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“USC researcher, pastor & former comic exploring human flourishing—from theology and public policy to hip-hop and WWE.”
Rev. Dr. Seth Pickens works where spiritual scholarship, public policy, and culture meet. As Managing Director of USC’s Homelessness Policy Research Institute, he is at the forefront of efforts to inform and transform homelessness response systems in Los Angeles. He also serves as Senior Minister of Guidance Church of Religious Science.
Seth holds an EdD from USC, an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary, and a psychology degree from Morehouse College. His journey has included Peace Corps service in Haiti, elementary teaching, seventeen years of pastoral leadership—and even stand-up comedy. His forthcoming book, *Unadulterated*, explores how childlike capacities can catalyze flourishing in adults and institutions.
Seth can discuss human flourishing, psychology, theology, homelessness, leadership, systems change, current events, race, hip-hop, WWE—or the surprising connections among them. He brings conviction, candor, and humor to every conversation. If your audience likes it rigorous, spiritual, and funny, Seth is ready to talk.
Seth Watson Pickens is the Managing Director of USC’s Homelessness Policy Research Institute. His research interests center around holistic approaches to the prevention of chronic homelessness. Before joining HPRI, he served with the Economic Roundtable as director of the Realization
