From the Heart of the City

Conversations About Faith, Justice, Hope & Radical Hospitality

Hosted by Kevin George, Dean of Huron and Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown London, Ontario, each episode explores the stories, questions, and conversations that emerge from life at the corner of Queen and Richmond—where the church meets the city and the city shapes the church. Drawing on experiences from ministry, community life, current events, and everyday encounters, From the Heart of the City invites listeners into thoughtful conversations about what it means to live well together in a complex and often divided world. Some episodes feature authors, community leaders, and people with compelling stories to tell. Others are personal reflections on faith, culture, grief, joy, service, and the surprising ways God continues to show up in ordinary life. Whether discussing homelessness, spirituality, friendship, public life, or a day spent fishing on Lake Huron, the goal remains the same: to seek hope, practice justice, and extend radical hospitality. Join us at the crossroads. Faith. Justice. Hope. Radical Hospitality. deankevingeorge.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Season 1: Episode 4 - The Journey Beyond Certainty

    6d ago

    Season 1: Episode 4 - The Journey Beyond Certainty

    What if reality is more than what we can see? In this episode of From the Heart of the City, I sit down with author, pastor, and theologian Brian Zahnd to discuss his latest book, Unseen Existences. Over the course of our conversation, we explore some of the book’s most compelling themes: wonder, mystery, certainty, grief, creation, sacrament, and what it means to participate in the life of God. Brian reflects on his own spiritual pilgrimage, the dangers of “settled certitude,” the gift of theological curiosity, and why mature faith often requires us to remain pilgrims rather than presume we have arrived. We discuss the role of wonder in Christian discipleship, the tears of Jesus, the challenge of holding beauty and suffering together, and the invitation to see the world not as a collection of objects but as a creation saturated with divine love. More than a discussion about a book, this is a conversation about learning to see again—to recover a sense of awe in a world that often encourages cynicism, certainty, and reductionism. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of faith, mystery, suffering, or spiritual growth, I think you’ll find this conversation both challenging and deeply encouraging. I’d love to hear what resonates with you. Faith. Justice. Hope. Radical Hospitality. Listen now to my conversation with Brian Zahnd on From the Heart of the City. Get full access to Kevin George at deankevingeorge.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min
  2. Episode 1: Sabbath, Salmon, and the Gift of Delight

    Jun 5

    Episode 1: Sabbath, Salmon, and the Gift of Delight

    Episode 1: Sabbath, Salmon, and the Gift of Delight What does Sabbath look like in a world that never seems to stop? In the inaugural episode of From the Heart of the City, Kevin George reflects on a recent fishing trip on Lake Huron and the unexpected lessons it offered about friendship, healing, gratitude, and the spiritual practice of delight. After a difficult year recovering from a serious leg and ankle injury, Kevin shares how a simple gift from friends Jack Monk and Barney became much more than a day on the water. It became a reminder that healing is not only physical, and that some of God’s greatest gifts arrive through the kindness and attentiveness of others. Drawing on insights from John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Kevin explores the biblical meaning of Sabbath—not simply as stopping, but as delighting in God and God’s creation. Along the way, he reflects on friendship, radical hospitality, the pressures of modern life, and Jesus’ own remarkably unhurried way of moving through the world. Whether you’re carrying a heavy burden, recovering from a difficult season, or simply longing to slow down, this episode offers an invitation to pause, breathe, and rediscover the gift of delight. In This Episode The launch of From the Heart of the City Looking back on The Vicars’ Crossing Recovery after a serious leg and ankle injury A fishing trip on Lake Huron The gift of friendship and encouragement John Mark Comer’s understanding of Sabbath Why delight is a spiritual discipline Radical hospitality in everyday life Learning to pay attention to beauty and grace Memorable Quote “Perhaps holiness is not found only in what we accomplish. Perhaps holiness is also found in what we pay attention to.” Resources Mentioned The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer Connect From the Heart of the City is hosted by Kevin George, Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown London, Ontario. Faith. Justice. Hope. Radical Hospitality. Subscribe on Substack and follow for future episodes exploring the intersection of faith, public life, community, and the stories that emerge from the heart of the city. This show is dedicated to Jack Monk and Bjarne Andersen in thanksgiving for their kindness and love. Get full access to Kevin George at deankevingeorge.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min

About

Hosted by Kevin George, Dean of Huron and Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown London, Ontario, each episode explores the stories, questions, and conversations that emerge from life at the corner of Queen and Richmond—where the church meets the city and the city shapes the church. Drawing on experiences from ministry, community life, current events, and everyday encounters, From the Heart of the City invites listeners into thoughtful conversations about what it means to live well together in a complex and often divided world. Some episodes feature authors, community leaders, and people with compelling stories to tell. Others are personal reflections on faith, culture, grief, joy, service, and the surprising ways God continues to show up in ordinary life. Whether discussing homelessness, spirituality, friendship, public life, or a day spent fishing on Lake Huron, the goal remains the same: to seek hope, practice justice, and extend radical hospitality. Join us at the crossroads. Faith. Justice. Hope. Radical Hospitality. deankevingeorge.substack.com