12 - Faith, Fandom, Cons & Cosplay, Part 1 (interview with Hector Miray)

If you have heard my story, you know that performing as a Professional Santa Claus Portrayal Artist during the holidays is something that not only brings me joy, but has actually furthered my own healing process. What you may not know is that I also participate in Cosplay at Comic-Con-type conventions, appearing as a Santa/Jedi Knight mash-up called “Obi-Claus Kenobi.” In this two-part episode, I interview Hector Miray who writes Faith & Fandom devotionals and speaks at Comic-Con-type conventions about this very topic. He not only leads panel discussions but also often leads “Geek Church” on Sunday morning at many conventions, where he leads a full church service for convention attendees - many in full costume. I thought who else would be better to discuss my Cosplay journey with. Though Hector is not a sexual abuse survivor, he has a lot of trauma in his own path and has found healing, in part, through his own journey into fandom. Due to the length, I am dividing it into 2 podcast episodes. Hector Miray is a believer in good stories, and likes helping people live them. Hector has been a camp director, college minister, youth pastor, associate pastor, location pastor and basically anything else you can put in front of the word pastor. Hector is also a professional geek and the writer of the Faith & Fandom book series which is a collection of geeky devotionals and Bible studies. Hector has also published non geeky devotional material, written for comic books, and was a screenwriter for more than 100 episodes of content from Clevver Movies/Screen Junkies/Fandom Entertainment. Hector tours to approximately 20 comic cons per year with his books and panels. Hector is also an in demand dj frequently doing weddings, proms, and parties. Hector also tours in the summer as a camp speaker all across the country. Hector is from and resides in Robeson County, NC. Which is effectively the last speed bump on I-95 before you hit the tourist trap “South of the Border” Socials/Links for Hector Facebook - www.facebook.com/faithandfandom Email - [email protected] Book Website - www.faithandfandom.org  Podcast Channel - faithandfandom.podbean.com Instagram and twitter - @faithandfandom  Pokemon Go - 1824 1697 3546 Dj Page - www.facebook.com/emceeloudnoises Resources and other things mentioned in Part 1 of the interview: Photo of Mike’s “Obi-Claus Kenobi” cosplay on Facebook GalaxyCon - runs regional Comic Con & other Conventions across the US. - galaxycon.com/ Mike's Professional Santa Page - SantaMikeENC.com **Trigger Warning/Explicit Content Warning**  - we will talk openly and frankly about sexual abuse from the victims perspective. Sometimes cursing may be used, but kept at a minimum. Please practice self-care while listening to episodes and feel free to pause if you become triggered while listening. Let me know what you think of the podcast with a rating and a review. Website: ⁠https://www.PolarLifeConsulting.com/⁠ Schedule a free 30-minute Coaching Intro call: ⁠https://calendly.com/polarlifeconsulting/intro-call⁠ Mike’s Story: ⁠https://www.PolarLifeConsulting.com/about⁠