Secular Saint – Scott Buran

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.

Secular Saint – David Lane

Summary: 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.

Secular Saint – Christopher Kendall Olsen

Summary: 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.

Secular Saint – Hugh Magbie

Summary: 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.

Secular Saint – Ben Price

Summary: 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.

Secular Saint – Alexis Whitham

Saintly Sidekick – April Krall

In this episode of Sacred Legions, host Max Goller engages with Alexis Whitham and April Krall from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. They discuss the importance of community support for the unhoused, the impact of policies on homelessness, and the need for empathy in healthcare. The conversation highlights the Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil, personal journeys into advocacy, and the significance of housing-first initiatives. The guests share insights on outreach efforts, the role of art in community engagement, and the challenges of substance use among the unhoused. They emphasize the importance of understanding the systemic issues surrounding homelessness and the need for affordable housing solutions.

Secular Saint – Keith Andrews

Saintly Sidekick – Christina Jarvis

In this episode of Sacred Legions, host Max Goller thanks co-host Pat LaMarche for her mentorship in the podcast’s first year. He then introduces season two’s first secular saint, Keith Andrews, while welcoming back season one’s inaugural saint, Christina Jarvis, as the secular sidekick. They discuss the significance of art, community, and the legacy of Kurt Vonnegut, exploring how Andrews’ work, particularly the Vonnegut altar, serves as a teaching tool and a tribute to unsung heroes. The conversation delves into the intersection of art and rationality, the importance of reflection and growth, and the role of community in shaping our understanding of humanity.