Best Martin Bender Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 19: Churches for Middle East Peace (Part 2) 24:20

3M ago24:20

24:20

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Cannon holds an MDiv from North Park Theological Seminary, an MBA from North Park University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management, and an MA in bioethics from Trinity International Universit…

1
Episode 18: Churches for Middle East Peace (Part 1) 28:33

3M ago28:33

28:33

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Cannon holds an MDiv from North Park Theological Seminary, an MBA from North Park University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management, and an MA in bioethics from Trinity International Universit…

1
Episode 17: Rev. Mark Davidson, Executive Director of Voices for Justice in Palestine 50:34

4M ago50:34

50:34

Rev. Mark Davidson is the Executive Director of Voices for Justice in Palestine. Mark was shaped for social justice work early in his life. His father was a person of moral courage whose faith led him to stand in solidarity with victims of injustice. His parents were professors at the Beirut College for Women in the 1960s. At the age of 7, he witne…

1
Episode 16: A Tour of Birmingham, AL history with Clay Cornelius 1:01:27

7M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

If you are anything like me, you like to think of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s & 60s as a movement that helped our country achieve, maybe not the entire dream that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described, but at least something that was closer to that dream, something that showed we were on the right path toward fulfilling that dream. After…

1
Episode 15: A Tour of Montgomery, AL history with Wanda Battle 54:07

8M ago54:07

54:07

My guest today is Wanda Battle, a Montgomery, Alabama native, great Jalimuso, female Griot, talented singer and master storyteller. She is the former tour director of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pastored for almost 6 years while he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She is now the…

1
Episode 14: Young Adult Conscientious Objectors 1:03:34

8M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Very few of us have asked ourselves what we believe about the use of violence and war. If we don’t take time to ask those questions, we will most likely adopt the values of our very pro-violence culture. That is why I wanted to talk with three very unique young adults about their decision to declare themselves to be conscientious objectors to war t…

1
Episode 13: From MP to Conscientious Objector 55:59

9M ago55:59

55:59

Spencer Goldstein is a Military Police officer turned pacifist and conscientious objector. Spencer is a graduate from West Point and has his masters in biblical exposition. He began to think differently about peacemaking through the disability community who taught him that God's love for all people is grand and one centered on peace. Spencer began …

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Chris L'Amarca - L'Amarcable Poise 59:51

11M ago59:51

59:51

As a young kid, Chris L'Amarca suffered from a body pain that she thought all kids experienced. It was only later in life that she realized that her body pain is a rare one. This consistent pain has caused this queer teacher to leave the classroom and focus her entire life on her health. We are lucky to have this conversation because earlier this y…

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Episode 12: Why Be a Pacifist? 1:12:03

12M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

For those of us who grew up in the age of Dr. King or during the Vietnam War, pacifism made a lot of sense. And even if you didn't grow up in that era, pacifism can still make sense, especially in light of the ever-expanding US military budget which takes up more than 50% of the federal discretionary budget. But in the wake of Russia's invasion of …

1
Christopher Rice - Sapphire Storm 31:44

1y ago31:44

31:44

Christopher Rice is the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award and is the Amazon charts and New York Times bestselling author of a number of books including A Density of Souls, Bone Music, Blood Echo, and Blood Victory, which is part of the Burning Girl series. He published four bestselling New York Times thrillers by the age of 30, and he was decl…

1
Episode 11: What Can Be Done to Prevent Gun Violence? 12:37

1y ago12:37

12:37

As I write this, another mass shooting has occurred in Nashville, TN. Three children and three adults were gunned down. In this episode we will be talking about guns, gun violence and most importantly, gun violence prevention. This episode was recorded on March 8th of 2023 and already, less than 3 months into the year, there have already been more …

1
Episode 10: Christianity, Nonviolence & War 57:07

1y ago57:07

57:07

This episode is a reprise of a webinar that the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship produced in March of 2022 in response to and out of concern for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As Christians we claim to follow the Prince of Peace and yet, we have to admit, the Christian church has been involved in and/or supported the Crusades and many wars throughout h…

1
Tell Me I'm An Artist, with Chelsea Martin 59:58

1+ y ago59:58

59:58

Chelsea Martin's novel Tell Me I'm An Artist is out now from Soft Skull Press. She is the author of the essay collection Caca Dolce and the novella Mickey, among other books. She lives in Spokane, Washington, with her husband and child. Find out more at www.cacadolce.com Thank you to Theo Teravainen for the intro music.…

1
Lit Mags and Switch Kicks, with Grant Young 1:05:10

1+ y ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Grant Young (he/him) is a 25-year-old writer based in San Francisco. He is an MFA candidate at the University of San Francisco, where he also graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and played on the baseball team for five years. He is currently revising an essay collection on his time playing Division-1 baseball at USF, that captures the w…

1
Randal MacDonald and Darcy Kaser - Call the Kettle ... Fabulous 1:08:31

1+ y ago1:08:31

1:08:31

This episode is all about power couple Randall MacDonald and Darcy Kaser, who have recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. We, of course, touch base on the love story they have written with each other, including their courtship of each other. If you are from Edmonton or Vancouver, you may know Darcy and Randall from the very successful "Call th…

1
Kathryn Schulz - Lost and Found 22:09

1+ y ago22:09

22:09

Kathryn Schulz is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error. She won a National Magazine Award and a Pulitzer Prize in 2015 for “The Really Big One,” an article about seismic risk in the Pacific Northwest. Her new memoir, Lost & Found grew out of “Losing Streak,” which was originally published…

1
Devin Grayson - Trans Rally 55:07

1+ y ago55:07

55:07

2022 has been a year of big change for Devin Grayson. Recently married, they have begun the process to be their authentic self. Devin is transgender and it is important for them that other individuals who identify as transgender will have access to resources that leads to success in the workforce. This desire has brought forth, even more, change as…

1
Corine Demas - The Bender 49:13

1+ y ago49:13

49:13

Corine Demas joins 'Tales of the 2SLGBTQ+' In this interview, Corine talks about her upcoming Fringe festival play titled, "The Bender." A play that weaves personal poetry throughout as the main character moves beyond the "fuckboys" in their past. Specifically, it is about a complicated relationship between Deloris, a 40-something queer woman, and …

1
Dr Lulu - The Momatrician 48:46

2y ago48:46

48:46

Dr. Lulu is a Life Coach in San Antonio, Texas. Her mission is to help parents accept their LGBTQ+ kids without shame or blame. Dr. Lulu came onto my radar about a year ago via Facebook. Colour me intrigued by this woman creating a safe space for parents of LGBTQIA youths. In doing some exploration into this woman, I discovered so much more than my…

1
Who is my neighbor? - Luke 10:29-37 6:40

2y ago6:40

6:40

Who is my neighbor?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Luke 10:29-37.1. The Robbers.2. The Neglectful.3. The Merciful. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Luke 9-10. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofish.All readings are …

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Vince Spinnato - Judy Garland's 100th Birthday Fragrance 38:37

2y ago38:37

38:37

Vince Spinnato, Cosmetic Chemist and 'Certified Nose', is back for a return engagement on the 'Tales of the 2SLGBTQ+' podcast. This time to discuss how we was chosen by Lorna Luft, Liza Minnelli and The Judy Garland Heirs Trust to develop a fine fragrance in honor of the late legendary actress, recording artist, and entertainer Judy Garland. The un…

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What does the parable of the Sower teach? - Luke 8:9-15 6:49

2y ago6:49

6:49

What does the Sower parable teach?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Luke 8:9-15.1. The Sower.2. The Seed.3. The Soil. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Luke 7-8. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofish.All readings are …

1
Martin Boyce - Stonewall 43:14

2y ago43:14

43:14

Martin Boyce is a Stonewall Riot (Uprising) activist, sharing the story of one of the most pivotal queer/trans action in history. Martin was 19 years old at Stonewall and was part of the uprising. The Stonewall Riots (also known as the Stonewall Uprising or the Stonewall Rebellion) were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay c…

1
What was John the Baptist preaching? - Luke 3:3-9 5:52

2y ago5:52

5:52

What was John the Baptist preaching?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Luke 3:3-9.1. Repentance.2. Forgiveness.3. Righteous living. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Luke 3-4. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofish.All …

1
Martha Gumprich and Haley Dunwoodie - The Research into LGBTQ2S+ Spaces 1:00:44

2y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Haley Dunwoodie is a special education teacher. She works with teenagers with autism and has a degree in sociology education and a master's in leadership. She is currently doing diversity research and focusing on the lived experience of LGBTQ+ youth and what they need for educational leaders to feel safe. In her current research, she is taking an a…

1
Why should we give generously? - 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 6:53

2y ago6:53

6:53

Why should we give generously?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.1. Christ’s example.2. God’s provision.3. Reciprocity. These thoughts come from assigned reading - 2 Corinthians 6-8. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by t…

1
Fred Dicker - Pride Centred and Buck Naked 1:24:15

2y ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Fred Dicker was nearing middle age when he came out of the closet. When he did ... he more than made up for the lost time! Fred attended a meeting for an Edmonton-based LFBT community group. It was to be the last meeting for that organization however, there was something about Fred that caused that team to turn the reigns over to him that evening. …

1
What is Jeremiah’s message? - Jeremiah 30:12-17 7:08

2y ago7:08

7:08

What is Jeremiah’s message?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Jeremiah 30:12-17.1. God punishes.2. God judges.3. God restores. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Jeremiah 27-31. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofish.All…

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What is the treasure in jars of clay? - 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 6:33

2y ago6:33

6:33

What is the treasure in jars of clay?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.1. The gospel.2. The body.3. Life in Christ. These thoughts come from assigned reading - 2 Corinthians 4-5. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texa…

1
Reaching Beyond The Page, Into The World With Gabriel Blackwell 1:15:34

2y ago1:15:34

1:15:34

Gabriel Blackwell is the author of seven books, the most recent of which are Doom Town (Zerogram Press, 2022) and CORRECTION (Rescue Press, 2021). He lives in Spokane, WA. gabrielblackwell.com therupturemag.com Thank you to Theo Teravainen for the intro music.

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What is Jeremiah’s vision of the figs? - Jeremiah 24:1-10 7:03

2y ago7:03

7:03

What is Jeremiah’s vision of the figs?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Jeremiah 24:1-10.1. Two baskets.2. Mercy in judgment.3. Wrath in judgment. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Jeremiah 22-26. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided …

1
Monique Wilson / Scott Bryen - Leather & Kink 1:18:03

2y ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Monique Wilson and Scott Bryen join the "Tales of the 2SLGBTQ+" podcast to reflect on their life in the Leather & Kink community. During this conversation, I jokingly mentioned that briefly, you would say Monique looks like an elementary school teacher and Scott would work on an engine of a car. This of course is nothing close to reality for either…

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What is of first importance? - 1 Corinthians 15:3-11 6:32

2y ago6:32

6:32

What is of first importance?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from 1 Corinthians 15:3-11.1. Died for sin.2. Appearance made.3. According to Scripture. These thoughts come from assigned reading - 1 Corinthians 15-16. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provi…

1
How will God restore Israel? - Jeremiah 16:14-21 6:38

2y ago6:38

6:38

How will God restore Israel?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Jeremiah 16:14-21.1. Like the exodus.2. Sin punished.3. Lesson taught. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Jeremiah 12-16. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiof…

1
Lorne Stelmach - Big Daddy 1:10:03

2y ago1:10:03

1:10:03

If you think Lorne Stelmach's story starts and ends with his dramatic weight loss then you aren't fully getting to know the man affectionately known as "Big Daddy". At his heaviest, Lorne was facing numerous health issues and the thoughts of death were in his mind. But with certain help and a lot of hard work, Lorne is now half the weight he was be…

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Why must worship be orderly? - 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 6:30

2y ago6:30

6:30

Why must worship be orderly?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from 1 Corinthians 14:26-33.1. Building up.2. Restraint.3. Peace over confusion. These thoughts come from assigned reading - 1 Corinthians 13-14. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by t…

1
What is the way of the nations? - Jeremiah 10:1-10 6:53

2y ago6:53

6:53

What is the way of the nations?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Jeremiah 10:1-10.1. Idolatry.2. Trust in kings.3. Rejection of God. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Jeremiah 7-11. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofi…

1
Michael Bach - Alphabet Soup 56:51

2y ago56:51

56:51

Michael Bach is nationally and internationally recognized as a thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility), bringing a vast knowledge of leading practices in a live setting to his work. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). In his first book,…

1
What should I know about spiritual gifts? - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 6:48

2y ago6:48

6:48

What should I know about spiritual gifts?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.1. Variety of gifts.2. Of God.3. Common good. These thoughts come from assigned reading - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provid…

1
Why did Jeremiah predict doom? - Jeremiah 6:16-21 6:27

2y ago6:27

6:27

Why did Jeremiah predict doom?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Jeremiah 6:16-21.1. Rejected warning.2. Rejected law.3. Rejected worship. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Jeremiah 1-6. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasrad…

1
Publishing, Playwriting and Smol Fair with Jesi Bender 1:09:48

2y ago1:09:48

1:09:48

Jesi Bender is an artist from Upstate New York. She is the author of the forthcoming chapbook Dangerous Women (dancing girl press 2022), the play Kinderkrankenhaus (Sagging Meniscus 2021), and the novel The Book of the Last Word (Whiskey Tit 2019). Her shorter work has appeared in Fence, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, and Split Lip, among others - www.jesibender…

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The Visitors - Book Discussion with Kade Piche and Greg Howard 52:38

2y ago52:38

52:38

In January 2022, Greg Howard and I discussed his new YA book, "The Visitors". A fantastic book that is led by a young gay character named Will Perkins. In this novel, homosexuality, homophobia, slavery, love for a grandparent are all featured with elements of mystery and suspense. The old English teacher in me wanted to hear about the book through …

1
Liz Massiah - Trailblazer Part 2 57:29

2y ago57:29

57:29

There is no doubt that I cherish my time getting to know and learn from Liz Massiah. She has been there and her influence has paved the way for a lot of what our community has achieved. In this conversation, we discuss GALA's early roots and what came to be with the organization. This led to a discussion regarding Delwin Vriend and the Supreme Cour…

1
What example does Israel provide? - 1 Corinthians 10:6-13 7:11

2y ago7:11

7:11

What example does Israel provide?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from 1 Corinthians 10:6-13.1. Idolatry.2. Sexual immorality.3. Grumbling. These thoughts come from assigned reading - 1 Corinthians 9-10. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texa…

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What is the point of all this? - Isaiah 66:18-24 6:09

2y ago6:09

6:09

What is the point of all this?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Isaiah 66:18-24.1. God’s glory.2. Covenant kept.3. Wickedness punished. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Isaiah 62-66. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradio…

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'Ravenous' Randy Myers - The Weirdo Hero 1:08:12

2y ago1:08:12

1:08:12

With 20 years in the squared circle, 'Ravenous' Randy Myers has seen it all. The ups and downs. The armlocks and the Irish Whips. He has taken a beating for his craft, yet here is today craving more. In this episode of 'Tales of the 2SLGBTQ+', Randy and I discuss many subjects including how he fits within this rainbow community we call home. Of cou…

1
Why should we join ourselves to God? - Isaiah 56:1-8 6:42

2y ago6:42

6:42

Why should we join ourselves to God?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Isaiah 56:1-8.1. Blessed.2. Covenant kept.3. House of prayer. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Isaiah 56-61. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofish…

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Zaylore Stout - Our Gay History in 50 States 1:03:34

2y ago1:03:34

1:03:34

In 2014, Zaylore Stout took a drive across the country. State line after state line, he found himself detouring to landmarks of the LGBT+ heroes and history in each new place. And so, like a travel guide through the LGBT+ past and present, Our Gay History in Fifty States was born. Yes it’s a book … but really … its an encyclopedia of facts and figu…

1
What is the Great Commission? - Matthew 28:16-20 6:18

2y ago6:18

6:18

What is the Great Commission?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Matthew 28:16-20.1. All authority.2. Make disciples.3. Christ’s presence. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Matthew 26-28. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasrad…

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Why should I seek the Lord? - Isaiah 55:6-13 6:44

2y ago6:44

6:44

Why should I seek the Lord?In this devotional, I share three thoughts from Isaiah 55:6-13.1. Higher thoughts.2. All accomplished.3. Joy and peace. These thoughts come from assigned reading - Isaiah 51-55. If you would like to read through the Bible with me you can do so by joining the Facebook group Through the Bible.Music provided by texasradiofis…

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