Maybe I'm Amazed: Recent Episodes
Dr. James Howell
Dr. James Howell is the head pastor at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. Throughout his career, he's developed meaningful relationships with a wide spectrum of people, and he's taken time to learn each of their stories. Maybe I'm Amazed is a collection of amazing conversations James has with amazing people experiencing everyday miracles.
Dr. Howell talks with Marcia Ellis, a human development professional and author of Your Career Is Calling, about career and personal development. She shares insights from more than 30 years of helping individuals navigate career decisions, offering practical wisdom on aligning work with values, rediscovering purpose, and taking meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling professional life. Ellis holds advanced degrees in Counseling and Education from SUNY Albany and SUNY Brockport.
Dr. Howell talks with Rev. Kate Murphy, pastor of The Grove in Charlotte and author of Lost, Hidden, Small: Finding the Way of Jesus Where We Never Think to Look. She reflects on the gap between the Jesus we meet in Scripture and the habits of the modern church, and why seeking God in discomfort, smallness, and unlikely places can reshape our faith. Rev. Murphy earned both an M.Div. and an STM from Boston University School of Theology.
Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Mary Martha Bledsoe Felkner, a beloved pediatrician and author of In the Room: A Physician’s Reflections on Hurting, Healing, and Living. She shares stories from her years of caring for children and families, the lessons she learned about waiting, listening, and presence, and how those experiences shaped her writing. Dr. Felkner received her medical degree from the UNC School of Medicine and completed her residency at Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Howell talks with Jennifer Vollmer about the inequality and injustice in our court and justice systems, and how community support and court advocacy help people going through these difficult processes. Jennifer is the co-founder and executive director of the North Carolina Community Justice Center and works directly with the justice system to help people navigate the system.
Dr. Howell talks with Shannon Klug, an Air Force veteran, parent, and activist, about how individuals and faith communities can help prevent gun violence and build a culture of responsibility, compassion, and care. Shannon shares her experiences and highlights how thoughtful conversations and small actions can lead to real change.
Shannon is the Be SMART Lead for North Carolina and a member of the Everytown Veteran Advisory Council. She encourages responsible gun ownership and empowers families and communities to promote safety, connection, and hope.
Dr. James Howell talks with Dr. Ben Gosden, senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Savannah, GA, about recovery and his new book, Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery. Ben earned his M.Div and D. Min at Candler School of Theology.
Ben is a husband, father, and Jesus follower. He is also a person who lives to be sober one day at a time in the hope that God’s greatest work comes out of our deepest wounds.
Dr. Howell speaks with Boris Henderson about the impacts of gentrification and displacement in communities, and how churches and other organizations can support justice, community engagement, and housing stability in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Boris is the Senior Director of Community Engagement & Philanthropy at Aldersgate. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary and has served in leadership roles at Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Housing Partnership and on the board of Habitat for Humanity International.
In this special episode, Dr. Jonathan Page of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC) interviews Dr. Howell about the election and spirituality as part of their series, Voting While Christian. As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election draws nearer, the VAUMC will share resources with their conference on topics ranging from how to have hard conversations to the impact on community organizing and advocacy in light of the current social and political climate, a climate that local churches and individuals must navigate as people of faith. Check out their page at https://vaumc.org/votingwhilechristian/.
Dr. Howell speaks with Marty Folsom, a relational theologian and counselor, about the theology of Karl Barth and how we can find freedom through a relationship with God. Folsom holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Otago and has authored numerous books including two recent volumes of Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics for Everyone.
Dr. Howell discusses the state of the church, technology, and AI with Tim Dalrymple, President and CEO of Christianity Today.
Dalrymple was the founder and CEO of Polymath Innovations, held multiple leadership positions at Patheos, and was a teaching fellow at Harvard University. He has degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Stanford, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Religion from Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Howell talks with Tommy Tomlinson about his experiences in journalism and writing, and discusses his new book, Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show. Tommy Tomlinson has written for publications including Esquire, ESPN the Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Garden & Gun, and the Charlotte Observer, and in 2005, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in commentary.
Dr. Howell talks with Wesley Vander Lugt about his new book, Beauty is Oxygen, and how beauty can revitalize our souls and offer us hope. Wesley is an author, pastor, and theologian with a PhD in Theology, Imagination, and the Arts from the University of St. Andrews. He is the acting director and an adjunct professor at the Leighton Ford Center for Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and co-founder of Kinship Plot.
Dr. Howell speaks with Katy Stockton about the importance of nature, her passion for climbing, and her role in search and rescue at Yosemite National Park.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Rebecca Bruff about the life of Robert Smalls, exploring how historical fiction offers a unique perspective on his motivations and relationships. Rebecca is the author of award-winning Trouble the Water, inspired by the true story of Robert Smalls. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and Southern Methodist University, where she earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Theology.
Dr. Howell talks with Greg Jarrell about the ongoing and historical systems of inequality that result in urban renewal and gentrification, and the role religion plays in that process. Greg is a scholar, cultural organizer, and the author of Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods.
Dr. Howell hosts Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author, host of the Everything Happens podcast, and Duke University professor. Kate shares her journey of finding resilience amidst life’s challenges and looks deeper into the themes of her new book, Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!
Dr. Howell talks with Matt Miofsky about faith and the importance of spiritual practice in everyday life. Founder and Lead Pastor of The Gathering, a United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, Matt is also the author of several books, including his latest, The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer. Matt graduated from Washington University, where he played football, and completed his Master's of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
Dr. Howell talks with award-winning biographer and bestselling author Jonathan Eig about his recent biographies of Martin Luther King, Jr. (King: A Life) and Muhammad Ali (Ali: A Life). Eig's books have been listed among the best of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Eig studied journalism at Northwestern University, and was a reporter for The New Orleans Times-Picayune, The Dallas Morning News, Chicago Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Howell talks with Ken Howle about Lake Junaluska's rich history of hospitality and connection. Howle, executive director and a long-time leader at Lake Junaluska, oversees its preservation, development, and outreach, ensuring it will continue to be a sacred place of renewal and transformation for generations to come.
Dr. Howell talks with Laura Belcher, President & CEO of Habitat Charlotte Region, about the history and life-changing work of Habitat for Humanity.
In October, Dr. Howell and Dr. Mark Holland, co-founder and executive director of Mainstream UMC, an advocacy group working for unity in the Body of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Together, talked about where the United Methodist Church is right now, what is coming up at General Conference in May, when our future will be decided, what’s at stake, and how we can be involved.
Dr. Howell talks with Jan and Ron Kimble about their daughter Jamie and how domestic violence changed their lives forever. Now, through the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, they are sharing their story to help prevent domestic and intimate partner violence and encourage healthy relationships.
Dr. Howell talks with Rev. Dr. Clifford Matthews about his journey as a pastor and a therapist and his work on citywide initiatives to address race, affordable housing, and poverty. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, Dr. Matthews is the senior pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church and is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate.
Dr. Howell talks with Jeremy Coffey, founder of Good Soles, an organization that provides steel-toed boots and non-slip shoes to our neighbors in need while they transition out of homelessness. Good Soles was born out of a random act of kindness at a stop light and has provided more than 6,500 pairs of footwear over the last five years.
Dr. Howell talks with Wil Bailey about his experiences with mission work in Costa Rica, and the value of building relationships and being church together. Wil Bailey is a North Carolina Conference Missionary. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School in May of 2003 and has been commissioned as a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Individual Volunteer.
Dr. Howell speaks with Rev. Laura Heikes about what it's like at a church on the border and finding God in unexpected places. Pastor Laura is the Lead Pastor at McAllen First United Methodist Church and has a Master of Theology from Asbury Theological Seminary. She is the author of Finding God: Discovering the Divine in the Gritty and Unexpected.
Dr. Howell speaks with Rev. Magrey deVega on the Questions Jesus Asked and the theological reflection involved in looking deeply at those questions. Rev. deVega is the Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of several books, including Questions Jesus Asked.
Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Mark Wilson about the biblical history and archeology of Turkey and what it looks like today. Dr. Wilson is a historian, archaeologist, and the founder of the Asia Minor Research Center in Antalya, Turkey. He serves as a Research Fellow in Biblical Archaeology with the University of South Africa and an Associate Professor Extraordinary of New Testament at Stellenbosch University. He authored the book, "Biblical Turkey: A Guide to the Jewish and Christian Sites of Asia Minor."
Dr. Howell talks about therapeutic landscapes and healing places with Dr. Wil Gelser, author of Healing Places and retired Professor of Geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Gelser's major research interest is health care delivery, and he has made significant contributions to cultural geography, Africa, and social theory.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Steve Cheyney about the appeal, study, and understanding of conspiracy theories. Dr. Cheyney is the University Pastor at UNC Charlotte. In addition, he is also on the Honors College Faculty at UNC Charlotte. Steve holds a B.S. from Western Carolina, a master’s degree from Duke, and a doctorate from Emory University.
Dr. Howell speaks with Rev. Grady Moseley, a Presbyterian pastor and general contractor, about his recent lung transplant and the hope and healing throughout that process.
Dr. Howell speaks with Karen González on the theology and politics of immigration and the need to be welcoming. Karen González is the author of Beyond Welcome, which draws from the Bible and her own experiences to examine why the traditional approach to immigration ministries and activism is, at best incomplete and, at worst harmful. She is a speaker, writer, public theologian, and immigrant advocate who herself immigrated from Guatemala as a child. Karen is a former public school teacher and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology.
Dr. Howell speaks with Brian Childers, Director of Handbells and Children's Music, about the musical history of bells, how handbells are played, and how they enrich worship at church. In addition to his role at Myers Park UMC, Brian Childers is an accomplished composer, conductor, and clinician, and serves as Music Advisor for Handbell Musicians of America, helping to promote the wealth of handbell music in the AGEHR Catalog.
Dr. Howell talks with Regina Židonienė, Director of the VŠĮ Pagalbos Center in Birzai, Lithuania, about the difference they are making in their community. Recently, she was awarded by the mayor "for constant concern for the children and families of the district experiencing social risks, daily assistance to refugees from the war started by Russia in Ukraine. For long-term, systematic, comprehensive assistance to war refugees from Ukraine. For the ability to convince partners to choose the most vulnerable. For the fact that there is enough space in the heart and home for everyone."
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Eric Meyers about his life and how archaeology informs our understanding today. Dr. Eric Meyers is a world-renowned archaeologist, professor, author, and husband to Dr. Carol Meyers. Throughout their careers, they have conducted archeological digs in relation to biblical and Judaic studies.
As part of the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series, Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Leighton Ford on “What is Belief and What Does it Mean to Accept Christ?” A Presbyterian minister and a leader in world evangelism, Dr. Ford has spoken in 40 countries and is the author of nine books, including his most recent, The Attentive Life.
As part of the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series, Dr. Howell talks with Dr. Leighton Ford on “What is Belief and What Does it Mean to Accept Christ?” A Presbyterian minister and a leader in world evangelism, Dr. Ford has spoken in 40 countries and is the author of nine books, including his most recent, The Attentive Life.
Dr. Howell speaks with Kate Bowler on what it means to face hardships and how we love each other through these challenges. Kate Bowler, Ph.D. is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, professor at Duke University, and incurable optimist. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change.
Dr. Howell speaks with Kate Bowler on what it means to face hardships and how we love each other through these challenges. Kate Bowler, Ph.D. is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, professor at Duke University, and incurable optimist. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Lillian Daniel on the importance of community in the church, how the community deals with hardships and tragedy, and the need for compassion. Dr. Daniel is a preacher, teacher, and writer in Iowa. She has spoken at the National Cathedral, Duke Chapel, Kings College, London, and Queen's College, Ontario, but on Sundays, you can find her preaching at First Congregational Church in Dubuque, Iowa.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Lillian Daniel on the importance of community in the church, how the community deals with hardships and tragedy, and the need for compassion. Dr. Daniel is a preacher, teacher, and writer in Iowa. She has spoken at the National Cathedral, Duke Chapel, Kings College, London, and Queen's College, Ontario, but on Sundays, you can find her preaching at First Congregational Church in Dubuque, Iowa.
Dr. Howell talks to Dr. David Wilkinson about science and faith, wrestling with questions about creation and life in the universe, and the importance of having a space in church to ask these questions.
Dr. David Wilkinson received his PhD in theoretical astrophysics at Durham University. After this he studied theology at Cambridge and became a Methodist minister and since then has held a number of different positions at Durham University in apologetics and theology. He is now Principal of St. John’s College and Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University.
As part of the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series, Dr. Howell talks to Dr. Carol Harston, an ordained Baptist pastor and pastoral researcher who leads the Eden Hill Initiative, where she converses with those who have grown up around traumatizing theology and helps them move toward healing.
As part of the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series, Dr. Howell talks to Dr. Chris Green about the Bible, inspiration, and truth. They discuss how God is using these stories to tell us about ourselves and about God. Author of All Things Beautiful: An Aesthetic Christology, Dr. Green is Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University, Director for St. Anthony Institute of Theology, Philosophy, and Liturgics.
Dr. Howell begins the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series by speaking to Mark Miller about the question Is There a God? and how music helps us define our faith. Mark serves as Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School, Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University, and Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, NJ.
Dr. Howell begins the Good Questions, No Easy Answers series by speaking to Mark Miller about the question Is There a God? and how music helps us define our faith. Mark serves as Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School, Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University, and Minister of Music of Christ Church in Summit, NJ.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Dianne Collard, missionary and author of I Choose to Forgive, about her story of loss, forgiveness, and how it lead her to become an advocate for artists.
Dr. Howell speaks to Slice Penny on his call to ministry, how mistakes can lead to new beginnings, and how small things within the church can lead to major changes in others' lives.
Dr. Howell speaks with Julie Wood, author of Changing the Message and mother of Ben Wood, on the heart-breaking journey of navigating the loss of her son and a mission to change the message within the church to "Do No Harm" and treat others with kindness.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Jack Harnish, a retired United Methodist pastor, author, and preacher, on E. Stanley Jones—one of the most remarkable evangelists and missionaries of the 20th century.
Dr. Howell speaks with Gary Chapman, New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages series, retired pastor, and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, about relationships, faith, and The 5 Love Languages.
Dr. Howell talks with Craig Hella Johnson, Grammy-winning founder and Artistic Director of Conspirare renowned as one of today’s most influential voices in choral conducting. They speak about conducting, composing, and deeper connections between music, spirituality, and the world. His work, Considering Matthew Shepard, will be at Myers Park UMC on June 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Howell speaks with Ed Price, Chief Operating Officer of Charlotte Rescue Mission, about the new opportunities and transformation occurring at Community Matters Cafe.
Dr. Howell talks to Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, a Methodist Minister in Northern Ireland and professor known for his work with reconciliation, about toxic religion and national identity.
Dr. Howell speaks with Dr. Henry Perry, a physician with graduate training in sociology and anthropology who has three decades of experience in the management and evaluation of health programs in developing countries. He is the founder of the NGO Curamericas Global and talks about giving his life to serving others, global health, and how we are called to address this great moral issue.
Dr. Howell talks to Dr. H. D. "De" Kirkpatrick, forensic psychologist and author of Marse: A Psychological Portrait of the Southern Slave Master and His Legacy of White Supremacy, about genealogy, history, and slavery.
Dr. Howell speaks to John Kilgo, an award-winning newspaper columnist, about basketball, journalism, and Dean Smith.
Dr. Howell talks with Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund and author of Can We Talk About Israel: A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted,about the history of Israel and how people talk differently about the complex story between Israelis and Palestinians.
Dr. Howell welcomes back Rebekah Eklund, Professor of Christian Scripture, Theology, and Ethics at Loyola U Maryland. Professor Eklund gives us insight into how we pray and the meanings we can find within the Lord's Prayer.
Dr. Howell speaks with Vernon Burton, Professor of History at Clemson University, the Director of its Clemson CyberInstitute, and author of Justice Deferred: Race and the Supreme Court, on the history of race and the Supreme Court and how these issues are impacting current events.
Join us as Dr. Howell talks with Bishop Patrick Streiff, who is working non-stop with Methodists in Poland and Romania fielding refugees from Ukraine.
Dr. Howell talks to Melissa Bernstein, Co-Founder of LifeLines, about mental health and her journey to stay steadfast and balanced in the face of life’s ups and downs.
Dr. Howell talks to Tina Postel, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, about food insecurity, hunger, and how we can help as a community.
Dr. Howell speaks with Peter Eisenstadt, Affiliate Professor of History at Clemson University, Editor of the Howard Thurman Papers, and the author of Against the Hounds of Hell: A Life of Howard Thurman. Together they look at the work of Howard Thurman, a prolific author, esteemed preacher, and mentor to most of the key Civil Right leaders and their non-violent approach back in the 1950s – and also a deeply spiritual man and writer of beautiful devotional materials.
Dr. James Howell speaks with Dr. Willie Jennings, Yale theologian and author, on “Jesus and… Race,” looking at race theologically, not politically, as well as how it impacts the church and our lives.
Dr. James Howell talks to Susan Coppedge, an attorney and former US Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Listen as she talks about her amazing work to bring justice and protect vulnerable people.
Dr. James Howell talks to Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of Jewish Studies and New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Jesus was Jewish. Did he invent a new religion, asking people not to be Jewish? Why did being Jewish and being Christian split and get complicated? AJ is always smart, witty, and inspiring.
Dr. Howell talks with Professor Ben Witherington, a child of our church and renowned New Testament scholar, on “Jesus and…the Gospels.” Are they reliable? Are there others? Should we read them literally or figuratively? Why does the historical Jesus matter?
Host James Howell talks to Kaley Crawford, park ranger at the Reconstruction Era National Park in Beaufort, SC. Kaley tells the incredible story of Robert Smalls, who was born under bondage in Beaufort, but managed to free himself by commandeering a Confederate transport ship and sailing it to Union territory. He would become be a key figure in convincing Abraham Lincoln to enlist African-Americans in the military. Smalls would eventually go back to Beaufort, purchase his former slave owner's home, and make a successful bid for Congress.
James and Kaley also speak about the Emancipation Proclamation, its original reading in Beaufort, SC, and why experiencing history on the soil where happened will always beat what you learn in a textbook.
To celebrate and better observe the season of Advent, host James Howell reaches out to longtime friend and colleague Rev. Alisa Lasater Wailoo to discuss Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
James and Alisa talk about the history of Mary, but also why she matters today - and in what ways. They engage her depictions throughout testaments to identify what makes her such a unique and significant character in our modern landscape, particularly around the holiday season.
Barbara McKay is an author, TV personality, fashion and design maven, and former neighbor of host James Howell. McKay joins James on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed for a conversation that touches on some of Barbara's favorite topics including cooking, fashion and faith.
Barbara has interviewed plenty of famous people, James asks what commonality she sees between them. James and Barbara also discuss some of the recipes, specifically her brownies, she includes in her new southern cuisine cook book, Coming Home. Well known for her fashion blog, James asks Barbara why design and style matter more than ever. Finally, Barbara talks about how a personal tragedy with her brother led to her finding her faith in God.
Pastor, teacher and author Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee joins host Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. Rev. Byassee has deep ties to North Carolina, having studied at Davidson College and Duke Divinity, and having spent several years as the senior pastor at Boone UMC.
James and Jason's conversation covers many theological and concepts. Jason speaks about how God appears to groups of three people as if they were one, and why it matters. James and Jason address some of the misconceptions surrounding the Holy Spirit. Finally, James asks Jason about discovering his purpose and mission in ministry.
Frederick Christian "Fritz" Bauerschmidt joins host James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. Fritz is a professor of theology at Loyola University Maryland, permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and has published books on great theologians like Julian or Norwich and Thomas Aquinas, and is a popular teacher and speaker.
Fritz and James have a conversation about Fritz’s latest book, The Love That is God, how profound and wonderful that love really is, proving Christianity is both welcoming and challenging. They talk deeply about God’s love, and bond over their shared hometown of Columbia, SC.
A pastor, author and longtime friend of James Howell joins James on the podcast today. Pastor Harnish served for more than 40 years at the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He now enjoys retirement, although he stays busy authoring books like Make a Difference and A Disciple's Heart.
Jim and James talk about many of the themes of Jim's books, including how one can find their place in this world and make a difference. Jim also shows how a lack of orientation in life can contribute to one feeling unfulfilled.
Everywhere we look, conflict seems to be around us. Clearly in the political realm, but also the religious world and our own personal space too. Author Amanda Ripley claims that conflict that is healthy is both good but necessary, but far too often falls victim to the emotional and ideological context surrounding it.
On today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, host James Howell sits down with Amanda to talk about her new book High Conflict, and the ways in which miscommunication can lead to volatile situations. Ripley speaks about how the emotions experiences of both criminals and CEOs are remarkably similar, showing the effects of constant conflict on a person. Ripley also talks about what emotion she calls the "nuclear bomb" of human emotions.
Author, poet and educator Clint Smith joins host James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed to talk about the still very present impacts of slavery in modern society, and why the concept of slavery is much more recent in history than we generally believe it to be.
Clint Smith is the author of #1 NY Times Bestseller How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America,a book of poetry called Counting Descent,and is a staff writer at the Atlantic.
Old Testament scholar and Anglican clergyman John Goldingay joins James Howell to break down the book of Isaiah.
Scholar AJ Levine breaks down the history, language, and meaning of the Lord's Prayer, and what it can mean for today's community of believers. She and host James Howell talk about how sometimes scholarship can actually be misleading when it comes to the meaning, and how to understand the language of the lord's prayer and biblical language in our own lives.
Amy Brittain has a voracious appetite for reading. She reads more than 100 books per year, and has worked as a publisher both for a major publishing company and on her own as a freelancer. As an outlet for her reading obsession, Amy created The Bossy Bookworm, a website dedicated to reviewing books that Amy reads.
In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, host Dr. James Howell sits down with Amy to talk about their shared love of the written word, how they discover new books and what drives their passion to read.
There's a part of building a legacy that has a bit of bittersweetness to it. When you plant a tree, you know you may not live long enough to enjoy the fruit it produces, or the shade it creates. When you build something meant to last for generations or millenniums, you can be sure you'll only see a small fraction of your vision.
Today's guest on Maybe I'm Amazed is Allen Walworth. Allen has worked with many churches, including Myers Park UMC in Charlotte, on building lasting relationships with donors, and managing their giving campaigns.
Allen talks to host James Howell about the joys of giving, some of the reasons why people he's worked with give to the church, and how giving helps one plant a tree of their own.
In honor of Memorial Day and to help remember all those who gave their lives at war serving the United States, today's guest on Maybe I'm Amazed is Rufus Dalton, a 96 year-old veteran of WW2. Despite being technically too young to enlist at the time, Rufus was able to join the forces and fight on the front lines in southern France.
Rufus talks to James Howell about the clever way in which he was able to enlist, his service on the ground and what life was like in the trenches, and getting injured by shrapnel. Rufus also looks back on his life and service by considering what being part of the Greatest Generation means to him, the differences in military recruitment today versus back then, and revisiting a French town he had fought in. Finally, Rufus recites a poem from memory that a friend of his wrote that truly captures the spirit of Memorial Day.
"Money Rock" is what friends of Belton Platt used to call him when he was selling large amounts of cocaine in Charlotte, NC in the 1980s. The endeavors that earned Platt that nickname also landed him in federal prison for more than 20 years. Since that time, Platt has reformed himself, become a pastor, and has even started several mentorship programs.
Money Rock isn't just a nickname, it's also the title of a 2018 book written about Platt's life and urban gentrification in Charlotte written by Pam Kelly.
Platt joins host James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed to talk about growing up in Piedmont Courts, his mother's activism, his experiences in prison, how he changed his life around, how he now uses basketball camps to teach leadership, and where he hears the voice of God.
Frequent listeners of the podcast know what kind of affinity host James Howell has for books and reading. With an appetite for information as voracious as ever, James is never far from a good book.
Today's guest on Maybe I'm Amazed is an author, historian and an old friend of James: Frye Gaillard. Frye, who now lives and teaches in his home state of Alabama, was once neighbors with James in Charlotte, NC. Gaillard's work, including his newest book "A Hard Rain," focus on the civil rights movement of the 1960's.
James and Frye talk on the podcast about the relationship between journalism and history, why history matters, Robert Kennedy and South African apartheid, the Beatles and Rock n' Roll, and Frye's thoughts on James' assertion that the 60s were the most important decade of the 20th century.
One of the questions that Maybe I'm Amazed host James Howell gets asked most often is what is the best translation of the Bible? Is it King James? Revised Standard? Or do we need a translation with a more modern version?
James' guest on today's show is professional translator Sarah Ruden, who has translated everything from ancient novels and hymns to Plato.
James and Sarah talk about how Sarah got into her professional (hint: it takes lots of studying different languages), what the benefits are of multiple Bible translations, and why the use of language is so crucial in sharing ideas, stories, traditions and culture.
Normally, when James speaks to people on this podcast, it's someone with whom he's had a long friendship, a deep personal knowledge of, or a proud working relationship. However, today's guest is speaking with James for the first time: violinist and concertmaster for the Philadelphia Orchestra David Kim.
Through a relationship with Kim's mother, James Howell was able to connect to the immensely accomplished Kim for today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. In their conversation, Kim talks about the difference of perspective of a student and a professor, the role of a concertmaster, teaching master classes at the University of South Carolina, and James shares a story about his quitting piano lessons and not ever being able to talk to his teacher about it.
The American South has a well-earned reputation for things like heritage, pride and storytelling. But many of those points are being revisited as part of a reexamination of what they meant in context to the African slave trade, reconstruction, Jim Crow and how they manifest themselves today.
To help get proper context on these stories, James Howell's guest of today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed is Vernon Burton. Vernon is a professor of history at Clemson University, as well as a prolific author.
Vernon joins James to talk about many of today's most pressing topics, including what it means to see Confederate statues being removed (and what people like Robert E. Lee would have thought about that today - the answer may surprise you), the Supreme Court's role in legislating a post-slavery society, stories of how Abraham Lincoln himself learned to evolve as a leader despite the weight of the world around him, and how Vernon's hometown of Ninety Six, SC got its name.
In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Myers Park UMC Youth Ministry leader Jason Rhymer talks about how God uses the people who show up. That's certainly not just something he preaches, Jason Rhymer epitomizes the philosophy of showing up. Jason has been an athlete, a certified personal trainer, a mentor, a youth leader and even an actor.
James Howell talks to Jason about his various roles in life and how they've all influenced one another. He asks Jason where he sees divinity in athletic movement and training. The two explore Jason's acting path, and James also tells a story of him missing an easy basketball pass to Jason in the clutch.
As a pastor, James Howell has worked with many community members suffering from dementia. Today's guest has a particularly close experience with this often misunderstood disease. Leading theologian Bishop Kenneth Carder's wife Linda bravely battled with dementia before passing away.
In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, James and Kenneth talk about how theology views dementia, why the disease didn't change who Linda was in God's eyes, why no loving act goes to waste, and how an old pocket knife helps Bishop Carder keep it all in perspective.
Today's episode is a republication of a Wednesday Bible Study session. To watch these chats live, log onto the Facebook page of Myers Park United Methodist Church every Wednesday at 11 a.m. or 8 p.m.
Savvy diners in Charlotte are familiar with restaurateurs Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel's lineup of high quality restaurants concentrated in the NoDa area: Haberdish, Crepe Cellar, Growlers and Reigning Doughnuts have all been lauded by eaters and critics alike. During the pandemic, when many restaurants were forced to close or pivot, the couple turned their attention to opening a new concept in Plaza Midwood called Supperland.
On today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, host James Howell talks to Jamie and Jeff about their background and entering the world of restaurant ownership, the theories of hospitality and attention to detail that goes into everything they do, their adjustments during the pandemic, and opening one of the most highly anticipated restaurant concepts in the city.
Poet and spoken word artist Hannah Hasan joins Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. James talks to Hannah about white privilege and its misconceptions and juxtapositions, her work in the community with her Muddy Turtle Talks, her upbringing in Wilkesboro and how her father's death inspired a beautiful moment for her.
Legendary musical theatre writer and author Tim Rice joins Dr. James Howell for today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed. Tim's work speaks for itself, having co-written classics like Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita alongside Andrew Lloyd Weber. Dr. Howell speaks to Mr. Rice about working with Andrew Lloyd Weber, the emotion and purpose that their music portrayed, what influences Christianity had on their work, the meanings behind some of his most famous lyrics and much more.
Renowned theologian and prolific author Walter Bruggemann joins Dr. James Howell on today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed.Walter has published more than 50 books (almost all of which Dr. Howell has read), and is regarded as one of the world's greatest Old Testament theologian.
Walter and Dr. Howell's conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of praise, the dangers of idolatry, the functions of quality poetry and much more.
On this week's episode of Maybe I’m Amazed, Dr. James Howell is joined by professor Amy-Jill Levine. She grew up loving and knowing many aspects of the Christian traditions—although she is herself an Orthodox Jew. Her perspective is unique and intriguing: she is Jewish, and has a lifelong love and appreciation for things Christian. No surprise she’s one of the world’s greatest New Testament scholars.
You know Roy Williams the basketball coach. Since 2003, Roy Williams has been the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, and has enjoyed plenty of success, including three national championships.
In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, you'll get to meet Roy beyond the basketball court. Roy joins host Dr. James Howell, who have been close friends for many years. Roy talks about the recent passing of his father in law, and the lessons he learned from him about being a good husband, father and community leader, roles that Roy says come far before his head coaching duties. Tune in now to meet Coach Williams the man, not the coach.
Being a Pastor is no easy task. Particularly when you're tasked with local, national and even global outreach for your church. But that's what Nathan Arledge does for Myers Park UMC as Pastor of Missions and Community Engagement.
Pastor Arledge embodies the global mindset. He's travelled all over the US and the world on mission trips and community engagement projects. He's met thousands of diverse people in his travels, and impacted countless others with his tireless work. He also has a keen sense of how to connect with others who may not be like him.
In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, Dr. James Howell talks to Pastor Arledge about what he's learned from his experiences in the world, and how broadening your perspective helps cultivate empathy for those around you.
Hear's Pastor Arledge's sermon from this past Valentine's Day.
Part of the purpose of this podcast is to highlight things that we find amazing. But what is amazing, and how do we define it? Surely a picturesque sunset is pretty to look at, but does it capture true beauty and amazement?
To help us answer that question, we turn to author and theologian Wendy Farley. Wendy has written extensively about truth, divinity and beauty, and in today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, speaks eloquently to that and more. Dr. James Howell speaks to Wendy about what beauty is, how we perceive it, and why true beauty is intangible.
In September 1957, Dorothy Counts Scoggins made a walk into Harding High School in Charlotte, NC that would forever change public schooling and racial segregation. Scoggins was one of four African-American students to be admitted into an all-white school as a result of the Pearsall Plan. Dorothy's walk from her father's car to the front door of the high school would only take a few minutes, but the effects of her actions are still being felt today. In today's episode of Maybe I'm Amazed, host Dr. James Howell speaks with Dorothy about that fateful day in 1957. Dorothy not only talks about that moment and the days leading up to it, but she also tells the story of how she ended up befriending one of the white boys who tormented her that day, and how through forgiveness she was able to forge a lifelong relationship with that student, even being present with him on his deathbed. Read Charlotte Magazine's 2017 profile of Dorothy Counts Scoggins here.