Master of a Few
by Mack Emerson
Welcome to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. My name is Mack and I am interested in pretty much everything so the motto "jack of all trades, master of none" just wasn't cutting it for me; therefore, I've raised my personal standard to "jack of all trades, master of a few." Theology, poetry, stories about being a transgender Christian, and so much more await. You're more than welcome to join! Send me topic, comments, and questions on Instagram!@mackofafew
Episodes
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Master of a Few - Seg. 88 - Things I'm Grateful For
Today's segment is about the things I'm still grateful about growing my fundamentalist upbringing. There are many things that were harmful about how I grew up, but I don't know who I'd be without the community that raised me. Fundamentalism is dangerous and toxic, but it isn't a monolithic evil,...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 87 - Transitioning During a Pandemic
Hello! As of 8/28/2021, I am officially 2 years on Testosterone! I'm so excited to share my update on my transition and I also want to talk about what it has been like transitioning a global pandemic. Missing out on celebrating milestones with friends has been really hard and I want to bring some...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 86 - From the Beginning
In this segment, I start retelling my story filling in gaps that I previously left out because I was ashamed of who I was before coming out and accepting my identity. I was indoctrinated from a very young age and as a result, I know I hurt people with my words and actions - here is the first part...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 85 - Starting Again
It has been over a year since my last episode and I finally think it's time to start again! In this segment, I will be explaining why I've decided to return to this podcast and also tell you a little bit of my story with conversion therapy. If you haven't watched #PrayAway on Netflix yet, please...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 84 - Dysphoria Before I had the Words
Looking back there were a lot of things going on with baby Mack and while some of it was probably the precursors to my depression or anxiety or run-of-the-mill childhood awkwardness, some of it was definitely dysphoria I just couldn't name yet. I hope this helps someone as they try to figure out...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 83 - Juneteenth & Final Poems
Today, June 19th, is Juneteenth or the day we celebrate the liberation of the enslaved. On this day in 1865, the last of enslaved were informed of emancipation. Take this day to educate yourself and learn the history of enslavement and oppression in The United States. Fittingly, this is also the...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 82 - More Trans Poetry
I said last week that I was going to spend a few weeks reading some poetry by Black and Brown trans people, so here is part two of that series. We probably have one week left of it after this. I hope you enjoy and download the book so you can read them over again. This poetry was written by Black...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 81 - Black Trans Lives Matter (A Poetry Reading)
Hey Everyone! I guess I should say Happy Pride, but it doesn't feel like the right statement. Although, maybe it is because Pride was started by Black and Brown Trans women who fought back against the police. Pride is old school this year. This week, I want to stay focused on what matters, so…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 80 - Privilege Check
I am a white straight man and it's time to check my privilege and do better than silence. Black and brown people are being murdered simply for existing and my silence does nothing to help, so I am starting by educating myself. Below are a list of resources I'm using to start that process. I hope...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 79 - Post-Op & Parents
2 Weeks Post Top Surgery!! I'm feeling good and will include more details about recovery in my 9 month on T video to be released on the 30th! Thank you to everyone who supported me and continues to support my recovery! This segment is also about my parents. I heard an interesting phrase lately…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 78 - The Pre-Op Podcast
Recorded 40 hours until surgery, this is the final pre-op podcast! That's right, I am less than 2 days out top surgery day! I am so excited and wanted to record my thoughts and feelings just prior to surgery day! This podcast is dedicated to everyone who has supported me with kind words, kind...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 77 - Detransition Video Reaction
I get sent these kinds of videos all of the time and so I figured I would react to this one, so that you could hear my honest thoughts. CW: sexual violence/abuse, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, detransition My Youtube: The Careful Poet My book: Confessions of the Careful Poet
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Master of a Few - Seg. 76 - Shall We Continue?
Welcome to Season 4 of Master of a Few! We're 2 months from the 2 year mark and that is incredible to me! On this segment, I want to reflect on why I started this and talk about what I want to do in the future. Thanks to all those who have followed me on this journey and I hope you stick around!...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 75 - When It's Not Okay
Sometimes you just cannot stomach any cliches. Today is one of those days. My surgery is cancelled and I lost my summer job. I'm sure many of you are struggling too. Let's hold space for that. My God is big enough to handle my feelings and my anger and my disappointment.
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Master of a Few - Seg. 74 - Poetry Break
Life's weird right now, so have some poetry! This is some of my more recent poetry and I hope you enjoy it! Poems: Woven, Solstice, Fond, I Remember You, Liability, It Must be Hard YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet
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Master of a Few - Seg. 73 - A Few Moments of Peace
A Tornado in Nashville A Worldwide Pandemic Who's been reading the Left Behind books? There is so much going on in the world right now, so let's take a just few moments to read some psalms and feel some peace. I'm praying for you all. Be kind. Be generous. Be safe. YouTube: The Careful Poet My...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 72 - My 4th Birthday!
Hey Everyone! 4 years ago today, I came out as transgender and my life changed for the better! I chose this day as my new birthday and here's the story. Enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet
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Master of a Few - Seg. 71 - 6 Months on T
August to February...it's only been six months and at the same time, it's already been six months! I'm so thankful to be on T, but the ways it has changed my dysphoria have been varied and odd. Here's some of my thoughts! Check out my YouTube video update coming soon! YouTube: The Careful Poet My...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 70 - Some Days
Mental health is our topic today. I've been talking about how much happier I am than I used to be, which is so true, but today I want to talk about a concurrent reality. I have depression and anxiety, which means even when I am living my dreams and I am so happy with my life, some days are still...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 69 - Wouldn't Change it for the World
People sometimes ask "what would you change if you could change anything?". I've realized that my answer is "nothing". I've been through a lot of hard things in my life, but I can honestly say they've made me who I am and I wouldn't change it for the world. YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book:...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 68 - Therewith to be Content
Contentment is a rare thing, but every now and then I look around that this life I have and I just feel good about it. Today is one of those days, so let's talk about contentment. My book: Confessions of the Careful Poet YouTube: The Careful Poet
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Master of a Few - Seg. 67 - This I...Still...Believe
When taking about faith with a friend, she told me about how a family member asked what her spiritual hill to die on was. I responded that I think the phrasing makes it sound like a battle and while I will die for my faith, I won't kill for it. I'm learning what it looks like to be an evangelical...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 66 - Half The Battle
Knowing something is true or false is only half the battle. The other half is managing to actually believe it. This can be particularly difficult when people say hurtful things. I have been fighting this battle and hopefully talking about it will help me out and maybe even help someone else.…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 65 - Farewell 2019
Welcome to the 20's! Can you believe its the new year already? I'm about to start my second semester of divinity school, but before we can properly move on and achieve our roaring 20's goals, we must reflect on what is behind us. In the spirit of that, this segment is a recap of 2019 and just a...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 64 - Confessions Part 2
Welcome to the second half of the Confessions of the Careful Poet anniversary reading! This segment will include poems from the third and final part of the book: Confessions of the Careful Poet. I hope you enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet
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Master of a Few - Seg. 63 - Confessions Part 1
In a couple weeks, my book will turn one year old! Instead of smashing it into a cake, though, I figured I'd take it on a little birthday tour instead. So, this week, enjoy some poetry from Confessions of the Careful Poet complete with mediocre explanations for the origins of the poems. Check out...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 62 - I'm a Five
Your name, your pronouns, your number The three staples of a divinity school introduction. No, not your phone number, your enneagram type. I didn't have one for a long time, but I've finally settled on a type - I'm a 5 wing 6 Check out enneagraminstitute.com YouTube: The Careful Poet My book:...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 61 - My Father
Going to woods, getting a oil change, Folgers Breakfast Blend coffee, making breakfast, getting called "Buddy"...all of these things remind me of one person. He taught me to be a good man when he didn't even know I was watching. This segment is about my dad. We have a complicated relationship…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 60 - Embodiment...A Learning Process
Hey guess what...bodies aren't bad. It's a novel thought, I know. Learning how to live in my body instead of just ignoring it and trying to live as a disembodied brain is quite a difficult process, but it can be so rewarding. I hope you enjoy my ramblings about embodiment! YouTube: The Careful…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 59 - The Good Parts
Growing up fundamentalist had its hard parts (I won't pretend otherwise), but I want to talk about some of the best parts of growing up in that church. Had I grown up anywhere else, I wouldn't be myself and I am so thankful for all the good parts of my childhood. I hope you enjoy! YouTube: The...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 58 - On Being Seen/Enough Pt. 2
On Sep. 17, 2018, I put out a segment called "On Being Seen" this is sort of a part 2. Today I want to talk about seeing myself and finally believing that maybe just maybe I'm worthy of unashamed love...go figure. Also, I'll be 2 months on T on Monday and that's just craziness! Enjoy! YouTube…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 57 - Hard Truths
There are things that it just sucks to accept. The reality of trauma or abuse or having to accept when something is just so unfair and there is nothing you can do to fix it. Hard truths suck, but they are so important. This segment is about some of the hard things I am learning to recognize and...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 56 - It's A Process
Happy Coming Out Day! This week's segment is about coming out and how it is not a one time deal; coming out is a process, but 4 years later, I can happily announce that it does get better! Wherever you are on your journey, I'm proud of you! Youtube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 55 - Checking the Mirrors
Tomorrow, 9/28/19, will be my one month on T anniversary! Time goes by so freaking fast! With such an exciting milestone, I decided it was a good time for some reflection on this new stage of my life. So here ya go; some updates on transition, my personal life, my feelings about seminary, and my...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 54 - Poetry Break!
Hey everyone! This fall has been going by so quickly and my life is currently absorbed in work and Hebrew study groups, but I love it! Given the impending papers and exams, it's a good time for a poetry break! I hope you enjoy! The Poems: -Shaking Voices -Storms -How to Know When You're Falling...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 53 - Psalm 19
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14 KJV In this segment, I talk about my favorite psalm and how it has followed me throughout my life. Enjoy! My YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 52 - Reality & Interpretation
Do you ever have moments when you feel like this can't be real? There is no way this is your actual life. That can come in both a positive and negative flavor, but it can be a great feeling to feel grounded in the world. In this segment, I want to talk about dissociation, reality, and how...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 51 - Acceptance?
Hey everyone, welcome back to Master of a Few. On this segment, I wanted to update you on some fantastic stuff in my life, but also talk about something that has been difficult for me. This segment is on acceptance, but not the acceptance you're thinking of. This is the kind of acceptance where…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 50 - New Beginnings!
Welcome to Season 3 of Master of a Few! It's time to switch some things up; starting with the beginning of the segment descriptions! This week's segment is an announcement of new beginnings, an explanation of the exciting things that are happening, and a blessing for all of you lovely people who...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 49 - The Big News
Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. I think you've been patient long enough...here is my big news and the story of how it came to be! Thank you so much to each person who has supported me and loved me. Please know…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 48 - Consolation Poetry
Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. I know told you I would give you big news today, but I lied. I'm so sorry, but you have to wait one more week. As a consolation prize, though, here is some of the new poetry I've...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 47 - When There's Nothing to Do
Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Does anyone else struggle with waiting? I am a notoriously impatient person and I hate feeling like there is nothing to do. This has been my struggle for the summer, but...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 46 - What Would Jesus Do
Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Do you know where the motto "What Would Jesus Do?" came from? It is from an amazing book called "In His Steps" by Charles M. Sheldon. He wrote this book about the congregation of...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 45 - Taking Up Space
Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Do you ever experience the feeling that you don't deserve to be respected or to be heard? I have that feeling all the time and in this segment I want to talk about my recent...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 44 - Farewell PA, It's Been Fun
Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. As I'm sure you can tell from the title, this is the last segment of Master of a Few that will be recorded in Pennsylvania. Tomorrow morning, I will be hitting the road for...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 43 - Always a Choice
Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Sometimes people we love and respect make us feel like we have no choice but to do the wrong thing; whether it's lying or treating someone in an unloving way or walking away from...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 42 - Education: Pride Edition
Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Pride month is officially over, but guess what? The LGBTQ+ community doesn't just disappear and there are still queer kids out there who need help. As a teacher, I believe…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 41 - Woke Up in Nashville
Hey everyone! It's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. I'm in Nashville! That's right, I went to pride in Pittsburgh on Sunday and then drove all the way to Tennessee the next day! It has been quite and adventure and a serious lesson…
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Master of a Few - Seg. 40 - Happy Pride? Yes!
Hey everyone! It's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Happy Pride Month! I get to go to pride this weekend, so I wanted to take a few minutes and explain why Pride is important to me and to the LGBTQ+ community. I hope this is...
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Master of a Few - Seg. 39 - I'm Back...With Stories!
Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. How's it going? I've been gone for just under a month because I've been super busy graduating and doing all kinds of things, but I'm back now! This is going to be a two post kind…
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About this show
Welcome to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. My name is Mack and I am interested in pretty much everything so the motto "jack of all trades, master of none" just wasn't cutting it for me; therefore, I've raised my personal standard to "jack of all trades, master of a few." Theology, poetry, stories about being a transgender Christian, and so much more await. You're more than welcome to join! Send me topic, comments, and questions on Instagram!@mackofafew
Hosted by
Mack Emerson