Associated Church Press Podcast

E6: Christian Novelist Jessica Brodie of South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

Rebecca talks with Jessica Brodie, editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate and author of the Dahlia Christian fiction series, about the intersection of journalism, storytelling, and faith. As editor of one of the oldest continuously operating Methodist newspapers, Brodie shares how the Advocate has evolved over her sixteen years of leadership, balancing a print legacy with digital storytelling, video content, and new ways of engaging readers. The conversation explores how faith-based journalism serves communities during times of change, from denominational conflict to moments of renewal and hope. Brodie reflects on the stories readers are seeking today, the importance of highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary work, and how those real-life encounters inspire the fictional world of Dahlia, South Carolina. Rebecca and Jessica also discuss the creative process behind writing Christian fiction, developing authentic characters, and weaving themes of grace, redemption, and community into compelling stories. Along the way, Brodie shares how her faith has deepened through years of telling the stories of others and why keeping Christ at the center continues to shape her work as both a journalist and a novelist.

E5: Canadian Adventist Messenger with Adrianna Joi Lewis

Rebecca talks with Adrianna Joi Lewis, editorial assistant for the Canadian Adventist Messenger and incoming board member of the Associated Church Press, about faith-based journalism, storytelling, and the evolving role of Christian media in Canada. Lewis shares her journey from aspiring teenage broadcaster to working in her dream role within Adventist communications, reflecting on a calling that led her away from mainstream journalism and toward ministry through media. Together, they discuss the mission of the Canadian Adventist Messenger, a monthly publication reaching Adventist households across Canada with stories of faith, service, and community. The conversation explores how the magazine balances print, digital media, and social platforms to connect with readers across generations, why storytelling remains central to ministry, and how Christian media can promote unity in an increasingly divided world. Lewis also reflects on the power of simple, hopeful communication rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a desire to make faith feel real and accessible to readers of all ages.

E4: Reaching Across Divides with Jason Byassee

Rebecca talks with Jason Byassee, senior minister of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, about what it really means to reach across divides—within faith, culture, and community. Drawing from a career that spans academia, journalism, and pastoral ministry in both the U.S. and Canada, Byassee reflects on navigating tensions between traditions, identities, and institutions. They discuss the role of storytelling in ministry and journalism, why true neutrality may be a myth, and how faith communities can move beyond binaries to deeper understanding. From interfaith relationships to political and cultural divides, Byassee offers a perspective rooted in curiosity, humility, and the belief that the lines separating us are often more fragile—and more permeable—than they seem.

E3: Spectrum with Alexander Carpenter

Rebecca talks with Alexander Carpenter, executive editor of Spectrum Magazine, about the publication’s role as an independent voice within the Seventh-day Adventist community. They discuss investigative journalism in faith communities, engaging younger audiences, and how Spectrum is using digital media to spark conversation and accountability across a global church.

E2: Unbound with Lee Catoe

Rebecca is joined by Rev. Lee Catoe, editor of Unbound, a digital publication of the Presbyterian Church (USA) centering faith, justice, and marginalized voices. Together, they discuss being ordained to editorial work, holding theological tension, resisting Christian nationalism, and why rest, joy, and imagination are essential to sustaining faith and ministry today.