Steve prepares for the 2023 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago by speaking with Bernie Newman, Shoaib Khadri, Barb Maloof, and Bruce Duffield about interfaith service projects in Chicagoland.

Bernie Newman is a Past-President of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville, Illinois, where he has lived with his wife, Judi, for 39 years. He teaches the Introduction to Judaism course at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and he is on the board of directors of the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association. Bernie received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1976 and his Master of Science Degree from Stanford University in 1977.

Shoaib Khadri is a member of the Islamic Center of Naperville and has led their Mosque’s interfaith involvement, including participation in the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association for many years. ICN’s “Open Mosque Days” teach thousands about Islam, its traditions and practices. In addition to ICN, Shoaib serves as an officer of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, an umbrella organization for more than 60 Islamic organizations serving the more than 400,000 Muslims in the Chicago area.

Barb Maloof spent a career in public service management for the City of Chicago and Cook County government. Now retired, Barbara teaches English as a Second Language (ESL), as needed, after studying with Literacy Works in Chicago. Several decades ago, Barbara joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Currently living in Hyde Park, she has been called to be the Director of Communications for the Chicago Stake. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Public Service from DePaul University.

Bruce Duffield has served as president of the Chicago Illinois Temple, public affairs specialist, a temple sealer, and a former bishop, stake presidency counselor and high councilor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Senior Counsel for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, he was born in Magrath, Alberta, Canada.

In the second half of the episode, Heather invites Walter Whipple and Candance Brown into the studio to discuss a recent sculpture exhibit, "A Catholic Reads the Book of Mormon," focusing on the art work of polish folk artist Roman Śledź. Walter Whipple is a professor emeritus in Polish Language and Literature for BYU. From 1990 to 1993, Walter served as the president of the Poland Warsaw Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Candace Brown graduated from BYU in Art History and Curatorial Studies in April 2023. She interned at the BYU Museum of Art in 2021 and 2022. She curated the exhibition "A Catholic Reads the Book of Mormon: Folk Carvings of Roman Śledź" as part of her Art History Senior Capstone project and Honors Thesis. She is currently taking a gap year to work and travel before beginning a Master's program in Art History.