Episode 23: A Conversation with Parker Palmer, part 1

This week’s episode is the first of what will be a three-part series featuring my rich and delightful conversation with none other than the renowned author and educator Parker J. Palmer.    I am grateful and honored beyond words by Parker’s generosity of spirit and time, every morsel of which begs to be savored – so again, this is the first course of three-course meal, a feast, a bounty of ideas and laughter, mystery and wisdom.   As you’ll hear shortly, Parker’s own introduction of himself is grounded in and reflective of “soul” rather than “ego,” so it falls to me here to offer a brief sketch of some of the highlights of his decades-long, globally impactful work: Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal, whose work “nurtures deep integrity and relational trust, building the foundation for a more loving, equitable, and healthy world.  Through Circle of Trust retreats and other programs rooted in the Courage & Renewal approach we nurture supportive communities of reflection and practice to help people come alive with a renewed sense of purpose, build trustworthy relationships, and cultivate the courage to rise to today’s challenges, making a difference within themselves and their communities.”   Parker holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, thirteen honorary doctorates, and many, many other awards, honors, and distinctions.   Palmer is the author of ten books—including several award-winning titles—that have sold over two million copies and been translated into twelve languages: On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, The Heart of Higher Education (co-authored with Arthur Zajonc), A Hidden Wholeness, Let Your Life Speak, The Courage to Teach, The Active Life, To Know As We Are Known, The Company of Strangers, and The Promise of Paradox.   A member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), Dr. Palmer and his wife, Sharon Palmer, live in Madison, Wisconsin.   Parker has written: “My personal legacy? I’d like it to be one of good humor, good will and generosity. I’d like it to be said that we had a lot of laughs, we extended a lot of kindness, and we built an abundant storehouse of heart-and-soul resources that anyone can draw on.”   That’s exactly what you’ll get a taste of as you listen in on my conversation with Parker Palmer.  Welcome, and enjoy!