Speaking with Joy: Recent Episodes
Joy Clarkson
A weekly podcast that explores a weekly theme through three pieces of great art (literary, musical, and visual). For hopers, creators, and learners.
A Conversation with Christopher Tin about extinction elegies, species loss, hope, and his new album with choral group Voces8.
Joy concludes the summer book club on Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, discussing part five with Sarah Clarkson, and reflecting on the final section herself.
Joy discusses Part Four of Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro with Michael Burdett and King-Ho Leung.
Joy discusses Part Two of Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro with Doctors Sarah and Jeremiah Coogan.
Joy announces the book for her summer reading club (Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro), and discusses the first chapter.
Joy speaks with Professor Ben Quash about the Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar, theological aesthetics, and the Visual Commentary on Scripture.
Joy speaks with Mary McCampbell (who examined her PhD!) about how literature can help us cultivate empathy toward our neighbours, near and far.
Joy speaks with Paul Kingsnorth, a man who has been many things in his life: a poet, an eco-activist, and eco-pessimist, a warlock, and most recently, an Eastern Orthodox christian.
After a brief break to recover from Covid, Joy shares an interview with John Swinton where they speak about God's gentle, slow love, and how we should share that love with each other.
Joy speaks with Rowan Williams about his new (and first) collection of plays, the power of words, and the art of David Jones.
Joy speaks with Haley Stewart about how Jane Austen's much maligned clergyman Mr Collins knows the secrets to an aggressively happy life.
Joy speaks with Children's book author and illustrator Casey Fritz about the parables of Jesus, the power of storytelling, the place of horror, and the way ET demonstrate the gospel.
Joy speaks with Boze about guilty pleasures, BTS, the importance of wonder, and the power of enjoying things unironically.
Joy speaks with Jenna Reed about why we forget we have bodies and what we lose when we do, the similarities between Manichaeism and the Netflix reality TV show Love is Blind, and gentle steps we can take toward a more integrated life.
Joy speaks with George Corbett about Dante Alighieri’s medieval literary masterpiece, the Comedia, and what it has to teach us about the search for direction in the dark wood of life and what it means to be human.
What do you do when you don't know what to do? When life is perplexing and no paths seem to lead anywhere? Joy discusses bewildering seasons through some of her favourite floundering art: a poem by Malcolm Guite, a song by Henry Jamison, a children's book by Barbara Cooney, and a movie with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond.
Joy talks with her mother Sally Clarkson about how sadness doesn't make us bad Christians, how to find light in dark seasons, and how to accompany others through sorrow.
Joy explores the theme of good grief through the journals of CS Lewis and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the swan song of Mozart, and the Irish animated film Song of the Sea.
Joy talks with two time Grammy Award winning artist Christopher Tin about synecdoche, video games, the moon landing, Pink Floyd, and why music delights us.
Joy reads the introduction to her new book, ponders the cultivation of joy in a weary and cynical world, and announces plans for the next ten weeks of episodes.
Joy talks with her brother Nathan about the children's book they wrote together (The Clubhouse), how imagination and creativity reflect the image of God, and why youngest siblings are the best (just kidding... or are they?).
In this episode, Joy talks with her sister Sarah about how (and why) to read really long books, and why reading good books is good for the soul.
Joy talks with Joel (her composer brother) about advent carols, and then reflects on two works of art about the the annunciation: a poem by Denise Levertov and a painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Joy sits down with a cup of tea to talk about finishing her PhD, writing a book, starting a new job, and what's next for the podcast.
When the man called Piranesi realizes that 16 is in danger he makes up his mind to save her from the devastating flood. Joy talks with Leah Libresco Sargeant and Caitrin Keiper about Part Six of Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.
This week we open a window into Matthew Rose Sorensen's past, and what we see is more horrible than we could have imagined. Joy talks with Haley Stewart about enchantment, memory, and anti-horror novels in part five of Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.
Piranesi learns something that changes everything: his real name. Joy and Dr Matthew Rothaus Moser talk about names, disenchantment, and loneliness in Part Four of Susanna Clarke's novel Piranesi.
Joy hosts a family discussion with Andy, Amy, and Timothy Crouch about Part Three of Piranesi. Their conversation touches on the wicked Prophet, self-care, naïveté, knowledge, innocence, and swan bones.
Joy talks with Malcolm Guite about his friendship with Susanna Clarke, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and whether we live in an enchanted universe (like Piranesi's).
After a seven month hiatus, the podcast is back! Joy speaks with her brother Joel about part one of Susanna Clarke's intriguing novel Piranesi, and then gives a literary and thematic introduction to the book.
A special Christmas episode in which Joy's reflects on her yearly reading of Charles Dickens excellent novella A Christmas Carol.
Joy talks with Tsh Oxenreider about how to make the season of advent cozy and meaningful.
Have you ever wondered what books were on Tolkien's bookshelves? In this episode, Joy talks with Holly Ordway about her new book Tolkien's Modern Reading.
Joy talks with anthropologist Sabine Hyland about her adventures in the Andes, her decipherment of the lost meaning of khipus, and how life is more than money.
Joy talks with Professor John Swinton about theology, disability, and dementia. God never forgets anybody, and it is the church's job to remind us we are remembered.
Joy talks with Dr Alan Jacobs about how reading old books can make us wise and tranquil.
Joy talks with Dr Esau McCaulley about his new book Reading While Black, his desire to give his children the gift of joy in a fearful world, and their mutual passion for gospel music.
A good conversation is one of life's greatest pleasures. Joy kicks off a series of conversational episodes by chatting with her mother about education as conversation, Christ as conversation partner, and the importance of honouring the voice of others.
In this finale episode, Joy talks with Charlotte Jones Voiklis, the granddaughter of Madeleine L'Engle. They discuss how love calls us out of safety and into the fight for light.
In this episode Joy talks with Elena Trueba about the difference between perception and vision, expensive candles, and the importance of treating people like special cupcakes and not uniform muffins.
Joy and Boze Herrington discuss chapter ten of Wrinkle in Time, and the importance of children's books for helping us feel at home in the world.
In this episode, Joy and Dr. Matthew Rothaus Moser discuss the symbolism of Mrs Who's glasses and the innate horror regarding obscenely large disembodied brains.
Joy and Brandee Knowles (cook extraordinaire!) discuss chapter eight of Wrinkle in time, living into our bravery, and the necessity of pain.
In this episode, Joy and L'Engle biographer Sarah Arthur discuss chapter seven, the creepiness of CENTRAL, the importance of names, and the insufficiencies of the intellect.
In this episode, Joy and her mother Sally Clarkson explore chapter six of Wrinkle in Time. They discuss how the ways we narrate our stories shape the way we live them, the violence of conformity, and Sally's new book Awaking Wonder.
In this episode Joy and Sarah Clarkson ponder over the fourth dimension, proclaim the power of sorrow, and speculate about whether the Mrs. W's are angels.
On this episode, Joy and Sarah Cozart discuss white flowers, The Dark Thing, and the strength of beauty
On this week's episode Joy and Kaitlin Schiess discuss belonging, familiarity, and the 'making strange' of fantasy stories. Tune in and then chime in on this week's discussion.
Today we discuss chapter two. Joining me for today’s episode, Haley Stewart and I discussed the way someone we hardly know can fee like home, quantum entanglement, the spiritual discernment of pets, and, as ever, the excellencies of Mrs. Murray.
In this episode, Sally Clarkson (Joy's mom) joins her to discuss chapter one of a Wrinkle in Time. They talk about difference, conformity, love, and the wonderful writing of Madeleine L'Engle.
This summer Speaking with Joy's online summer book club will be exploring the suspenseful, captivating, scientific young adult novel a Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
A conversation with Dr Matthew Rothaus Moser about the transformation of love in Dante's Divine Comedy.
Join Joy on the stoop of her Scottish flat to listen to birdsong and read three poems celebrating the glory of Spring.
From Poirot to Aragorn, Joy and Nathan Clarkson discuss the best heroes of film and literature, and discuss the qualities of good men. Check out Nathan's new book Good Man, released today!
Did you know modern chemistry began as an attempt to turn lead into gold? Enjoy this delightful conversation with historical fiction author Samantha Cohoe about alchemy, story telling, and lipstick!
Escape into the stories about people who go places (while we cannot!) and explore role of narrative in developing virtue.
A conversation with Gracy Olmstead about exodus, homecoming, landscapes, walking, and Wendell Berry.
Join me in my kitchen while I make french toast blintzes and contemplate the excellencies of tea.
An interview with artist and illustrator Mariah Ziemer about her philosophy of doodling, being a happy artist, and her new children's book about the Australian outback.
Enter into the story of the Passion through one of the greatest works of western music: Bach's Saint Matthew Passion.
Women, Art, Friendship... Three Phd students band together to create a devotional project to help people meditate through the season of Lent with beautiful art.
Why are murder mysteries so comforting? Boze Herrington and Joy Clarkson discuss the spiritual depths and dark delights of their favourite genre.
Listen into a mother daughter (Sally and Joy) Facetime about habits and havens of happiness, ways to keep your soul alive.
A conversation with Karen Swallow Prior about the great moral philosopher of the 19th century: Jane Austen.
Meg, the daughter of two academic historians herself, is troubled by the unimaginative story told about women throughout history: that they were always oppressed, quiet, and un-influential until feminism arrived on the stage to set us all free.
Why does it matter to live a faithful life, to resist evil, when it costs everything and seems to accomplish nothing? This episode reviews A Hidden Life, by Terrence Malick.
Who were the women of the early church? What do they have to teach us about vocation, the Holy Spirit, and being transformed into the image of Christ?
Welcome back to a brand new season of Speaking with Joy! This episode sings the praises of Rich Mullins, an artist steeped in scripture, with a heart like an open wound, and eyes that saw glory in creation.
Mary is the first Christian, the first person in whom Christ dwelled. Her life and song teach us to bear Christ too.
Welcome to a special series on the season of advent. Sit in the dark, wait for the light, prepare for his coming.
How do we tell a good story with our lives? How do we sing a good song? Begin where you are. Grieve what you must. Do what you can.
Can watching the sea lead us close to God? This was a question Welsh poet R.S. Thomas contemplated often in his poetry. In this episode Joy explores the poetry of R.S. Thomas with Shanti Daffern.
There is a wisdom to the season of winter. But how does one wile away the long winter evenings in Scotland? By telling stories, singing songs, and dancing reels.
What heritage were you given? What legacy will you leave behind? These are the questions discussed in this episode.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Memory shapes our sense of who we are, where we come from, and where we're going. It's fundamental, and it's flawed. What are we to make of it?
How can we incorporate rhythms of prayer into our every day lives, dedicating our work, play, and rest to God?
This episode explores Bach fugues, improvisational jazz, poetry, and a kid's cartoon to suggest the idea that true freedom necessitates restraint.
How do we live well in a complicated world? This episode seeks the words of a poet from the past and a musician for the present to explore this timeless question. This episode features an interview with Veery Huleatt, editor of a new volume of poetry by Jane Tyson Clement.
To be a human is to have a body, and to have a body is to touch and be touched. This episode explores our desire to touch creation, each other, and God.
Speaking with Joy welcomes a new season with this special episode featuring the talks from the Speaking with Joy live events and music from Two Benedictions. Enjoy!
Speaking with Joy is celebrating its second anniversary! Many thanks to everyone who has joined in on the journey.
There was some one thing that was too great for God to show us when He walked upon our earth; and I have sometimes fancied that it was His mirth.
Joy chats with Glenn Packiam about how our stories because sacred in the hands of Jesus.
"The chief mark of our epoch is a profound laziness and fatigue; and the fact is that the real laziness is the cause of the apparent bustle."
Is the world getting better and better? This week we discuss the myth of progress and the eternal revolution. Join in!
Boze Herrington joins Joy to discuss the beautiful paradoxes of Christianity as it has tumbled through history.
From her new flat in St Andres, surrounded by boxes, Joy rambles about chapter three of Orthodoxy and the unraveling of the modern mind. Listen in!
What do sin, madness, and rationalism have to do with each other? Tune into this week's episode about Chapter Two of Chesterton's book Orthodoxy to find out!
Welcome to Reading with Joy, a summer book club on G.K. Chesterton's excellent book of essays Orthodoxy. Join me this week for our first episode, diving into Chapter One "In Defence of Everything Else."
After a short (and unexpected!) break, Speaking with Joy is back. Listen to this podcast to hear about my summer book club, live Speaking with Joy events near you, and more. I hope you'll spend the summer with me!
The modern world is both overstimulating and excessively boring. In this episode, featuring Boredom expert Dr. Rebekah Lamb, we explore the social, literary, and spiritual dimensions of boredom. I promise, you will not find this episode a bore.
Is the modern world disenchanted? Today we will explore this question with the night sky as our conversation partner. My hunch is that the cosmos is not any less wondrous, mysterious, or enchanted than it was in the twelfth century. The world is not disenchanted, we've only grown blind to its wonder.
For a long time, most people regarded the Chronicles of Narnia as the charming side project of a Oxford don too busy to double check which mythological creatures belonged in which story. But what if there is a golden string running through each story, so that they hang together like pearls on a necklace… or like planets in the night sky? Dr. Michael Ward solved the mystery.
Blood is the stuff of life. In our antiseptic world, it can be hard to hear and understand the words of Jesus: This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). In this Holy Week episode, we explore the theme of Christ's blood.
The book of Job has always fascinated and exasperated me. That's why I loved getting to explore this poetic and complicated book with my friend Tobias, a scholar of Biblical languages. Enjoy this episode on the relational nature of Job and the importance of addressing our theology at God!
The difference between Job and his friends was not theological but personal: Job raged, wept, and prayed to God while his friends spoke about God. Even in our darkest moments, God invites us into relationship. This week, we look at the lives of three artists who struggled well with God.
To grow in wellness, we must start thinking of ourselves less like cars to tune up, and more like gardens to nurture. On today's episode, Joy chats with Kristyn Emmer, who shares her insights on cultivating wellness of body, soul, and heart.
This episode explores the most important historic movement you never learned about. Tune in to hear how Romanticism shapes art, industry, and psychology, by looking at Wordsworth, Brahms, and the Pre-Raphaelites.
The world needs artists, craftsmen and women, workers of wonder and beauty. So, today I talked with my brother Joel, a composer, author, and audiobook reader about the calling of the artist in the modern world. This podcast is full of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone who feels called to be an artist. I hope you love it.
Screens play a huge role in our life, and almost all of our relationships are mediated in some way through social media. How can we live connected, authentic, purposeful lives in a world of screens?
After a book launch, travel, conferences, and a break, Speaking with Joy comes back with new episodes every Tuesday. Tune in here for a (re)introduction to the vision behind the podcast and updates galore!
Part two of Joy Clarkson and Elena Trueba's advice podcast, discussing life choices, lipstick, and literature. Tune in!
On this special launch day episode, Joy and Boze Herrington discuss one of the most famous groups of friends in the last century: the Inklings!
In this episode, Joy and Sally talk with Karen Swallow Prior, an author and professor at Liberty University, about what friendship looks like during difficult times— like getting hit by a bus!
Joy and her best friend/college roommate Elena fulfil their true callings by giving advice to anyone who wants it. In this episode, they questions sent in by listeners about friendship.
How can we accept each other's personality quirks and help each other grow? That is what Joy and Ashlee discuss in this week's podcast which touches on friendship between extroverts and introverts, Enneagram, Myers Briggs, and so much more!
Singleness, calling, and covenant friendships... these are just a few of the topics discussed in this podcast with Katelyn Beaty, an author, speaker, and editor. This is the first in a series of podcasts on the profound importance of friendship. Tune in to hear more!
Happy New Year! This podcast is full of exciting announcements: the release of Girls' Club, a series of interviews with admirable women on the topic of friendship, and a new season just around the corner! Tune in! :)