David James Duncan is the acclaimed author of The River Why, The Brothers K, and the National Book Award–finalist My Story as Told by Water. His work — celebrated for its humor, heart, ecological devotion, and spiritual depth — has received numerous honors including the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award, Pushcart Prizes, and the American Library Association’s Award for the Preservation of Intellectual Freedom. David lives beside a trout stream in Montana, writing, fishing, and tending to a life shaped by story, wildness, and contemplative practice. His long-awaited novel Sun House has been praised as a rare work of expansive joy, courage, and compassion.
Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality. Her passion is sharing great ideas to change lives and the world—a passion that ranges from informing the public about spiritual trends, challenging conventional narratives about religious practice, entering the fray of social media with spiritual wisdom and smart theology, and writing books to help readers see themselves, their place in history, and God differently.
Báyò Akomolafe — writer, postactivist, and steward of Yoruba wisdom — guides us into new ways of seeing and being with the world. His work opens imaginative, soulful pathways beyond certainty, into the living mystery of belonging, kinship, and transformation.
“ A recent participant wrote to us after our retreat, saying it was “…one of the most profound spiritual journeys I have ever undertaken, in the delightful company of deep spirited and utterly engaging fellow travelers. At the right time in the right way, it has changed my life…” ”
“ “…a fabulous opportunity to experience the physical beauty, the political culture and history and the warm, friendly people of Ireland. An opportunity to slow down, reflect and connect with interesting, diverse people in substantive, heart-level ways…” ”
“ “…a unique experience…to journey with total strangers through the beautiful city and countryside, learning about conflict and peace both in the healing of Ireland and our own internal search for peace. With storytelling, poetry, mysticism to round out a life-changing adventure while developing lifelong friendships.” ”
