In this moving episode of And Now Love, Cynthia Marks sits down with Dr. Frank Rogers Jr., professor at Claremont School of Theology and co-founder of the Center for Engaged Compassion, to explore the healing power of radical compassion. Frank defines compassion as being genuinely moved by another’s experience in a way that prompts restorative action—and distinguishes it from empathy, which can become draining “empathic distress” if we stay stuck in the wince. He shares unforgettable stories—especially his grandmother caring for a dying, ostracized man during the AIDS crisis—as an example of what compassion looks like when it’s lived. Frank also reveals his own trauma-to-recovery journey as a sexual abuse survivor, and how learning self-compassion transformed inner chaos, shame, and suicidal impulses into a path of restoration. Together, they discuss the threefold rhythm of compassion—grounding in a sacred source, practicing self-compassion, and extending compassion outward—especially in a polarized world. The conversation closes with practical hope: compassion can be practiced in small moments, and dreams/body signals can guide us toward what the soul is asking to heal.

• 0:00 — What Compassion Is

• 8:16 — The Grandmother Story: Compassion as a way of life

• 16:32 — Practicing micro-compassion

• 24:48 — Trauma & Shame: Frank’s turning point and why compassion changes healing

• 33:04 — The 3-fold rhythm: sacred source, self-compassion, compassion for others

• 41:20 — Polarization & faith splits: “conscious uncoupling” with dignity

• 49:36 — Practical help: seeing yourself differently + finding people who see you

• 57:53 — Closing: dreams/body as signals + where to find Frank’s work