A Very Episcopate Conversation: Introducing the newest bishop in the Episcopal Church, Rt. Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux, IX Bishop of W. MO

In this episode… we have a fun, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation with the newest bishop in the Episcopal Church — The Rt. Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux, IX Bishop of Western Missouri! We dive into Bishop Amy’s incredible call story, her passion for ministry with children and youth, and her surprising hobbies — from knitting and video games (yes, she loves The Sims and Mario Party!). She even shares her wish for better broadcast sound in women’s cycling — how cool is that? But that’s not all — Bishop Amy answers a mix of silly, thoughtful, and theological questions submitted by children, youth, young adults, clergy, and staff across the Dioceses of Western Missouri and Kansas. It’s personal. It’s joyful. It’s real. About the Hosts:Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a college, youth, and children’s minister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and third-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary and a candidate for Anglican Studies at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She hopes of one day becoming an Episcopal priest and is discerning in the Diocese of Kansas. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. Hayley Cobb (she/her) is a cradle Episcopalian and southwest Missouri native. A longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, MO (W. MO), Hayley has been helping lead the church's youth program since 2022. She also serves as a LEM, acolyte, and is a member of the parish Youth & Children’s Commission. Hayley is in her second year on Diocesan Council and recently served on the Bishop Search Committee for the 9th Bishop of West Missouri.Professionally, Hayley is the Communications Director for Leadership Springfield, a nonprofit that offers community leadership programs to professionals and students, including Rosie, a free advocacy network for women in the region. The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) started as the Youth Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas in January 2013 and her title has changed four times since then, but she's currently the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner. She has been involved as an adult with the diocesan youth program since 2005 and campus ministry program since 2007. Karen was an active youth in Kansas from 1989-1995, and as a college student participated in Campus Ministry at K-State in 1995-96. Karen was the Youth Minister at St. Michael and All Angels from 2008-2012, and prior to that worked as an Academic Advisor at UTA and UMKC and Associate Registrar at UMKC. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike and dog Cherry. The Rev. David Wilcox (he/him) Serves as the Missioner for Youth Ministry in the Diocese of West Missouri and as Assisting Priest at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Before finding his way to the Episcopal Church in 2015 David spent time in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is passionate about the Gospel, formation, history, coffee and little known (and less cared about) information. David and his husband Zach live in Belton with their energetic (and not at all spoiled) dog Ollie. Guest Bio: The Rt. Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux, IX Bishop of W. MO Bishop Amy was born and raised all over the south, namely the Carolinas and Louisiana. After graduating from Louisiana Scholars' College, she returned to her home church in Covington, Louisiana to pursue ordination to the priesthood. During this time, she met her husband, Jared. Together, they traveled to Austin where +Amy attended seminary. 26 years later, they have three children and have lived in Dallas, Eastern Kentucky, Little Rock, and now Kansas City. They also have two dogs, Luca and Bethany, and one grand-puppy, Charlotte. +Amy is most excited about all the ways the people of West Missouri seek to serve Jesus in their communities. She is confident the kingdom of God is near to us here and can't wait to see all the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst. Relevant links: Bishop Meaux Book Recommendation: The Wee Free Men series by Terry PrachettSuggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click hereTo learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click hereAll Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. Music is provided by Blue Dot sessionsOur opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise