The Listening Field

Spirituality Without Religion: A Humanist Chaplain’s Journey

In this episode of The Listening Field, Rev. Charlotte Cramer sits down with humanist chaplain Becky Polley for a deeply honest and expansive conversation about spirituality, grief, and what it really means to care for people in crisis. Becky shares her journey from social work into chaplaincy, including the unexpected moment she realized the field was rooted in religion—and her struggle to find a place within it. Together, Charlotte and Becky explore what it means to be a “humanist chaplain,” how identity and belief systems show up in hospital settings, and why human connection—not doctrine—is often the most powerful form of care. The conversation moves through grief, trauma, and the realities of working in healthcare systems, while also naming the gaps in chaplaincy training and the urgent need for more inclusive, adaptable approaches to spiritual care. Becky offers a grounded and refreshing perspective: that chaplaincy is not about having the right answers, but about co-creating meaning with another person in their most vulnerable moments.

A Conversation on Homelessness, Grief, Trauma and Spirituality with Alicia Owens

This episode is an intimate and powerful conversation between Rev. Charlotte Cramer and Alicia—advocate, artist, and survivor of homelessness—exploring the intersection of trauma, spirituality, and human connection. Alicia shares her story of early childhood upheaval, deep loss, addiction, and ultimately becoming unhoused, offering raw insight into the emotional and spiritual realities of life on the streets. Through moments of grief, synchronicity, music, and unexpected acts of care, she reflects on how spirituality re-emerged not as doctrine, but as lived experience—found in strangers, in nature, in creativity, and in survival itself. Together, Charlotte and Alicia unpack the myths surrounding homelessness, the power of presence and community, and the ways we can show up for one another with deeper compassion. This conversation is a call to listen, to slow down, and to remember our shared humanity.

Mindfulness, Self-Compassion and Spirituality for Survivors of Sexual Coercion

This week on The Listening Field, Rev. Charlotte Cramer sits down with Morgan Penberthy, clinical psychology PhD candidate at Pacific University, to explore how mindfulness-based interventions can support survivors of sexual coercion and trauma. Morgan discusses her research on post-traumatic growth, nervous system regulation, and the integration of contemplative practices—such as body scans, loving-kindness meditation, and intentional self-compassion—into trauma recovery. She shares the heart behind her new intervention, RISE (Regulation and Intentional Self-Compassion for Empowerment), which centers compassion, community, and empowerment rather than re-traumatization. The conversation moves beyond clinical language into deeper spiritual terrain: What does it mean to “grow through” trauma? How do we cultivate self-compassion when self-hatred feels overwhelming? Is mindfulness secular—or inherently spiritual? And how can community become one of the most sacred healing spaces we have? Together, Charlotte and Morgan explore tenderness, courage, spirituality, nervous system regulation, and the possibility of transformation after trauma.

Spiritual Care for the Unhoused in Healthcare Settings

Join Rev. Charlotte and Rev. KA for an insightful and in depth conversation on the nuances and realities of providing care for folks experiencing homelessness in the hospital setting. In this podcast we will overview Rev. Charlotte's 7 Pillars for Spiritual Care for the Unhoused; important practices and information to hold when navigating these relationships; and ways to really deepen your ability to provide lasting and impactful care to folks in these difficult situations. This podcast is for chaplains and healthcare workers alike, or anyone interested in expanding their spiritual care skillset for working with the unhoused community.

Spiritual Rights, Part One

Join Rev. C & Rev. KA for a part one-conversation on Spiritual Rights. In this episode we cover the definition of spiritual rights, it's presence in the religious world, the lack of spiritual rights for folks experiencing homelessness and deep marginalization, and more.