Shunryu Suzuki:
Burn Yourself Up Completely

with Esther Freinkel Tishman

Shunryu Suzuki was a Japanese Zen master who introduced the West to Soto Zen Buddhism and founded the first Zen monastery outside of Asia. Known for teaching the practice of “beginner’s mind” and the profound koan of ordinary life as the Way.

Mother Maria Skobstova:
How a Rebel Nun Outsmarted the Nazis

with Rowan Williams

Mother Maria Skobstova was a revolutionary turned Russian Orthodox nun. Became the mayor of a Russian town; narrowly escaped execution; escaped to France where she practiced radical hospitality for refugees. Later she would save Jewish children from Nazis by hiding them in trash cans. She died in a concentration camp for her courageous work. "At the last judgment, I shall not be asked whether I was successful, but whether I loved." A bold, compassionate, unwavering human.

Rainer Maria Rilke:
Divine Longings

with Patrick Woodhouse

Rainer Maria Rilke was a celebrated Austrian poet and mystic, known for his profound reflections on love, death, and the divine. His writings have shaped the spiritual journeys of mystics, artists, and philosophers alike. “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” A deeply reflective, spiritually provocative, timeless person.

Hazrat Inayat Khan:
Awakening to the Sacred Music in All Things

with Omid Safi

Hazrat Inayat Khan was the Indian Sufi mystic and musician who brought Sufism to the West. He taught that love, harmony, and beauty transcend religious boundaries. "There is one God and one truth, one religion and one mysticism." A charismatic, unifying, spiritually radiant personality.

Carl Jung:
The Mystic Who Found God in the Unconscious

with Daniel Renaud

Carl Jung was a renowned Swiss psychologist and spiritual thinker, whose exploration of dreams, archetypes, and the shadow has shaped modern psychology and mysticism. “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” A revolutionary, introspective, profound human.

Charles de Foucauld: Radical Solidarity in the Sahara

with Fr Lenny Tighe

Charles De Foucauld was a former soldier turned desert hermit who lived a life of solitude, prayer, and service among the Tuareg people in Algeria. He fought French colonialism and the enslavement of indigenous people. "Cry the Gospel with your life." A quiet, loving, prophetic soul.

Barbara Holmes:
The Mystical Tradition of the African Diaspora 

with Felicia Murrell

Barbara Holmes was an African American scholar, mystic, and contemplative known for her work on the intersection of spirituality, race, and social justice. She integrated the wisdom of mysticism with deep insights into systemic oppression. "Contemplation can be a source of resistance." A grounded, inspiring activist.

John Muir:
What the Earth is Asking of Us

with John Philip Newell

John Muir was an environmentalist, writer, and founder of the Sierra Club, Muir saw nature as a direct manifestation of God. His devotion to preserving wild landscapes for future generations was fueled by mystical experiences in nature. "The mountains are calling and I must go." A reverent, passionate, and visionary leader.

Teilhard de Chardin:
Lured by Love

with Kathleen Duffy

Teilhard de Chardin was a Jesuit mystic and scientist who reconciled science and spirituality, envisioning the cosmos as a spiritual journey. "The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love." A bold, innovative, and cosmic thinker.

Edith Stein:
The Saint of Empathy

with Matthew Blake, OCD

Edith Stein was a leading Jewish philosopher turned Carmelite nun. As an atheist, she read Teresa of Avila’s autobiography through the night and in the morning declared, “This is the truth.” She wrote about empathy, suffering, and feminism. She was later killed in Auschwitz. A reflective, wise, and selfless person.

Dorothee Soelle:
The Mystical Feminist Who Transformed Theology through Suffering

Dorothee Soelle was a German theologian and mystic, known for her work on liberation theology and the connection between faith and social justice. She emphasized the importance of suffering, compassion, and solidarity. "The most radical thing we can do is to love." A thoughtful, radical, committed powerhouse.

Thea Bowman:
The Franciscan Who Reawakened the Spirit of Black Catholicism

with ValLimar Jansen

Thea Bowman was a Franciscan sister who celebrated her African American culture and called out the US Catholic bishops to do the same. She urged them to embrace diversity, advocate for justice, and promote inclusion, urging the Church to be more welcoming to people of all backgrounds. "We must be willing to be changed by God." A charismatic, joyful, inspiring person.