JUUst Breathe - A UU Podcast

Ep 3.5 | April 2024Join Rev Tyler Coles and Rev Dayna Edwards as they explore the critical importance of faith development and its role in driving forward paradigmatic shifts for congregations toward greater equity, health, and vibrancy.Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Members of the National Emerging Adult Taskforce (NEAT) and Young Adult Revival Network (YARN) talk about these important ministries and how to better engage and support this vital demographic in our UU communities.Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

What is "Threshold Conversations?"  How did it start?  What are its purposes and goals?January's episode is a flashback of sorts as we delve into the origins of Threshold.Come listen to Rev Marisol Caballero and our co-host, running double duty as panelist- Joy Berry, as they discuss the origins of Threshold Conversations, the Unitarian Universalist religious education initiative and the focus for this Season's episodes.  To learn more visit:https://www.uua.org/threshold-conversationsMusic: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Meet religious educators Dana Lundquist, Marena McGregor, and Rev Sierra Marie Gerfao.  All three grew up UU, with two of the three participating in COA as youth, while all three now teach COA in their present congregational roles.  To a person, they each have incredibly salient and unique perspectives on this milestone program.  You'll be amazed at yet another mind blowing conversation unpacking liberal religious education from the perspective of luminary minds crossing thresholds.Music:  "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher LambMusic: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

It's a new season of JUUst Breathe!  As we bid goodbye to Shannon, we say hello to our new co-host, Joy Berry.  It's bittersweet.  But what isn't bittersweet is the amazing conversation about Coming of Age with our sensational panel:Rev Dr Gregory Carrow BoydCameron YoungRev Leia Durland JonesWe talk about it all, including about how Unitarian Universalism is in its own adolescent coming of age moment.Give it a listen...Music:  "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher LambMusic: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Co-host Shannon Harper pulls double-duty (while other co-host Eric Bliss continues to enjoy a sabbatical break) in this discussion with Marissa A. Gutiérrez Vicario, Founder and Executive Director of "Art and Resistance Through Education (ARTE)" on empowering youth to become "Artivists": activists who use art to make positive change.Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Join Shannon as she welcomes Aly Champion, Zac Baker, and Gavin Howell, Unitarian young adult friends from (as Eric would say) “across the pond” to discuss the growth of online and hybrid Unitarian youth and Young Adult ministry in Great Britain. Hear how it is it similar, or dissimilar , to online/hybrid UU ministry in the US. Learn how they are using technology to create in-person gatherings and extend their reach beyond the British Isles. If you’d like to participate in International Meet-ups, please email Gavin Howell at: “ghowell@unitarian.org.uk” (As a bonus, in this episode you’ll also learn where the heck Eric is;)).Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Shannon and Eric meet Peren Tiemann and Avery Hammill, members of Students Demand Action. They describe their call to activism in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School, successful strategies for limiting gun violence, the joy of working together to create change, and how you can advocate for responsible gun policy, too.Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Re-live an incredible first year with us as we look back on all the deep wisdom from our guests and much of the laughter, gaffs, and silliness that ensued.This is the perfect episode if you'd like everything distilled into less than an hour.  We had a blast putting this together for you.  We think you'll walk away with new insights and a smile on your face.  Check it out!Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

A group of youth and religious professionals gathered in person at 2022 General Assembly in Portland to respond and process the tragic and unprecedented reversal of Roe v Wade.  Guest hosts and emerging adults, Mali Gottfried and Olivia Calvi, presided over the podcast.Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

GUEST HOSTS- Paige Cupp and Lee BlythePaige Cupp, 18, (she/her) is a lifelong UU raised just outside of Trenton, New Jersey. She was a part of the Youth@GA staff team last year and was a worship associate at her home congregation in Princeton, NJ. She loves hiking, poetry, and her two cats. Currently, she is just finishing her second year as a Religion and Philosophy student at a small historically women’s college in Georgia. Paige is very happy to be working with the amazing JUUst Breathe team and guest today. Lee Blythe, 17,  they/them. Lee is a senior in an arts high school. Lee plays the cello and will be double majoring in cello performance and ethnic studies in the fall! In terms of UUism, they have grown up as a Unitarian Universalist, and, even in the last few years, has become more enveloped in the faith and practices, as well as youth leadership, including on the Pacific Western Region RejUUvenation Youth Leadership Collective. After being on the pilot/trial episode of the podcast, Lee is excited to be an official host of JUUst Breathe Live, and  can't wait to see where it goes!They interview- Lindsay Caddle LaPointe  [she/her] grew up Unitarian Universalist in Massachusetts and was an active participant of the Young Religious Unitarian Universalist’s program in the late 90s.  Since then, she has received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance/Performance from Roger Williams University and her Master’s in Fine Arts in dance and technology from The Ohio State University’s department of dance.Now the director of production company, Linden Tree Productions (LTP), she has provided video support to dancers and artists since its inception in 2010.Her collaboration with journalist, Naomi Kooker, earned the duo multiple awards for their documentary short, Making Mill Town. They now are combining with Lindsay’s lifelong collaborator, Dawn MacKechnie, for the WHY ARE YOU YOU? documentary where they are telling the story about youth empowerment from the perspective of the YRUU program.Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

This week we’ll be talking with two absolutely wonderful humans, Noel Burke and Sivani Gelfand, as they share their insights on the topic of Spiritual Direction.Noel lives in Saint Louis and is a member of Eliot Chapel in Kirkwood, MO. She taught OWL in the Saint Louis area, studied Spiritual Direction in Ohio, and founded the young adult group at Eliot Chapel. Not only that but Noel also served at General Assembly as a HUUPER, which is currently known as Co-Dean.Sivani Katie Gelfand is the Director of Religious Exploration at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans, the congregation that raised her. She is also a certified Interfaith Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, and initiated High Pagan Priestess. Deeply devoted to the Divine Feminie, she also leads a monthly new moon ritual for a women's group and teaches Cakes for the Queen of Heaven. Sivani is committed to compassionately empowering and supporting others on their journey to wholeness and healing.  Her website is https://www.sivanistar.com/Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Shannon and Bliss talk to Linnea Granberg,  Eric James and Casey Stainsby from Myceliuum Youth Network of Canada.   The MyceliUUm is a large virtual gathering of any UU youth (14-19) and junior youth (12-13) in Canada who would like to attend, as well as their adult supporters (youth advisors, religious educators). These gatherings will occur 3-4 times each year, and last two hours each.The next MyceliUUm Gathering is coming up on March 26th-register hereInstagram: @yayasofcanada   or @cucyob Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Dinner ChurchThe buzz is real!  What is “Dinner Church?”  How does it feed the body, mind, and soul of its participants?  These questions and more are answered by panelists Rebecca Throop, Rev Aisha Ansano, and Rev Emily Conger.Originally aired 11/14/21Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Mental Health First AidUnitarian Universalist Emerging Adult leaders Roddy Biggs and Lane Deamant are interviewed about the possibilities for pastoral and spiritual support found in programs focusing on Mental Health First Aid.Originally aired 10/10/2021Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Resonance in ActivismAmazing emerging adult activist, Martha Durkee-Neuman, raps with our hosts about the wonders of the resonance practice, particularly about how it informs and sustains advocacy efforts for social change.Originally aired 12/12/2021 Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

The Other Side of the Bridge:  What Happens After Youth Group?Panelists Chloe Emily and Malika Gottfried discuss with our JUUst Breathe Live hosts the increasing opportunities to connect to faith that Unitarian Universalist emerging adults are finding after they leave their high school youth groups, as well as “lifehacks” for thriving during young adulthood.Originally aired 9/26/2021Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Youth SpiritualityIn the very first “pilot” episode, Shannon and Bliss interview artist, musician, and youth leader, Lee Blythe, and eco-chaplain and song leader, Rev Christopher Watkins Lamb, exploring what Youth Spirituality means in today’s Unitarian Universalist religious landscape and how youth are connecting to spirit in new and innovative ways.Originally aired 9/12/2021Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

Climate Justice NetworksNoella Prescod, a youth leader from Unitarian Universalists at the United Nations, and Zoe Johnston from UU Young Adults for Climate Justice, talk about the shifting landscape in promoting social change for the environment, how young folx are at the vanguard of the movement, where hope can be found, and how each of us difference for Mother Earth.Originally aired 1/23/2022Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb

As world travelers for nearly two decades, Rising Appalachia have merged multiple global music influences with their own southern roots to create their unique sound. Remarkably the band has built its legion of listeners independently --a self-made success story that has led to major festival appearances and sold-out shows at venues across the country. Founded by sisters Leah and Chloe Smith, the band established an international fan base due to relentless touring, tireless activism, and no small degree of stubborn independence. Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb