A Christmas Reflection with Rev. Chris Henry

Notre Dame’s Dr. Christian Smith, America’s preeminent sociologist of religion and author of Why Religion Went Obsolete, joins Chris to discuss some of the most pressing questions facing faith communities. How and why has religion’s place in American life changed so dramatically? What cultural forces have reshaped our expectations, institutions, and the way we imagine meaning? How can churches respond with grounded, thoughtful, faithful hope?

Greg Stowers, the Indianapolis City Council’s Chief Administrative Officer, navigates policy, politics, and the daily work of making a city function as he supports all 25 city councilors across political divides. He discusses the issues facing our city and his stories of serving in a political space in a non-partisan way, focusing on the work that impacts residents’ real lives. 

Former Indiana Governor and Presbyterian Elder Mitch Daniels tells his stories of a lifetime of faith and public service in roles including senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan, chief of staff to Senator Richard Lugar, and president of Purdue University. He and Chris discuss the principles that have guided his leadership and how his faith has kept him rooted through times of crisis and heavy responsibility. 

In this special celebratory episode, guest host Gracie Payne interviews Chris Henry about the show’s origins and vision, ministry in fractured times, and his leadership journey. 

Dr. Chelsea Haring-Cozzi, the CEO of CHIP (the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention), joins Chris for a conversation about collective impact, collaboration, and the mobilization of faith communities to seek housing justice for our neighbors.

Dr. Patricia Payne, Director of the Indianapolis Public Schools Office of Racial Equity and Inclusion, has been a dedicated IPS educator for 63 years. She joins Chris to share how her faith sustains her persistence and advocacy. In her own words, “It doesn’t do any good to get mad unless you’re going to do something about it.”

Social worker Kate Booker joins Chris to tell her stories of finding joy in service to others. She shares how her role works at Second Presbyterian Church, the issues she encounters most, and the scripture that inspires her to address the physical needs of her clients. Her family’s motto accurately summarizes the message in this episode: “Your life is not your own. Serve God. Serve others.”

Ambassador Randall L. Tobias shares his stories from walking to church as a boy in small-town Indiana to leading multi-national corporations and leaving retirement when asked by President Bush to respond to a global health crisis. Join us for this conversation about leadership rooted in purpose, service, and conviction.

Join us for a special episode with Rev. Chris Henry, reflecting on his summer sabbatical.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness joins Chris to discuss leadership grounded in ethics, the importance of presence in the hardest moments, and building a team that gets the work done. From his childhood farm in North Dakota to managing a growing, innovative city, we get a peek behind the scenes at what keeps this leader humble, motivated, and effective.

Scott Davison—Chairman, President, and CEO of OneAmerica Financial—sits down with Chris to discuss leadership and the integral role of his faith, missional values, and relationships of mutual trust. How can leaders carry compassion, empathy, and humility into today’s corporate world? As Scott says, “If you really want to be an effective leader, it can’t be about you.”

Dr. Abbey Chambers is the Founder, President, and CEO of Justways Research. In her life and work, she is a consultant, researcher, and advocate who pursues fairness and justice for the people of Indianapolis, and it all started with curiosity. Why are things the way that they are? That question led to her study of economic policy, gentrification, and physical and cultural displacement. To understand how our policies drive inequality, we must start by listening to our neighbors.

Join Chris and recent North Central High School graduate Carter Klaus as they discuss balancing faith and ambition, the importance of family and mentors, and what it means to live out the values of service and purpose as a young leader. Be inspired by Carter’s infectiously positive outlook as he encourages everyone to find the joy and fun in everything—from the track to the classroom and beyond.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Stephanie Bewley shares the story of her path to helping professions and what she has learned about holding space to listen, particularly in the most tender, beautiful, terrifying, and vulnerable moments. She debunks the idea that faith and mental health care are at odds with one another, highlighting how they intersect in her life and profession.

Joe Bowling, Executive Director of the Englewood Community Development Corporation, joins Chris to share his passion, experiences, and stories tied to Englewood CDC's five areas of focus: collective impact, affordable housing, economic development, neighboring, and congregational engagement. "The gifts you have been given are gifts for the common good. What can we do together?"

Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber, brings her infectious enthusiasm to this conversation about advocacy, policy, and leaps of faith. Her stories from Capitol Hill to the Hoosier heartland bring one central theme into focus: conviction and collaboration drive meaningful change.

Dennis Murphy, President and CEO for IU Health, lives his faith through empathy, service, and looking for daily miracles. He and Chris discuss how we can repair trust in healthcare institutions, work to alleviate social impediments to health, and seek holistic wellness of mind, body, and spirit in our communities.

A special Holy Week episode with Rev. Chris Henry

Jeffrey Harrison, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, a public charitable trust, shares the story of one person’s belief in his potential and how that belief transformed his life and leadership. Jeff and Chris delve into some of the unseen sides of utility leadership—conservation, sustainability, and care for our neighbors.