In June 2022, Jennifer England of Tension of Emergence brought together spiritual teacher Br. David Steindl-Rast and climate scientist Dr. John England for an illuminating conversation about hope in uncertain times. Listen to the full 45-minute podcast below, which features spirituality, science, storytelling, and wisdom shared between two friends.

Listen to the episode


This conversation is also available on Jennifer’s website.

About the conversation

We usually think of hope as a sentimental emotion that solidifies what we want in life. But what if it meant something else entirely?

In this episode, Jennifer talks with two friends who connect for the first time in 40 years. Dr. John England, a climate scientist and Brother David, a spiritual teacher offer insight on how to navigate endless challenges in the midst of a climate crisis.

Weaving together science, spirituality, and consciousness Brother David and John England also share:

  • How to anchor ourselves in the present moment
  • The essential shift to we need to make to create interdependence
  • A different interpretation of ‘hope’ that prevents us from bypassing into superficial positivity

Tune in for an intimate, story-filled and fun conversation between two teachers who remind us that hope gives us something far greater than a guarantee that everything will turn out OK.


Jennifer England, Tension of Emergence
Jennifer England, Tension of Emergence

Jennifer England has been a senior executive and non-profit leader for over two decades, widely recognized for her ability to influence systems change in the field of gender equality, justice, Indigenous rights, and wellness. She is a full-time leadership strategist and coach with her company, Spark Coaching + Consulting, lead coach and teacher of Becoming, host of the Tension of Emergence podcast, and collaborative leader with BraveSpark- the Wild Topography of Leadership.

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