Princeton Theological Seminary launches new podcast on faith, leadership and justice

Princeton Theological Seminary has launched the first season of its new podcast, Expanding the Table, with Sen. Raphael Warnock as the inaugural guest. The series, hosted by Seminary President Jonathan Lee Walton, aims to connect theology with public life, health, democracy and mental well-being. Why it matters: - Princeton Theological Seminary is using a podcast to widen its conversation beyond the classroom and into public debates over faith, leadership and justice. - The series is designed to connect theology with issues that affect real life, including democracy, adolescent mental health, healthcare and moral leadership. - The podcast gives the seminary a new platform to reach listeners who may not engage with traditional academic or church settings. What happened: - Princeton Theological Seminary launched the first season of Expanding the Table on June 15, 2026. - The inaugural guest is the Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, U.S. senator from Georgia. - Princeton Seminary President Jonathan Lee Walton, PhD, hosts the podcast. - The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. - More information and subscriptions are available at the podcast page . The details: - The show brings together voices in health, politics, theology and history to examine questions of faith, leadership and justice. - Walton said the series draws from the Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14 and aims to welcome diverse perspectives into the Princeton Theological Seminary learning community. - Walton said the goal is to expand intellectual inquiry and explore how theological perspective can help shape a more just and moral world. - The first season includes episodes with Dr. Lisa Miller of Columbia University on teen mental health and resilience. - The season includes Dr. Howard K. Koh of Harvard University on why faith and religion matter for health. - The season includes Dr. Nathan Stucky of Princeton Theological Seminary on farming, productivity and life. - The season includes Dr. Suzanne Watts Henderson of Interfaith America on religious diversity in healthcare and patient care. - The season includes Dr. Almeda Wright of Yale Divinity School on how churches can support teen faith. - The season includes Dr. Peniel Joseph of The University of Texas at Austin on morality and democracy from the Civil Rights Movement. - The guests discuss faith’s role in ethical democracy, spirituality and adolescent well-being, and the importance of religious diversity. Between the lines: - The podcast reflects a broader effort by religious institutions to speak into contemporary public issues in a format that is more accessible than lectures or formal statements. - Walton’s framing suggests Princeton Theological Seminary wants the series to model dialogue across difference rather than partisan debate. - The guest list blends academic expertise with political and public-service experience, signaling an emphasis on applied theology. What’s next: - Princeton Theological Seminary is likely to continue rolling out the remaining season episodes across major podcast platforms. - The seminary is encouraging listeners to subscribe and follow the series through its website and streaming services. - The first season sets up a recurring channel for the seminary to connect its theological mission with national conversations.