Sacred Legions: A Podcast for Secular Saints

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 fo...

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. T...

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 depressi...

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...

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 lesso...

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 sha...

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 educatio...

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 incarceratio...

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. Se...

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 Von...

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 ...