The Reformed Journal Podcast
By Reformed Journal
The Reformed Journal PodcastMay 07, 2024
“Known” by Haley Hodges Schmid
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Haley Hodges Schmid about her poem “Known.” Haley is an MFA (Poetry) candidate at Seattle Pacific University. She holds qualifications from Hope College, Shenandoah Conservatory, and Oxford University. Her work has been published in Cassandra Voices and Ekstasis Magazine. Recent projects also include The Gun Mass, an international collaborative choral work with music by Jamie Powe. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and young son.
“Vespers” by Matthew Pullar
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Matthew Pullar about his poem “Vespers.” Matthew is a teacher and writer based in Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of three collections of poetry. You can read “Vespers” on reformedjournal.com.
“Parable of the Lost” by Bethany Besteman
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Bethany Besteman about her poem “Parable of the Lost.” Bethany works as a worship coordinator and a church administrator for Silver Spring CRC in Maryland. She's also the intake editor for Reformed Worship. You can read “Parable of the Lost” at reformedjournal.com.
“A Recovered Alcoholic-Addict Talks of Grace” by LC Gutierrez
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews LC Gutierrez about his poem “A Recovered Alcoholic-Addict Talks of Grace.” LC is a product of many places in the South and the Caribbean, as well as writing and comparative literature programs at Louisiana State and Tulane University. An erstwhile academic, he now writes, teaches and plays trombone in Madrid, Spain. His work is published or forthcoming in Notre Dame Review, Dunes Review, Rougarou, Apricity, and other wonderful journals.
“How to Reconcile with a Brother” by Jo Taylor
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Jo Taylor about her poem, “How to Reconcile with a Brother.” Jo is a retired, 35-year English teacher from Georgia. Her favorite genre to teach high school students was poetry, and today she dedicates more time to writing it, her major themes focused on family, place, and faith. She says she writes to give testimony to the past and to her heritage. She has been published in several journals, both on-line and in print, and in 2021, she published her first collection of poems, Strange Fire.
“Be Killing Sin” by Cody Adams
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Cody Adams on his poem “Be Killing Sin.” Cody is an English teacher from Buffalo, NY. His poetry has appeared in Ekstasis Magazine, Heart of Flesh, Cacti Fur, among others. He received the 2016 Clarence Amann award for his short story Unstuck. He also serves as a Board Member for Forefront Festival.
“Above the Tree Line” by Lynn Domina
In this episode of the Poetry Edition of the Reformed Journal Podcast, Rose Postma interviews Lynn Domina about her poem “Above the Tree Line.” Lynn is the author of 3 collections of poetry and a professor at Northern Michigan University. Her articles have appeared in Studies in American Indian Literature, a/b: Auto/Biography Studies, and other academic journals and edited collections. She lives with her family in Marquette, on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior.
Love Like an Ocean (Metaphysicals XIV) by DS Martin
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews DS Martin about his poem Love Like an Ocean (Metaphysicals XIV) inspired by one of John Donne’s Holy Sonnets. Don is a widely published poet and the Poet-in-Residence at McMaster Divinity College. He's also a series editor for the Poiema Poetry Series. You can listen to other poems in this series in The Reformed Journal Podcast. You can also read the other poems by DS Martin on our website.
“Everything That Rises” by Josiah A. Cox
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Josiah Cox about his poem “Everything That Rises.” Josiah is a writer, editor, and educator from Kansas City, Missouri. He holds an MAR from Yale Divinity School and an MFA from The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University, where he currently serves as a junior lecturer. He has served editorial roles with various journals and presses, including Yale University Press, The Yale Review, and The Hopkins Review.
“Oversight” by Paul J. Willis
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Paul J. Willis about his poem “Oversight.” Paul is a retired professor of English from Westmont College and the author of several collections of poetry. His most recent poetry collection is Somewhere to Follow. His newest project is entitled A Radiant Birth: Advent Reading for a Bright Season, which he co-edited and is published by InterVarsity Press.
"Somewhere in the Judean Hills" by James C. Schaap
On the last episode of the holiday special by James C. Schaap, author and retired English professor, he reads "Somewhere in the Judean Hills."
Today, the youngest shepherd in the hills is the one directed to stay behind with the sheep when the others go to Bethlehem.
“Advent: A Crown of Sonnets” by Eric Potter
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Eric Potter about his poem “Advent: A Crown of Sonnets.” Eric is the author of several chapbooks and poetry collections, including “Things Not Seen.” He is also a professor of English at Grove City College, where he teaches courses in modern poetry, American literature, and creative writing.
“The Shroud of Turin” by James C. Schaap
On the third episode of the holiday special by James C. Schaap, author and retired English professor, James reads the “Shroud of Turin.”
Today, a holiday visit to her daughter’s family— far, far away— stresses a recently-widowed grandma who wants, more than anything, for her beloved family not to forget the child come to earth for those he loves.
“Announcement” by Lory Widmer Hess
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Lory Widmer Hess about her poem "Announcement." Lory is an American currently living with her family in Switzerland. She works with adults with developmental disabilities and is in training as a spiritual director. Her publication credits include Parabola, Amethyst Review, and Ekstasis, and her book When Fragments Make a Whole: A Personal Journey Through Healing Stories in the Bible will be published by Floris Books in 2024. Visit her website and blog at enterenchanted.com.
"Testimony" by James C. Schaap
On the second episode of the holiday special by James C. Schaap, author and retired English professor, James shares “Testimony.”
Today, an arrogant artist who proudly calls himself elitist agrees to narrate the simple holiday program at his church, and is startled to find himself on his knees on Christmas Eve.
"Forgetting Jesus" by James C. Schaap
This is the first episode of the holiday special by James C. Schaap, author and retired English professor. Today, an eighth grader, fed up with smarmy Sunday School Christmas programs, races home to find a baby Jesus doll, only to discover, slowly, something she had never pondered about the gift in the manger.
“Anti-Hero” by Nathaniel A. Schmidt
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Nathaniel Schmidt about his poem “Anti-Hero,” based on Matthew 26:52. Nathaniel A. Schmidt is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America and serves as a hospice and hospital chaplain. He holds degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary, Calvin University, and The University of Illinois, Springfield. His newest poetry collection, Transfiguring, is out from Whippenstock.
“Desert Eyes” by Mary Grace Mangano
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Mary Grace Mangano about her poem “Desert Eyes.” Mary Grace has worked as a middle and high school English teacher in several major cities and has published freelance and creative writing. She received her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of St. Thomas in Houston as an inaugural Gioia Family Fellowship recipient and as a member of the first cohort to graduate from the program. Currently, she is an adjunct professor teaching a first-year course on the Catholic intellectual tradition at Seton Hall University.
“Sarah, Long Suffering” by Patricia L. Hamilton
In this episode of the Reformed Journal Podcast, Rose Postma interviews Patricia L. Hamilton about her poem “Sarah, Long Suffering.” Patricia is a professor of English at Union University and the author of The Distance to Nightfall. She won the Rasch Award in Poetry in 2015 and 2017 and has received three Pushcart nominations.
“Butterfly” by Harold J. Recinos
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Rev. Dr. Harold J. Recinos about his poem “Butterfly.” Harold is professor of church and society at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. A cultural anthropologist, he specializes in work and ethnographic writing dealing with undocumented Central American migrants and the Salvadoran diaspora. He has published numerous articles, chapters in collections, and written major works in theology and culture, including ten collections of poetry. His most recent collections of poetry, all published by Wipf & Stock, are No Room (2020), Wading in the River (2021), After Dark (2021), The Days You Bring (2022)—nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in poetry—The Looking Glass (2023), and Tell Somebody (2023). Rev. Dr. Recinos’s poetry has also been featured in Anglican Theological Review, Weavings, Sojourners, Anabaptist Witness, The Arts, Afro-Hispanic Review, and Perspective, among others.
Jennifer Holberg’s Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith
In this episode of the Reformed Journal Podcast, book review editor Deb Van Duinen interviews Jennifer Holberg, professor of English and department chair at Calvin University, co-director of Calvin's Center for Faith and Writing, and frequent writer for the Reformed Journal. Jennifer discusses her recently published book, Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith.
“Nominal APR as Call to Worship, or the Glorious Application of the Immutable Rule of 72 to the Words of the Prophet” by Bill Stadick
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Bill Stadick about his poem “Nominal APR as Call to Worship, or the Glorious Application of the Immutable Rule of 72 to the Words of the Prophet.” Bill has published poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction in The Christian Century, The Windhover, Relief Journal, The Ekphrastic Review, First Things and other publications. His poetry chapbook, Family Latin, is available from Finishing Line Press and selections of his work appear in two anthologies: In a Strange Land: Introducing Ten Kingdom Poets, available from Wipf and Stock as part of its Poiema Poetry Series and Taking Root in the Heart: A Collection of 34 Poets from The Christian Century, available from Paraclete Press.
“Harlem Sunday” by Julie Moore
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Julie L. Moore about her poem “Harlem Sunday.” A Best of the Net and eight-time Pushcart Prize nominee, Julie is the author of four poetry collections, including, most recently, Full Worm Moon, which won a 2018 Woodrow Hall Top Shelf Award and received honorable mention for the Conference on Christianity and Literature's 2018 Book of the Year Award. Recent poetry has appeared in African American Review, Image, Quartet, Sojourners, SWWIM, Thimble, and Verse Daily. Learn more about her work at julielmoore.com
“250th Anniversary: Newbury Congregational Church” by Sydney Lea
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Sydney Lea about his poem “250th Anniversary: Newbury Congregational Church.” Sydney was Poet Laureate of Vermont from 2011-2015. In 2021, He received Vermont’s highest artistic distinction, The Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. In 2022, he published Seen from all Sides: Lyric and Everyday Life, a collection of newspaper columns on poetry, composed during Lea’s laureate tenure. He is the author of 16 collections of poetry and in early 2024, his collection of personal essays, Such Dancing as I Can, will appear, and later in the year, his second novel, Now Look.
“Nighthawk in Hand” by Ellis Purdie
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Ellis Purdie about his poem “Nighthawk in Hand.” Ellis earned a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of Southern Mississippi. He now teaches at East Texas Baptist University. When he is not teaching, he is usually reading, working on his own creative writing, seeing films, or working with animals.
“The Waiting Room” by Sarah Reardon
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Sarah Reardon about her poem “The Waiting Room.” Sarah teaches at a classical Christian school in Philadelphia and is pursuing an MFA from the University of St. Thomas Houston.
"Ash Wednesday" by Jill Baumgaertner
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Jill Baumgaertner about her poem "Ash Wednesday.” Jill is Professor Emerita of English and former Dean of Humanities and Theological Studies at Wheaton College. She is also poetry editor at The Christian Century. She has recently published a poetry collection called From Shade to Shine: New Poems, and an anthology called Taking Root in the Heart.
“Among Autumn Maples” by Andrew Lansdown
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Andrew Lansdown about his poem “Among Autumn Maples.” Andrew is a widely published and award-winning Australian writer. His most recent books are: Distillations of Different Lands, Kyoto Momiji Tanka: Poems and Photographs of Japan in Autumn, and Abundance: New and Selected Poems.
“In Blind Faith” by K.G. Munro
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews K.G. Munro about her poem “In Blind Faith.” Kristen is an author and poet, and has been published by Agape Review, Poetry Potion, Love Poetry amongst many others.
“Slaughterhouse” by Katlyn DeVries
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Katlyn DeVries about her poem “Slaughterhouse.” Katlyn runs the writing studio at Western Theological Seminary. She is also a Doctor of Ministry candidate and Ginod Assistant at Western.
“The Quiet-Out-Loud” by Jacob Schepers
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma talks to Jacob Schepers about his poem “The Quiet-Out-Loud.” Jacob Schepers is a writer and professor at University of Notre Dame. He is the author of A Bundle of Careful Compromises, and his writing has appeared in or is forthcoming from such places as Verse, The Common, The Fanzine, Entropy, Tupelo Quarterly, and The Destroyer, among others.
“Journey of Monarchs” by Jessamyn Rains
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Jessamyn Rains about her poem “Journey of Monarchs.” Jessamyn is a homeschooling mom of four who writes and makes music. Her writing appears and is forthcoming in several publications, including Dappled Things and Kosmeo Magazine, which she helps to edit. You can also listen to her music on her YouTube channel.
“True Believer” by Kevin LaTorre
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Kevin LaTorre about his poem “True Believer.” Kevin is a poet and writer living with his family in North Carolina. His work has appeared in The Blotter, Echo Literary Magazine, Walter Magazine, Ad Fontes, and the Front Porch Republic. He writes about poetry, Christianity, and literature at kevinlatorre.substack.com.
“Beginning” by Mark Bennion
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Mark Bennion about his poem “Beginning.” Mark teaches writing and literature at Brigham Young University- Idaho. His latest book of poetry “Beneath the Falls” was released by Resource Publications in 2020.
"Sidewalk Cracks (Metaphysicals V)" by D.S. Martin
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews D.S. Martin about his poem "Sidewalk Cracks (Metaphysicals V)" inspired by John Donne's 19 Holy Sonnets. Don is a widely published poet and the Poet-in-Residence at McMaster Divinity College. He's also a series editor for the Poiema Poetry Series. You can listen to “Garden,” the first poem in this series in The Reformed Journal Podcast. You can also read the other poems in this series on our website.
“There is a Door” by Kimberly Phinney
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Kimberly Phinney about her poem “There is a Door.” Kimberly is a national award-winning educator, English professor, and professional photographer. She studied at Goddard’s MFA program in Creative Writing. After surviving severe illness in 2021, she’s earning her doctorate in counseling to help the marginalized and suffering. Visit her literary community at www.TheWayBack2Ourselves.com and on Instagram @thewayback2ourselves.
“Jobless Too Long: Variations on a Theme by Milton” by Richard St. John
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Richard St. John about his poem “Jobless Too Long: Variations on a Theme by Milton.” Richard is a nationally-published poet whose newest collection of poetry, Book of Entangled Souls, was published in June 2022. He received degrees in English from Princeton University and the University of Virginia. He lives in Pittsburgh with his wife.
“Into the Water” by Dave Warners
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Dave Warners about his poem “Into the Water.” Dave is a biology faculty member at Calvin University and director of Plaster Creek Stewards. He also teaches a summer course at Au Sable Institute. He and his wife Teri have three children who are involved in a variety of musical, artistic and athletic activities.
“Red-Flowering Currant” by Paul J. Willis
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Paul J. Willis about his poem “Red-Flowering Currant.” Paul is a retired professor of English and the author of seven collections of poetry. His most recent poetry collection is Somewhere to Follow.
“Faux Thaw” by D. R. James
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews D. R. James about his poem “Faux Thaw." David has retired from teaching college writing, literature, and peace studies. He is the author of the full-length poetry collections Mobius Trip.
"Coalsack Nebula" by Laura Reece Hogan
In this episode of the poetry edition, Rose Postma interviews Laura Reece Hogan about her poem “Coalsack Nebula.” Laura is the author of Litany of Flights, O Garden-Dweller, and I Live, No Longer I. "Coalsack Nebula" was originally published in America Magazine and will appear in a collection called Butterfly Nebula from the University of Nebraska Press on October 2023.
“Happy Lent” by Justin Lacour
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Justin Lacour about his poem “Happy Lent.” Justin lives in New Orleans and edits Trampoline: A Journal of Poetry. He is also the author of the chapbook, Mr. Gravity’s Blue Holiday.
“Lost Fragment from an Interview with Her Maid” by Lynn Domina
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Lynn Domina about her poem “Lost Fragment from an Interview with Her Maid.” Lynn is the author of two collections of poetry, Corporal Works and Framed in Silence, and the editor of a collection of essays, Poets on the Psalms. Her most recent book is a collection of reflections, Devotions from HERstory: 31 Days with Women of Faith. She is a professor of English at Northern Michigan University and is Creative Writing Editor of The Other Journal.
Charles Marsh
Jeff Munroe interviews Charles Marsh about his latest book, Evangelical Anxiety: A Memoir. Charles is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia and Director of the Live Theology Project. They discuss Charles’ upbringing in an evangelical family and culture in the South during the late 1960s, as well as his mental health journey as an adult.
“The Fog” by Cole Hartin
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Cole Hartin about his poem “The Fog.” Rev. Cole Hartin is Rector of St. Luke's Church in Saint John, New Brunswick and lives near the Bay of Fundy, on Canada's East Coast. His popular writing and commentary has been published by Christianity Today, The Toronto Star, Huffington Post, and other places.
“Proclaiming Psalm 19 from a Lakeside Dock” by Steven Peterson
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Steven Peterson about his poem “Proclaiming Psalm 19 from a Lakeside Dock.” Steven is poet and playwright living in Chicago. His recent poems appear in Alabama Literary Review, America, The Christian Century, and other journals. He is currently a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists.
“Merton’s Surprise” by Angela Alaimo O’Donnell
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Angela Alaimo O’Donnell about her poem “Merton’s Surprise.” Angela is a writer, poet, and professor at Fordham University in New York City where she teaches English, Creative Writing, and American Catholic Studies. She has written 10 books of poetry.
“Psalms Too” by Mischa Willett
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Mischa Willett about his poem “Psalms Too.” Mischa is the author of two critically-acclaimed books of poetry: The Elegy Beta and Phases, and is editor of Philip James Bailey’s epic Festus. He teaches in the English Department at Seattle Pacific University and in its MFA program in Creative Writing.
“The 200 Pagan Students of St. Cassian of Imola” by Marjorie Maddox
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Marjorie Maddox about her poem “The 200 Pagan Students of St. Cassian of Imola.” Marjorie has published fourteen collections of poetry and is Professor of English and Creative Writing at Lockhaven University. This poem is part of her newest poetry collection entitled Begin with a Question from Paraclete Press.
“Hawk Lies Down With Rabbit” by Seth Wieck
In this episode of the Poetry Edition, Rose Postma interviews Seth Wieck about his poem “Hawk Lies Down with Rabbit.” Seth was born in Texas and received his BA in English and philosophy from West Texas A&M University. In 2018, he won the Rash Award in Fiction from the Broad River Review. He lives in Amarillo with his wife and two sons and teaches high school literature.