Common Threads: An Interfaith Dialogue
Rated as the #1 podcast on all matters interfaith by Feedspot (https://blog.feedspot.com/interfaith_podcasts/), this is a weekly program that airs on Michigan NPR affiliates WGVU and WGVK. These 2 stations cover the entire western portion of the state. The show is hosted by Fred Stella, President of Interfaith Dialogue Association, an affiliate of Kaufman Interfaith Institute, which operates out of Grand Valley State University, the license holder of both stations.
Each week Fred invites clerics, authors, activists and the occasional mystic into conversation about the role of spirituality and religion in politics, world affairs, societies and individuals. The parameters are quite wide.
Besides his passion for all things transcendent, Fred Stella has an extensive resume in the world of media. Since his graduation from college Fred has worked in multiple radio formats, including news/talk, where he developed his skills in the art of the interview. He also has extensive experience in TV, stage, web entertainment, audiobook narration and more. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Philosophy
Religion
News
Progressive
Religion & Spirituality
Society & Culture
Interviews
News Commentary
- Update frequency
- every 11 days
- Average duration
- 54 minutes
- Episodes
- 335
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Interfaith Alliance a Year Later Parts 1 & 2
Just a few episodes ago we introduced you to the Interfaith Alliance from a couple of conversations we had back in the early 2000s. Well, I just found an old cassette with 2 more episodes that aired …
00:59:20 |
Tue 07 Sep 2021
A Baptist Among the Jews Parts 1 & 2
I have to admit that when I 1st heard about this book I was concerned that it was a treatise on successful conversion practices. Turns out that it was nothing of the kind. Author Mary Blye Howe (now …
00:57:57 |
Sat 04 Sep 2021
The Orthodox Church Traditions Parts 1 & 2
If you scroll through the hundreds of episodes already up you'll find a couple dedicated to exploring Orthodox Christianity that were aired within the last couple of years. In discovering this recent…
00:59:04 |
Thu 02 Sep 2021
Medieval Murder Mysteries & Religion Parts 1 & 2
I love well researched historical fiction. Most folks I know do as well. It occurred to a historian friend of mine that Common Threads might enjoy an interview with an author in such a genre. Obvious…
00:56:05 |
Wed 01 Sep 2021
The Resurrection: Contrasting Views, Liberal & Conservative with John Dominic Crossan Parts 1 & 2
John D. Crossan
Theme music "Nigal."
00:59:07 |
Tue 31 Aug 2021
Exclusive Interview with ISIS Recruiter Parts 1 & 2
OK, OK! Maybe not THAT ISIS. This is pretty funny, not to mention ironic. As I'm going through all these ancient programs from the early years (these are probably 2002 or 03) I find a cassette that I…
00:54:07 |
Sun 29 Aug 2021
Interfaith Alliance Parts 1 & 2
OK Kids, this is one I found deep in the vault. I have no idea of the year, but I'm sure that these episodes aired around the turn of the century. Our guest was Harry Kooyman, who lived here in West…
00:56:22 |
Sat 28 Aug 2021
The Unvarnished New Testament Parts 1 & 2
I don't recall just when these episodes were broadcast, but I'm quite sure it would have been sometime between 2005-10. If you happen to be a Bible nerd I think you'll enjoy this. Our guest Andy Gaus…
00:55:56 |
Tue 24 Aug 2021
Deep Spirituality and Animal Welfare Parts 1 & 2
In 2008 Calvin College hosted a weekend long event that celebrated plant based diets. They drew their inspiration from biblical teachings. Now, Calvin is a very conservative school, but there is a pr…
00:56:02 |
Sun 22 Aug 2021
TheEncyclopdia of Sex Parts 1 & 2
As much as I enjoy sex (ahem...I mean discussing it academically, of course), I wouldn't have produced these episodes unless the subject matter was somehow related to religion/spirituality. And it tu…
00:56:34 |
Fri 20 Aug 2021
The Spiritual Brilliance of Thomas Merton Parts 1 & 2
These episodes, from 2008, are conversations with Morgan Atkinson. He wrote the book & TV special "Soul Searching," an in-depth discovery of Thomas Merton and his pioneering spiritual work.
Sometim…
00:54:28 |
Fri 20 Aug 2021
The Holy Vote: Politics in America Parts 1 & 2
Ray Suarez is one of my most favorite guests. I've been a major fan since he hosted "Talk of the Nation" on NPR back in the 90s. Is this interview dated? In a way, yes, because it was recorded in 200…
01:00:16 |
Thu 19 Aug 2021
Discovering God: The Origins of Religious Thinking Parts 1 & 2
These episodes are from 2008. Here I interview Dr. Rodney Stark from Baylor University. Interesting chap. One gets the impression that he doesn't suffer fools gladly...or easily. How much you wanna …
00:59:14 |
Sun 15 Aug 2021
Grand Dialogue: Science & Religion Parts 1 & 2
Holy Moses! I had thought that I'd digitized all the cassette tapes of old Common Threads programs a few months ago. Now, I discover a whole shoe box filled to the brim with more. Now we start the pr…
00:58:00 |
Sat 14 Aug 2021
The World Changing Life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu Parts 1 & 2
There is no question that one of the major game changer of the 20th century was Desmond Tutu. While I'd love to tell you that these episodes feature The Man himself, I am pleased to offer you a won…
00:56:41 |
Wed 11 Aug 2021
The American Religious Landscape at the Moment (Christianity) Parts 1 & 2
The Pew Survey on Religion in the USA is out now. I thought that I'd reach out to someone who could provide context & perspective on this. I happened upon an article online by Rev. Wes Granberg-Micha…
00:26:51 |
Fri 09 Jul 2021
Speak of the Devil: How The Satanic Temple is Changing the Way We Talk about Religion Parts 1 & 2
In all of the years of Common Threads it seems like we have never really given The Devil his due. I mean, where would religion be without him? Our interview here in these 2021 episodes try to accompl…
00:54:46 |
Tue 22 Jun 2021
Treating Emotional & Psychological Issues in the Hindu Community Parts 1 & 2
I've known Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria for several years now. As long as I've known her she was working toward her PhD in Psychology, with the goal of focusing her efforts on offering treatment to those …
00:56:45 |
Wed 16 Jun 2021
The Spiritual Audacity of Abraham Joshua Heschel Parts 1 & 2
One of the things I love to do from time to time is take advantage of the opportunity to promote some of the great programming that we air on our sister station WGVU-TV, our areas PBS affiliate. In …
00:54:48 |
Tue 15 Jun 2021
Private Love, Public School: Gay Teacher Under Fire Parts 1 & 2
Hey, I love West Michigan, really. We have to admit, however, that it's not a hotbed of progressive thought. It may take a while to catch up with other areas. This has surely been the case with wit…
00:54:19 |
Mon 14 Jun 2021
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