Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe

The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

Welcome to Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe where we’ll connect faith questions and insights with the everyday realities of modern life. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore key theological concepts and their relevance to our daily lives, intentionally working to partner with God in healing the world with love. Delve into the depths of religious thought in the Episcopal tradition, uncovering diverse perspectives and philosophical insights. Engage in meaningful discussions on topics like ethics, spirituality, and fighting dehumanization. Bishop DeDe and the occasional guest will demystify theological complexities (and yes, even nerd out a bit), empowering you to apply these profound principles in your life. Together, let’s dig into the deep and old mysteries of faith and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world. Tune in for transformative experiences and rollicking discussions with Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe!

  1. MAR 31

    Taking Our Faith Out Into the World

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually look like to live your faith in everyday life—at work, in hard conversations, in disappointment, and in a world that often feels heavy? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam talk about what it means to carry faith beyond church walls and into ordinary life. The conversation begins with a question many people are quietly asking: Is it okay to feel joy when there is so much suffering in the world? Bishop DeDe reflects on the idea that joy, kindness, generosity, and compassion are not ways of ignoring the world’s pain—they are acts of resilience, resistance, and faith. Living a good, joyful, compassionate life is not selfish; it is part of our Christian witness. A major theme in this episode is that most of the time, we share our faith not through words, but through how we live. How we treat coworkers, how we handle conflict, whether we gossip or show integrity, whether we are kind, honest, prepared, respectful, and compassionate—these things speak louder than any religious language ever could. Faith in the workplace often looks like integrity, consistency, humility, and treating every person with dignity. The conversation also explores how to talk about faith in a way that is life-giving rather than harmful or fear-based. Too often, Christianity has been associated with judgment, fear, or exclusion. Instead, we are called to be self-defined by love, repentance, forgiveness, and resurrection—not by anger, fear, or the need to win arguments. The goal is not to shout louder, but to live differently. Bishop DeDe also reflects on the pattern of the Christian life as a constant movement through death and resurrection. We experience this pattern in conflicts, failures, job loss, broken relationships, disappointment, and grief. There are moments when things fall apart, when we feel lost or in despair, when we feel like we are in the Garden of Gethsemane asking for the cup to pass from us. But those moments are not separate from faith—they are part of the spiritual journey. The promise of resurrection is that despair and failure are never the end of the story. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to live intentionally and faithfully wherever you are—in your workplace, your family, your friendships, and your community. You may not always be able to preach about faith, but you can always live it. Every act of kindness, integrity, forgiveness, compassion, and humility is a way of taking your faith out into the world. As the episode reminds us, we cannot fix everything, and we cannot carry the whole world. But we can do the next faithful thing in front of us. We can bring love into the spaces we inhabit. We can choose not to dehumanize others. We can rest, pray, begin again, and keep moving forward. And in every season—whether in joy, failure, doubt, grief, or hope—the promise remains the same: You are loved beyond measure. And you are called to be a blessing. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    36 min
  2. MAR 24

    Dealing With The Exhaustion

    Send us Fan Mail Many people right now aren’t just tired—they’re spiritually, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam talk about what it means to live faithfully when you feel overwhelmed by the world, the news, expectations, and the pressure to always be informed, always be active, and always be okay. This conversation centers on finding stability in unstable times. Bishop DeDe reflects on the importance of grounding practices—simple, intentional habits that bring us back to the present moment and back to God. Prayer, breath prayers, mindfulness exercises, journaling, rest, creative outlets, and even setting boundaries around news and social media are not selfish practices; they are spiritual practices that help us remain whole and faithful in a chaotic world. A key theme in this episode is the balance between activism and self-care. Faith calls us to care about the world and to work for justice and peace, but we cannot pour from an empty cup. Even Jesus rested, stepped away from crowds, slept during storms, and showed human emotion, anxiety, grief, and compassion. Our vulnerability, doubt, and imperfection are not failures of faith—they are part of being human and part of being faithful. The conversation also reminds us that small acts matter. Kindness, gratitude, listening to someone, being present in our daily lives—these are not small in the eyes of God. When the world feels overwhelming, we often think we need to do something huge to make a difference, but most of us are called to be faithful in ordinary moments with the people right in front of us. Ultimately, this episode is about learning to live with humility and intentionality. We cannot control everything happening in the world, but we can choose how we pray, how we speak, how we rest, how we treat others, and how we care for our own souls. Faith does not remove exhaustion, but it can give us stability, hope, and the strength to keep going—one faithful step at a time. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    29 min
  3. MAR 6

    Dealing With The Grief Around Us

    Send us Fan Mail Why does everything feel so heavy right now? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam name what many of us are carrying: grief. We've talked about the grief of personal loss, but this episode, we dive into grief over a world that feels unstable—seeminglt rife with division, conflict, strained relationships, and the constant churn of social media. Bishop DeDe reminds us that much of our anger and anxiety is rooted in sorrow. When we don’t acknowledge that grief, it can harden into blame or dehumanization. The invitation instead is to slow down and return to the foundations of our faith: scripture, prayer, humility. We are not God, and we are not responsible for fixing everything. One surprising theme in this conversation is whimsy. In overwhelming times, small acts of joy—learning something new, creating, laughing, stepping away from the noise—aren’t distractions. They’re stabilizers. They help keep our hearts soft. The episode also offers practical wisdom for navigating conflict, especially online. Social media rarely changes hearts. Relationships are built through patience, mercy, and restraint. Sometimes faithfulness looks like choosing not to engage. At its core, this conversation is about tending your soul so that what flows from you is compassion rather than fear. You are not called to save the world. You are called to love within it. Even now, you are loved, you are blessed—and you can be a blessing. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    32 min
  4. FEB 20

    Building Relationships for Change

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually cost to talk about faith right now? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam take an honest look at how difficult—and necessary—it is to speak about faith in a world shaped by division, polarization, and deeply entrenched opinions. When conversations quickly become debates, and debates become battlegrounds, how do we remain rooted in Jesus? The heart of this conversation is a call to love with courage. That means approaching difficult dialogue not with a desire to win, but with humility, dignity, and a genuine commitment to understanding. It also means recognizing our own complicity in the brokenness around us. Before we point outward, we are invited to look inward—to examine where fear, comfort, or silence may be holding us back from living the Gospel fully. Taking up our cross, they reflect, isn’t abstract. It involves letting go of ego, defensiveness, and the need to be right. It requires naming sin honestly—including racism—and refusing to tolerate systems or language that diminish the image of God in others. Faith is not performative; it is transformative. And transformation often begins in personal encounters that challenge us, stretch us, and change our hearts. Throughout the episode, Bishop DeDe and Adam emphasize that compassion and empathy are not optional extras in Christian life—they are essential. When we engage one another with dignity, especially across disagreement, we embody the redemptive love we claim to follow. Seeking understanding rather than rebuttal becomes an act of discipleship. This episode ultimately invites listeners to see themselves as agents of change—not through force or argument, but through patient, courageous, Christ-centered love. In a divided world, the witness of our faith may be less about what we say and more about how we love. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    32 min
  5. FEB 17

    Speaking Of Lent In 2026

    Send us Fan Mail What is Lent really about?  In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam  reflect on the invitation of Lent and the deep symbolism of Ash Wednesday. Together, they explore repentance not as shame or self-punishment, but as a turning—an intentional return to God marked by honesty, humility, and hope. The ashes placed on our foreheads are not just a ritual gesture. They are a reminder of our mortality, our fragility, and our need to live with intention. Yet they are also a sign of renewal—a declaration that no matter where we’ve been, God’s love remains present, steady, and ready to help us begin again. This conversation challenges listeners to examine the authenticity of their faith practices. Are we going through the motions, or are we allowing God to truly shape us? Lent becomes more than a season of giving something up—it becomes an opportunity to grow deeper in compassion, justice, and love of neighbor. Throughout the episode, Bishop DeDe reminds us that the Church’s mission is not only personal transformation but also communal responsibility: advocating for justice, caring for our neighbors, and engaging in faith conversations that invite rather than condemn. Lent is not only about penitence. It is about hope—the kind of hope that believes change is possible and that grace meets us exactly where we are. What You'll Take Away From This Episode: Lent invites reflection and intentional livingRepentance means turning back to God with honesty and humilityAshes symbolize both mortality and renewalAuthentic faith practices lead to genuine spiritual growthHope is central to Lent—not just penitenceThe Church is called to advocate for justice and care for neighborsConversations about faith should be inviting, not condemningGod’s love is constant, always offering a fresh startCommunity strengthens and sustains our spiritual journeysEngaging in honest dialogue deepens understanding and faithAI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    31 min
  6. JAN 23

    Faith In A Divided World

    Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to speak about faith when the world feels fractured, loud, and increasingly polarized? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam  wrestle with the challenges of naming Christian belief in a time marked by deep division and fear. When conversations about faith quickly turn into point-counterpoint debates—or weapons meant to prove who’s right—how do we remain rooted in the way of Jesus? Bishop DeDe reflects on why talking about faith can feel risky right now, especially when self-righteousness often replaces humility and curiosity. Rather than arguing our way to truth, she invites listeners to begin somewhere deeper: with repentance—a willingness to change our minds, examine our assumptions, and let Jesus reshape how we see the world. This episode calls us back to the practices that ground and transform us: scripture, prayer, and honest self-reflection. Before we rush to act or react, we are reminded that lasting change begins within. Only when we do the inner work can our outward actions reflect compassion, dignity, and love—especially toward those we disagree with. In a divided world, this conversation offers a faithful reminder that the call of Christianity is not to win arguments, but to follow Jesus with humility, courage, and hope. Takeaways Speaking openly about faith can feel risky in today’s polarized climateRepentance invites us to change our minds and hearts, not defend our egosHumility and curiosity are essential for meaningful conversationThe urge to be right often leads to dehumanization and fearJesus calls us away from self-righteousness and toward understandingScripture and prayer must ground our responses to divisionTrue transformation begins with inner work before outward actionAI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    29 min
  7. JAN 16

    Shouting Down The Bear

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe invites listeners into a powerful reflection on fear, grief, justice, and courage—and what it means to speak truth to power when the stakes feel high. Drawing on the image of “shouting down the bear,” Bishop DeDe names the reality that fear is often loud, intimidating, and paralyzing—but faith calls us not to retreat, but to speak, pray, and act anyway. The conversation explores how faith shows up in moments of grief and uncertainty, particularly when injustice feels overwhelming. Bishop DeDe reflects on the necessity of grounding ourselves in prayer first, allowing grief to teach us rather than harden us, and then finding the courage to speak honestly and act faithfully in the world. Central to this episode is the call to rehumanize one another, especially those we disagree with. Language matters. When we dehumanize others, we cut ourselves off from empathy, compassion, and the ability to see Christ in every person. True repentance, Bishop DeDe reminds us, is not about shame or self-flagellation—it is about changing our minds and hearts so we can live differently going forward. This episode challenges listeners to consider how faith shapes not only what we believe, but how we respond to fear, injustice, and one another. Shouting down the bear is not about winning an argument or being right—it’s about becoming holy, faithful people who trust that God’s strength meets us when we act with courage and compassion. Key Themes & Takeaways We are called to pray first, then speak, then actGrief can open us to deeper understanding rather than closing us offSpeaking honestly about faith can foster mutual understandingRepentance means changing our minds and choosing a new way forwardOur Baptismal Covenant calls us to seek and serve Christ in all personsDehumanizing language prevents empathy and healingCompassion is essential when addressing injusticeJustice and dignity must always go hand in handFaith gives us strength to face fear and speak truthIt’s not about being right—it’s about becoming holyAI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time,  many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

    32 min
4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe where we’ll connect faith questions and insights with the everyday realities of modern life. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore key theological concepts and their relevance to our daily lives, intentionally working to partner with God in healing the world with love. Delve into the depths of religious thought in the Episcopal tradition, uncovering diverse perspectives and philosophical insights. Engage in meaningful discussions on topics like ethics, spirituality, and fighting dehumanization. Bishop DeDe and the occasional guest will demystify theological complexities (and yes, even nerd out a bit), empowering you to apply these profound principles in your life. Together, let’s dig into the deep and old mysteries of faith and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world. Tune in for transformative experiences and rollicking discussions with Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe!

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