Denise Daniels & Elaine Ecklund: Working for Better

“I think it’s important to learn how to treat ourselves humanely and find opportunities of flourishing for ourselves — of course for ourselves, but also as an act of representation for others. I think that’s really important.” — Elaine Howard Ecklund

Social scientist Elaine Howard Ecklund and Management scholar Denise Daniels join us on the podcast to talk about their recent book Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith and Work. We discuss their research regarding the integration of faith and work and, particularly, what it means for women.

What does it look like to integrate faith and work within a normal, full life? Sociology professor Elaine Howard Ecklund and management professor Denise Daniels join us on the podcast to discuss their recent book Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. In our conversation, we hear from Denise and Elaine about their research into faith and work as a connected whole. We hear their thoughts about the unique challenges for women in the workplace and the ways faith plays an unexpected role. Denise and Elaine also offer important suggestions for the ways we view power in the workplace and how we can use the power we have for good. In addition, we’re pleased to let you know that InterVarsity Press is offering a discount on Working for Better for listeners of this podcast. Just use the code IVPWSAP25 for 25% off and free shipping when you purchase the book at ivpress.com. You can find a link to the book and the discount code in the show notes. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our interview where the authors share about their practices of finding rest in the midst of their full lives.

So jump right in! We're so glad you're here.

— Ann Boyd

Elaine Howard Ecklund is the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, professor of sociology, and director of the Boniuk Institute at Rice University. She is best known for her sociological work on the intersection of science and religion and has also published research on religious discrimination, religion and immigration, religion and race, and religion in the workplace. She is the author of numerous books and research articles, including Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think.

Denise Daniels is Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College. She is a management scholar with deep theological engagement in her teaching, publications, and consulting work, which focuses on leadership development and vocation in the marketplace. She co-authored the book Working in the Presence of God: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Work.

You can listen on iTunes or at The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform, or click through to listen to our interview with Denise & Elaine on:

• iTunes

• Spotify

• Podbean

If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!

Further resources for this interview:

• Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work by Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels

• “Working for Better: A Webinar” — published on The Women Scholars and Professionals Podcast in October 2025.

• Elaine’s website

• Denise’s page at Wheaton College