In this conversation, Secular Saint Lindsey Martin, Saintly Sidekick Krystal Rooduijn, and Saintly Spark Megan Zweifach share their personal experiences with gun violence and the profound impact it has had on their lives with hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche. They discuss the journey of transforming personal pain into community healing, the importance of support systems, and the need for advocacy against gun violence. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggle with grief, the creation of meaningful events to honor lost loved ones, and the desire to build a movement that supports others facing similar challenges. Through their stories, they emphasize the importance of finding purpose in pain and the collective effort required to create change.

In this episode, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche engage with Reverend Matthew Best, exploring his unique journey from politics to ministry. They discuss the intersection of faith and social justice, particularly in addressing homelessness and healthcare access. Matthew shares insights on the challenges faced by the unhoused and the importance of community trust in providing services. The conversation also touches on the impact of legislation on vulnerable populations and the need for humanity in discussions about gun violence. Additionally, they introduce the book 'American Roulette,' which aims to humanize the conversation around gun violence, and discuss the complexities of funding in social services.

In this engaging conversation, Gary Gulman shares his journey with mental health, the influence of Kurt Vonnegut on his work, and the therapeutic nature of writing. He discusses the importance of honest communication in friendships, the role of literature in personal growth, and the challenges of addressing difficult topics through comedy. Gulman reflects on his experiences with depression, recovery, and the power of storytelling, while also highlighting the significance of reading and learning in shaping one's perspective.

In this episode of Sacred Legions, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche engage with guests Svitlana Blinova and Yurii Kushnir, who share their harrowing experiences from Ukraine amidst the ongoing war. The conversation highlights the resilience of communities affected by disaster, drawing parallels between the recovery efforts in Paradise, California, and the struggles faced in Ukraine. The guests discuss the emotional toll of war, the importance of community support, and the initiatives aimed at rebuilding lives and fostering connections between cities. The episode emphasizes the need for global solidarity and understanding in the face of adversity.

In this episode of Sacred Legions, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche engage in a profound conversation with guests Cindy and Jackie about the historical and ongoing struggles for civil rights, food insecurity, and the impact of racism in America. They reflect on personal experiences of segregation, the importance of remembering history, and the alarming trend of erasing significant lessons from the past. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountability and the dangers of ignoring the realities of racial injustice. This conversation explores the intersection of race, community, and resistance through the experiences of Cindy and Jackie, who discuss their family's history and the role of Earlham College in civil rights. They reflect on the challenges faced by Black individuals in predominantly white spaces, the importance of lived experiences in discussions about oppression, and the need for positive forms of resistance. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community centers like the Townsend Center in affirming identity and fostering resilience against systemic racism.

In this engaging conversation, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche discuss Chris Kluwe's journey from NFL punter to outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights, free expression, and community activism. He reflects on the impetus behind his book 'Beautifully Unique Sparkle Ponies', the intricacies of punting in football, and the challenges of speaking out against societal injustices. Kluwe also shares his recent activism regarding library censorship and the impact of propaganda in shaping public opinion. In this conversation, Chris discusses the importance of civil disobedience in the face of governmental oppression, sharing his personal experiences with protests and law enforcement. He emphasizes the need for community action and individual responsibility in advocating for marginalized groups, drawing parallels to historical civil rights movements. The dialogue highlights the significance of empathy and human connection in activism, urging listeners to recognize their power and privilege in affecting change.

In episode four of the Sacred Legion’s podcast, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche have a conversation with Diane Nilan and her interview partner Diana Bowman exploring the profound impact of mentorship and advocacy in the realm of the unhoused. It highlights the inspiring journey of Diane Nilan and her writing collaborations with Diana Bowman, focusing on the importance of education, community support, and the McKinney-Vento Act in addressing the needs of unhoused families. The discussion emphasizes the power of personal stories, the role of school liaisons, and the necessity of volunteerism in creating meaningful change. You also hear from Diane’s saintly inspiration, Melissa Nason.

In this episode of Sacred Legion's podcast, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche engage with Saleem Holbrook and his sister Anita Colon to discuss the profound impact of incarceration. Saleem shares his harrowing journey from being a 16-year-old sentenced to life without parole to becoming an advocate for social justice. The conversation explores the systemic issues surrounding incarceration, the role of family in navigating these challenges, and the fight for reform in the legal system. Anita highlights the emotional toll on families and the importance of advocacy in raising awareness for systemic change in the justice system.

Welcome to Sacred Legions, a term coined by author Kurt Vonnegut for people performing decently in an indecent world. We will introduce you to hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche as they describe their mission to interview community pillars of volunteerism and self-care. You’ll also find resources on our website, sacredlegions.org, empowering you to join the ranks of the Sacred Legions. Secular Sainthood. Good for others. Good for your self!

In the inaugural episode of the Sacred Legions podcast, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche introduce the concept of secular sainthood, inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s philosophy. They discuss the importance of recognizing individuals who contribute positively to society, particularly in the realms of environmentalism and community engagement. Guest Christina Jarvis shares her journey as a Vonnegut scholar and environmental advocate, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art, activism, and personal responsibility. Her husband, Tom Annear, contributes to the global stewardship discussion. The conversation highlights the role of community in fostering change and the need for a network of secular saints to inspire and support one another in their efforts to create a better world. You also hear from Christina’s saintly inspiration, Vonnegut scholar Marc Leeds.