In this conversation, Cynthia and Laura Beth talk with Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen about change, healing, and the importance of community in the context of LGBTQ+ advocacy and spirituality. They discuss personal journeys of acceptance, the significance of creating safe spaces, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in faith communities. Marion brings a perspective of optimism and resilience, highlighting the need for allies and the power of love in bridging divides. The conversation emphasizes the importance of navigating trauma, fostering understanding, and celebrating small victories in the ongoing journey toward inclusivity and acceptance. Chapters (00:00:18) - We Were Everywhere(00:00:46) - Back to Business as usual(00:02:04) - Exploring the Ghost of My Home(00:05:21) - The Need for Space(00:08:37) - The Reverend Dr. Marianne Edmonds(00:10:24) - Welcome to Nowhere(00:12:26) - A Live Event With a Live Audience(00:12:55) - Interviewing Marianne Jones(00:14:22) - Pastor on the challenges of LGBT people(00:21:55) - Bridge Builder's Question(00:24:13) - Building bridges in the LGBT community(00:28:40) - One Utah mom's story of homelessness(00:33:32) - Reveal: A Child's Journey to Her Parents(00:34:06) - Lesbian Voices on Utah's Homelessness(00:40:00) - The Search for Love in the World(00:41:52) - On Peace and the Path to Resistance(00:43:33) - Marian on Peace Building(00:52:38) - Stuck in the Church: Laura Beth and Marian(00:57:30) - Coming Out: The Moment When God Said He's Okay With Me(01:02:48) - "Gay People Are Welcome in My Church"(01:04:33) - Marionette on Learning to Play the Drum(01:06:53) - milo at a drum circle
In this episode, Cynthia and LB introduce the Coalition for Peace and Restoration, a community-focused organization promoting holistic wellness through the integration of body, soul, and spirit. They explore the vision behind the coalition, its inclusive approach to supporting the queer community and those adjacent to it, and the importance of creating a safe space for healing and spiritual development. The conversation highlights the coalition's activities, future aspirations, and the call for community involvement. Chapters (00:00:21) - Today's Podcast: We Are Actually Somewhere(00:01:14) - The Coalition for Peace and Restoration(00:05:00) - Reverend Laura Beth Buckleiter on Being the Right Reverend(00:06:08) - The Coalition for Peace and Restoration: Co-creator for Administration(00:06:54) - What is the Coalition for Peace and Restoration?(00:12:25) - The Journey of the Queer Coalition(00:16:41) - What is the Queer-Queer Community?(00:20:56) - The Coalition for Peace and Restoration: Future Plans(00:27:05) - A Place for Spiritual Healing for Pastors(00:32:49) - The need for a spiritual space(00:35:21) - Exploring Wholeness in the Coalition(00:37:46) - Spiritual Health: Body and Soul(00:44:39) - The Center for Peace and Restoration: Opening Soon(00:48:41) - Countdown to the Recovery Cafe(00:53:30) - Crowds At Paralympics(00:53:39) - The End of My Board Seat(00:58:17) - The Center for Peace and Restoration(01:00:11) - The Flaming Grant Concert(01:02:02) - Space for the Soul
In this conversation, Rachel Hall, a queer and trans singer-songwriter, shares her journey of self-discovery, the importance of community, and the impact of political climate on her art. She discusses the complexities of family dynamics, the grief associated with her transition, and the significance of representation in the trans community. Rachel emphasizes the need to decentralize romantic relationships and highlights the hope that exists even amidst loss. Her upcoming projects and involvement in Pride events reflect her commitment to visibility and celebration of queer identities. https://mariela.band/ Chapters (00:00:08) - Going Nowhere(00:02:34) - Pod interview: Flaming Grant and More(00:04:48) - Nowhere in Nowhere(00:06:29) - Rachel Hall on Going Nowhere(00:07:54) - Rachel on Wonders(00:10:12) - How Are You Coping With the Trump Era?(00:12:41) - Finding Your People(00:19:06) - Coming Out: The Epiphany and Grief(00:25:49) - Mariah on The Story of Her Transition(00:36:42) - Dear Rachel: Please Have A Happy Ending(00:40:16) - You're a Trans Artist on Social Media(00:48:45) - Mariah Carey on Her New Single 'Girls Of Summer'(00:50:58) - A Side Quest for Cynthia(00:53:03) - Rachel's
In this conversation, Laura Beth and Cynthia welcome pastor, author, and advocate, Sarah Griffiths Lund to talk about her recently released book, Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence About Neurodiversity. Sarah's book is a wonderful introduction to understanding the beauty and complexity of neurodiversity in all the ways it shows up - especially from the perspective of leading faith community. We talk about the intersection of mental health, neurodiversity, and the LGBTQ+ community, and wanted to include this contact for the Trevor Project, a resource for those in the community struggling with a variety of issues: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Other Links: Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffiths Lund Cyntia Vacca Davis Laura Beth Buchleiter
In this engaging conversation, Derek Webb discusses his journey as an artist, the importance of authenticity in creativity, and the urgency of addressing issues within the LGBTQ+ community through his music. The dialogue explores the complexities of navigating societal expectations while remaining true to oneself, emphasizing the power of vulnerability and community support. Webb shares insights on his latest project, 'Survival Songs,' which aims to provide a voice for those in need and highlights the significance of small acts of kindness in making a difference. https://www.derekwebb.com/
Cynthia and Laura Beth are back to explore the themes of chaos, peace, and the importance of connection in a world filled with uncertainty. Poet, advocate, and extraordinary human Marla Taviano joins the discussion, sharing her experiences of deconstruction and the transformative power of embracing one's authentic self as she shares stories of her life and the poetry that flows from it. for more about Laura Beth: https://laura-bethany.com/creativeworks/podcasts/ for more about Cynthia: https://cynthiavaccadavis.com/ for more about Marla: https://itsmemarla.com/
Cynthia and Laura Beth are back to Nowhere with Rev. Dr. Jessica LeCrone. Jessica is a minister in the United Methodist Church with Masters of Divinity and Masters of Library and Information Science degrees. She combined all that learning and life experience into her DMin dissertation which focused on the growing challenges of Misinformation, specifically as it relates to churches, clergy, and social media.
The conversation about what we are even doing here continues as Cynthia interviews Laura Beth.
In our first venture on the journey to being "nowhere" (i.e. present in the moment), co-hosts Cynthia Vacca Davis and Laura Beth Buchleiter interview each other and explore what has inspired this project.