Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
Stories, Songs, and Stones: Ed Kilbourne on Faith, Laughter, and Spiritual Change
Jan. 8, 2026

Stories, Songs, and Stones: Ed Kilbourne on Faith, Laughter, and Spiritual Change

The latest episode of "To Be and Do," hosted by Philip Amerson, was a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply reflective conversation with folk singer, storyteller, and self-proclaimed "folk theologian" Ed Kilbourne. With decades of performing experi…
"Because" - Reflections for the New Year: Wisdom, Faith, and “Wiggling On” with Phil Amerson
Jan. 1, 2026

"Because" - Reflections for the New Year: Wisdom, Faith, and “Wiggling On” with Phil Amerson

 As the year 2026 dawns, Phil Amerson invites us into a space of reflection, possibility, and quiet wisdom in the latest "Because" episode of To Be and Do. His brief yet meaningful meditation draws from personal milestones, spiritual t…
Entering My Ninth Decade:  Phil Amerson  Looks Back and Ahead at Turning 80
Jan. 1, 2026

Entering My Ninth Decade: Phil Amerson Looks Back and Ahead at Turning 80

Reflecting on “Because Birthday” — A Special Episode of To Be and Do with Phil AmersonThe "Because Birthday” episode of To Be and Do invites listeners into a heartfelt, personal reflection as Phil Amerson cele…
Because: Embracing Christmas Hope, Symbols, and Community
Dec. 21, 2025

Because: Embracing Christmas Hope, Symbols, and Community

 Embracing Hope, Symbols, and Community In the holiday-themed episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson delivers a heartfelt reflection on the traditions and symbolic reminders that make the holiday season both meaningful and gr…
Because: No One Is Garbage in God’s Realm: An Advent Conversation
Dec. 19, 2025

Because: No One Is Garbage in God’s Realm: An Advent Conversation

In the latest episode "Because" of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson dives into complex and timely issues, weaving together reflections on power, love, and the true meaning of Advent. Drawing inspiration from a poem by Walter Wangerin Jr., …
Surprise, Friendship, and the Warmth of the Nativity
Dec. 18, 2025

Surprise, Friendship, and the Warmth of the Nativity

 In the "Because" episode of To Be and Do,  Philip Amerson delivers a heartfelt meditation grounded in memory, friendship, and a beautiful poem about the Nativity. The episode’s tone is gentle and reflective, and through a b…
Because: Reflections on the Red Wing Church and the Hidden Power of Small Congregations
Dec. 14, 2025

Because: Reflections on the Red Wing Church and the Hidden Power of Small Congregations

 “Because Moment” – To Be and Do PodcastIn the latest episode of “To Be and Do,” Philip Amerson leads us through a quiet, contemplative “because moment”—a unique segment dedicated to meditat…
Ken Medema on Music, Justice, and Building Community: Stories from To Be and Do
Dec. 10, 2025

Ken Medema on Music, Justice, and Building Community: Stories from To Be and Do

Ken Medema on Music, Justice, and Building Communityhttps://www.kenmedema.com/If you’re seeking a genuine and heartwarming conversation that weaves together music, community, and compassion, episode  of the “To Be snd Do&rdquo…
Exploring Art, Faith, and Community with Calvin and Nelia Kimbrough: Key Lessons From "To Be and Do" Podcast
Dec. 5, 2025

Exploring Art, Faith, and Community with Calvin and Nelia Kimbrough: Key Lessons From "To Be and Do" Podcast

This episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast is a heartfelt and deeply personal conversation between host Phil Amerson and guests Nelia Kimbrough and Calvin Kimbrough. Together, they open up about the transformative power of art in their lives, thei…
“Because” with Philip Amerson: Finding Joy and Purpose
Dec. 1, 2025

“Because” with Philip Amerson: Finding Joy and Purpose

 In the latest episode of “To Be and Do,”  Philip Amerson invites listeners into an intimate and insightful moment from his life. This brief but powerful episode is built around a simple yet transformative question: What …
. Renaissance Lives: Calvin and Nelia Kimbrough on Ministry, Art, and Community
Nov. 27, 2025

. Renaissance Lives: Calvin and Nelia Kimbrough on Ministry, Art, and Community

This episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast brings us an intimate, multi-layered conversation between host Phil Amerson and guests Calvin Kimbrough and Nelia Kimbrough. Calling them “Renaissance people in the kingdom of God,” Phil Amers…
Finding Thin Moments: A Reflection on Everyday Grace
Nov. 23, 2025

Finding Thin Moments: A Reflection on Everyday Grace

Finding Thin Moments: A Reflection on Everyday GraceOn this heartfelt episode of To Be snd Do, Phil Amerson invites us into a quiet yet profound moment from his everyday life, guiding listeners to become more alert to the subtle intersections …
Revitalization, Identity, and Critical Faith with with Dr. Javon Caldwell-Gross
Nov. 20, 2025

Revitalization, Identity, and Critical Faith with with Dr. Javon Caldwell-Gross

Dr. Gross’s book "Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"In this memorable episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross to discuss the profound sh…
Because: Reflections with Herman B. Wells: Joy, Spirituality, and Change on the Indiana University Campus
Nov. 17, 2025

Because: Reflections with Herman B. Wells: Joy, Spirituality, and Change on the Indiana University Campus

 Because | To Be and Do PodcastOn this poignant episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Phil Amerson walks us through a heartfelt conversation taking place on the Indiana University campus, right beside the statue of the legendary Dr.…
Embracing Change, Storytelling, and Faith Beyond Sunday — “To Be and Do” with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross
Nov. 13, 2025

Embracing Change, Storytelling, and Faith Beyond Sunday — “To Be and Do” with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

Episode Blog: Embracing Change, Storytelling, and Faith Beyond Sunday — “To Be and Do” with Dr. Javon Caldwell GrossAuthor of:  Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"This week on the To Be and…
Because: Reflecting on Legacy and Change at Indiana University with Herman B. Wells
Nov. 10, 2025

Because: Reflecting on Legacy and Change at Indiana University with Herman B. Wells

Reflecting on Legacy and Change: In this thoughtful and heartfelt "Because" installment of the To Be and Do podcast we hear from Phil Amerson, who shares poignant reflections about dramatic changes unfolding at his university and the lega…
Exploring Belonging, Gifts, and Philanthropy with De’Amon Harges
Nov. 5, 2025

Exploring Belonging, Gifts, and Philanthropy with De’Amon Harges

Exploring Belonging, Gifts, and Philanthropy with De’Amon Harges on the “To Be and Do” PodcastThis week’s episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast connects deeply with the roots of community wisdom and the powe…
Because:  Rethinking Hospitality—A Reflection on “To Be and Do”
Nov. 3, 2025

Because: Rethinking Hospitality—A Reflection on “To Be and Do”

Blog Post: Rethinking Hospitality—A Reflection on “To Be and Do”In this insightful episode of "To Be snd Do," host Philip Amerson shares heartfelt reflections on the evolving concept of openness within church communities, par…
Celebrating Abundance: Key Lessons from To Be and Do Featuring De'Amon Harges
Oct. 30, 2025

Celebrating Abundance: Key Lessons from To Be and Do Featuring De'Amon Harges

On this episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with De'Amon Harges, a true champion for community interdependence and the original "roving listener." De'Amon’s work centers around connecting people and cultivati…
Because: Unlocking Doors and Hearts: Reflecting on Hospitality and Belonging in “To Be and Do”
Oct. 26, 2025

Because: Unlocking Doors and Hearts: Reflecting on Hospitality and Belonging in “To Be and Do”

 In the latest "Because" episode of “To Be snd Do” Philip Amerson invites listeners to join him for “coffee time” and a reflection that goes far beyond sharing a simple cup. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful …
Finding Balance After Stress, Trauma, and Addiction: Key Lessons from Dr. Steven Curtis on To Be and Do
Oct. 23, 2025

Finding Balance After Stress, Trauma, and Addiction: Key Lessons from Dr. Steven Curtis on To Be and Do

 On this enlightening episode of the To Be and Do Podcast, host Philip Amerson sits down with Dr. Steven Curtis, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, to dive deep into his new book, Rebalancing After Stress, Trauma and Addiction. The…
Opening and Closing Doors, Literally and Figuratively
Oct. 19, 2025

Opening and Closing Doors, Literally and Figuratively

 In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson offers listeners a poignant—and somewhat humorous—reflection on the meaning of open and closed doors, both as physical realities and powerful metaphors for belonging,…
Rebalancing Our Lives: Neuroscience, Stress, and Social Wellness on To Be snd Do Podcast
Oct. 16, 2025

Rebalancing Our Lives: Neuroscience, Stress, and Social Wellness on To Be snd Do Podcast

 If you’ve ever wondered why stress seems to be growing, or how trauma and addiction impact our daily lives.  This episode of the To Be snd Do podcast provides fascinating insights on these questions. Host Philip Amerson welcomes…
Finding Angelus Moments: Philip Amerson Reflects on Life’s “Angels Singing”
Oct. 12, 2025

Finding Angelus Moments: Philip Amerson Reflects on Life’s “Angels Singing”

In this heartfelt episode of the To Be snd Do podcast, host Philip Amerson shares deeply personal stories about what he calls “Angelus moments”—those remarkable instances in life when one feels so transported, loved, or at peace …