Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
Civic Bloom is “Helping Communities Flourish”— with Jonathan Massimi
July 31, 2025

Civic Bloom is “Helping Communities Flourish”— with Jonathan Massimi

The "To Be snd Do" podcast, from the Belonging Exchange and hosted by Philip Amerson, kick off a deeply reflective episode featuring Jonathan Massimi—an Anglican priest and director of Civic Bloom. This conversation orbits around themes of c…
Navigating Change, Racism, and Hope at Indiana University (Petition Attached)
July 16, 2025

Navigating Change, Racism, and Hope at Indiana University (Petition Attached)

On this To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson delivers a passionate and deeply informed reflection on troubling developments at Indiana University (IU) and explores the broader significance amidst contemporary American cultural shifts. Drawing…
Conspiring for Wholeness and Justice
July 16, 2025

Conspiring for Wholeness and Justice

To Be and To Do: Conspiring for Wholeness and Justice In this episode of "To Be and Do" from The Belonging Exchange podcast, host Phil Amerson embarks on an insightful exploration of what it means to live holistically as people of faith, pa…
A Reflection on Racism and Change
July 16, 2025

A Reflection on Racism and Change

To Be and Do Podcast:  – A Reflection on Racism and ChangeIn the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson delivers a thoughtful, honest, and sometimes impassioned reflection on the current state of racism in Ame…
The Chairs upon Which We Sit - A Sermon by Philip Amerson
July 11, 2025

The Chairs upon Which We Sit - A Sermon by Philip Amerson

The Chairs upon Which We Sit(A Sermon Delivered at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Bloomington Indiana) Fourth Sunday of Pentecost                 &n…
Bearing Witness and Building Bridges in the Holy Land – Insights from “To Be and Do” with John Wagner
July 11, 2025

Bearing Witness and Building Bridges in the Holy Land – Insights from “To Be and Do” with John Wagner

In the latest episode of To Be snd Do, host Phil Amerson welcomed guest John Wagner, whose heartfelt witness from the West Bank and longtime activism provides a crucial perspective on justice, solidarity, and faith-driven action. Their thoughtful co…
Revisiting the Roots and Realities of Faith in Palestine and Israel  with John Wagner from United Methodist for Kairos Response
July 4, 2025

Revisiting the Roots and Realities of Faith in Palestine and Israel  with John Wagner from United Methodist for Kairos Response

To Be snd Do: Revisiting the Roots and Realities of Faith in Palestine and Israel In this thoughtful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Reverend John Wagner, a pivotal voice in United Methodists for Kairos R…
A Conversation with Inspiration: Jacaiya Gross on To Be and Do
June 26, 2025

A Conversation with Inspiration: Jacaiya Gross on To Be and Do

On the latest episode of “To Be snd Do,” host Phil Amerson sits down with an impressive and determined young woman, Jacaiya Gross, a sophomore at Indiana University. With warmth and curiosity, Phil delves into Jacaiya’s journey…
Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community with Dr. Gloria Howell
June 20, 2025

Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community with Dr. Gloria Howell

Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community: Dr. Gloria Howell on "To Be and Do"In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," we were treated to an inspiring and insightful conversation with Dr. Gloria Howell, the director of the Neal-Marshall Bl…
Finding Belonging and Resilience: Jaciaya Gross on To Be and Do Podcast
June 13, 2025

Finding Belonging and Resilience: Jaciaya Gross on To Be and Do Podcast

Finding Belonging and Resilience: Jaciaya Gross on To Be and Do PodcastIn the latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Jaciaya Gross, an inspiring sophomore at Indiana University, to discuss her journey thro…
"Having Nothing, Possessing Everything":  A Conversation with Rev. Michael Mather about Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places
June 11, 2025

"Having Nothing, Possessing Everything": A Conversation with Rev. Michael Mather about Finding Abundant Communities in Unexpected Places

Finding Belonging and Animation in Ministry: Lessons from Mike Mather on “To Be and Do”In the latest bonus episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, host Philip Amerson invites listeners into a deeply reflective conversati…
The Trifling Picnic Update: The Importance of Gathering
May 30, 2025

The Trifling Picnic Update: The Importance of Gathering

Blog Post: In the latest episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, host Phil Amerson takes us on a heartfelt journey about community, connection, and the simple yet profound joys of gathering. Drawing from years of tradition, Phi…
Lessons in Community, Love, and Imagination with Seana Murphy
May 22, 2025

Lessons in Community, Love, and Imagination with Seana Murphy

To Be and Do: Lessons in Community, Love, and Imagination with Seana MurphyOn the latest episode of To Be and Do, host Phil Amerson warmly welcomes Seana Murphy for a profound conversation about love, abundance, and resilience in community lif…
Finding Abundance and Belonging: Key Lessons from Seana Murphy on “To Be and Do"
May 16, 2025

Finding Abundance and Belonging: Key Lessons from Seana Murphy on “To Be and Do"

On the latest episode of “To Be and Do,” host Phil Amerson welcomes Seana Murphy—a proud parent, community leader, educator, and one of his “many teachers”—for an inspiring and deeply candid conversation. Their …
Sickness Unto Death
May 8, 2025

Sickness Unto Death

Philip Amerson                                       &…
Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley
May 1, 2025

Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley

In the episode of the To Be and Do podcast titled "Exploring Humanity Through Poetry with Kenton Hundley" host Philip Amerson is joined by the talented poet Kenton Hundley. This episode invites listeners on a journey through heartfelt poetry tha…
Discover the Dream School of the Arts with Kenton Hundley
April 24, 2025

Discover the Dream School of the Arts with Kenton Hundley

In this inspiring episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson engages in a heartfelt dialogue with Kenton Hundley. The conversation takes listeners on a journey from their first meeting in San Diego to Kenton's creative work with …
Pope Francis and Earth Day 2025
April 23, 2025

Pope Francis and Earth Day 2025

Our Common HomePope Francis and Earth Day 2025On Easter Monday 2025 the lead story in every newspaper is that Pope Francis is dead. I read the headlines, and glancing above my desk, see a copy of what I believe is one of the most important d…
Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson
April 17, 2025

Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson

In this compelling episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Bud Herron as guest and host Philip Amerson. The dialogue transports us to Bud's college days at Indiana University, where he meets Pat Patterso…
Exploring the Impact of Local Newspapers with Bud Herron
April 10, 2025

Exploring the Impact of Local Newspapers with Bud Herron

In a recent episode of "To Be and Do," we had the pleasure of hearing from Bud Herron, a seasoned journalist, as he shared insights from his distinguished career. Hosted by Phil Amerson, this episode delves into Bud's experiences in both religio…
Finding Purpose and Identity: Bud Herron's Journey in Journalism and Africa
April 4, 2025

Finding Purpose and Identity: Bud Herron's Journey in Journalism and Africa

In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," hosted by Phil Amerson, guest Bud Herron offers an insightful narrative filled with rich history and life lessons, underscoring the essence of interdependence over mere independence. In this captivating c…
Seven Tribulations of Higher Education at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
March 30, 2025

Seven Tribulations of Higher Education at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Seven Tribulations of Higher EducationIndiana University, Bloomington Like the Ten Plagues visited on the ancient Egyptian Pharoah, today American universities struggle with the Seven Tribulations of Higher Education.  Sadly, great f…
Exploring Bubba Identity: Bishop Ken Carder on Connection to Roots and God's Love
March 27, 2025

Exploring Bubba Identity: Bishop Ken Carder on Connection to Roots and God's Love

In the recent episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson delves into a riveting conversation with Bishop Ken Carder, uncovering the profound lessons of identity, belonging, and love. The episode starts on an intriguing note—with the ta…
Embracing Life's Margins: Bishop Ken Carder's Journey From Exclusion to Belonging
March 20, 2025

Embracing Life's Margins: Bishop Ken Carder's Journey From Exclusion to Belonging

In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson engages in a profound conversation with Bishop Ken Carder. Ken's new book, "Shifting Margins: From Fear and Exclusion Toward Love and Belonging," serves as a springboard for this enlig…