UIndy’s Showers Lecture Tackles Body Shame and Spiritual Well-Being

As part of the 2026 Showers Lecture Series, the University of Indianapolis Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences will host a March 30 event on body image, body shame and spiritual well-being, beginning with a 4 p.m. conversation and concluding with a 7 p.m. lecture. The event features clinical psychologist and author Hillary McBride and is titled “What the Body Knows: A Clinical and Christian Invitation to Embodied Living.” 

In both the lecture and a conversation with moderator Nathan Johnson, University of Indianapolis associate professor of religion, McBride will guide attendees in exploring the complex relationship many people have with their own bodies.

“Dr. Hillary McBride’s work has been especially useful for those who have experienced body shame in a spiritual context, whether inside or outside of religious spaces and the Christian church,” said Johnson. “What makes her approach so special is that she seeks to knit the individual back together within the faith tradition, rather than rejecting God language altogether.”

McBride is a therapist and researcher with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She’s written several books including “The Wisdom of Your Body” as well as “Mothers, Daughters & Body Image.” She works at the intersection of faith and psychology, offering an alternative vision rooted in embodiment. Through research, storytelling and practical insight, she invites participants to reconnect with their bodies as essential to both personal and spiritual well-being.

“Most people either try to force ‘faith over fear’ to deal with their baggage, or they avoid religion altogether as they flee from its harms,” said Johnson. “Dr. McBride pays attention to the goodness of the body—even amid pain—to understand how we might enter into spiritual and religious practices wholly. I hope our students find her words lifegiving and helpful as they navigate so much in their daily lives.”

The event will begin with an armchair conversation between McBride and Johnson from 4-5 p.m., followed by a lecture from McBride at 7 p.m.

WHAT: 2026 Showers Lecture Series                                                                                       
WHEN: Monday, March 30 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
WHERE: UIndy Hall A, Schwitzer Student Center, University of Indianapolis campus
WHO: Interview opportunities available with Hillary McBride and Nathan Johnson
PARKING: Available outside Schwitzer Student Center, located at 1400 Campus Drive (near the intersection of Hanna Ave.)

For additional information or to arrange interviews before or after the event, please contact UIndy’s Communications and Public Relations Specialist Tyler Jachnicki at jachnickit@uindy.edu.