In this conversation, host Shalom Agtarap is joined by Frank Rogers, spiritual director, teacher, author, and co-director of the Center for Engaged Compassion. Drawing from decades of work in spiritual formation and compassion studies, Frank reflects on the sacred rhythms that sustain us, the restorative power of contemplative practice, and the call to embody compassion in a fractured world. Together, they explore what it means to come back home to ourselves in the midst of inner chaos, how self-compassion can become a path toward healing and spiritual resilience, and why compassion remains essential in times marked by polarization, fear, and disconnection. Frank also shares how his own life journey shaped his vocation, offering wisdom on trusting the deep truth within and tending our inner lives with care rather than judgment. With gentleness, honesty, and hope, Frank reminds us that the compassion we seek is not far away, but already alive within us — and that the spiritual life invites us to remember, trust, and live from that truth. Dr. Frank Rogers Jr. is the Muriel Bernice Roberts Professor of Spiritual Formation and Narrative Pedagogy and the codirector of the Center for Engaged Compassion at the Claremont School of Theology. His research and teaching focus is on spiritual formation that is contemplative, creative, and socially liberative. A trained spiritual director and experienced retreat leader, Rogers has written on the interconnections between spirituality, social engagement, and compassion. Frank lives in southern California with his wife, Dr. Alane Daugherty, with whom he shares three young adult sons, Justin, Michael, and Sammy. With his wife, he loves to run, camp, snorkel, and follow baseball. He is also the author of Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus, Revised Edition, out May 2026 from Upper Room Books. 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 The next Two-Year Academy begins October 26, 2026. Learn more about Two-Year Academy #44 and apply here. 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 Show Notes:Join UsSupport Our Work
