Best of "To Be and Do": Understanding ICE, Civil Enforcement, and the Immigration Legal Maze with Christie Popp

June 26, 2026 5:00am 17 min

Best of "To Be and Do":Show Notes: To Be and Do Podcast In this eye-opening episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Philip Amerson sit down with attorney Christie Popp, a founding partner at Popp and Bullman Law Offices, to...

Because: Welcoming Strangers and Neighbors: Reflections on Belonging and Hospitality

June 22, 2026 5:00am 5 min

Episode OverviewThe conversation focused on the concept of welcoming strangers and the deeper societal and spiritual meanings behind how new people are received into communities. Using examples from both Midwest traditio...

God Be With You Understanding the Heartfelt Power Behind Each Goodbye

June 19, 2026 5:00am 7 min

Episode SummaryThe conversation focused on the meaning of interdependence versus independence, reflecting on what it means to be part of a larger community. Marking a pause after nearly 100 episodes, the discussion explo...

Because: Trash on the Ground Divisions of Wealth, Blame, and Christian Charity

June 15, 2026 5:00am 5 min

This episode brings listeners a reflective monologue on the state of community, responsibility, and social judgment through the lens of everyday moments observed in a city neighborhood. The conversation focused on the is...

Lessons in Grief A Father’s Story of Faith Amid Tragedy with Tom Heaton

June 12, 2026 5:00am 23 min

Episode SummaryIn this deeply moving episode, Philip Amerson welcomes Tom Heaton for a candid and vulnerable conversation on grief, faith, and the abiding power of human connection. Tom Heaton, a pastor, blogger, and hum...

Because: Learning from Extended Families: Challenging Traditional Notions in Church Communities

June 08, 2026 5:00am 4 min

Episode OverviewThe conversation focused on reflecting upon recent calls by Indiana's governor and lieutenant governor to emphasize the biblical mandate behind the so-called "nuclear family" during the month of June. The...

Mission Guatemala’s Story: Partnership, Health, and Lasting Change with Tom Heaton

June 05, 2026 5:00am 18 min

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Phil Amerson sits down with Tom Heaton, founder of Mission Guatemala and longtime leader in missions and justice ministries in Indiana and beyond. Together, they explore Tom Heaton journe...

Because: Understanding Scripture: Exploring the Meaning Beyond the Words

June 01, 2026 5:00am 4 min

"Because of Scriptures"Episode SummaryIn this reflective episode, Speaker A (Phil Emerson) invites listeners to reconsider how they approach scriptures—not as a rigid rule book or quick-fix spiritual guide, but as a dive...

Rethinking Success: Education, Ethics, and the Future of America

May 29, 2026 5:00am 9 min

Episode OverviewIn this reflective episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson confronts the current moral and civic climate of America, with a focus on the shifting purpose of higher education, the role of public service, and...

Because: Discovering Faith Beyond the Institution: Embracing God’s Work Outside Church Walls

May 25, 2026 5:00am 3 min

Episode SummaryIn this reflective "Because" episode, Phil Amerson shares insights on faith, the evolving role of religious institutions, and how communities can rediscover a deeper sense of purpose by looking beyond orga...

Empowerment, Belonging, and Meaning: The Surprising Growth in Faith Communities

May 22, 2026 5:00am 14 min

To Be and Do PodcastEpisode OverviewIn this episode, Phil Amerson reflects on new research from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research regarding recent trends in American religious life. The episode explores the nu...

Because: Finding the Music of Faith Beyond the Instrument of Church

May 18, 2026 5:00am 3 min

In this reflective and thought-provoking "Because" episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson guides listeners through a contemplation of faith, community, and the essential distinction between form and substance in religious...

From Pulpit to Podcast: Brad Miller’s Journey of Faith, Laughter, and Transformation

May 15, 2026 5:00am 16 min

In this inspiring episode of the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson welcomes the multifaceted and ever-energetic Brad Miller, a retired United Methodist clergy whose dedication to ministry and media has only expanded in ...

Because: Discovering Faith Beyond Boundaries: The True Music of Parish Life

May 11, 2026 5:00am 3 min

In this reflective "Because" episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson explores the evolving nature of parish life, the power of faith expressed beyond institutional boundaries, and the temptation to focus on perfecting form...

Navigating Transitions: Circles, Triangles, and Leadership in Faith Communities with Jonathan Massimi

May 08, 2026 5:00am 20 min

Show Notes: To Be and DoGuest: Jonathan Massimi, Managing Director at Civic BloomHost: Phil AmersonEpisode OverviewIn this reflective episode, Jonathan Massimi delves into the complexities of leadership transitions withi...

Because: When Church Moves Beyond Walls: Communion From the Outside In

May 04, 2026 5:00am 4 min

Episode OverviewIn this reflective episode, Philip Amerson takes listeners behind the scenes of a pastors’ retreat he helped facilitate, diving into the “why” behind gathering faith leaders away from their usual busy rou...

Exploring Community, Memory, and Technology with Jonathan Massimi

May 01, 2026 5:00am 20 min

Episode OverviewIn this insightful episode, Phil Amerson reconnects with Jonathan Massimi in a reflective conversation exploring the intersections of technology, memory, and spiritual community. Together, they probe what...

BECAUSE: Finding Thin Places: Music, Community, and Spiritual Renewal at the New Harmony Retreat

April 27, 2026 5:00am 3 min

Connecting Community and Ministry: Tyler Brinks on Asset Based Development and Convening Change

April 24, 2026 5:00am 18 min

Connecting Community and Ministry: Tyler Brinks on Asset Based Development and Convening ChangeIn this insightful episode of To Be and Do, host Phil Amerson welcomes Reverend Tyler Brinks of First Presbyterian Church, Bl...

Because: After the Storm: Reflections on Belonging, Communion, and Hope for Humanity

April 20, 2026 5:00am 5 min

Because:To Be and Do: BecauseShow NotesIn this reflective episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson offers a brief meditation on the importance of togetherness, compassion, and the deeply spiritual act of sharing a meal. Roo...