PODCAST · society
Lean In Olympia
by Interfaith-works
Lean In Olympia, a live, bi-weekly podcast that features conversations at the crossroads of humanity, justice, and belief.
Episodes
-
Love as a Source
In this episode of Lean in Olympia, we welcome Reverend Mary Gear of Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation to reflect on the path that led her to ministry and the role of faith communities in our lives. Mary explains Unitarian Universalism as a non-creedal faith tradition, shares how it...
-
Talking with Olympia's Souperman
In this episode of Lean in Olympia, Corey talks with Chris Hyde about building community through food, kindness, and radical generosity. Chris reflects on the inspiration behind Souper Sunday and how a single act of sharing soup became a growing movement supporting people experiencing food...
-
Crisis Response and Familiar Faces
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Meg sits down with Natalie Beatty of Familiar Faces and Travis Sullivan of the Crisis Response Unit about their work responding to people experiencing urgent crises, including mental health distress, substance use challenges, housing instability…
more -
Dignity in Care
In this episode of Lean In, Meg Martin sits down with Interfaith Works Mental Health Specialist Ollie Smyer to explore a low-barrier approach to mental health care for people experiencing homelessness. They discuss how bringing flexible, person-centered therapy directly into shelters and housing...
-
Chris' Journey
In this episode of Lean In, Chris Harnish reflects on his lived experience and the work of supporting people through housing, harm reduction, and community care at Sandy's Flats. This conversation explores how dignity, relationships, and understanding shape more effective responses to…
more -
Homeless Services
This month, Meg Martin talks with Brock Schafer and Denver Roth from Interfaith Works' Training Team about what it takes to support frontline staff serving people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores training, harm reduction, community care, and how hope shows up in the day-to-day...
-
A Chat with Sergio's Staff
Guest host Ti'eri Lino is joined by Linnea Baier and Samuel Bubenzer to share what day-to-day work looks like at Sergio's Service Center, where people experiencing homelessness can access showers, laundry, and connections to care through local partnerships. They also speak to hazardous weather...
-
Sandy's Flats
On this episode of Lean In Olympia Corey sits down with the Ivy Ayers, the Director of Administration at Interfaith Works. The two sit down for a discussion about the Sandy's Flats in Olympia. From its beginnings as a iconic motel to it's new life as a permanent supportive housing project…
more -
A Discussion with Rio!
On this episode of Lean In Olympia Meg sits down with the President of the Sandy's Flats Resident Council, Rio Stevensen. The two sit down for a discussion about his life and journey from houselessness to now running Resident Council at the Sandy's Flats permanent supportive housing project. If…
more -
Our Roots Run Deep | Russ Lidman
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Russ Lidman...
-
Olympia City Council Candidate Forum Two
Part two of the Lean In Olympia candidate forum features city council candidates Clark Gilman, Robert Venderpool, Caleb Gieger, and Wendy Carlson to discuss pressing challenges in Olympia, including those surrounding substance use and mental health services, climate resilience, housing and...
-
Olympia City Council Candidate Forum One
In part one of this special Lean In Olympia, city council candidates Justin Stang and Paul Berendt discuss key issues facing Olympia, including public safety, police staffing, homelessness, mental health services, climate change, Tribal engagement, and community affordability. This forum offers...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Patrick LaVoillette
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Patrick...
-
Reflections | September Mini-sode!
Hey everyone! It's been a while. But we haven't gone anywhere. We're back with a quick update to tell you about some of the changes in the format to upcoming podcast episodes, as well as reflect a little on this past season. Stay tuned for more soon! Listen on the Go: Spotify:...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Meg Martin
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, the current...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Lawrence Naputi
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Lawrence Naputi...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Kathy Erlandson
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, former Executive...
-
We All Belong Here
In this episode of Lean In Olympia, Corey sits down with writer and advocate Kevin Nye to explore the intersections of homelessness, public policy, faith, and human dignity. Kevin is the author of Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness and joins us to discuss what it means…
more -
Our Roots Run Deep | Gary Warnock
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Thurston County...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Danny Kadden
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, the former...
-
Welcoming Without Conditions
Pastor Mark Rambo of First Baptist Church of Olympia shares a heartfelt journey through nearly three decades of ministry, community engagement, and radical hospitality. He reflects on the evolving challenges of homelessness, the church's long-standing commitment to compassion, and its renewed...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Clark Gilman
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Olympia City...
-
Building Community and Hope
In this episode, Meg is joined by Ti'eri Lino, Director of Homeless Services at Interfaith Works, to dive into the incredible work happening at Sergio's, a community resource hub that offers vital services to those in need. Join us as we discuss the power of hope, community, and the difference...
-
Our Roots Run Deep | Carol McKinley
In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Reverend Carol...
-
Cultural Roots, Creative Journeys
In this episode, Corey sits down with artist Joe Seymour to explore his connection to Coast Salish and Acoma Pueblo traditions. From carving paddles and making drums to large-scale public art installations, Joe shares his journey of cultural reclamation, artistic expression, and the…
more -
The Point in Time Count
It's 2025 and we're kicking off the new year with Meg Martin and returning guest Keylee Marineau, Homeless Response Coordinator for Thurston County, to discuss topics of homelessness as a public health crisis and methodologies in counting those sheltered and unsheltered. Thurston County's Winter...
-
Faith in Action
In this episode, Corey sits down with Lara Crutsinger-Perry, a Pastor at United Churches of Olympia to discuss the work of the organization and Lara's experience and relationship with faith and religion as a queer woman. Watch this episode on our youtube page:...
-
Discussing Opioid Response with Katie Strozyk | Lean in Olympia S2 E2
In this episode, we sit down with Katie Strozyk to discuss current trends in the opioid crisis, overdose prevention, and current resources for support. Get involved at...
-
Refresh and Renewal
WE'RE BACK! It's been a few months, but Lean in Olympia is back! We're refreshed, we're renewed, we're in a new location, and we're ready to connect with you! Today, we're diving into what's been going on behind the scenes, as well as the future of the podcast. We also tease up what you can…
more -
Memory Booth | Lean In Olympia Ep. 55
Meg and others in connection with Quixote Village give Honor to loved ones they have lost during the pandemic. Community members speak out to memorialize their loved ones and their fondest memories. Please join us in remembering the lost but not forgotten.
-
David Scherer Water
Corey sits down with local Author David Scherer Water to discuss his book "Making Sense Of Olympia" and his inspiration behind it. David speaks about his humor as well as his work from non-fiction to fiction.
-
Meg Martin & Corey Passon
In this special episode of Lean In Olympia Meg & Corey sit down together to have a chat about handling grief, loss and honoring people's lives in their work with the community.
-
Meg Rosenberg
On this episode Corey sits down with Meg Rosenberg from Window Seat Media! Meg is a local community member, public servant, and theatre artist deeply invested in the South Sound and building dialogue that sparks equitable social change. Their professional work has focused on public and nonprofit...
-
Stacey Ray
In continuing her discussion on what the City of Olympia is doing around its response to housing and homelessness, Meg sits down with Stacey Ray Director Strategic Planning & Performance at the city! They talk about the comprehensive plan for the city is, how it's made and what it entails!
-
Jamal Rahman & Jennifer Friedman
Corey has a conversation with Jamal Rahman & Jennifer Friedman around interfaith ministry in the postmodern world, how we nurture the spiritual lives of those who might walk in disparate traditions than ours, no tradition, or plural traditions. And how interfaith is needed today and what it looks...
-
Kim Kondrat
Meg continues her dep dive on the City of Olympias homelessness response by sitting down with Kim Kondrat, the Homeless Response Coordinator for the city!
-
Erin Jones
Erin Jones is the author of the book "Bridges to Heal US: Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing", published in 2021. Erin served three years as Assistant State Superintendent for Student Achievement in Washington State, where she was responsible for working with educators and policy makers to...
-
Darian Lightfoot
Meg continues her series in getting more understanding in the community about what the city is doing to regarding homelessness and affordable housing response! Joining Meg to continue the conversation is Darian Lightfoot, Director of Affordable Housing & Homeless Response for the City of Olympia.
-
Nicole Virgil
Corey sits down with Nicole Virgil, a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship! They dive into her journey with Christian Science and her explorations in the Christian Science perspective of "liberty" and the healing that is possible through our embrace of it, including the impact it...
-
Teal Gardener
To kick off Meg's next series of Lean In episodes focused around the City of Olympia's response to issues around homelessness and public safety, she sits down with Teal Gardener from the Crisis Response Unit to talk about her journey from being a Downtown Ambassador to CRU. As well the nuances of...
-
Olivia Hickerson
Meg sits down with Olivia Hickerson, the Executive Director of SideWalk! We get to hear about about Olivia's experience in Homeless Services before coming to SideWalk, the work that SideWalk does and some of the success stories she's seen during her time!
-
Dani Madrone
On this episode of Lean In we sat down with Olympia City Council Member Dani Madrone! We got to learn about her journey that led her to Olympia from Virginia, her work building Tribal relations for the city and more!
-
Brad Schrandt
Corey got to sit down with Brad Schrandt, Music Director of the South Sound Swing Orchestra & Director of Jazz Studies at South Puget Sound Community College - all on top being a music wizard! They dive into their mutual love of Jazz and it's amazing and unique history in America!
-
Noha Mahgoub
On this episode of Lean In Olympia, Meg sits down with Noha Mahgoub the Senior Policy Advisor of Housing & Homelessness for the Governors Office!
-
Colleen Carmichael
Colleen Carmichael, Executive Director of Quixote Communities! Colleen joined the Quixote team as the Executive Director in September 2021. She offers an extensive background in homeless housing, finance, community outreach, and fundraising.
-
Olivia Salazar de Breaux
On this episode of Lean In Olympia we have Olivia Salazar de Breaux! Olivia is the Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist at the Parks & Recreation department for the City of Olympia! We get to hear about her journey and her work in the community!
-
Raven Scrivner & Wendy Mosier
In this episode of Lean In Olympia, Meg sits down with Interfaith works very Raven Scrivener & Wendy Mosier to talk about the REST program at Interfaithworks! We also get to learn more about Raven & Wendy's time at Interfaith!
-
Sarah Augustine
On this episode of Lean In Olympia we have the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah Augustine! Sarah is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition. As well as the Author of 'The Land Is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of...
-
Jerad Koepp
Jerad Koepp has been a teacher for the last 16 years, the last eight of which as Native Student Program Specialist at North Thurston Public Schools. Jerad was named 2022 Washington State Teacher of the Year and we were so lucky to sit down with him and talk about his journey!
-
Overdose Awareness
Meg talks about Overdose Awareness and the event we held Aug. 31st at Heritage park! As well as deconstructing the stigma around addiction, getting into a place of healing and navigating this very complex topic.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Lean In Olympia, a live, bi-weekly podcast that features conversations at the crossroads of humanity, justice, and belief.
HOSTED BY
Interfaith-works
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Lean In Olympia have?
Lean In Olympia currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Lean In Olympia about?
Lean In Olympia, a live, bi-weekly podcast that features conversations at the crossroads of humanity, justice, and belief.
How often does Lean In Olympia release new episodes?
Lean In Olympia has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Lean In Olympia?
You can listen to Lean In Olympia on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Lean In Olympia?
Lean In Olympia is created and hosted by Interfaith-works.
URL copied to clipboard!