People Watching with Megan J. Robinson

Please note that this episode does touch on difficult experiences, which include the loss of a loved one due to suicide. If you or a loved one are in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; the website is https://988lifeline.org/.I can’t think of a better conversation partner with whom to close out this season of People Watching.I first met Christian Shockley a few years ago, when I was interviewing vendors for learning management systems. In that process, I discovered Pathwright, where Christian serves as the Head of EdLabs and Learning Experience Design. I immediately appreciated Christian’s learning-first mindset, his obvious creativity, and his curiosity about the world and how we talk about our experiences.In addition to his work at Pathwright, Christian also works as the Head of Training at Readyy AI, and the Director of Sales Enablement for ASAPP, where he designs curricula, playbooks, and competency-based onboarding for teams. Busy guy! Christian is a graduate of King’s College London, and when he’s not working, he can be found at his leather-working bench, or writing on pedagogy, poetry, and digital learning.Our conversation explored our literary heroes, the difficult loss of loved ones due to trauma and aging, and how we learn to listen to the stories that role models tell us. We also talked about poetry, and shared some of our favorites. It was delightful.Make sure to like, share, comment, subscribe, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Links MentionedBen Quash Kenneth BurkeJohn Milton, Paradise LostLucille Clifton, “the calling of the disciples”Lucille Clifton, “Here Yet Be Dragons”Christian Wiman, “Every Riven Thing”Christian Wiman, “2047 Grace Street”Osip Mandelstam, Christian Wiman, Stolen AirAustin Church, Pt. 1Austin Church, Pt. 2Other Places to Find ChristianWebsite: crs.workInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianrobertshockley/* You can learn more about this newsletter and my work on the About page.* Have a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Please note that this episode does touch on difficult experiences, which include the loss of a loved one due to suicide. If you or a loved one are in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; the website is https://988lifeline.org/.I can’t think of a better conversation partner with whom to close out this season of People Watching.I first met Christian Shockley a few years ago, when I was interviewing vendors for learning management systems. In that process, I discovered Pathwright, where Christian serves as the Head of EdLabs and Learning Experience Design. I immediately appreciated Christian’s learning-first mindset, his obvious creativity, and his curiosity about the world and how we talk about our experiences.In addition to his work at Pathwright, Christian also works as the Head of Training at Readyy AI, and the Director of Sales Enablement for ASAPP, where he designs curricula, playbooks, and competency-based onboarding for teams. Busy guy! Christian is a graduate of King’s College London, and when he’s not working, he can be found at his leather-working bench, or writing on pedagogy, poetry, and digital learning.Our conversation explored our literary heroes, the difficult loss of loved ones due to trauma and aging, and how we learn to listen to the stories that role models tell us. We also talked about poetry, and shared some of our favorites. It was delightful.Make sure to like, share, comment, subscribe, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Links MentionedBen Quash Kenneth BurkeJohn Milton, Paradise LostLucille Clifton, “the calling of the disciples”Lucille Clifton, “Here Yet Be Dragons”Christian Wiman, “Every Riven Thing”Christian Wiman, “2047 Grace Street”Osip Mandelstam, Christian Wiman, Stolen AirAustin Church, Pt. 1Austin Church, Pt. 2Other Places to Find ChristianWebsite: crs.workInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianrobertshockley/* You can learn more about this newsletter and my work on the About page.* Have a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Greetings, friends!In this episode of People Watching, I sit down with my dear friend, educator, writer, and strategist Garland Dunlap.Our conversation explores the intersections of spirituality, education, and cultural imagination, and y’all. Editing this conversation felt like herding kittens. We went everywhere!! In this second episode, Garland shares his thoughts on Afrofuturism, the aesthetics of learning, and navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual. I loved discovering how education can be reimagined as a space for growth and creativity, and explore the implications of Afrofuturism in fostering understanding and unity. I had so much fun in this conversation - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Links MentionedJohn Green InterviewCulture Care, Makoto FumimuraWisdom of Holy Fools in Postmodernity, Peter PhanThe Cult of Smart, Freddie de BoerBlack PantherParliament FunkadelicOctavia ButlerN.K. JemisinBreaking Bread with the Dead, Alan JacobsIdeology in Curriculum, Michael AppleMichael PolyaniOther Places to Find GarlandNewsletterLinkedInConsultingOther Places to Find MeganBluesky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Greetings, friends!In this episode of People Watching, I sit down with my dear friend, educator, writer, and strategist Garland Dunlap.Our conversation explores the intersections of spirituality, education, and cultural imagination, and y’all. Editing this conversation felt like herding kittens. We went everywhere!!In our first episode, Garland shares his unique journey of faith, neurodivergence, and the reshaping of education through a theological lens. We dig into the transformative power of learning, the role of creativity in education, and the importance of finding and becoming authentic role models.I had so much fun in this conversation - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Links MentionedJohn Green InterviewCulture Care, Makoto FumimuraWisdom of Holy Fools in Postmodernity, Peter PhanThe Cult of Smart, Freddie de BoerBlack PantherParliament FunkadelicOctavia ButlerN.K. JemisinBreaking Bread with the Dead, Alan JacobsIdeology in Curriculum, Michael AppleMichael PolyaniOther Places to Find GarlandNewsletter LinkedInConsultingOther Places to Find MeganBluesky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

In this episode of People Watching, Megan Robinson continues with Marie Poulin, co-founder of Oki Doki and creator of Notion Mastery. Marie shares her insights on entrepreneurship, productivity, and self-development, including how her ADHD diagnosis influenced her career. We also discuss the role of creativity in cooking and gardening, the importance of having the right role models, and the journey of building effective systems using Notion. Tune in for an engaging conversation that cuts through the noise and sheds light on finding hope, creativity, and wisdom in our everyday lives.Book a free 20-minute chat with me! https://cal.com/megan-robinson-uf9sfv/getting-to-know-youLinks MentionedBen Borowski: https://bsky.app/profile/typeoneerror.comTara McMullin: https://whatworks.fyi/Tanya Geisler: https://tanyageisler.com/Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden-Wing Haven: https://winghavengardens.org/elizabeth-lawrence-house-and-gardenOther Places to Find MariePersonal: https://mariepoulin.comNotion: https://notionmastery.com/Oki Doki: https://weareokidoki.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mariepoulin.comOther Places to Find MeganWebsite: https://R215coaching.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emjayarre.bsky.socialLike this episode? Support the channel!https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

In this episode, Megan Robinson sits down with Marie Poulin, co-founder of Oki Doki and creator of Notion Mastery, to discuss the journey of entrepreneurship as the ultimate self-development path. We dig into topics like handling criticism, the impact of Marie’s ADHD diagnosis, and the importance of role models. Marie shares insights from her own life experiences, including growing up in a blended family, pursuing a career in design, and finding fulfillment through Notion. Join us for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, creativity, and navigating the complexities of life and business.Links MentionedBen Borowski: https://bsky.app/profile/typeoneerror.comTara McMullin: https://whatworks.fyi/Tanya Geisler: https://tanyageisler.com/Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden-Wing Haven: https://winghavengardens.org/elizabeth-lawrence-house-and-gardenOther Places to Find MariePersonal: https://mariepoulin.comNotion: https://notionmastery.com/Oki Doki: https://weareokidoki.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mariepoulin.comOther Places to Find MeganWebsite: https://R215coaching.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emjayarre.bsky.socialLike this episode? Support the channel!https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Greetings!My guest today is Charon Henning, illustrator, fine artist, and dear friend.I first met Charon almost twenty years ago, on what turned out to be our first day at George Mason University as adult learners. Charon has been a performer, a tattoo artist, a bartender, and now has a working illustration studio in rural Vermont, where she lives with her wife and two cats (who make appearances during our conversation).Charon graduated from George Mason University's New Century College with a BIS degree in Multimedia Storytelling and she is currently the Art Director for Katie Hinde's March Mammal Madness tournament, while also working as a freelance scientific illustrator and visual science communicator. She is building 18Hz Arts Collective, a nonprofit that fosters creative exploration in liminal and legendary spaces.Charon and I wandered freely, from discussing our religious and spiritual journeys, to the deep well of myth, ritual, and identity that shapes creative work. We also talked about the intersection of science and art, and about how paying attention with all the senses helps us train our intuition, creativity, and work in the world.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Other Places to Find CharonWebsite: http://charonhenning.com/Social Media: http://instagram.com/the_oddangelOther Places to Find MeganBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emjayarre.bsky.social* You can learn more about my work on the About page.* Have a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Greetings!My guest today is Charon Henning, illustrator, fine artist, and dear friend.I first met Charon almost twenty years ago, on what turned out to be our first day at George Mason University as adult learners. Charon has been a performer, a tattoo artist, a bartender, and now has a working illustration studio in rural Vermont, where she lives with her wife and two cats (who make appearances during our conversation).Charon graduated from George Mason University's New Century College with a BIS degree in Multimedia Storytelling and she is currently the Art Director for Katie Hinde's March Mammal Madness tournament, while also working as a freelance scientific illustrator and visual science communicator. She is building 18Hz Arts Collective, a nonprofit that fosters creative exploration in liminal and legendary spaces.Charon and I wandered freely, from discussing our religious and spiritual journeys, to the deep well of myth, ritual, and identity that shapes creative work. We also talked about the intersection of science and art, and about how paying attention with all the senses helps us train our intuition, creativity, and work in the world.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Other Places to Find CharonWebsite: http://charonhenning.com/Social Media: http://instagram.com/the_oddangelOther Places to Find MeganBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emjayarre.bsky.social* You can learn more about my work on the About page.* Have a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome!In this episode of People Watching, I continue talking with Austin Church—an entrepreneur, marketing consultant, freelance coach, and author. We discuss Austin’s unexpected journey to successful entrepreneurship, the importance of finding the right mentors, and maintaining harmonious priorities in life.I loved hearing Austin share personal stories about influential mentors, his personal values, and the tension between creativity and business.Join us for a thoughtful conversation about love, creativity, spirituality, and the dynamic tension that shapes our lives.Other Places to Find Austinhttps://www.freelancecake.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinlchurch/I hope you enjoyed this conversation cuz I’d love to continue it with YOU!If there’s anything that resonated for you, brought up questions, or just made you want to chat with someone about it, I’d love to meet with you! Book a free 20-minute conversation with me.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,MeganHave a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Greetings!Join me in the new season of People Watching, and our first episode, featuring entrepreneur and marketing consultant Austin Church.We dive into Austin's journey from aspiring English professor to successful freelance coach and discover how his faith, creativity, and love for humor have shaped his career.Our wide-ranging conversation explores themes of family, mentorship, and navigating the dynamic tension between creativity and business.I especially appreciated Austin's insights into rightly ordered priorities, spiritual formation, and the importance of being sensitive yet resilient. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, introspection, and inspiring stories.Other Places to Find Austinhttps://www.freelancecake.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinlchurch/Let's Chat!I hope you’re enjoying this conversation cuz I’d love to continue it with YOU!If there’s anything that resonated for you, brought up questions, or just made you want to chat with someone about it, I’d love to meet with you! Book a free 20-minute conversation with me - just click the link in the description to find a date and time that work for you! Book here → https://cal.com/megan-robinson-uf9sfv/getting-to-know-youLet’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,MeganYou can learn more about me and my work on the About page. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Thank you so much for joining us for Season 01 of People Watching!I wanted to spend a few moments reflecting on the conversations I had this season, and the insights I gained from talking with Sandra Glahn, Mollie Miller, Cayce Utley, Rachel Hastings, Kandyce Thomas, and Ashleigh Hill.I hope you enjoyed listening to these women as much as I did, and I hope you'll stick around for more amazing conversations in Season 02 of People Watching, coming in May 2025. Website: https://www.r215coaching.com/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emjayarre.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Join me as I talk with Ashleigh Hill about growing up in evangelical and cult-like environments, grappling with complex PTSD, and exploring the nuances of spirituality and identity. Ashleigh shares her experiences with failed mentor relationships, the significance of solidarity, and her thoughts on the disappointments and manipulations tied to MLMs and commercial cults. Let's do some people watching!Links Mentioned* LuLa Rich Documentary (Amazon Prime)* Stephanie Foo, What My Bones Know* Cayce Utley, Pt. 1 | Pt. 2* Rosemary Radford Ruether* Ivone Gebara* Patrick Cheng* Emilie TownesOther Places to Find Ashleighhttps://instagram.com/ashleighfhillLet’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Megan.What else?* Looking for more resources to help with your personal formation journey? Get your free guide!* You can learn more about my work on the About page.* Have a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Join me as I talk with Ashleigh Hill about our personal experiences with spirituality, the disappointment in traditional role models, and the importance of solidarity. We explore the concept of role models and mentors, share stories from our twenty-year history(!), and reflect on how individual relationships and understanding people's lives shape who we are. Let's do some people watching!Links Mentioned* LuLa Rich Documentary (Amazon Prime)* Stephanie Foo, What My Bones Know* Cayce Utley, Pt. 1 | Pt. 2* Rosemary Radford Ruether* Ivone Gebara* Patrick Cheng* Emilie Townes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilie_TownesOther Places to Find Ashleighhttps://instagram.com/ashleighfhillOther Places to Find MeWebsite: https://R215coaching.comLike this episode? Support the channel!https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome!I’m so excited to share this episode of People Watching, because today I’m talking with Dr. Kandyce Thomas, a chiropractor and small business owner in the Charlotte metro area. I’ve known her for almost ten years now (eek!), and I couldn’t wait to have this conversation with her.I loved listening to Dr. Thomas' journey of balancing her professional life with her role as a single mother of two teenage daughters. I especially loved hearing about her deep-rooted connections with her ancestors, including invaluable lessons in perseverance and resilience she learned from her grandfather.As she reflects on the power of intergenerational relationships, Dr. Thomas shares how her family's Gullah Geechee heritage has shaped her life and career. Our conversation navigates topics of faith, cultural influence, and the importance of visibility and healthy role models.It's a heartwarming and insightful discussion that I think will encourage you to reflect on the blessings and motivations in your own life.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.___Chapters00:00 Introduction to People Watching00:53 Meet Dr. Kandyce Thomas02:51 Welcome & Touchstones04:36 Dr. Thomas' Journey to Serving Others Through Chiropractic08:36 Family and Community Influence11:50 Faith and Education15:13 Gullah Geechee Heritage and Food16:47 The Gullah Geechee Legacy19:16 Family Legacy, Role Models, and Influence21:28 The Influence of Her Mother22:40 Generational Conversations25:37 Passing Down Cultural Heritage31:16 Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges36:06 The Most Helpful Thing36:43 The Taco Story38:58 OutroWhere to Find Dr. Thomas* Owner of Beyond Chiropractic PLLC, Certified Medical Examiner, and CPR Instructor - https://drkandyce.com/More Resources* Looking for more resources to help with your personal formation journey? Get your free guide!* You can learn more about me and my work on the About page.* Have a question? Ask me anything. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!My guest today is Rachel Hastings. I've known Rachel for almost ten years now, ever since we started working together in 2015. Getting to know each other through different seasons has built a cherished friendship that continues to evolve.In this second half of our conversation, we dig even more into self-awareness, identity, and the complexities of relationships and power dynamics. We explore the importance of showing up authentically in various roles, Rachel’s challenges of parenting with love and acceptance, and the significance of community and connection in a digital age. I love how Rachel emphasizes the need for self-interrogation and the courage to navigate personal and societal expectations.Rachel holds two master's degrees, and has worked in professional Christian ministry and in higher education before transitioning into the publishing industry. She is now Assistant Academic Editorial Director for InterVarsity Press. She attempts to be a soccer mom to three kids, while also finding time to read, cook, walk her dog, and watch horror films.As in every conversation I have with Rachel, we cover a lot of ground--from parenting to the American evangelical church to what it means to stay true to self even while inhabiting so many different roles in life.The themes of self-awareness and self-interrogation came up over and over again throughout our conversation. I'm going to be thinking a lot about how that posture and practice shows up, not just in my own life, but in others' lives as well. I'm honestly super impressed that we managed to have this conversation with a lot less cursing than we normally do.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Welcome & Conversation Touchstones03:52 Identifying Green Flags in Systems of Power09:07 Stewarding Power and Leadership12:08 The Challenge of Being True to Self19:20 The Work of Love in Parenting24:03 Relationships On & Off-Line31:06 Power, Platforms, and Personal Formation36:41 Different Kinds of Proximity in Relationships42:09 The Most Helpful Thing44:55 Best, Worst, and Thanksgiving Tacos49:17 Connecting with Rachel52:07 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Scott Erickson art print: https://shorturl.at/j7mSD* Consolations, by David Whyte: https://shorturl.at/moQJd* Caesar & the Lamb, by George Kalantzis: https://shorturl.at/oQXJHOther Places to Find Rachel* Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/racheldhastings.bsky.social* X https://x.com/rhastings1987?s=21* Email [email protected] the Podcast!* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!My guest today is Rachel Hastings. I've known Rachel for almost ten years now, ever since we started working together in 2015. Getting to know each other through different seasons has built a cherished friendship that continues to evolve.In this first part of our conversation, we explore themes of self-awareness, motivation, and the complexities of navigating personal and professional lives within the context of ministry and evangelicalism. We also discuss the role of anger and grief in personal growth, the influence of money on ministry, and the need for integrity and congruity in leadership. Our conversation really dug into the importance of creating supportive environments that empower individuals to thrive while challenging the status quo.Rachel holds two master's degrees, and has worked in professional Christian ministry and in higher education before transitioning into the publishing industry. She is now Assistant Academic Editorial Director for InterVarsity Press. She attempts to be a soccer mom to three kids, while also finding time to read, cook, walk her dog, and watch horror films.As in every conversation I have with Rachel, we cover a lot of ground--from parenting to the American evangelical church to what it means to stay true to self even while inhabiting so many different roles in life.The themes of self-awareness and self-interrogation came up over and over again throughout our conversation. I'm going to be thinking a lot about how that posture and practice shows up, not just in my own life, but in others' lives as well. I'm honestly super impressed that we managed to have this conversation with a lot less cursing than we normally do.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Intro02:09 Welcome & Touchstones04:00 Embracing Rejection, Finding Acceptance08:56 Sources of Motivation & Building Back Doors19:06 The Death of a Dream25:17 Leaning Into Anger & Grief28:13 The Quest for Congruity32:53 Incentivizing Incongruity38:43 Owning Limitations & Cultivating Wellness42:46 Fear, Congruity & Counter-Models51:00 Mixing Money & Ministry56:17 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Scott Erickson art print: https://shorturl.at/j7mSD* Consolations, by David Whyte: https://shorturl.at/moQJd* Caesar & the Lamb, by George Kalantzis: https://shorturl.at/oQXJHOther Places to Find Rachel* Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/racheldhastings.bsky.social* X https://x.com/rhastings1987?s=21* Email [email protected] the Podcast!* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!Today I’m talking with Cayce Utley. I first met Cayce almost 20 years ago, when she started attending a writers' group that I helped start. One of the things I've always admired about Cayce is her passion for social justice and community organizing, especially in the face of dealing with chronic illness.Cayce has a BA in English with a history minor, and an MA government and public policy. After a brief stint as an English teacher right out of college, she's been involved in community organizing and political work for most of her adult life. She lives with her husband in Northern VA, where they've raised four kids currently at each institutional level: elementary, middle, high school, and most recently, college. Cayce has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of movies, tv, and pop culture, which pairs nicely with her affection for cross-stitching snarky projects that mix the traditional and the sarcastic.In this second part of our conversation, we dig into the intersections of faith, activism, and community. Together, we explore Cayce's journey through various faith traditions, her advocacy for social justice, and the importance of finding joy in the mundane aspects of life. Our discussion highlights the influences that shape Cayce’s understanding of justice and the role of community and ancestors in her work. I loved how Cayce emphasized the need for collective action and the significance of recognizing the teachers and guides present in our lives.Talking with Cayce are always challenging and exhilarating. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Intro02:14 Welcome & Touchstones04:09 Appreciating the Mundane and Ordinary11:00 Role Models for Advocacy and Justice24:41 The Cloud of Witnesses and Teachers39:28 Staying True to the Voice That Calls You Into the Wilderness42:23 Looking for People to Admire48:47 The Most Helpful Thing50:29 Surprised by Tacos53:28 Where to Find Cayce's Work55:53 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Lynn Burnett: Cross Cultural Solidarity: https://crossculturalsolidarity.com/* The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms, Andrew Root: https://www.andrewroot.org/church-in-an-age-of-secular-mysticisms/* The Revolt of the Rich, Mike Lofgren: https://www.theamericanconservative.com/revolt-of-the-rich/* The Martyr of Loray Hill:Ella May and the 1929 Textile Workers' Strike in Gastonia, North Carolina, by Kristina Horton : https://www.amazon.com/Martyr-Loray-Mill-Gastonia-Carolina/dp/0786499648* Batya Levine: https://www.batyalevine.com/bio* Priests of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: https://priestsofhistory.com/* Remembering How to Care: Lessons from DS9: https://truthout.org/audio/remembering-how-to-care-lessons-from-deep-space-nine/Other Places to Find Cayce* SURJ: https://surj.org/* SURJ IG: https://www.instagram.com/surjnova/Support the Podcast!* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!Today I’m talking with Cayce Utley. I first met Cayce almost 20 years ago, when she started attending a writers' group that I helped start. One of the things I've always admired about Cayce is her passion for social justice and community organizing, especially in the face of dealing with chronic illness.Cayce has a BA in English with a history minor, and an MA government and public policy. After a brief stint as an English teacher right out of college, she's been involved in community organizing and political work for most of her adult life.Cayce and her husband live in Northern VA, where they've raised four kids currently at each institutional level: elementary, middle, high school, and most recently, college.Cayce has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of movies, tv, and pop culture, which pairs nicely with her affection for cross-stitching snarky projects that mix the traditional and the sarcastic.In this first part of our conversation, Cayce and I talk about about her journey through faith, activism, and personal growth. We explore Cayce's experiences growing up in North Carolina, her passion for racial justice, and the challenges she faced within evangelical spaces. Our discussion highlights the importance of community, the role of writing in advocacy, and the impact of the pandemic on faith practices. Cayce shares her transition to a more inclusive faith community and reflects on the significance of embracing diversity in faith.Talking with Cayce are always challenging and exhilarating. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Intro02:12 Welcome & Touchstones04:08 Cayce's Life Journey09:07 The Impact of Racial Justice Movements20:33 Cayce's Faith Journey: The "Permanent Church Weirdo"46:16 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Lynn Burnett: Cross Cultural Solidarity: https://crossculturalsolidarity.com/* The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms, Andrew Root: https://www.andrewroot.org/church-in-an-age-of-secular-mysticisms/* The Revolt of the Rich, Mike Lofgren: https://www.theamericanconservative.com/revolt-of-the-rich/* The Martyr of Loray Hill:Ella May and the 1929 Textile Workers' Strike in Gastonia, North Carolina, by Kristina Horton : https://www.amazon.com/Martyr-Loray-Mill-Gastonia-Carolina/dp/0786499648* Batya Levine: https://www.batyalevine.com/bio* Priests of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: https://priestsofhistory.com/* Remembering How to Care: Lessons from DS9: https://truthout.org/audio/remembering-how-to-care-lessons-from-deep-space-nine/Other Places to Find Cayce* SURJ: https://surj.org/* SURJ IG: https://www.instagram.com/surjnova/Support the Podcast!* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!Today I'm talking with Mollie Miller, a self-described multi-passionate wife, mother of two, registered nurse, entrepreneur, homesteader, and all-around go-getter.I first met Mollie in 2020 through a mutual friend. I immediately noticed Mollie's passion for service and her amazing competency at managing projects and personalities that would make most of us run away screaming.When I found about her background in Intensive Care nursing, as well as providing nursing for youth residential summer camps, I thought, "That makes so much sense now!" Mollie also enjoys spending time with her husband and kids as they explore the outdoors and take care of the family vegetable garden.In this second part of our conversation, Mollie and I explore the complexities of multi-passionate living, parenting, and the importance of role models. Mollie especially emphasizes the messiness of life and relationships, the journey of discovering one's desires, and the grace found in navigating these experiences together.We ended up having an open-hearted, beautiful conversation about what it looks like to give others--and ourselves--the gift of self-awareness, and how to live in the "both/and" of life, where different (and contradictory) things can be true at the same time. I so enjoyed learning from Mollie about what it looks like to be a person "on the way" of becoming who we were meant to be.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Intro02:08 Introduction and Pop-Up Rules03:45 Focusing on Role Models13:36 The Seasonality of Role Models24:41 Desiring Differently & The Messiness of Community47:24 The Most Helpful Thing50:59 The Best Tacos in Mexico54:23 Wrapping UpWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Transforming Center https://transformingcenter.org/* Psalm 37:4 https://biblehub.com/psalms/37-4.htmOther Places to Find Guest* The Miller Homestead https://www.instagram.com/themillerhomesteadnc/Support the Podcast!* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!Today I'm talking with Mollie Miller, a self-described multi-passionate wife, mother of two, registered nurse, entrepreneur, homesteader, and all-around go-getter.I first met Mollie in 2020 through a mutual friend. I immediately noticed Mollie's passion for service and her amazing competency at managing projects and personalities that would make most of us run away screaming.When I found about her background in Intensive Care nursing, as well as providing nursing for youth residential summer camps, I thought, "That makes so much sense now!" Mollie also enjoys spending time with her husband and kids as they explore the outdoors and take care of the family vegetable garden.In this first part of our conversation, Mollie and I dig into the complexities of parenting, identity, and faith. We explore the challenges of raising children, the importance of self-awareness, and the journey of rediscovering one's faith amidst community struggles. Mollie shares her personal experiences, highlighting the balance between gratitude and hurt in her relationships and the significance of being present in both parenting and spiritual growth. I especially loved thinking about how we can have role models at different seasons and stages of life.We ended up having an open-hearted, beautiful conversation about what it looks like to give others--and ourselves--the gift of self-awareness, and how to live in the "both/and" of life, where different (and contradictory) things can be true at the same time. I so enjoyed learning from Mollie about what it looks like to be a person "on the way" of becoming who we were meant to be.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Welcome02:08 Introduction and Pop-Up Rules04:14 Mollie's Life & Parenting Journey11:53 Seasons & the Garden as a School of life22:39 Mollie's Faith Journey48:48 The Gift of Self-Awareness56:52 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Transforming Center https://transformingcenter.org/* Psalm 37:4 https://biblehub.com/psalms/37-4.htmOther Places to Find Guest* The Miller Homestead https://www.instagram.com/themillerhomesteadnc/Support the Podcast!* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!My guest is Dr. Sandra Glahn, journalist and author, coauthor, or editor of more than twenty books. Dr. Glahn is also a Professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dallas Theological Seminary, and the co-founder of Visual Museum of Women in Christianity.I first met Dr. Glahn when I took her course Writing for Publication while a student at DTS. She both terrified and encouraged me in equal measure, because I thought I was a good writer before going in to her class, and quickly found out how much more I had to learn!Since leaving DTS, I've followed Dr. Glahn's work with deep interest, especially as she's recently published Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament, which connects ancient Ephesus and early church history to questions of gender in society and faith communities today.In the second part of our conversation, we explore the complexities of gender, faith, and leadership within Christian communities, and discuss the historical context of women in Christianity, the challenges of power dynamics, and the importance of integrity and authenticity in leadership roles. Our conversation also touches on the intersection of gender studies and faith, the role of community, and the need for a new generation of leaders to address contemporary issues. Dr. Glahn especially emphasizes the significance of representation and the necessity of giving away power to foster genuine connections and relationships.I loved learning about Dr. Glahn's educational journey that took her through a ThM in Media & Communications to a PhD in Humanities—Aesthetic Studies. She's been married to Gary Glahn for 35 years, and loves spending time with their daughter and grandchild. Dr. Glahn combines her love of teaching and travel by taking students on learning trips to Italy, the UK, Mexico, and across the U.S.This was such a fun and fascinating conversation - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Show Intro00:56 Guest Intro02:48 Welcome & Touchstones04:12 Exploring Diverse Perspectives in Christianity05:51 Navigating Gender Roles in Religious Contexts07:59 Intersecting Gender Studies with Early Church History12:08 Living as Citizens of Another Kingdom17:05 Integrity and Authenticity in Leadership19:51 Finding Role Models and Building Trust21:49 The Impact of Technology on Connection22:46 Navigating Authenticity and Vulnerability24:09 Integrity and Leadership in Faith Communities26:28 The Role of Community in Faith27:52 Addressing Sexual Ethics in Education30:23 Cultural Influences on Gender Expectations32:07 The Need for Relevant Training in Ministry34:53 Power Dynamics in Leadership37:32 The Importance of Humility and Integrity42:49 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament* https://www.ivpress.com/nobody-s-mother* Dallas Theological Seminary* https://www.dts.edu/* Visual Museum of Women in Christianity* https://www.visualmuseum.gallery/Other Places to Find Guest* Sandra Glahn - https://sandraglahn.com/* IG - https://www.instagram.com/sandraglahnauthor/* X - https://x.com/sandraglahn* Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/sandraglahn.bsky.socialOther Places to Find Megan* Website: https://R215coaching.com* Newsletter: meganjrobinson.substack.com* Like this episode? Support the channel! https://buymeacoffee.com/r215coachim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Welcome to People Watching!My guest is Dr. Sandra Glahn, journalist and author, coauthor, or editor of more than twenty books. Dr. Glahn is also a Professor of Media Arts and Worship at Dallas Theological Seminary, and the co-founder of Visual Museum of Women in Christianity.I first met Dr. Glahn when I took her course Writing for Publication while a student at DTS. She both terrified and encouraged me in equal measure. I’d thought I was a good writer before going in to her class, and quickly found out how much more I had to learn!Since leaving DTS, I've followed Dr. Glahn's work with deep interest, especially as she's recently published Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament, which connects ancient Ephesus and early church history to questions of gender in society and faith communities today.In the first part of our conversation, we explore the themes of representation, leadership, and the historical context of women in Christianity. We also discuss cultural influences on gender expectations, the importance of having female role models, and the impact of historical female leaders on contemporary views of leadership.We also explore the dynamics of connection in a digital age, the complexities of authenticity and vulnerability, and the pressing need for integrity in leadership within faith communities. I especially appreciated hearing Dr. Glahn speak on the challenges of power dynamics in leadership roles, and her emphasis the importance of discernment, humility, and integrity in fostering genuine connections.I loved learning about Dr. Glahn's educational journey that took her through a ThM in Media & Communications to a PhD in Humanities—Aesthetic Studies. She's been married to Gary Glahn for 35 years, and loves spending time with their daughter and grandchild. Dr. Glahn combines her love of teaching and travel by taking students on learning trips to Italy, the UK, Mexico, and across the U.S.This was such a fun and fascinating conversation - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom,Chapters00:00 Show Intro00:56 Guest Intro02:48 Welcome & Touchstones05:06 Sandra Glahn's Early Life08:29 Faith Journey and Family Dynamics14:09 Pursuing a PhD and Writing Journey20:00 Exploring Gender and Historical Contexts25:27 Role Models and Representation in the Church32:46 The Importance of Representation in Leadership34:27 Discovering Historical Female Leaders37:24 Creating a Visual Gallery of Women in Christianity41:00 OutroWatch on YouTube!Links Mentioned* Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament* https://www.ivpress.com/nobody-s-mother* Dallas Theological Seminary* https://www.dts.edu/* Visual Museum of Women in Christianity* https://www.visualmuseum.gallery/Other Places to Find Guest* Sandra Glahn - https://sandraglahn.com/* IG - https://www.instagram.com/sandraglahnauthor/* X - https://x.com/sandraglahn* Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/sandraglahn.bsky.social Like this episode? Support the channel! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

In the first season of People Watching, we explore the lives of the women who shape our communities and personal networks. I reflect on the often-overlooked relationships that contribute to our social fabric and why I started this podcast with this specific theme: talking with diverse women and the choices and commitments they make for themselves and to their communities. Discover the motivations, decisions, and impacts of these remarkable women as they navigate life choices and seek to influence their world. Join us as we explore their stories and the lessons they bring.Watch on YouTube!Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Overlooked People in Our Lives01:28 Conceptualizing the Podcast02:18 Choosing the First Guests03:19 The Theme of Season One: The Lives of Women05:00 Exploring Women's Choices and Paths 06:20 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Themes07:10 Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Season OneLet’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.Shalom, This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disenchanted by life, the universe, and everything?Maybe you're frustrated with the talking heads who say one thing and do something completely different.Yeah, me too.Welcome to People Watching, a podcast where we figure out what it looks like to become the role model we’ve always wanted by talking with real people who've found real role models in their own lives.Together, we cut through all the noise and identify better sources of hope, creativity, and wisdom as we explore how we learn to make decisions about the kind of life we want to live.So join us! Let's do some people watching.People Watching premiers on January 14, 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com

Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disenchanted by life, the universe, and everything?Maybe you're frustrated with the talking heads who say one thing and do something completely different.Yeah, me too.Welcome to People Watching, a podcast where we figure out what it looks like to become the role model we’ve always wanted by talking with real people who've found real role models in their own lives.Together, we cut through all the noise and identify better sources of hope, creativity, and wisdom as we explore how we learn to make decisions about the kind of life we want to live.So join us! Let's do some people watching.Premiers January 14, 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.r215coaching.com