What We Did This Summer

Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Papazian, Professor of Philosophy, and Michael Bailey, Associate Professor of Political Science, for a lively and personal discussion of their summer experiences and reflections.

Michael Bailey opens up about the emotional depth of his daughter’s wedding, sharing moments of joy, community, and love that defined the day, from the profound presence of family and friends to spontaneous dancing to John Denver. It’s a heartfelt reflection on a significant family milestone.

Michael Papazian takes us on a literary journey, reflecting on his summer reading, particularly the works of Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer. He explores how Singer’s vivid portrayals of Jewish life and resilience offer not only intellectual insight but also deep spiritual and emotional enrichment.

Host Dale McConkey rounds out the conversation by reflecting on two key themes in his own life: his ongoing obsession with golf and his plans for a phased retirement. As Dale contemplates transitioning from academia, he shares his excitement about dedicating more time to Church Potluck by expanding into other media. Before that, he discusses how golf has enhanced his life despite raising some moral questions.

From wedding celebrations and literary insights to life transitions and personal passions, this episode serves up a hearty feast of engaging conversation and thoughtful reflection, true to the spirit of Church Potluck.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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1. Culture, Fashion, and Catching Up (00:00:00)

2. Wedding Celebration and Spiritual Reflections (00:10:13)

3. Exploring Fiction and Jewish History (00:15:31)

4. Golf Obsession and Future Plans (00:26:13)

5. Navigating Retirement Decisions and Anxieties (00:37:53)

6. Media Empire and Spiritual Reflections (00:41:05)

7. Multilingual Scholar Discusses Language Acquisition (00:48:11)

8. Language, Spirituality, and Cultural Connections (00:53:03)

9. Love and Spiritual Connections (00:57:18)