In this episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson sits down with Jaciaya Gross, a sophomore at Indiana University, for a candid and inspiring conversation about student life, resilience, and the current challenges facing college students. Jaciaya, majoring in studio art and minoring in criminal justice, shares her journey from Westfield High School to IU, revealing the impact that support programs like "Groups" and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) scholarships have had on her ...

In this episode of "To Be and Do" "Houses of Fragrances" a Sermon at First United Methodist Church, Boulder Colorado by Rev. Dr. Philip Amerson listeners are invited into a conversation filled with themes of courage, love, and community as experienced within the spiritual life of the First Church community. This episode, featuring Reverend Dr. Philip Amerson, is not just a spiritual exploration but also a call to perceive and embrace the overwhelming gifts life offers. Here are three key takeaw...

In this captivating episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson welcomes his dear friend and exemplary leader, Jerre Stead, to discuss leadership, teamwork, and community building. With a rich career spanning 47 years, Jerre shares profound insights and experiences from his time leading ten public companies, including NCR, a global enterprise with over 120,000 employees. As a seasoned leader, Jerre offers a unique perspective on setting and achieving ambitious goals while cultivat...

In this episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson welcomes Dr. Charlie Nelms, a highly respected educator, philanthropist, and friend. Together, they engage in a meaningful conversation about the importance of not just being but actively doing things to improve the world. Charlie Nelms shares his insights on how individuals can contribute positively to society, and Phil adds depth with his own experiences and insights. Dr. Nelms emphasizes understanding history as a crucial first step in mak...

In this thought-provoking episode of the "To Be and DO" podcast, host Philip Amerson engages in a deep and reflective conversation with Michael Mather, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado. This episode delves into the heart of grassroots ministry and the transformative power of community engagement. The discussion begins with a nostalgic look back at the concept of “advocates of the word”—a practice inspired by Philip's experiences with liberation theologians in Latin A...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson sits down with his long-time friend, Michael Mather, who is the lead pastor at Boulder First United Methodist Church. The conversation starts with a delightful exchange about the weather in Colorado versus Indiana, showing the camaraderie and humor that mark their friendship. Notably, they highlight that they share early January birthdays, revealing the personal bonds that have shaped their relationship over the y...