Tea Time Theology: Recent Episodes
Tea Time Theology
We are a podcast sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island and The Cathedral of St John, whose goal is to create space to have real and meaningful conversations about faith
In this episode of Tea Time Theology the hosts and guest discuss Alan Moore and David Gibbons' Watchmen (1986–87), covering its historical context, key plotlines (the Comedian's murder, Dr. Manhattan's exile, Rorschach's investigation), and the book's innovative interstitial world-building.
They explore theological questions raised by the story—where God might be in a broken world, process theology and divine “nudges,” community as hope—and offer personal reactions and reading recommendations for listeners wanting to dive deeper.
https://www.wildernessjourneys.org/
Hosts Taylor and Ivy welcome guest Tricia Thorm to discuss Grant Morrison’s All‑Star Superman (2007), a story about Superman learning he has only a year to live after overexposure to the sun.
The episode explores parallels between Superman and Christ, themes of mortality, mercy, legacy, and small acts of heroism, and how ordinary people step up when heroes fall.
Conversations touch on Lex Luthor’s rivalry, the emotional origins of the comic, and how hope and community continue Superman’s mission beyond his death.
https://www.stpeters-standrews.org/
Ivy, Taylor, and their guest Rev. Jonathan Malone examines Frank Miller’s Daredevil: Born Again, following Matt Murdock’s devastating fall after his secret identity is exposed and Wilson Fisk systematically destroys his life.
The hosts discuss the comic’s heavy religious imagery, themes of suffering and restoration, the importance of community and forgiveness, and why redemption narratives resonate with Christian listeners.
https://www.wildernessjourneys.org/
On this episode of Tea Time Theology, hosts Taylor and Ivy sit down with Jonathan Malone to unpack the 1988 graphic novel Batman: A Death in the Family — its reader-voted fate for Jason Todd, striking artwork, and the darker turn in comics.
They discuss theological themes like grief and scapegoating (drawing on René Girard), note problematic Islamophobic elements in the story, and share Jonathan’s ministry information for Wilderness Journeys (https://www.wildernessjourneys.org/) and St. Luke’s Church.
On this episode of Tea Time Theology the Ivy, and Taylor speak with Episcopal priest and trauma therapist Charlotte LaForest about the theology and healing themes in Disney's Moana. They explore calling versus duty, baptismal imagery, generational and cultural trauma, mentorship, and how moments of being seen restore purpose.
The conversation looks at Maui's redemption, Te Fiti's recovery, and how faith holds in dark moments, concluding with reflections on community healing, spiritual vocation, and practical takeaways for ministry and daily life.
Hosts Ivy, Taylor, and their guest Rev. K, discuss Angels in America—exploring Roy Cohn’s shocking last line about becoming an octopus, Prior’s struggle with illness and blessing, and the complicated friendships between Louis, Belize, Joe, Hannah and Harper. They reflect on faith, prayer, justice, and the play’s resonance with contemporary crises like the AIDS epidemic and COVID.
Through character readings, production notes, and theology, the episode considers how forgiveness, witness, and ‘angels’ show up in the mess of life and how the play’s ending offers a fragile, hard-won hope.
Hosts Ivy, Taylor, and Guest Rev. K discuss Fleabag season two with a focus on grief, desire, and faith. They explore the show’s key moments—the fox, the Hot Priest, family dynamics, and the statue—through Episcopal and theological perspectives, tying character arcs to themes of forgiveness, love, and the ways grief transforms us.
The episode blends pop-culture analysis with personal stories, reflections on confession and liturgy, and how art can help us unmask and become more fully ourselves.
Hosts Ivy and Taylor chat with Tom Hobin about the intersection of sports and faith, focusing on soccer as a global connector. They share personal stories—from playing and coaching to meeting Pele and volunteering in refugee camps—and reflect on how play, prayer, and community shape spiritual life.
This episode explores coaching and church leadership parallels, the rituals of fandom, local Rhode Island teams and stadium culture, and simple practices for bringing more play and belonging into faith communities.
Hosts Ivy Swinsky and Taylor Wilkie sit down with Mother Susan to discuss the new Knives Out film (Wake Up Dead Man), a murder mystery set in a small village church.
The conversation examines Episcopal confession practices, the misuse of faith and fear by false prophets, the film’s Good Friday–to–Easter framing, and how community and technology shape modern worship.
Mixing film analysis with pastoral insight and personal anecdotes, the episode explores faith, manipulation, and redemption in both story and church life.
Hosts Taylor and Ivy welcome guest Drake to the new Tea Time Theology studio for a lively conversation about Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.
They unpack Cybok as a messianic figure, the risks of pain-free salvation, the Trinity-like bond of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, and how cult dynamics intersect with Christian community and grace.
Short, thoughtful, and accessible, the episode ties pop culture to deep theological themes and recommends the film as a springboard for reflection.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas & The Right Rev. Nicholas Knisely about Episode 10 titled, A Quality of Mercy.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Fr. Jarrett Kerbel about Episode 7 titled, All Those Who Wander.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Fr. Jarrett Kerbel about Episode 7 titled, The Elysian Kingdom.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to Deacon. Andrea Hutnak about Episode 6 titled, The Serene Squall.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to Deacon Andrea Hutnak about Episode 6 titled, Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas about Episode 5 titled, Spock Amok.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas about Episode 4 titled, Memento Mori.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas about Episode 3 titled, Ghosts of Illyria.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas about Episode 2 titled, Children of the Comet.
This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas about Episode 1 titled, Strange New Worlds.
In this episode Ivy and Taylor talk to Rev. Dante & Olive about the upcoming general convention and the candidates for Presiding Bishop.
This episode of Tea Time Theology we are talking to Ms. Cindy Rollins and the Rev. Michael Pearson. Both of their journey's brought them to the Church of the Epiphany on Elmwood in Providence. In this episode they talk about what this vibrant parish was like, the memories they share, and the story of the closing of this parish.
In this episode of Tea Time Theology we are going to Mr. Al Martin about Church of the Saviour.
In this episode of Tea Time Theology Ivy and Dwayne are talking to Mr. Wilmar A Jennings about Church of the Saviour.
In this episode Dwayne and Ivy talk to Deacon Joyce about the closing of Church of the Savior, and racism in Rhode Island.
In this episode Dwayne and Ivy talk to Deacon Joyce Thorne about the closing of Church of the Savior, and racism in Rhode Island.
Season 6 is a little different for Tea Time Theology. In upcoming episodes we will present oral histories of three historically black churches in the diocese that have now closed: Church of the Savior, Christ Church, Eddy Street, and Church of the Epiphany, all in Providence, and a history of the The Cathedral of St. John.
In the first episode of Season 6 of Tea Time Theology we talk to the Rev. Patrick Campbell and our new co-host for the season Dwayne Keys about how this season's theme came to be and it's importance.
This episode we are chatting with Rev. Meaghan Brower about John 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life." Covering everything from how this bible verse shows up in our day to day lives and what it actually means. You can connect with Rev Meaghan through the ECC- Episcopal Conference Center pages on Facebook and Instagram or at St. Mary's church in Portsmouth, RI.
This episode we are chatting with Father Nicholas Evancho with the bumper sticker "Everything happens for a reason". You can connect with Father Nicholas on:
Facebook.com/stmartinsgi
Instagram.com/stmartinsgi
This episode we are chatting with the Rev. Charles Cowen from Trinity Episcopal Parish in Wilmington DE and looking at "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." What is faith and how do we have it? You can connect with him on the churches facebook page and on Instagram @charleslane2002
This episode we are talking to Father Jeff Krantz about the bumper sticker "Read the Holy B.I.B.L.E.(Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)" Father Jeff has a book is available on Amazon, "Hearing His Voice - Finding Our Way Home" and the website "The Vicar's Keep - A Lifetime of Writings" vicarskeep.com
This Episode we are chatting with Father Bill Locke at St. Stephen's in Providence RI about "You were born for such a time as this ". We are looking and who Ester is, why this story is important to know about, and what does it mean to be born for a time such as this.
Father Bill's email: frbill@cox.net
This episode we are chatting with The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Malone from St. Luke's East Greenwich RI about the bumper sticker "God, Guns, and Country".
You can connect with him on:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WildernessSabbath
Instagram - @pastormalone1
Email - pastormalone@gmail.com
Website - https://www.wildernessjourneys.org/
Book: "A Peculiar Church: Practicing Baptist Theology"
This episode we are chatting with Deacon Scott Elliott and the bumper sticker "God won't give you any experience you can't handle" . You can contact Deacon Scott Elliott by Email at Deaconse@gmail.com
This episode we are chatting with the Rev Scott Lee from St. Barnabas Warwick and the bumper Sticker is "COEXIST". We talk about what does this concept mean and how can we live it out in our lives? Connect with Scott on Facebook through the St. Barnabas Warwick page and their instgram @stbarnabaschurchwarwick
This episode we are chatting with the Rev. Spencer Reece from St. Paul's in Wickford RI. His bumper sticker is "God is coming and boy is she pissed" You can connect with Father Reece on instagram @ and Facebook through the St. Paul's Wickford Facebook Page
This season we are talking Bumper sticker Bible, starting with Reverend Dr. Robert Black and the topic "If you died, do you know where you would spend eternity?" A book that helps to open bigger questions about God and the natural world is “Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship” by John Polkinghorne.
Facebook.com/stmartinsgi
Instagram.com/stmartinsgi
In this Episode of Tea Time Theology Ivy talks with The Rev’d Dante A. Tavolaro and Olive about the 2022 General Convention.
Contact:
Tea Time Theology: teatimetheology@gmail.com
The Rev’d Dante A. Tavolaro: dante@stthomasepiscopalri.org
Donate:
https://ko-fi.com/teatimetheology
In this special episode of TTT, Ivy and Taylor talk with The Rev. Della Wager Wells about this years Lambeth Conference. We find out what Lambert is. How it started. What its purpose is. How it is different from the General Convention. What her role was and why she was there this year.
If you have more questions for Della you can reach her at rector@emmanuelnewport.org.
Our guest today is the Rev. Tim Rich from St. Luke's East Grenwich and we are talking about Naomi, and Ruth. We wanted to look at their stories and find a deeper understanding of these two women. In looking at these stories we are wrestling with the idea of loyalty and the importance of loyalty.
Our guest today is the Rev Robert Pace of Trinity Church in Fort Worth Texas and we are chatting about Zachariah. There are two men called Zachariah in the bible, who were these men, why were they important? We also are looking at the canticle of Zachariah and the significance of that canticle in our own prayer lives.
Our guest today is the Rev Josh Barrett from … and we will be talking about the Archangel Gabriel. We are looking what are angels, what is their role in scripture and what is the difference between Angels and Archangels. Gabriel occurs in many moments of scripture, and we are asking why? What is it about Gabriel that made him show up and be so important to so many moments.
In this episode we chat with the Rev. Stacy Alan the Chaplin at Brent House, The Episcopal Center at the University of Chicago about Job. We get to really think about who Job was, and what does his suffering and response mean to us today. Job is such an interesting character in the Bible and we get to look at what he represents. You can follow Brent House on Facebook
Today we are chatting with the Rev. Craig Swan of St. Peter’s by the sea in RI about John the Baptist. How did we get this man, where did he come from and where does his story end. Why is he important to our faith.
The Reverend Craig Swan is a life-long Episcopalian. Having experienced a call to ordained ministry during his freshman year in college, Fr. Swan pursued a multi-field major in Sociology and Psychology with a concentration in Religion during his years at St. Lawrence University.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Fr. Swan matriculated to Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University where he received his Master’s in Divinity. After Divinity School, Fr. Swan pursued his interest in youth ministry by working with at-risk youth, first in New Haven, CT through the Dixwell Community House and then with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.
It was when he grew frustrated with the fact that he could not share his greatest joy - the love of God for each of us - with the children he was called to care for, that he began the formal journey to ordination. Ordained in 2000, Fr. Swan continued his devotion to youth ministry and children’s protection in the Diocese of Massachusetts where he served as the Assistant Rector and Director of Youth Ministries at the Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Hill and as a Massachusetts Diocesan Safe Church Trainer.
Called to St. Peter’s by-the-Sea in 2015, Fr. Swan has continued his work in Safe Church and now utilizes his protective services background as a Title IV (clergy misconduct) Intake Officer for the Diocese of Rhode Island. Within the parish he enjoys working collaboratively with musicians and lay leaders towards the development of creative and meaningful worship. He also has found a new passion: teaching the faith through courses on the sacraments and Bible Study.
A native Southern New Englander, Fr. Swan roots for all teams New England: the Patriots, the Red Sox, and UConn Basketball.
Come listen to us chat with The Rev. Randy Kyle Callender from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis about Judas. Who was he, what do we know about him and what can we learn from him?
The Rev. Randy Kyle Callender was born in the City of Philadelphia to a tight-knit family from the Island of Barbados. As a child, he would often call himself a “church nerd,” because he loved everything about the Episcopal Church. He experienced the wider church beyond his parish, by participating in Diocesan events and was influenced by many organizations, especially the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE). He served on multiple Youth & Young Adults leadership opportunities within the UBE organization. Fr. Callender attended Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina and later transferred to Cheyney University, where he received a Bachelors degree in Communications in 2007. He then attended The Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) in Cambridge, MA, where he received his Masters of Divinity in 2010. On June 5, 2010, He was ordained as a transitional deacon and then on January 22, 2011, he was the first African American male priest to be ordained in the Diocese of Pennsylvania in twenty-five years. He was called to be the Rector at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis, MD on July 1, 2012. In the Diocese of Maryland, he served on multiple committees for youth and racial reconciliation as well as a former member of the Commission on Ministry and Deputy for 2021 General Convention. In the greater church he served on the Design Team for the 2014 & 2017 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), one of the Adult Leaders for the 2012, 2015 & 2018 General Convention Official Youth Presence (GCOYP) & The National Church Youth Liaison Committee. Rev. Callender has stated that his ministry, through teaching and preaching, is to build relationships and to create a space where all feel welcomed in God’s Beloved Community.
Our guest today is Reverend Canon Timothy Watt, Timothy is the Rector at Trinity Church in Newport Rhode Island. He is here today not to talk about a specific episode, but a specific Character, Captain Benjamin Sisco from Star Trek Deep Space Nine, and specifically how he qualifies as a Christ Figure.
Our guest today is The Rev. Tanya Watt. She is the Assistant Rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Greenwich. She is here today to talk about the Season 4 Episode 8 of Futurama, Godfellas.
The Reverend Patrick Greene Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Barrington RI is our guest today. He is here today to discuss the Episodes “The Impossible Planet” and “The Satan Pit'' from the second Season of Doctor Who. We will be asking the BIG questions, of who is Satan and what does that mean in the Episcopal faith.
Today we will be talking to The Right Reverend Nicholas Knisely, the Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island and Sponsor of this Podcast. We will be talking about the importance of Vows and how those guide our lives. Instagram: @episcopalri Twitter: @wnknisely
Our guest today is the Rector of Grace Episcapal Church in Downtown Providence Reverend Canon Jonathan Huyck. He is here today to talk about Season 4 Episode 3 of The Simpsons, Homer the Heretic. We are talking about if where and how worship.
The Reverend Joan Testin of Emmanuel Church in Cumberland Rhode Island is our guest today. She has joined us to discuss the second season episode of Star Trek Discovery, New Eden. They dive into different religions and their similarities.
Our guest today is Canon Alan Bentrup. Alan is the Canon for Evangelism & Mission from the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. He is here today to talk about the Season 2 finale of The West Wing, Two Cathedrals.
Welcome back to Tea Time Theology! We are so excited to be starting our 3 season! Their is a new voice in the hosting chair, Taylor. He usually does all of our episode editing and makes us sound amazing! For this season he is coming in front of the mic himself. This episode is Ivy and Mo "pass the baton" to Taylor, and talk about what shows they have been watching during this Pandemic time.
We are doing an exciting bonus episode to introduce one of the newest clergy members of the Diocese of RI. Rev. Benjamin Straley began as rector of St. Stephen's parish in August 2020. He is particularly passionate about forming deeper engagement, discipleship, and spirituality. Before being called to the priesthood he was the Associate Director of Music and Organist at Washington National Cathedral.
Facebook: Saint Stephen's Church in Providence
Instagram: benjamin.pearce.straley
Happy Summer! Season 3 is all about God and pop culture. In preparation for our season drop, we're sharing this special BONUS episode.
We invited community activist and poet Justice Ameer to discuss the popular music video Montero ( Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X. Join Ivy, Mo and Justice as they unpack their thoughts about the video.
**Note that this video contains explicit content. We talk about it in a way that you do not need to watch the video to understand the conversation.
You can follow Justice on the following platforms:
Twitter: @thejusticeameer
Instagram: @purpleistheoldblack & @qtroots
To close out Season 2, Mo chats with retired clergy Michael Pearson about his journey through ordination and serving as an Episcopal priest. Fr. Pearson still serves as a filler priest for congregations in need. After a season of exploring service and how the church can manifest outside of church walls, it's interesting to ponder if one can ever retire from their calling.
Join Mo and Betsy Fornal to discuss how the Rhode Island Episcopal Diocese is adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canon Elizabeth Fornal is the Director of Episcopal Charities, which provides sustaining grants for nonprofit agencies that work with congregations to meet the needs of their local communities.
This week Mo chats with Peter Berton, Music Director at St. John's the Evangelist in Newport, RI. Peter and Mo discuss how music can be a powerful form of service and explore children and music in the church. Learn more about the choir school at https://thechoirschoolri.org/
This week Mo chats with Doris & Eduardo Espinal from the Church of the Ascension in Cranston, RI. Doris serves as the assistant to Pastor Santiago and Eduardo is acting Senior Warden. They discuss how multi-lingual services do not inhibit the cohesion and unity in their church community.
This week, Mo chats with Dennis LaFreniere about depicting biblical stories in theatrical performances. Dennis is the producer and director of Fisherman's Follies, a faith-based performance group based at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland, comprised of members from Cumberland and Lincoln.
This week, Mo sits down with Vince Edwards, Organist and Director of Music at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, RI. They do a mini deep-dive into the history of the Hymnal 1982, exploring the role that music plays within church services. They also discuss how music can engage kids in the church.
Mo welcomes Pastor Linda Forsberg (First Evangelical Lutheran Church) and Orville Forbes about Church Beyond the Walls. Church Beyond the Walls is a street-church community that builds solidarity among people from all walks of life. This episode explores how the church can manifest in individual communities, and how individuals can leverage their faith in community service.
Mo speaks with Faith Bessette, camp coordinator at the Episcopal Conference Center in Rhode Island, about the Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) and how being in ESC can offer guidance for those looking to make service a larger part of their lives.
Welcome back for Season 2! Season 1 host Ivy passes the baton to Mo. In this episode, Ivy and Mo have a casual discussion about their experiences with COVID-19 and how they've stayed involved in their churches and congregations during this difficult time. They also explore how and what our society deems "essential" during the worldwide lockdowns, quarantines and closures.
In this very special bonus episode we have a round table discussion with Dwayne Keys, Julia Renaud and our music coordinator Mo Akande. The topic is the Black Lives Matter Movement. How did we get here? What is going on? Where is the church in all of this?
Please link into our social medias for more resources discussed in this episode.
Connect with the Center for Reconciliation on Instagram (@centerforreconciliation) and Facebook.
Connect with The Church of the Redeemer on Instagram (@redeemerchurchpvd) and Facebook.
We will be talking to the Rev. Patrick Campbell about how welcome the Episcopal Church. This episode ranges from topics such as is it elitist to be a priest to diversity in the Episcopal Church itself.
Find Patrick on Facebook and Instagram at The Church of the Redeemer
We will be talking to Canon Michael Horvah about living in covenant. What is a covenant? How do we live a life guided by spirituality instead of one guided by religion? What is the difference between Spirituality and Religion?
Find on Facebook and Instagram at St. Michael’s Bristol RI
We will be talking to the Rev. Dante Tavolaro about queering the church. What it means to be queer in the church and how that guides reading of sacred texts as well as what that means in a broader scale of who makes up our community and how we accept them.
Find Dante on Facebook and Instagram as @frducky as well as starting in June 2020 St. Thomas in Greenville RI
We will be talking with the Rev. Della Wager Wells about the Anglican Communion. The Anglican communion- what is it? Why is it important in the world and why is it important to Episcopalians?
Find Della on Facebook and Instagram at Emmanuel Church Newport RI
We will be talking to the Rev. Peter Tierney on the rituals of the Episcopal church. How do the rituals of the Episcopal Church draw us in and push us away? Why do they matter? Why do they not matter?
Find Peter on Facebook at St. James Woonsocket RI
We will be talking with Canon Dena Cleaver- Bartholomew about women in religion. Who are the interesting women in the Bible we may not know? What really was Mary Magdalene’s deal? How are women treated in the Church today?
We talked to Canon Meagan Kelly Brower about Everyday God. How do we experience God in our lives? What are the different ways that people interact with church verses God? How do we as a community create worship in everyday activities?
Find Meagan on Facebook and Instagram at: ECC- Episcopal Conference Center RI and Church of the Beloved.
We will be talking to the Rev. Sunil Chandy about evangelism. How do we evangelize? What does evangelism mean to us today, and how do you do so respectfully? Why is it important?
Find Sunil on Facebook and Instagram at Christ Church Westerly RI
We will be talking to The Ven. Jan Grinnell about deacons. What is a deacon? How do they interact with the church and the modern world?
Find Jan on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @deacjan
We will be talking to The Rev. Scott Lee about Love. Does the bible have significance in today’s world? How do you continue to live in a place where love is not always the leading viewpoint? How do we actually live a life that is centered around love.
Find Scott on Facebook at St. Barnabas Warwick RI