Thee Quaker Podcast

Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Abolitionist That History Forgot

Thee Quaker Podcast

Show Notes

Benjamin Lay was a fierce abolitionist whose dramatic protests against slavery embarrassed the powerful Quakers of his day. They kicked him out and tried to erase him. This is the story of his return.

More from Thee Quaker Podcast

Oct 20, 2026

Quaker traveling minister Emily Provance traded her home for a backpack and shares with us the wisdom she has learned from seven years of traveling among Friends.

Oct 6, 2026

What happens when the optimistic spiritual vision of Quakerism collides with the messy reality of life? Season 4 of Thee Quaker Podcast explores the intersection of faith and social change, centering on Lucretia Mott and the radical early fight for universal suffrage in the United States. This season, we are also featuring intimate, on-the-road stories from traveling minister Emily Provance and an exclusive look at modern political advocacy with The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). This season asks what it truly means to be a faithful "disturber of the peace." Subscribe now and join us starting October 20th for a brand-new journey into spiritual courage!

Sep 15, 2026

Days before reporting to a federal penitentiary for a 900-day sentence, lifelong Quaker Jacob Hoopes joins us to talk about the escalating Portland ICE protest that led to his arrest and conviction. With incarceration looming, he examines the deep friction between his actions that afternoon, his commitment to justice, and the Quaker Peace Testimony. As Jacob faces the reality of federal prison, his father Tom shares how a stunned but resilient community is matching a 900-day sentence with 900 days of intentional action.

Aug 4, 2026

To wrap up season three, we’re counting down our top five most impactful episodes of the year. Join us as we revisit the moments that sparked the most conversation and discover how these centuries-old practices can help us make sense of the modern world.

Jul 28, 2026

What if the most radical spiritual act you could commit is a burst of shared laughter? Join Mark Winner and Liz Brainard as they share how Open Table Friends Church threw out the polished facade of their religious tradition to build a digital sanctuary rooted in chaotic joy and messy authenticity.

See all episodes →