Welcome to The Belonging Exchange with Philip Amerson

Be & Do: Belonging Exchange

The Be & Do podcast introduces the mission and vision of "Belonging Exchange." Philip Amerson reflects on faith and life in conversations with friends.

Best of To Be and Do:  Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson
Be And Do: Belonging Exchange
Best of To Be and Do: Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson
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July 31, 2026

Best of To Be and Do: Exploring Altruism and Community with Bud Herron and Phil Amerson

Best of To Be and Do:

In this deeply engaging episode of "To Be And Do," hosted by Phil Amerson, listeners are invited into the life and reflections of Bud Herron. A storyteller with a rich background in media, Bud shares profound insights shaped by his experiences from his upbringing and college years at Indiana University. Growing up in Hope, Indiana, Bud paints a vivid picture of his middle-class family life, the socio-economic divides present in his childhood town, and the unexpected perspe
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July 24, 2026

Best of To Be and Do: Lessons in Grief A Father’s Story of Faith Amid Tragedy with Tom Heaton

Best of To Be and Do:

In this deeply moving episode, Philip Amerson welcomes Tom Heaton for a candid and vulnerable conversation on grief, faith, and the abiding power of human connection. Tom Heaton, a pastor, blogger, and humanitarian, shares the tragic experiences of losing both of his sons, Jose and Manny, to acts of violence. The episode explores his responses not just as a father but also as a Christian and a pastor, and what these experiences have taught him about God, prayer, and being
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July 17, 2026

Best of To Be and Do: Lessons from the Neighborhood: Discovering Strength and Support in Unexpected Places with Seana Murphy

Best of To Be and Do:

To Be and Do Podcast: Show Notes

Host: Phil Amerson | Guest: Seana Murphy

In this deeply engaging episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson welcomes Seana Murphy, a proud parent, experienced professional, and lifelong learner, for a conversation full of wisdom, reflection, and encouragement. Phil, ever grateful to his many "teachers," counts Seana among them—though she reminds us that the lessons go both ways, especially when it comes to building community a
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July 10, 2026

Best of To Be and Do: Why Neighborhoods Matter: Exploring Faith, Community, and Connection with Tim Soerens

Best of To Be and Do:

In this compelling episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson welcomes Tim Soerens, executive director of the Parish Collective, for an enriching conversation about what it means to be the church in the neighborhood and how that impacts both individual lives and communities. Listeners are taken on a journey that weaves together stories of playful evangelism, real-life examples of neighborhood flourishing, and the deeper meaning of church as a connective force i
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July 3, 2026

Best of To Be and Do: Bridging Communities and Circles of Joy with Calvin and Nelia Kimbrough

Best of To Be and Do:

Show Notes: To Be and Do
In this heartfelt episode of To Be and Do, Phil Amerson welcomes longtime friends and collaborators, Calvin Kimbrough and Nelia Kimbrough, for a reflective and inspiring conversation about a lifetime of ministry, community building, and joyful, radical hospitality. With decades of collective experience as educators, artists, activists, and spiritual leaders, the Kimbroughs share vibrant stories from their journeys in places like Nashville, Atlanta,
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June 29, 2026

Because: The Power of Storytelling in Overcoming Division and Creating Belonging

In this "Because" episode of “To Be and Do,” the focus turns to a reflection on the difference between “shibboleth” and story—a conversation rooted in language, belonging, and the deeper meaning behind words. The episode opens with a reflection on the biblical term “shibboleth,” highlighting how, in the Book of Judges, it was used as a password to distinguish insiders from outsiders by the mere sound of a word. This serves as a springboard for considering how language can be used to divide or un

Recent Blog Posts

June 17, 2026

Reflecting on Goodbyes

The latest episode of the To Be and Do podcast invites listeners into a meaningful contemplation on the significance of goodbyes. With over a hundred episodes behind it, the podcast pauses to reflect on the moments of parting that shape our con…
June 14, 2026

"Because": Rethinking Trash, Compassion, and Social Responsibility

The latest "Because" episode of To Be and Do, invites listeners into a raw, deeply reflective conversation about what trash in our neighborhoods truly reveals about us—and the often-overlooked connections between everyday debris, social empathy, a…
June 11, 2026

Finding Presence in Grief: Reflections on Loss and Faith with Tom Heaton

In this moving episode of To Be and Do, host Philip Amerson sits down with Tom Heaton for an honest, vulnerable discussion on family tragedy, grief, and the enduring presence of faith. Known for his work as a pastor, preacher, and advocate for mis…

About the Host

Philip Amerson Profile Photo
Philip Amerson

Philip and Elaine Amerson live in Bloomington, Indiana where they enjoy work the multiple educational and cultural opportunities of the city. They each are active in several community activities from addressing issues of low-income housing, public safety, encouraging civic and faith community involvement.