The "Center" podcast

Welcome to The "Center”, a monthly podcast series created and produced by the Franciscan Peace Center, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, IA.

The podcast is focused on the joint mission of both organizations to promote peace and active nonviolence within our local, national, and global communities. Join host Marsha Thrall each month as we explore how active nonviolence and peacemaking are necessary and transformative practices within everyday life.

Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa.

15 May 2025

The Sanctuary Movement as Solidarity - A Conversation with Rev. Kelly Dignan

In 2017, Rev. Dignan advocated for, and led her congregation – the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, Colorado – to become a sanctuary congregation, housing a Peruvian refugee mother and her children.

24 Apr 2025

Art as Reconciliation: A Conversation with Brian Beals

10 Apr 2025

The Gift of Restorative Justice – A Conversation with Sr. Janet Ryan and Eric Anderson

13 Mar 2025

Promoting Food Security in Our Local Communities – A Conversation with Carrie Donaire

On today’s episode of The “Center,” we’re joined by Carrie Donaire, the 2024-25 president of the Rotary Club of Clinton, Iowa. Under her leadership, the Rotary Club of Clinton will host its first annual Food Security Summit on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

27 Feb 2025

Empowering Non-Violence Through Youth Sports - A Conversation with Reggie Russell

On today’s episode of The “Center” we’re joined by Reggie Russell, Executive Director of Empowerment Through Sports, a Clinton area nonprofit organization that focuses on helping youth overcome violence through youth sports.

13 Feb 2025

“Becoming Non-Violent Peacemakers - A Conversation with Eli McCarthy”

This episode’s guest is Eli McCarthy, Ph.D., a professor in both the Program on Justice and Peace and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University. Eli discusses the importance of being nonviolent peacemakers during political unrest and insecurity.

23 Jan 2025

Doing Human Trafficking Work in the State of Iowa - A Conversation with Dr. George Belitsos

On today’s episode of The “Center” we’re joined by Dr. George Belitsos, current chair of the Board of Directors for the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery.

09 Jan 2025

Update 2025: The Landscape of Human Trafficking in Clinton, Iowa

On today’s episode of The “Center,” we’re joined by Deputy Chief of Police Jim Ballauer and Corporal Joshua Winter of the Clinton Police Department for an update on the landscape of human trafficking in both the City of Clinton, Iowa and its neighboring communities.

26 Dec 2024

Living an Embodied Faith - A Conversation with Leslye Colvin

On this episode of The “Center,” we’re joined by contemplative activist Leslye Colvin. Leslye is a writer, educator, and spiritual companion rooted deep within her Catholic faith. Leslye writes her blog “Leslye’s Labyrinth” and has been published in the National Catholic Reporter and U.S. Catholic.

12 Dec 2024

Addressing Homelessness, Food Insecurity, and Supporting our LGBTQIA+ Neighbors: A Conversation with Rev. Tamara Siburg

On this episode of The “Center” we are joined by Reverend Tamara Siburg. Reverend Tamara is the pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clinton, IA. Since beginning her service in Clinton, Rev. Tamara and her congregation have committed to focusing on social justice issues.