Now & Then…Again | Inside the Harvard Years: Four Assistants Remember
In this rich and intimate conversation, four of Henri Nouwen’s former Harvard Divinity School assistants—Jim Smith, Barbara Prey, Peter Weiskel, and Michael C. O'Laughlin—reunite to reflect on a formative era in Henri’s life and work. Together, they open a window into the daily rhythms, challenges, joys, and spiritual depth of accompanying Henri during his influential Harvard years.
With warmth, humor, and candor, they share what it was like to support a world-renowned spiritual writer whose brilliance was matched only by his vulnerability. Their stories illuminate Henri’s creative process, his pastoral heart, and the personal struggles that shaped his teaching and writing. Listeners will hear how each assistant’s journey was impacted by Henri—and how his presence continues to ripple through their lives today.
This episode offers a treasure trove of personal insight for long time admirers and newcomers alike. It reminds us that behind every great spiritual guide is a community of people helping to carry the work forward—often quietly, faithfully, and with deep love.
Tune in for a rare, behind-the-scenes portrait of Henri Nouwen, told by those who knew him best during a pivotal chapter of his life.
2026 Conference Website - https://www.conference.henrinouwen.org/
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Book Discussed:
Henri Nouwen: His Life & Vision
https://a.co/d/2hu2bnu (USD)
https://a.co/d/0yw2dhE (CAD)
The Return of the Prodigal Son
https://amzn.to/3z5WDya (US)
https://amzn.to/3vexKiN (CAD)
Lifesigns
https://a.co/d/7YZnYok (US)
https://a.co/d/05BfJPc (CAD)
¡Gracias!
https://amzn.to/2YZfTvl (US)
https://amzn.to/3db5RvW (CAD)
Jesus: A Gospel
https://amzn.to/3dFGliE (US)
https://amzn.to/2Do8NJr (CAD)
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1:00:14
Now & Then ... Again | Waiting for Jesus
As the noise of the holiday season rises, how can we recover the stillness, peace, and joy at the heart of Advent? In this deeply moving episode of Now & Then, host Wendy VanderWal Martin welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas to explore his new devotional, Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal.
Rich shares how the rhythms of the church calendar have reoriented his life and ministry in New York City — “the city that never sleeps” — toward waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. Together, Wendy and Rich reflect on how these ancient Advent themes offer an antidote to our culture’s frenzy and distraction, inviting us into a slower, more attentive way of being with God.
Listeners will be drawn into stories of how prayer sustains community, how true peace begins within, and how joy and lament can coexist in the same heart. Rich also opens up about the lasting influence of Henri Nouwen — his honesty, vulnerability, and insistence that we are all the beloved of God.
Whether you’re longing to rediscover the sacred meaning of Advent or simply seeking renewal in a weary world, this conversation offers a compassionate and contemplative guide to centering your life on Christ amid the clamor of December.
“Waiting is not despair — it’s dependence.” — Rich Villodas
Listen now to be inspired, refreshed, and reminded that even in a restless world, the invitation to behold beauty and live as God’s beloved still stands.
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Resources:
https://www.richvillodas.com/
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/776021/waiting-for-jesus-by-rich-villodas/9780593602607
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Henri’s Bookshelf | Peacework
In this insightful episode of Henri's Bookshelf, host Wendy VanderWal Martin is joined by her daughter Renate Carson to dive deep into Henri Nouwen's powerful work Peacework. The episode explores how Nouwen’s teachings on peacemaking—rooted in prayer, resistance, and community—remain relevant in today's divided world. Renate, a theology and culture student at St. Stephen University, shares her personal journey of connecting with Henri's ideas and how they resonate with her generation's search for meaning in a fractured society.
From her own reflections on peacemaking, including the role of prayer in daily life and how small acts of hospitality, like cooking with intention, can affirm life and resist harmful systems, Renate brings a fresh perspective to the timeless wisdom of Henri Nouwen. The conversation also touches on the complexities of interfaith relationships, especially in a time of polarization, and how living out one's vocation as a peacemaker requires both courage and humility.
This episode challenges listeners to rethink what it means to be a peacemaker in a world that often feels increasingly divided. Henri’s call to "move out of the house of fear toward the house of love" is a message that resonates now more than ever. Whether you're familiar with Henri Nouwen’s work or encountering it for the first time, this episode will inspire you to consider how prayer, resistance, and community can shape your own path to peace.
Tune in to discover how simple yet profound actions can contribute to a world of healing and reconciliation.
Check out St. Stephen's University: https://www.ssu.ca/
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Book Discussed:
Peacework
https://amzn.to/3hGh1w2 (US)
https://amzn.to/2zHjnd3 (Canada)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/
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henrinouwen.org/meditation/
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Love, Henri Podcast | From Control to Compassion: How Love Transforms Power
Bruce’s guest today is Stacey Campbell. Stacey serves as the President & CEO of Prison Fellowship Canada, a national ministry organization that prepares and mobilizes the Church community in response to the issue of crime and the restoration of offenders. Stacey and HNS ED Bruce Adema discuss Henri Nouwen’s letter that talks about power. How do spiritual power and worldly power manifest themselves? How do they get corrupted, and how can they be restored? It’s easy to become cynical, but we are called to a better way.
Prison Fellowship Canada
https://prisonfellowship.ca/
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Book Discussed:
Love, Henri
https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US)
https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada)
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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: henrinouwen.org/donate/
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Love, Henri Podcast | Beloved on Both Sides: Conversations on Death and Faith
Bruce’s guest today is Father Dr. Ron Rolheiser. Father Ron is a Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He’s a community builder, lecturer and writer. He now serves on the faculty of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonia Texas, where was President for 15 years. Ron speaks with HNS ED Bruce Adema about a letter of Henri Nouwen in which he reflects on his own near-death experience, and how it affected him.
Oblate School of Theology
https://ost.edu/
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Book Discussed:
Love, Henri
https://amzn.to/3fpnolF (US)
https://amzn.to/2C2lqcD (Canada)
With Open Hands
https://amzn.to/2UMpR1G (US)
https://amzn.to/2XUtSTw (Canada)
Reaching Out
https://amzn.to/37BuyjZ (US)
https://amzn.to/2AxxCBJ (Canada)
Beyond the Mirror
https://amzn.to/3fAkDhv (US)
https://amzn.to/30RUHcV (Canada)
Book: The Structure of Waiting (Vanstone) -
https://www.amazon.ca/?ref_=cb_interstitial_us_ca_desktop_unrec_location_unk_dp_gw
Book: A Severe Mercy (Vanauken) - https://www.amazon.ca/Severe-Mercy-Sheldon-Vanauken/dp/0060688246
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In these engaging podcasts, our guests share their encounter with Henri Nouwen and his writing and his influence on their spiritual lives. Our conversations reflect the ways that his ideas continue to resonate and be relevant today.
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MORE FREE RESOURCES: www.henrinouwen.org