Series Trailer

About the Podcast

“Introducing Early Quakers” is a monthly podcast presented by Silver Wattle Quaker Centre, exploring the lives and legacy of the first generation of Friends. Each episode offers a spiritually grounded profile of a 17th-century Quaker who helped shape the beginnings of the Religious Society of Friends.

The series was created by Michael Corbett, a Queensland Quaker whose deep leading emerged following a 2023 course on early Quakers at Silver Wattle. His ministry of storytelling draws from historical sources, personal reflection, and worshipful study.

Each episode opens with a short introduction read by Ann Zubrick, a board member of Silver Wattle and member of Western Australia Regional Meeting. Her voice offers a warm welcome into these reflections on faith, resistance, and spiritual courage.

Episodes release monthly on the 5th of each month, beginning on World Quaker Day, 5 October 2025, with the first focusing on setting the political and social scene of early Quakers.

Michael Corbett

Voice and Writer of the Series

Ann Zubrick

Voice of the Episode Introductions

• Transcript

  Welcome to this podcast series coming courtesy of Silver Wattle Quaker Centre. Located in central New South Wales on the edge of Weereewa (or Lake George), the largest freshwater lake in Australia. We acknowledge and give thanks for First Nations groups care of country. We commit to its ongoing care. I’m Ann Zubrick, a member of the Silver Wattle board.

  In October 2023, Michael Corbett, a Queensland Quaker, attended a course at Silver Wattle exploring the lives of remarkable men and women in the latter part of the 17th century, who became early Quakers. He subsequently compiled these stories to share in nine podcast episodes.

  “I’ve never done anything like this before in my life so it was sheer inspirational. A few minutes meditating, and then I just let my fingers type out what was coming to me. So I'm more than blessed. I've been triple, quadruple blessed.”

  These episodes are offered in the spirit of spiritual reflection and storytelling. We hope these stories inspire and inform you. You can explore more about Silver Wattle’s retreats and learning opportunities—both in-person and online at silverwattle.org.au.