In this episode of The Academy Podcast, host Shalom Agtarap sits down with author, theologian, and Academy #44 faculty member Claire McKeever-Burgett to explore what it means to inhabit a spiritual life rooted in presence, connection, and the wisdom of the body. Drawing from her own journey of faith, Claire reflects on the rhythms and relationships that have shaped her spiritual formation—from encountering the Psalms as a young adult to finding companionship among the saints, family, spiritual friends, and the Academy community. She shares how prayer, parenting, grief, writing, and time in creation have taught her to recognize the sacred within the ordinary rhythms of life. Claire also explores the connection between spiritual formation and the way we show up in the world. Prayer, she suggests, cannot remain separate from our relationships, our pursuit of justice, or the ways we care for one another. Instead, spiritual practice forms us for lives of greater love, presence, and connection. Together, Shalom and Claire reflect on embodiment, retreat and return, the communities that hold us when life feels unsteady, and the freedom of releasing the need to master the spiritual life. Their conversation offers a simple invitation: take a breath, give yourself a break, and trust that before the rules, practices, and expectations, there is presence. Claire K. McKeever-Burgett is a feminist theologian, creative contemplative, author, and spiritual leader who unabashedly centers and celebrates the women of scripture—because without them, we’d be hard-pressed to have any of it in the first place. Her debut book, Blessed Are the Women: Naming and Reclaiming Women’s Stories from the Gospels, launched to a sold-out crowd at Parnassus Books, Nashville’s renowned woman-owned independent bookstore. Her sophomore book, In the Beginning Were the Women: Matriarchs, Mystics, Wise Women, and Warriors in the Hebrew Bible, released on October 21, 2025 and is available now. Claire will join Academy #44 in session five next year, teaching on Spirituality & Embodiment. Show Notes Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission. Audio editing and production by Tim Savage. A special thanks to the staff of The Upper Room, the Academy team, and everyone who helps bring this podcast to life. For more information and resources, visit academy.upperroom.org/resources Join Us The next Two-Year Academy begins October 26, 2026. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #44 and apply here. If you missed our discernment session, hear directly from Academy leaders as they share insights, answer questions, and offer space for reflection and discernment. Support Our Work If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at Academy.UpperRoom.org/donate
