This is the last full episode of season 1! We will see you soon on the podcast stage of the QCF Conference where we will reflect on our conversations and look ahead to season 2.

In this episode (which we recorded last summer), our guests, Michelle and Clee, share their experience of navigating the transgender experience in both family and church environments.

Cynthia and Laura Beth are joined once again by Rachel Hall, aka Mariela for the premiere of her her brand new album, Underglow.

• (00:00:14) - Coming soon: Somewhere Special
• (00:00:28) - Rachel Hall Returns as a Repeat Guest
• (00:01:01) - Talking To Cynthia on Her New Album
• (00:01:52) - Mariella's New Album The Underglow
• (00:03:43) - The Underglow
• (00:10:13) - On Fall In Love Again and The Album
• (00:14:01) - The Importance of Female Friendships
• (00:17:56) - San Diego's LGBT Music Community
• (00:22:57) - Panic at the Disco on The Music
• (00:26:17) - Raspberry Management: A Queer Women's Music Collective
• (00:29:08) - Never Fall In Love Again

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.

• (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 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/

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.

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