Crossroads from Washington National Cathedral

Happy Birthday, America! Civic Art & History at the Cathedral | Episode 34

As we celebrate July 4th and mark just one year until America’s milestone 250th birthday, multidisciplinary artist Chas Fagan joins Kevin Eckstrom and Dr. Sonia Coman for a closer look at our nation’s history at the Cathedral. Fagan, who painted the official portrait of First Lady Barbara Bush and sculpted a statue of President Ronald Reagan at National Airport, shares his unique insights on American iconography at the Cathedral, including his own carvings.
 
Additional Resources:

• Crossroads episode featuring Chas on St. Phoebe carving
• Crossroads episode on Edith Wilson

A Conversation on Hope with Bishop Mariann Budde | Episode 33

Join us for highlights of an exclusive conversation with Bishop Mariann Budde and Rev. Jo Nygard Owens. Recorded in front of an intimate gathering at the Cathedral, their discussion explores how we can hold onto hope and lean into joy even in the midst of today’s challenges.

 

Additional Resources:

• A Better Way

A Lesson in Forgiveness with Mother Emanuel Pastor Eric Manning | Episode 32

As we mark ten years since the senseless murder of nine parishioners of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, Senior Pastor Eric S.C. Manning joins the Rev. Canon Leonard Hamlin and the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens for a poignant and inspiring conversation about forgiveness.

 

Additional Resources:

• Mother Emanuel AMEC
• Context and Timeline of the Cathedral's Now and Forever Windows

Chas Fagan and Sean Callahan on the Newest Cathedral Carving | Episode 31

The Cathedral will soon unveil a new addition to its iconography – a beautifully carved statue of St. Phoebe. The Rev. Jo Nygard Owens chats with painter/sculptor Chas Fagan and Cathedral stone carver Sean Callahan about their creative cross-medium collaboration for this project and the significance of St. Phoebe.

 

Additional Resources:

• Photo gallery of St. Phoebe statue
• Learn more about Chas Fagan
• Chas' portrait of Barbara Bush
• St. Phoebe on the Episcopal Lectionary
• Elie Wiesel carving
• Jonathan Daniels carving
• Crossroads Ep. 12 - Meet our Stonemasons
• Crossroads Ep. 26 - Celebrating Woman at the Cathedral

Finding Meaning in the Future: A Conversation with Neuroscientist Moran Cerf | Episode 30

In a special episode in New York City, the Cathedral’s podcast team sits down with Moran Cerf, neuroscientist, professor of business, and storyteller, to discuss how world-changing advances in science and technology can reshape our sense of self.

 

Full episode - video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP6ph4NakTw

 

Additional Resources:

• Moran's website
• Moran Cerf at the Center for Advanced Technology and Human Performance
• Moran Cerf at Return on AI
• Moran Cerf at Columbia Business School
• TED Talk by Moran Cerf on Neuroscience and Brain Implants
• Crick and the invention of the double helix in the DNA

The Historical Mystery of Jesus with Award-winning Author Elaine Pagels | Episode 29

Our ability to know the historical Jesus is limited at best, but award-winning author Elaine Pagels uses little-known primary sources and her own deep faith to assemble the puzzle of Jesus of Nazareth and the enduring power of the Christian message.

 

Additional Resources:

• Elaine's sermon at the Cathedral
• Miracles and Wonders
• More on Marc Chagall

 

Ask Me Anything – One Year of Crossroads | Episode 28

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Crossroads podcast, host Jo Nygard Owens is joined by the Dean, our Vicar, and other clergy and staff to answers listeners’ questions for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at the Cathedral.

 

Episodes Highlighted:

• Episode 1 - Where Sacred and Civic Meet
• Episode 2 - AI and Ethics
• Episode 6 - US Presidents and the Cathedral
• Episode 12 - Meet Our Stonemasons
• Episode 13 - A Better Way to Coping with Anxiety
• Episode 16 - America’s Milestone Birthday
• Episode 20 - Christmas Confidential
• Episode 21 - New Year Decisions and Routines

A Fresh Start with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe | Episode 27

The new Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Sean Rowe, and host Jo Nygard Owens discuss Bishop Rowe’s unique start and vision for the church in our digitally connected age.

 

Submit your question for our Ask Me Anything episode: https://cathedral.org/podcast

 

Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ep-27-Transcript.pdf

 

Additional Resources:

• Seating of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: https://www.youtube.com/live/XrKQ-cbT2uc?si=uWupZ0o3NOjh4j3U

Celebrating Women at the Cathedral | Episode 26

From our stained glass and carvings to leadership in worship, women have been important in the life of the Cathedral from the beginning. The Cathedral’s Provost, Jan Cope, Director of Creative Engagement, Mimi McNamara, and host Jo Nygard Owens highlight the women who have forged a path at the Cathedral.

 

Submit your question for our Ask Me Anything episode: https://cathedral.org/podcast

 

Download transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ep-26-Transcript.pdf

 

Additional Resources:

• Crossroads episode discussing Smithsonian Folklife Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dch7FHOSlN8

Deep Knowing of the Soul with John Philip Newell | Episode 25

Spiritual writer and teacher John Philip Newell joins the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens to discuss how each of us can interact with both ancient and modern wisdom to bring deep knowing to the surface, discovering ourselves and working toward a better world.

 

Submit your question for our Ask Me Anything episode: https://cathedral.org/podcast

 

Download Transcript: https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ep-25-Transcript.pdf

 

Additional Resources:

• Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul - Retreat with John Philip at the Cathedral
• Earth & Soul Initiative
• The Great Search - Book Information