In this episode of the Faith and Feminism Podcast, host Meghan Tschanz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sarah F. Farmer, the associate director at the Wabash Center For Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion. Farmer provides insight into her work, emphasizing the importance of recognizing teaching identity, and sheds light on her interest in transformative pedagogy.
The interview delves into Farmer’s profound experiences, including her impactful book “Restorative Hope, Creating Pathways of Connection in Women’s Prisons,” which is deeply influenced by her personal encounters. Farmer challenges the prevalent “tough on crime” approach, advocating for a focus on poverty alleviation and the transformation of teaching practices for theology and religion faculty.
Listeners are drawn into a discussion about the impact of criminalizing drug use, its disproportionate effect on people of color and women, and the myriad pathways to incarceration for women. Farmer draws from her teaching experience in prisons to emphasize the unique challenges and difficult choices faced by incarcerated women, providing a poignant perspective on this critical issue.
The conversation concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to share the podcast if it resonated with them, and expressing gratitude to the audience for their thoughtful engagement.