Love Period with Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

“Love calls us to ask a ubiquitous question that happens across all the world's major religions: What does my neighbor need?” In this monologue, Rev. Jacqui Lewis reflects on how love—real, active, justice-rooted love—liberates. Moving through what she calls a "freedom arc" from Juneteenth to Pride to Independence Day, she challenges listeners to see love not as sentiment, but as a call to action. Drawing on faith, history, and lived experience, Jacqui names the discomfort, courage, and intersectionality required to truly love our neighbors. Whether confronting injustice within systems or at the family dinner table, this episode is a bold reminder that love is both our ethic and our path to collective freedom. Resources: Check out Rev. Jacqui Lewis's new childrens book coming in September, the Just Love Story Bible at this link. Rev. Jacqui is hosting the Freedom Rising Conference this fall in New York City from October 31st - November 2nd, 2025. Learn more here.

"You are a theologian in residence in your own life, beloved." As we prepare for a brand new season in 2025, Rev. Jacqui wanted to do a series of monologues this fall exploring ways in which we could listen, learn, and lean into peace during these challenging times. In this monologue, Jacqui explores the power of love as a guiding principle in a world filled with division and hate. Drawing upon teachings within Christianity, and the power of Ubuntu, Jacqui explores how love is not just a personal sentiment, but a way of life that requires action, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the humanity in others. May you choose love as a lens through which to view the world, and to build communities that foster understanding and empathy for one another. Resources: A transcript for this episode can be found here.

What can we do today to prevent a bit more suffering for those around us? An award-winning writer who serves as Scholar in Residence at the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins Jacqui for the latest episode of Love Period, to discuss healing work that is happening around us even amid chaos and uncertainty. She offers: “We must do the best we can to prevent as much suffering as possible. That is our main job down here, on earth. That’s the work.” Don’t miss this moving conversation about finding clarity for the questions we face in our world today. Listen now online or subscribe to Love Period on your favorite podcast platform. Resources: Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's latest book On Repentance and Repair can be found here. The transcript for this episode can be found here.

What stories do we miss when we only read the Bible at the surface? In this episode, Rev. Natalie Perkins, co-author of the new book In Trembling Boldness, helps us take a deeper look at how we read and experience traditional from the Bible, as well as stories from extra-canonical texts. Natalie offers us this: “We often approach the Bible as fact. It’s not about fact. If we approached it more like poetry, we would get a richer sense of the nature of the Divine.” May this engaging conversation inspire you to change the way you read—and listen to—scripture. Resource: Natalie's book, In Trembling Boldness can be found here. Natalie's album can be found on Spotify | YouTube | and Apple Music. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

What modern rituals stir your heart? On this episode, Rev. Otis Moss III returns to the show and offers his perspective on what living a spiritually awakened life means for us today. He explains, “Love your neighbor. Love your neighbor as yourself. If you are devoid of self-love, if you hate who you are, then you are incapable of loving your neighbor. And maybe that’s the most insidious thing about white supremacy. Many of us don’t love ourselves enough to love our neighbor.” Resources: Rev. Otis Moss III's latest book, Dancing in the Darkness can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

What if we refused to break anyone’s heart—including our own? In this episode of Love Period, Jacqui Lewis speaks with Rabbi Josh Stanton, getting to the heart of Jesus’ radical teachings. If you have ever wondered how to love those you don’t understand (or even like), this episode offers guidance. Join us for this new season of Love Period where Jacqui invites theologians, scholars, and clergy from Abrahamic traditions to bring scriptural teachings back to their core—revealing key wisdom for our lives today. Resources: A transcript for this episode can be found here.

How do we teach our kids love and resilience in this divided world? On this episode of Love Period, writer, editor, and President of Interfaith Alliance, Paul Raushenbush joins Jacqui in a conversation about creating interfaith partnerships and the challenge of hopeful parenting. Listen in on Paul and Jacqui’s discussion on the importance of practicing self-love grounded in experiences of adversity. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Paul Rauschenbush: Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

What if we considered ourselves first responders to the fires burning in our lives? On this episode of Love Period, Rev. Jacqui invites her friend Kerri Kelly to the table to discuss the healing power of radical love. Amid unfairness of opportunity, capitalist culture, and a maze of misleading information, we need this love now more than ever — for ourselves, each other, and the world. Kerri Kelly is the author of “American Detox” and the founder of CTZNWELL, an organization that embraces a democratic approach to spiritual growth and wellness, Kerri Kelly offers her insights on what it means to cultivate wellness and deep spiritual belonging in an age of instant gratification. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. Kerri's new book American Detox can be found here The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Kerri Kelly: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

How do we walk through the fire? Trials in life have often been likened to an encounter with fire—first, we experience disorientation, but in the end, transformation, and renewal. In this episode, inter-spiritual scholar and mystical teacher, Mirabai Starr, joins Jacqui in conversation on wise ways to navigate the fires burning in our world. Embrace fire as a symbol for purging the elements of our lives that no longer serve us in loving each other more deeply. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. Mirabai's book, Wild Mercy can be found here. Mirabai's latest, St. John of the Cross: Luminous Darkness can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Mirabai Starr: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

How do our political realities affect our lives? Can we in fact, heal despite the very real threats that we face today? On this episode, Rev. Jacqui Lewis is joined by Rev. Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft the Executive Minister for Justice, Education & Movement Building at Middle Church, in conversation about the effect of political injustice on our lives. Jacqui and Amanda discuss loss and devastation—of loved ones, of spaces of safety and inspiration, and the work and clarity it demands to fiercely love ourselves and each other through challenging times. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. Amanda's conversation with Doug Pagitt can be found here. Amanda's reference of The Cut article can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rev. Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

What does your sanctuary look like? What does it feel like? On this episode, Rev. Jacqui invites author and educator Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts to the table to discuss the nature of joy—how to recognize it, feel it, and invite it into our lives. Through this stimulating conversation, explore how claiming a space of sanctuary can energize your journey of awakening. As a writer and thought-leader, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts offers those who read her work and hear her speak an authentic experience; an opportunity to explore the intersection of culture, identity and faith/spirituality at the deepest levels. She is the host of the podcast, HeARTtalk with Tracey Michae’l, and founder of HeARTspace, a healing community created to serve those who have experienced trauma of any kind through the use of storytelling and the arts. As a writer, Tracey has published eighteen books including several collaborations with numerous high-profile authors. In 2021, Tracey became one of 20 writers who contributed to the groundbreaking book, You are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience edited by acclaimed researcher, Brene Brown, and founder of the MeToo Movement, Tarana Burke. Her most recent publication is the critically-acclaimed book, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration (Gallery/Simon and Schuster) which has received rave reviews from celebrities like Kerry Washington, literary writers like Kiese Laymon and Deesha Philyaw, and media outlets like Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, and USA Today. Tracey has spoken on a number of platforms around the country on topics related to race/social justice, healing, and faith/spirituality. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. Tracey's new book, Black Joy can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Tracey Michae'l-Lewis Giggetts: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Kaliswa Brewster joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period, part of our special mini-series celebrating Black History Month. Kaliswa Brewster is an actress based in NYC and helped co-produce Seasons 1 and 2 of Love Period. Kaliswa has recurred on Showtime’s BILLIONS, ABC’s series TIME AFTER TIME, and RELEASE. Film credits include PATERNO for HBO Films starring Al Pacino, the feature film PAINT directed by Michael Walker, and THE BIT PLAYER for PBS. Guest star and other television credits include CBS’ GOD FRIENDED ME, BLUE BLOODS, Netflix’s DAREDEVIL & CBS’ UNFORGETTABLE. She has worked onstage at The Signature Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Hartford Stage, The Williamstown Theater Festival, The Guthrie Theater, and others. As a voice actor Kaliswa has appeared in various commercial ads, animation series (including Marvel), and her audiobook work can be found on Audible. She holds an MFA from American Conservatory Theater and a Certificate in Classical Theater from LAMDA in London. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Kaliswa Brewster: Instagram | Twitter Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Civil Rights icon Ruby Sales joins Jacqui for this episode of Love Period, part of our special mini-series celebrating Black History Month. Ruby is a leader in the Southern Freedom Movement, and a mentor to many, including Jacqui. Listen in as she and Ruby discuss what it means to be Black in America today. Ruby Sales is the founder and director of the Spirit House Project. She joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s as a teenager at Tuskegee University and went to work as a student freedom fighter in Lowndes County, Alabama. She is one of 50 African Americans to be spotlighted in the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. A deeply committed social activist, scholar, administrator, manager, public theologian and educator in the areas of civil, gender and other human rights, Sales has preached around the country on race, class, gender and reconciliation. She has done groundbreaking work on community and nonviolence formation, and also serves as a national convener of the Every Church A Peace Church Movement. Throughout her career, Sales has mentored young people and provided support and venues for an intergenerational community of developing and seasoned social justice performing and creative artists. She has a deep commitment to providing the education, practical experiences, and frame of references to contest racism and add their voices to the public conversations on the many streams of oppression that emerge from them. Resources: Jacqui’s new book Fierce Love can be found here. A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Ruby Sales: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | The SpiritHouse Project Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter