Sacred Legions: A Podcast for Secular Saints

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 l...

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 McGuinne...

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 Bradbu...

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, a...

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 re...

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 dec...

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 signif...

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 his secular sidekick. They discuss the significance of art, community, and the legacy of Kurt Vonnegut, exploring how Andrews' work,...

In this episode of Sacred Legions, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche interview Mike Draper, the founder of Raygun, a unique t-shirt company based in Des Moines. Draper shares his journey from selling t-shirts on college campuses to establishing a successful brand known for its positive messaging and community engagement. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity in business, the...

In this episode of Sacred Legions, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche engage with filmmakers Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko, who discuss their impactful documentary films addressing homelessness and social issues. They explore the importance of community collaboration in combating homelessness. The conversation delves into personal motivations behind their work, the challenges of activism, and their upc...

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...

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 convers...

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, recove...

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 di...

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 th...

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 re...

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 sup...

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 rol...

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 Sain...

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 scho...

In Sacred Legions second episode, hosts Max Goller and Pat LaMarche interview Diane Davis about the profound impact of September 11th on the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where residents opened their homes to stranded airline passengers. Diane Davis shares her experiences as a volunteer during the crisis and her involvement in the creation of the musical ‘Come From Away.’ She also welcomes h...