Sacred Legions: A Podcast for Secular Saints

David Lane: A Secular Saint of Creative Expression

Max Goller — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:01:00 +0000

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 Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, works by Seamus Heany, or works by imprisoned authors. You will also get an advanced look at a hope chest honoring several African American authors. Discover how David’s art promotes decency, history, and cultural awareness.

Christopher Kendall Olsen: A Secular Saint of Human Rights

Max Goller — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:01:00 +0000

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, and recovery from loss.

Hugh Magbie: A Secular Saint of Human Rights

Max Goller — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:01:00 +0000

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 reflects on the challenges of nonviolence, the integrity of media, and the need for new solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Ben Price: A Secular Saint of Global Stewardship

Max Goller — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:01:00 +0000

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 decision-making in environmental matters. The discussion also touches on the historical context of democracy in the U.S., the role of education in fostering community empowerment, and the need to challenge systemic injustices that prioritize corporate interests over public health and safety.

Alexis Whitham: Secular Saint of Human Rights

Max Goller — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:01:00 +0000

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 significance of housing-first initiatives. The guests share insights on outreach efforts, the role of art in community engagement, and the challenges of substance use among the unhoused. They emphasize the importance of understanding the systemic issues surrounding homelessness and the need for affordable housing solutions.

Keith Andrews: Secular Saint of Creative Expression

Max Goller — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:01:00 +0000

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, particularly the Vonnegut altar, serves as a teaching tool and a tribute to unsung heroes. The conversation delves into the intersection of art and rationality, the importance of reflection and growth, and the role of community in shaping our understanding of humanity.

Mike Draper: Secular Saint of Free Expression

Max Goller — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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 challenges of corporate culture, and the value of creativity and innovation. Draper emphasizes the significance of fair labor practices and the impact of building a supportive community around a brand. Throughout the discussion, he reflects on personal experiences and the lessons learned along the way, ultimately highlighting the importance of living decently in an indecent time.

Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko: Secular Saints of Human Rights

Max Goller — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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 upcoming projects, including a film about Kurt Vonnegut’s personal friend, Dan Wakefield, concerning his journey as an old white man awakening to social issues. The episode emphasizes the need for solutions and the power of storytelling in driving social change.

Lindsey Martin: Secular Saint of Gun Safety

Max Goller — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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 against gun violence. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggle with grief, the creation of meaningful events to honor lost loved ones, and the desire to build a movement that supports others facing similar challenges. Through their stories, they emphasize the importance of finding purpose in pain and the collective effort required to create change.

Rev. Matthew Best: Secular Saint of Health Care, Human Rights, and Gun Safety

Max Goller — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:05:00 +0000

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 conversation also touches on the impact of legislation on vulnerable populations and the need for humanity in discussions about gun violence. Additionally, they introduce the book 'American Roulette,' which aims to humanize the conversation around gun violence, and discuss the complexities of funding in social services.

Gary Gulman: Secular Saint of Health Care

Max Goller — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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, recovery, and the power of storytelling, while also highlighting the significance of reading and learning in shaping one's perspective.

Svitlana Blinova and Yurii Kushnir: Secular Saints of World Peace

Max Goller — Mon, 12 May 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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 discuss the emotional toll of war, the importance of community support, and the initiatives aimed at rebuilding lives and fostering connections between cities. The episode emphasizes the need for global solidarity and understanding in the face of adversity.

Jackie Sawyer: A Secular Saint of Human Rights

Max Goller — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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 the past. The discussion emphasizes the need for accountability and the dangers of ignoring the realities of racial injustice. This conversation explores the intersection of race, community, and resistance through the experiences of Cindy and Jackie, who discuss their family's history and the role of Earlham College in civil rights. They reflect on the challenges faced by Black individuals in predominantly white spaces, the importance of lived experiences in discussions about oppression, and the need for positive forms of resistance. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of community centers like the Townsend Center in affirming identity and fostering resilience against systemic racism.

Chris Kluwe: A Secular Saint of Free Expression

Max Goller — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:01:00 +0000

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 recent activism regarding library censorship and the impact of propaganda in shaping public opinion. In this conversation, Chris discusses the importance of civil disobedience in the face of governmental oppression, sharing his personal experiences with protests and law enforcement. He emphasizes the need for community action and individual responsibility in advocating for marginalized groups, drawing parallels to historical civil rights movements. The dialogue highlights the significance of empathy and human connection in activism, urging listeners to recognize their power and privilege in affecting change.

Diane Nilan: A Secular Saint of Human Rights

Max Goller — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:53:57 +0000

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 support, and the McKinney-Vento Act in addressing the needs of unhoused families. The discussion emphasizes the power of personal stories, the role of school liaisons, and the necessity of volunteerism in creating meaningful change. You also hear from Diane’s saintly inspiration, Melissa Nason.

Saleem Holbrook: A Secular Saint for Criminal Justice

Max Goller — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:05:00 +0000

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 role of family in navigating these challenges, and the fight for reform in the legal system. Anita highlights the emotional toll on families and the importance of advocacy in raising awareness for systemic change in the justice system.

Introduction to Sacred Legions

Max Goller — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 21:17:23 +0000

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 Sainthood. Good for others. Good for your self!

Christina Jarvis: A Secular Saint of Global Stewardship

Max Goller — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 21:11:39 +0000

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 scholar and environmental advocate, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art, activism, and personal responsibility. Her husband, Tom Annear, contributes to the global stewardship discussion. The conversation highlights the role of community in fostering change and the need for a network of secular saints to inspire and support one another in their efforts to create a better world. You also hear from Christina’s saintly inspiration, Vonnegut scholar Marc Leeds.

Diane Davis: A Secular Saint of Human Rights

Max Goller — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:11:14 +0000

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 her interview partner, Julie Dowd, who shares the relationship that developed between the two after a flight cancellation back to Gander some years later. The discussion also highlights the ongoing efforts to support Syrian refugees in Gander, the importance of community support, and reflections on immigration and volunteerism. The guests emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in a world that often feels divided. You also hear from Diane’s saintly inspiration, Karen Rickets.