ties with public policy...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Anna Holleman—sociologist, professor, and researcher—to unpack the complex intersections of religion, public health, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Anna shares key findings from her research on how religious organizations and congregational life impact health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities, and offers a sociological lens on the intricate ways faith communities shape individual and collective well-being.

Dr. Holleman delves into pressing topics like minority stress among LGBTQ+ individuals in non-affirming religious spaces, the challenges faced by queer seminarians, and the evolving landscape of queer representation with...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Dr. Joel Hollier—researcher, pastor, and social worker—to explore the intersections of religion, public health, and trauma. Joel shares insights from his groundbreaking work on religious trauma, queer inclusion, and the role of spirituality in shaping mental health and community well-being.. Alejandra and Joel discussed Joel's work as a researcher, pastor, and social worker, focusing on the intersection of trauma, faith, gender, and sexuality. They also explored the importance of spirituality in connecting humanity, the impact of religion on individuals, and the need for more...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi speaks with Reverend Mary Lee Downey, CEO of Hope Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness and poverty in Central Florida. Reverend Downey shares her personal journey, including her childhood experiences with housing insecurity and how they shaped her commitment to social justice. The conversation explores the intersection of public health, housing policy, and faith, emphasizing the importance of moving from “mercy ministries” (immediate relief, like providing meals) to “justice ministries” (systemic change, like housing policy reform).

Reverend Downey highlights the unique challenges faced by Central Florida...

This episode of the Healing Theology Podcast features Dr. Eduardo Gutiérrez, a recent doctoral graduate from Oxford University. He shares insights on the role of imagination in belief transformation and its application in peacebuilding, particularly in Colombia. The discussion highlights how religious imaginaries—conceptual and emotionally charged frameworks—shape perceptions, foster dialogue, and aid in reconciliation efforts. Dr. Gutiérrez explores the transformative power of religious communities in mediating conflicts, addressing historical violence, and cultivating cultural shifts toward inclusive democracy. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging religious narratives constructively to bridge divides and enrich public health and societ...

This episode of the Healing Theology Podcast features Dr. Eduardo Gutiérrez, a recent doctoral graduate from Oxford University. He shares insights on the role of imagination in belief transformation and its application in peacebuilding, particularly in Colombia. The discussion highlights how religious imaginaries—conceptual and emotionally charged frameworks—shape perceptions, foster dialogue, and aid in reconciliation efforts. Dr. Gutiérrez explores the transformative power of religious communities in mediating conflicts, addressing historical violence, and cultivating cultural shifts toward inclusive democracy. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging religious narratives constructively to bridge divides and enrich public health and societ...

In this episode of Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Alejandro Posada-Téllez, a Ph.D. candidate in International Relations at the University of Oxford, to explore the transformative work of peacebuilding and its intersections with religion, public health, and community healing. Alejandro shares insights from his extensive research on transitional justice and his on-the-ground peacebuilding efforts in Colombia. He discusses the evolving role of the Catholic Church in mediating peace, the challenges of reconciling religion with secular institutions like the United Nations, and how faith-based practices could support mental health in conflict-affected areas. Tune in f...

In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Reverend Elizabeth Davidson, an ordained clergywoman in the United Methodist Church and Executive Director of Faith in Women. Together, they explore the intersection of faith and reproductive justice, discussing the complexities of abortion care, bodily autonomy, and the nuanced role of religious communities. Reverend Davidson shares her journey of bridging her faith with advocacy, the historical role of clergy in reproductive rights, and the importance of reducing stigma within faith spaces. Rev. Davidson helps us understand a theological understanding of how to be people of...

In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Dr. Gillian Frank, a leading scholar in the history of sexuality, gender, race, and religion. Together, they delve into the complex and often polarizing topic of abortion, exploring its historical context and the pivotal Supreme Court cases that have shaped its legal landscape.

Dr. Frank takes us through the pre-, during-, and post-Roe v. Wade eras, shedding light on the socio-political movements that led to the landmark decision and its recent overturning with the Dobbs case. The conversation highlights the role of religion...

In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi speaks with Dr. Ellen Idler, Director of Emory University's Religion and Public Health Collaboration, about the powerful intersection of religion, health, and community. Dr. Idler, pioneer in this intersection of religion and public health, shares how religious participation can serve as a protective factor for health by expanding social networks and fostering intergenerational connections. She also addresses the complexities of religion’s role in public health, including the risks when religious beliefs are imposed through policy, as seen in vaccine exemptions and reproductive rights. Tune in for an in...

In this final episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we chat with Dr. Kate Long, researcher at Harvard University. Dr. Long works in the Human Flourishing Program and has spent years studying the health impacts of forgiveness, hope, and the ways that religious practices can directly impact physical and mental health.

Looking at large datasets sampling adolescents, nurses, and the elderly, Dr. Long and her research team has been able to highlight the ways that hope and forgiveness has an impact on the individual. Researching topics such as these is no small feat, and Dr. Long helps...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we hear from Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards, the director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice at the General Board of Church and Society for the United Methodist Church . As she works at the intersection of government and religion, Rev. Henderson-Edwards highlights the ways that policy creates environments of flourishing or detriment and how our theologies prompt us towards action to live out a calling to love our neighbor. Sharing her journey from Spelman College working on helping churches navigate social principles to promote the health of women, she highlights the importance of...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we hear from Rev. Dr. Matt Russell. Discussing the intersections of human flourishing, mental health, and the role of religion and community in supporting these concepts, Matt Russell talks about how human flourishing varies depending on context and how communities, even secular ones, can provide support systems similar to those traditionally offered by religious institutions.

Matt Russell shares his experience in England at the University of Cambridge, reflecting a community's role in mental and emotional well-being. He also mentions his research on how religion contributes to human flourishing, emphasizing...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we chat with Rob Wilson-Black, President and CEO of the Faith & Politics Institute in Washington, DC. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a deep understanding of religion in America, Rob has been at the forefront of guiding organizations through challenging times.

We dive into Rob's experiences at both the Faith and Politics Institute and Sojourners, exploring their missions and his role in shaping them. From helping navigate these large institutions through the COVID-19 Pandemic and all that has unfolded in the US over the past couple of years...

On this episode, we chat with Phifer Nicholson, an MD Candidate and Theology, Medicine, and Culture Fellow at Duke University and incoming surgical resident at UCLA. Phifer shares about his experiences with medical ethics both domestically and abroad and hear about his journey through medical and divinity school. Integrating the two, Phifer shares his story of working in spaces like Palestine and South Sudan and helps us understand how he approaches his access and privilege in medical spaces through a posture of liberation theology and accompaniment.

There is lots that faith-based medical efforts abroad have gotten wrong...

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi sits down with Cherisna Jean-Marie, an ordained minister, anti-racist activist, and founder of the Co-Conspirator Institute. Cherisna shares insights into her work, which bridges social change, public policy, and theology through a deeply spiritual lens.

The conversation delves into the Co-Conspirator Institute's mission of building Beloved Community by creating space for reflection, healing, and transformation from the culture of white supremacy. Cherisna discusses the importance of approaching anti-racism work from a mindful and heart-centered perspective, emphasizing the need for intentional healing spaces.

Drawing on...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. David Eagle, researcher and professor at Duke University who leads the Religion and Social Change lab. Through the longitudinal study, The Duke Clergy Health Initiative, he shows us some of the health trends that are emerging within Clergy populations in North Carolina. We also talk about general trends he is seeing within the clergy in the North Carolina conferences of The United Methodist Church. We chat about the health trends he is seeing through his longitudinal study focused on seminary students as well as understanding health trends amongst clergy who are conservative-leaning...

In this episode, we delved into a thought-provoking discussion with Andrew Hanauer, the President and CEO of The One America Movement. Andrew shares insights into the multifaceted work of his organization, which focuses on helping faith communities and fostering unity amidst political polarization. Emphasizing the urgency to restore trust in various institutions, Andrew highlights the detrimental effects of distrust, which can escalate into fear and extremism. He underscored the importance of returning to our shared humanity as a crucial step in addressing societal divides.

Andrew outlined some key initiatives undertaken by the One America Movement, including efforts...

In this podcast, we are joined by Mari Lowe, a nurse practitioner working primarily at Christ House, an inpatient medical respite serving men experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. Mari shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a nurse practitioner to joining AmeriCorps and challenging her own evangelical upbringing. Mari discusses the importance of humility, recognizing power dynamics when she is working with her patient population, and the significance of language choices in patient care. She also walks us through approaches of providing care with care, compassion, humanity and liberation at the center of it. Overall, the conversation delves...

In this podcast, we are joined by Mari Lowe, a nurse practitioner working primarily at Christ House, an inpatient medical respite serving men experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. Mari shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a nurse practitioner to joining AmeriCorps and challenging her own evangelical upbringing. Mari discusses the importance of humility, recognizing power dynamics when she is working with her patient population, and the significance of language choices in patient care. She also walks us through approaches of providing care with care, compassion, humanity and liberation at the center of it. Overall, the conversation delves...

The inaugural episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, hosted by Alejandra, a PhD student at Duke University, dives into the intersection of religion and public health. Alejandra shares her personal journey and passion for exploring this underrepresented area of scholarship. From her experiences in academia to her work as a contact tracer during the pandemic, she delves into the complexities of religion as both a protective and risk factor in health outcomes. With a commitment to fostering conversation and curiosity, Alejandra aims to create a space where experts from diverse fields can share their insights and stories, ultimately inspiring...