In anticipation of the Yale University Chaplaincy’s 95th anniversary in 2022 we thought that creating a podcast would be a terrific way to get a wide variety of voices out to present the depth and breadth of chaplaincy work. We have witnessed a true hunger for content that is reflective and calming. This podcast, called “Time for the Soul” aims to do just that amplifying these voices by introducing the listener to the loving hearts and minds of chaplains.
Throughout the Covid-19 global pandemic we have found ourselves treading water in a sea of grief, bearing loss of many kinds and facing a relentless streak of uncertainty that continues to test our souls every day. The invasion of Ukraine, intense broader global unrest and upset have presented deep challenges to our collective souls. And yet chaplains have been here through it all and are even managing to bring moments of joy and peace in the midst of so much darkness. For 95 years Yale chaplains along with other religious and spiritual professionals have been nurturing the souls of countless students, faculty and staff during times of celebration and of sorrow. This podcast is but a glimpse into this poignant, tender work.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and the Rev. Craig Luekens, assistant pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church and coordinator of the Athletes In Action program, discuss how we find sustenance through scripture and routine, the demand to constantly perform at Yale and seeking refuge from it, and the willingness to face head-on the difficult complexities of life.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Dr. OrLando Yarborough III, pastor at the Black Church at Yale, discuss maintaining agility in expectations, finding creative paths to the extraordinary, practicing deep listening, grounding oneself with larger perspectives, and celebrating the powerful authenticity of students.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and the Rev. Vicki Flippin, pastor at First & Summerfield United Methodist Church in New Haven, discuss the inspiration found in flowers and dogs, the pressures on our sense of self-worth, the weight of privilege, the search for personal wisdom, and the spark of inner potential.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and chaplain of the Episcopal Church at Yale the Rev. Alison Donohue discuss optimism amid hardship, the bizarreness of human nature, the buoyancy of joy, and glimpsing inner light.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Professor of Medicine & longtime Buddhist advisor Dr. Auguste Fortin discuss togetherness, presence, sitting in place, and honoring our shared, divine humanity.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Director of Muslim Life Omer Bajwa discuss hiking around Connecticut and the sustenance our relationships provide, putting good gifts to good use, the inherent worth of people and their presence, and the privilege of service.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Associate University Chaplain, the Rev. Jenny Peek discuss leaning on our support systems and giving ourselves permission, the profound power of deep listening, how chaplaincy is like gardening, and learning through the stories we tell.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Coordinator of Buddhist Life, the Rev. Sumi Loundon Kim discuss finding the delightful in the here and now, the empowering clarity of interbeing, conversing our way through personal growth, and remembering you aren’t an imposter.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Senior Associate Chaplain for Protestant Life and Pastor of UCY, the Rev. Ian Oliver discuss the steadying power of new habits, how the inward affects the outward, knowing one’s own capacity, and the human intersecting with the academic.
Join us in some Time for the Soul as Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler and Director of Hindu Life Dr. Asha Shipman discuss connecting body and mind with breath, the simple joys of the outdoors, nurturing the self by nurturing others, the power in how we ask questions, and the radical hospitality of aloo palak and spinach potatoes.