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Historian, author and retired United Methodist elder Patricia J. Thompson has spent decades uncovering the stories of women who broke barriers in Methodism — and discovering how easily those stories can be lost. In this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” Thompson joins Dr. Ashley Boggan to discuss the women who were “firsts,” the challenge of preserving … Continue reading "Called, courageous and often overlooked"

On Sept. 9, 1826, the first issue of the Christian Advocate rolled off the press in New York City, launching a Methodist newspaper that would become the most widely read periodical on the continent. The Rev. Stefanie Bennett, senior pastor at John Street UMC, and the Rev. Brian Milford, president and publisher of the United … Continue reading "From a printing press to a nation: The story of the Christian Advocate"

Today’s episode is from our archives, first released in February 2025, where we discuss the historical intertwining of religion and politics in America, particularly from a Methodist standpoint, as well as how  Methodism impacted Revolutionary War-era Manhattan and Boston. It’s definitely on topic this month as the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary! … Continue reading "From the archives: The intertwining of Methodism with Revolutionary War-era America"

Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” continues its yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism. Following the landmark 1956 decision granting women full clergy rights, the movement that led to the election of the first women bishops gained momentum. In this episode of “Un-Tied Methodism,” Dr. Ashley Boggan and the Rev. Dr. Emily … Continue reading "Breaking the stained-glass ceiling: How women earned their place in the United Methodist episcopacy"

Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” continues its yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism. On the 70th anniversary of day when General Conference voted to give women full ordination rights and full membership in annual conferences, Dr. Ashley Boggan and the Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain recount the details from the General … Continue reading "Special LIVE episode: In the room where it happened"

Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes Sally Vonner and Tara Barnes, leaders from United Women in Faith, who preview the upcoming Assembly 2026 and reflect on the vital lay ministries of deaconesses and home missioners. Plus, the Rev. Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain tells the story of M. Madeline Southard, whose fearless leadership helped change the future for … Continue reading "Assembly, Advocacy, and a Trailblazer for Women’s Ordination"

As our yearlong “Women in Methodism” series continues on “Un-Tied Methodism,” Dr. Ashley Boggan talks with historian Dr. Ellen Blue about the Methodist women, deaconesses, and mission leaders who fed the hungry, served immigrants, built institutions, shaped social work, and pushed the church toward change. Their work was often dismissed, their records were often lost, and … Continue reading "Before they were recognized, they were leading"

Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” continues its yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism. Long before women’s ordination was formally recognized, Dorothy Ripley was already preaching in bold and radical ways. She crossed the Atlantic Ocean 19 times, chastised President Thomas Jefferson for being an enslaver and was the first woman to … Continue reading "Crossing oceans and confronting power: The audacious faith of Dorothy Ripley"

Join us as “Un-Tied Methodism” begins a yearlong series celebrating 70 years of women’s ordination in Methodism. Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes historians Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote and Rev. Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant to look at the women who laid the groundwork long before ordination was possible. From Susanna Wesley’s overlooked theological brilliance to the bold preaching of Sarah Crosby, … Continue reading "From Susanna Wesley to Dorothy Ripley: Women, calling and courage"

From Navy chaplains and student gatherings to youth movements and global mission, the latest episode in our “Methodisms Around the World” series traces the surprising and resilient story of the Methodist movement in the Philippines. Guests Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut and Karen Prudente join host Dr. Ashley Boggan to explore how colonial history, acts of … Continue reading "From colonization to calling: How Methodism took root in the Philippines"

What happens when revival fires, social gospel movements, colonial history and Wesleyan spirituality collide on Canadian soil? Dr. Ashley Boggan is joined by Rev. Rob Shearer to explore the unique story of Methodism in Canada, its ecumenical evolution, and the surprising resurgence of Wesleyan passion among new generations. Explore the United Methodist General Commission on … Continue reading "From revival fires to social justice: Tracing Methodism’s Canadian story"

Discover how Methodism took root and flourished in the Democratic Republic of Congo—from early missionary efforts to strong local leadership shaping the church today. Dr. Ashley Boggan talks with the Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau and Pierre Omadjela about the people, places, and faith that continue to define Congolese Methodism. Explore the United Methodist General … Continue reading "Roots and Renewal: The Story of Methodism in the Congo"

Discover the remarkable story of Methodism in Korea—from the impact of early missionaries, such as Mary Scranton and her groundbreaking work in women’s education, to the powerful role the church played in the fight for independence. In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Boggan and guests, the Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong and Rev. Dr. Lee-Ellen Strawn, explore … Continue reading "How Methodist missions shaped Korea’s faith, freedom and future"

From the “Un-Tied Methodism” archives, we re-share this 2023 podcast about Methodism in the African country of Zimbabwe. Dr. Ashley Boggan speaks with United Methodist leaders from the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference and Africa University’s archivist and church historian to learn about the fascinating history of Mt. Makomwe, a Methodist mission … Continue reading "From the archives: Methodism in Zimbabwe, a conference borne out of a mountain"

In the second episode of a new podcast series that examines Methodism around the world, Dr. Ashley Boggan welcomes Massimo di Gioacchino, noted historian, to discuss the story of how British and American Methodist missionaries planted a movement in Italy, shaping politics, education and social justice along the way. Learn more about William Burt’s Italian … Continue reading "How Methodism took root in Italy"