Daily Advent podcast explores ‘Meeting Fear’

A new season of Daily Advent, an annual short-form podcast produced by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR, examines the spiritual and emotional landscape of fear during Advent. Titled Meeting Fear, this year’s series features clergy and lay contributors from Episcopal churches across the country, along with diverse participants from other Christian and faith traditions.

Each episode, released every day in Advent, offers a gentle 5-6 minute meditation designed to provide grounding and reflection during a busy season often filled with lights and celebration. While December is culturally associated with warmth and festivity, Advent’s scriptural readings present a more complex picture.

“Fear is very present in the ether everywhere right now,” says the Very Rev’d Brendan Barnacle, Interim Dean of Trinity Cathedral, “and our tradition has something to say about it. Advent carries an apocalyptic edge that can feel unsettling, but fear is also part of awe… that helps us recognize that there is something so much bigger than ourselves.”

The podcast explores the tension between holiday cheer and the often-challenging scripture of the season, reflecting on how fear can also cultivate courage, community, and reverence.

“Fear feels like a strange dichotomy in this season, but I think it will be interesting to walk with our various podcast guests as they think about fear and how that affects their relationship with God,” says the Rev’d Shana McCauley, Trinity’s Subdean.

Episodes of Daily Advent are available at dailyadvent.podbean.com, or by searching “Daily Advent” on any major podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, and iHeartRadio.

About Daily Advent

Daily Advent is an annual podcast offering brief daily meditations throughout the season of Advent. Each year features a new theme and contributors from communities across the Episcopal Church and beyond.

Produced by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland.