Ep1: Courage to Thrive — Meet Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan and learn about his journey to find joy and hope, and help others do the same

November 2025: Welcome to the Courage to Thrive show, hosted by Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan, best known as Father Bob.

About our host: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others. With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through his ministry, writings, and teachings. Bob’s book, “Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” was a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist in the Bible study category.

In this first episode: Father Bob is interviewed by Inkandescent Radio producer Hope Katz Gibbs, who asks him about his background as an Episcopal priest and author, including how his personal struggles with depression and anxiety inspired his book. The discussion covers Bob’s work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and his efforts to help individuals navigate difficult times through devotions and exercises. The show will explore various topics, including religious attendance trends, upcoming episodes featuring diverse guests, and the installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Scroll down for a short summary of their conversation, and be sure to listen to the entire podcast on Inkandescent Radio.

Hope: Tell us about your journey to become an Episcopal priest and what led you to write your first book about having the Courage to Thrive in 2020.

Father Bob: “Courage to Thrive” was inspired by my personal struggles with depression and anxiety during my time at seminary. I harken it to Dante’s “Inferno,” a metaphor for my journey where we learn, “In the middle of the journey of our life, I came to myself in a dark wood, for the straight was lost.” I preached about my experience with suicidal thoughts when I had been a first-year semarian; it was a kick-in-the-ass message meant to remind the seminary students of the extraordinary work God called them to do and to stop complaining about their workload.

A tall, thoughtful student named Mike approached me after the service and said I had a lot of courage to share my mental health issues. I didn’t want the sermon to be about me, I never do, but I felt compelled to share the message that I could struggle, and still thrive. When I sat down to write the book, I had the same motivation. That’s why the book includes devotions and exercises to help them navigate difficult times, and he reflects on how the experiences shared in the book have helped others find hope and courage in their own lives.

Hope: You are brutally honest and frank about those issues, and have partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In fact, the foreword is written by Dr. Christine Moutier, the organization’s chief medical officer, and Dr. Doreen Marshall, its VP of mission engagement.

Father Bob: I’m so happy that the book has been well-received in his religious community after increased attention to suicide, particularly among veterans. I believe that my work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention helped normalize the struggles people face, and the second book offers a Bible study to help individuals better understand themselves and their relationships.

Hope: Talk about the trend in religious participation in the country. 

Father Bob: The decline in religious attendance and participation over the decades is a long-term trend. The post-World War II period was an anomaly, with increased church attendance as people sought community involvement. It is important that religious institutions acknowledge both their positive contributions and past failures, such as sexual abuse and financial misconduct. I hope my books will fill some gaps and offer individuals a personal spiritual journey, potentially leading them to religious institutions or allowing them to explore their spirituality independently.

Hope: Tell us about some of the guests you’ll be featuring on the Courage to Thrive show.

Father Bob: I am excited that in Ep2, live in December, we will be interviewing Karen Swallow Pryor to discuss the hymn “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.” In Ep3, live in January, we’ll feature Dr. Charlie Mayer to explore the role of Christian leaders in exorcism. In 2026, the show will also cover the installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold the position. And that’s just the start. I am looking forward to sharing more insights and ideas on how we all can embrace the Courage to Thrive!