Sacred Legions: A Podcast for Secular Saints

In this episode, Pat Lamarche shares her lifelong dedication to helping the unhoused, efforts supporting Ukraine, and the power of community action through art and storytelling. Discover how individual compassion can drive meaningful change in society.

In this episode, we speak with Phillip Mutebi, the founder and executive director of HUREED (Human Rights and Economic Empowerment Development) and delve into their critical work in Uganda. As a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting people chased away from their homes, conducting prison visits, assisting with economic empowerment, and promoting community awareness, HUREED have faced the challenges of Uganda’s anti-homosexuality act head on.

Melissa Crick shares her inspiring journey of community rebuilding after the 2018 Paradise Campfire, highlighting innovative solutions, community resilience, and international collaborations with Ukraine.

In this conversation, Max Goller interviews John Russell, a high school English teacher and debate coach, about his journey in education and debate coaching. John shares his passion for debate, the structure of speech and debate competitions, and the pathway for students to reach national levels. He discusses the importance of challenging societal norms, particularly patriarchy, and emphasizes the need for diverse representation in literature and education. The conversation highlights the transformative power of debate and literature in shaping students' perspectives and understanding of the world. In this conversation, John discusses the importance of diverse literature in American high school education, emphasizing the need for representation of various authors, including those from marginalized backgrounds. The discussion then shifts to John's time in the Peace Corps, where he reflects on the challenges and rewards of serving in Mongolia, and the cultural experiences he encountered. Overall, the conversation underscores the significance of literature and cultural exchange in shaping perspectives and fostering understanding.

Host Max Goller explores the inspiring story of Jen Tianen as she delves into innovative projects like the literary garden, environmental initiatives, and the human side of authors. Discover how place-based education, mental health awareness, and community engagement can transform learning and personal growth. Jen is joined by her saintly sidekick, Emily McQuillan, who recounts the plant-focused literary trips of your youth, and her work with neurodivergent children.

Join Max Goller in an insightful discussion with Colonel Scott Buren about the importance of peace, ethics, and strategic peacebuilding initiatives. Discover the history, current efforts, and future plans to promote peace through community engagement, art, and education, highlighting the unique role of Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a hub for peace and justice. Also learn about the J. Sherwood McGuinness War Peace and Justice Project’s Ukrainian art exhibit currently taking place at the International Peace Museum in Dayton, OH.

This episode features David Lane, a master woodworker and artist, who shares his inspiring projects that blend craftsmanship with literature and social justice. Enjoy descriptions of a war chest honoring Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, a toolbox honoring Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a specially crafted Little Free Library, or bookshelves dedicated to Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, works by Seamus Heany, or works by imprisoned authors. You will also get an advanced look at a hope chest honoring several African American authors. Discover how David’s art promotes decency, history, and cultural awareness.

In this episode of Sacred Legions, host Max Goller speaks with Christopher Kendall Olsen from Welcome to Housing about his inspiring journey helping people moving into a new home. Relocating after a loss or being unhoused can be daunting, so providing household items in Maine is a vital service. They discuss the importance of community support, volunteerism, innovative solutions to homelessness, and recovery from loss.

In this episode of Sacred Legions, host Max Goller engages with Hugh Magbie, a secular saint of human rights, discussing his background, the influence of Quaker values, and the complexities of activism in today's political landscape. They explore themes of alienation, the role of minorities in politics, the impact of consumer choices, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation reflects on the challenges of nonviolence, the integrity of media, and the need for new solutions in a rapidly changing world.

In this conversation, host, Max Goller, and Secular Saint, Ben Price, discuss the evolution of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) and its mission to empower communities to assert their rights against environmental degradation. They explore the shift from traditional regulatory approaches to a focus on community rights and self-governance, emphasizing the importance of local decision-making in environmental matters. The discussion also touches on the historical context of democracy in the U.S., the role of education in fostering community empowerment, and the need to challenge systemic injustices that prioritize corporate interests over public health and safety.