UUSM Connections

Jac’s guest today is Joni Reid, who is both a new member and a long-ago member of UUSM. In this episode, Joni shares some great stories about her childhood in New York, where she became a UU, her twin sister, her nursing career, and how she came to live in the Bay Area.

Jac’s guest is Kevin Cornelius, one of the newest members of UUSM. Kevin discusses the role that religion has played in different times in his life, how he went from teaching in a children’s theater to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, and why he ended up at UUSM. Listeners will also hear about the first concert he attended and how he got there, what he wishes he could learn, and...

Jac’s guest is Lori Fox, UUSM’s new AED Coordinator. Lori talks about the AED, as well as the upcoming training at UUSM where you can get certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid, CPR, and AED use.

Liz Vasquez is UUSM's new congregational administrator. Meet her in this quick UUSM Connections Podcast episode. Find out what college class has been her favorite so far, what noise stresses her out, and what ingredients ruin a dish for her.

Our guest is Pia Walawalkar, a new UUSM member. Pia shares stories from her childhood in India, how her year in Germany changed her life, and how she ended up in the Bay Area. She also talks about what UUSM means to her and the worst advice she ever got.

It's our 100th podcast episode! Jac's guest is Rev. Laura Thompson, UUSM's new minister. Hear about her childhood, her ties to the Bay Area, her family, how she became a UU and a UU Minister, and how she ended up at UUSM. She'll take the Quick Hitter challenge so you'll know her position on the question of whether a hot dog is a sandwich, the worst movie she ever saw, and her first concert. She al...

 Jac's guest is David Kramer, our President of the Board of Trustees. He talks about "The 314 Process," which is the democratic process UUSM engaged in as the congregation made a big decision about the property we own at 314 E. Santa Inez -- and what happens next. 

My guest is Mareva Godfrey. In this episode, she talks about a dire need in Cuba and how UUSM congregants can help by opening their hearts and their medicine cabinets.

Jac Brennan talks with Rev. Terri and Rev. Tovis about their two years as co-ministers at UUSM.

Meet new member Don Goldberg and hear about how he met his wife of 54 years, his dislike of people thinking they can't fake a New Jersey accent, and what one thing is more popular than it deserves to be (spoiler: I'm looking at you, Pickleball).

Elisabeth Hendrickson is one of our newest members. In this episode, Elisabeth tells how a childhood experience at a UU church in New Hampshire ended up leading her to UUSM. You'll also hear about the worst advice she ever received and whaich stores would be in her dream strip mall!

The All Together Now Auction is coming to a close on Saturday, April 12. at 10:00PM. But before that happens, we have an Auction Party from 2-4 at UUSM!!! Don't miss it!

BIDDING for UUSM's All Together Now Auction starts on Sunday. That's when you can see the online catalog of all the items being offered! But, in this super secret episode exclusively for our listeners, you can get a preview of what's being offered! It's a quick 12 minute overview. Take a listen!

In our 92nd podcast episode, we discuss UUSM's welcomers -- our greeters and ushers -- with Carol Cook and several of our best welcomers.

Our All Together Now Auction for 2025 is in its first stage. It's time to decide what service, item, or experience you plan to offer. UUSM is fortunate to have Hildur Carlen and Karen Senffner in charge of the auction this year, after their smashing success last year. In today's episode, Karen and Hildur talk about YOUR first step of the auction -- deciding what you will offer. There is no limit s...

For our 90th episode, we are doing our first "UUSM Groups" pod to let people know more about different groups with which members can connect at UUSM. Saturday Soup Group is a new group for the new year. Listen to find out more.

My guest is Evie Platt, a new UUSM member and UUSM's newest RE Assistant. Hear why Evie was drawn to UUSM and what her favorite place on Earth is. She also shares her definitive answer to the question, "Is a hotdog a sandwich?"

In our first Throwback episode, we revisit our interview with Desiree LeBeaud about the environmental work of HERI Kenya and the ways we can help right now. www.heri-kenya.org

My guest today is our new RE Assistant, Audrey Blair. Find out how she found her way to this job at UUSM and what kind of music gives her energy.

My guest is UUSM member Mareva Godfrey. She shares her own story about surviving ovarian cancer and invites everyone to Women to Women, an opportunity to learn more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and hear the individual stories of ovarian cancer survivors.

The UU Climate Justice Revival will take place at UUSM on September 28 and 29. My guests are Rev. Brian Ferguson and Rev. Tovis Page. They discuss what to know before, what to do during, and how to continue the energy, after this worldwide UU Climate Justice Revival. To find out even more, click here . To REGISTER, click here .

In this Respect the Connect episode, my guest is Sunney Darling. She is a new mother to her 7 month old baby. She is a lawyer. She is an avid Tabletop Role Play Gamer, which is her topic to this podcast episode.

My guest is UUSM newcomer Mark Berger in this Respect the Connect episode about being an atheist.

In this Respect the Connect episode, Rev. Pam Gehrke talks about her love of Shakespeare, especially when experienced in live performances.

On the Soapbox episode, UUSM's Music Director extraordinaire, Jeremy Raven shares seven things that annoy him. See how many annoyances you share.