Tea Time Theology

Moana, Mission, and the Call of the Sea

On this episode of Tea Time Theology the Ivy, and Taylor speak with Episcopal priest and trauma therapist Charlotte LaForest about the theology and healing themes in Disney's Moana. They explore calling versus duty, baptismal imagery, generational and cultural trauma, mentorship, and how moments of being seen restore purpose.

The conversation looks at Maui's redemption, Te Fiti's recovery, and how faith holds in dark moments, concluding with reflections on community healing, spiritual vocation, and practical takeaways for ministry and daily life.

Angels in America: Illness, blessings, and complicated friendships

Hosts Ivy, Taylor, and their guest Rev. K, discuss Angels in America—exploring Roy Cohn’s shocking last line about becoming an octopus, Prior’s struggle with illness and blessing, and the complicated friendships between Louis, Belize, Joe, Hannah and Harper. They reflect on faith, prayer, justice, and the play’s resonance with contemporary crises like the AIDS epidemic and COVID.

Through character readings, production notes, and theology, the episode considers how forgiveness, witness, and ‘angels’ show up in the mess of life and how the play’s ending offers a fragile, hard-won hope.

The Fox, the Priest, and Fleabag: Grief, Desire, and Divine Interruptions

Hosts Ivy, Taylor, and Guest Rev. K discuss Fleabag season two with a focus on grief, desire, and faith. They explore the show’s key moments—the fox, the Hot Priest, family dynamics, and the statue—through Episcopal and theological perspectives, tying character arcs to themes of forgiveness, love, and the ways grief transforms us.

The episode blends pop-culture analysis with personal stories, reflections on confession and liturgy, and how art can help us unmask and become more fully ourselves.

When Soccer Meets Spirit: Faith, Play, and Community

Hosts Ivy and Taylor chat with Tom Hobin about the intersection of sports and faith, focusing on soccer as a global connector. They share personal stories—from playing and coaching to meeting Pele and volunteering in refugee camps—and reflect on how play, prayer, and community shape spiritual life.

This episode explores coaching and church leadership parallels, the rituals of fandom, local Rhode Island teams and stadium culture, and simple practices for bringing more play and belonging into faith communities.

Confession, Cults, and Crime: A Parish Deep-Dive into Knives Out

Hosts Ivy Swinsky and Taylor Wilkie sit down with Mother Susan to discuss the new Knives Out film (Wake Up Dead Man), a murder mystery set in a small village church.

The conversation examines Episcopal confession practices, the misuse of faith and fear by false prophets, the film’s Good Friday–to–Easter framing, and how community and technology shape modern worship.

Mixing film analysis with pastoral insight and personal anecdotes, the episode explores faith, manipulation, and redemption in both story and church life.

Star Trek V and the Search for God: Cybok, Cults, and Communion

Hosts Taylor and Ivy welcome guest Drake to the new Tea Time Theology studio for a lively conversation about Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

They unpack Cybok as a messianic figure, the risks of pain-free salvation, the Trinity-like bond of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, and how cult dynamics intersect with Christian community and grace.

Short, thoughtful, and accessible, the episode ties pop culture to deep theological themes and recommends the film as a springboard for reflection.

Star Trek Strange New Worlds, Season 1 Episode 10 - With The Right Rev. Nicholas Knisely & Drake Douglas

This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

 

In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Drake Douglas & The Right Rev. Nicholas Knisely about Episode 10 titled, A Quality of Mercy.

Star Trek Strange New Worlds, Season 1 Episode 9 - With Jarrett Kerbel

This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

 

In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Fr. Jarrett Kerbel about Episode 7 titled, All Those Who Wander.

Star Trek Strange New Worlds, Season 1 Episode 8 - With Jarrett Kerbel

This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

 

In this episode they will be talking to The Rev. Fr. Jarrett Kerbel about Episode 7 titled, The Elysian Kingdom.

Star Trek Strange New Worlds, Season 1 Episode 7 - With Andrea Hutnak

This season Ivy and Taylor are Co-Hosting and will be talking to Clergy about the fantastic first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

 

In this episode they will be talking to Deacon. Andrea Hutnak about Episode 6 titled, The Serene Squall.