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Chaplaincy Podcast - University of St Andrews

University of St Andrews 23 episodes Aug 31, 2026

The Chaplaincy Podcast from the University of St Andrews features interviews and stories from the university's chaplaincy. It explores faith, community, and the lives of people connected to St Andrews. Episodes offer conversations with staff, students, and guests. The show is produced by the University of St Andrews.

Episodes

Scripture with Bill Shackman Aug 31, 2026 12:51 The Assistant Chaplain Bill Shackman answers some common questions about scripture. We discuss what scripture means and what importance it holds, as well as how Bill personally interacts with the scripture of his Jewish tradition.

Ministry with Revd Samantha Ferguson Aug 31, 2026 18:36 Our Assistant Chaplain Revd Samantha Ferguson reflects on her path to Priesthood and provides insight into what it is like to work within the Church.

Humanism with Sandy Edwards Aug 31, 2026 17:18 In this episode, our Honorary Humanist Chaplain Sandy Edwards introduces us to humanist thought and practice. We hear about non-religious pastoral care and what it means to be a humanist.

Judaism with Bill Shackman Aug 31, 2026 18:02 In this episode, Assistant Chaplain Bill Shackman provides us with an introduction to the Jewish faith, community and practice.

Paganism with Kitty Macintyre Aug 31, 2026 23:17 Honorary Pagan Chaplain Kitty gives us an introduction to Pagan thought and practice, and what groups and events are available in St Andrews.

Student Engagement and Chapel life with Dr Schwesig Aug 31, 2026 14:44 Dr Simon Schwesig, recent PhD graduate and avid Chapel reader reflects upon being involved with Chapel life as a student.

Student Engagement with Elizabeth Aug 31, 2026 15:07 In this episode, recent graduate Elizabeth reflects upon Chaplaincy engagement and finding community in faith.

Nature and Environment with Bill Shackman Aug 31, 2026 08:23 Bill Shackman, Assistant Chaplain who works with Environment in the Chaplaincy explores how nature and environment inspires his faith and pastoral care, as well as how questions of environmental protection motivate Chaplaincy initiatives.

Nature and Environment with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan Aug 31, 2026 20:19 We hear the Chaplain Donald discuss the importance of caring for the environment, how faith and environment intertwines and how the Chaplaincy works toward environmental protection.

Gender and Sexuality with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan Aug 31, 2026 19:22 We hear University Chaplain, Revd Dr Donald MacEwan, discussing questions of gender and sexuality within the Church, University and pastoral care.

Gender in Ministry with Revd Samantha Ferguson Aug 31, 2026 18:37 Assistant Chaplain, Revd Samantha Ferguson reflects on being a woman in ministry and in the church, and her own journey towards priesthood.

Religion and Science with Professor Torrance Aug 31, 2026 19:26 In this episode, we hear from Andrew Torrance, Professor of Theology in St Andrews department of Divinity. Professor Torrance launched and led the programme Scientists in Congregations Scotland, prior to working at the University. We hear from Professor Torrance as he responds to some common questions around the interactions between religion and science.

Faith and Storytelling with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan Aug 31, 2026 10:50 University Chaplain Donald MacEwan reflects upon how pastoral care involves storytelling, and how integral storytelling can be to faith. Donald, who is also pursuing a Masters of Creative Writing alongside his Chaplaincy work, also discusses the impact of literature on his life and work.

Faith and Storytelling with Fiona Barnard Aug 28, 2026 18:24 This episode features Honorary Global Chaplain Fiona Barnard. Fiona has been a part of Chaplaincy activity for many years, leading the Faith and Storytelling groups and the local Link Scheme. In this episode, we hear about what it means to create community, and how stories interact with community, culture and faith.

Chapel music with Claire Innes-Hopkins Aug 28, 2026 13:33 Director of Chapel Music, Claire, explores the wide range of Chapel music groups and events present in St Andrews. We go through how to get involved and how to attend services in the two medieval Chapels, St Salvator’s Chapel and St Leonards Chapel. Further, Claire reflects on the interaction and relationship between faith and music during Chapel services.

Grief with Revd Samantha Ferguson Aug 28, 2026 15:15 In this episode, our Assistant Chaplain Revd Samantha Ferguson, reflects on the experience of grief. Further, we discuss the resources available within the Chaplaincy for experiencing grief, including the Grief Group lunches for staff and students.

Student Wellbeing and Community with Bartosz (PresWell) Aug 28, 2026 24:48 This episode is guested by Bartosz, the new President of Wellbeing and Community at our Student Union. Bartosz tells us about what the role entails, projects and initiatives he will deliver in the following year and reflects upon why discussions surrounding student wellbeing are so vital to a flourishing university.

Jewish Society with Emma Aug 28, 2026 10:06 In this episode, student and JSoc committee member Emma explores the vibrant Jewish community of the student body. We explore events held by JSoc, collaborations with other universities and the impact of having a faith-community at university.

Christian Union with Alex Aug 28, 2026 18:21 In this episode, student and CU committee member Alex tells us about the vibrant Christian community of the student body. We explore the importance of faith-based societies and how other students can get involved in their events.

Sikhism and SikhSoc with Gurunek Aug 28, 2026 18:03 We hear from Gurunek, President of St Andrews Sikh Society, as he introduces us to Sikh faith and practice. Additionally, Gurunek reflects on having a Sikh community at university, and informs us on events held by SikhSoc and how to get involved with the society.

Interfaith with Bill Shackman Aug 28, 2026 11:39 In this episode, Assistant Chaplain Bill Shackmann explains what the term “interfaith” means in a Chaplaincy context, how the University Chaplaincy works with Interfaith and Bill’s personal journey into interfaith work.

Introduction to the Chaplain – Revd Dr Donald MacEwan Aug 28, 2026 21:25 This episode features Revd Dr Donald MacEwan, our University Chaplain. He walks us through what it means to be University Chaplain, what resources and support the Chaplain offers and tells us a little bit about him as a person.