PODCAST · society
Unpacking Homelessness
by Unpacking Homelessness
"Homeless" is one of the most dehumanizing labels we use—reducing nearly a million unique lives to a single, harmful stereotype. We’re three friends seeking to better understand the housing crisis and its root causes. In this series, we speak with people who have experienced homelessness, along with social workers, mental health professionals, researchers, law enforcement, and everyday community members trying to make sense of a complex issue. Together, we explore the human stories, systemic challenges, and lived realities behind one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Episodes
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S2 E2 - Compassion in Practice: Deb Knaus on Real Obstacles to Safe Shelter and Meeting People Where They're At
In this episode, the team sits down with guest Deb Knaus for an honest, insightful look at the challenges people face seeking shelter and housing in prominent counties of Washington State. Drawing from two years on the front lines and her inspiring journey of returning to school later in life to...
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S2 E1 - Karen Cowling on Heart-led Strength: Caring for Community Through Mission Arvada
When the number of unsheltered individuals began to rise in her city, Karen Cowling was one of many community members compelled to act. When Arvada Rising, a church nested in the center of Olde Town, decided to open Mission Arvada to help the community, Karen stepped up and has been leading the...
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Ep. 12 - Straight Talk, Real Change: Rob Preston on Barrier Breakers and Second Chances
In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we talk with Rob Preston, a Tacoma native whose personal journey through addiction, loss, and survival has fueled his mission to uplift others. After spending years navigating systems that often failed his community, Rob worked at Workforce before…
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Ep. 11 - Creative Compassion and Cosmic Change: Tiffany Cassidy on Unique Jouneys and Diverse Solutions
Tiffany Cassidy, an astrologer in Denver’s Bluebird District and former security guard on Colfax, shares her unique perspective on homelessness. Blending spiritual insight with street experience, she encourages the public to think abstractly and recognize the purpose in everyone — seen or unseen.…
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Ep. 10 - Hope Beyond Homelessness: Sylvester Bush's Testament of Faith and Never Giving Up
In this inspiring episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we are graced by Sylvester T. Bush, Jr., a resilient and compassionate man who brings lived experience to the conversation about individuals experiencing homelessness and what it takes to break the cycle. Sylvester shares his journey—not as a...
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Ep. 9 - The Bigger Picture: Louis Harris on DEI, Public Policy, and the Complexities of Homelessness
Homelessness isn’t just about not having a roof over your head—it’s shaped by a mix of economic, emotional, and societal factors. In this episode, we chat with Louis Harris about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) connect to housing, and why public policy is such a big piece of the…
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Ep. 8 - The Right to Belong: Clarice Ambler on Libraries, Unhoused Youth and the Human-Animal Connection
In Episode 8 of Unpacking Homelessness, we speak with Clarice Ambler, the Community Resource Coordinator for Jefferson County Public Libraries (JCPL). Clarice shares how libraries are stepping beyond books to become essential hubs of support for vulnerable communities, including those…
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Ep. 7 - Round Table Episode: Beyond the Bridge Documentary
In this special edition of Unpacking Homelessness, we shift from personal interviews to collectively exploring a cinematic journey toward real solutions. Join us as we discuss Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness, the documentary sequel to Under the Bridge (2015), which originally…
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Ep. 6 - Serving with Compassion: Deputy Steven Johnson's Perspective on Homelessness and Humanity
In this powerful episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we sit down with Deputy Steve Johnson, a law enforcement officer with firsthand experience engaging with the unhoused community. From monitoring and dismantling encampments to offering help and support, Deputy Johnson shares his unique…
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Ep. 5 - It's Complicated: Letha Fernandez on Systemic Failures and the People Working to Bridge Them
In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we are joined by Letha Fernandez — a dedicated mental health professional, licensed mental health counselor, and substance use disorder professional to discuss the complex realities behind homelessness and the systems that so often fail the people who…
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Ep. 4 - The Courage to Care: Rachelle Warby on Showing Up for Your Community (Even When It's Scary)
In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we sit down with advocate and changemaker Rachelle Warby to explore how each of us can make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Rachelle shares why donating—whether time, money, or resources—matters more than ever, and how…
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Ep. 3 - The Power of Showing Up: Margie Thirlby DuBois on Leadership, Listening, and Local Impact
In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we sit down with Margie Thirlby DuBois—confidence coach, leadership consultant, and founder of The Thirlby Company—for an inspiring conversation on purpose-driven leadership and its vital connection to homelessness, community building, and nonprofit…
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Ep. 2 - From the Ground Up: Charlie Murphy on Turning a Tough Childhood into a Force for Good
We're excited to kick off bi-weekly episodes of Unpacking Homelessness with a powerful conversation featuring Charlie Murphy. In this episode, Charlie bravely shares memories from her childhood, when she and her siblings experienced homelessness alongside their single mother. Revisiting trauma is...
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Ep. 1 - Unpacking Our Why
In the inaugural episode of Unpacking Homelessness, hosts Karcy Lawson, Samantha Holbrook, and Derek Lemmon delve into the heart of why this podcast exists. They share personal stories, reflect on the challenges surrounding homelessness, and discuss their mission to educate, inspire, and empower...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"Homeless" is one of the most dehumanizing labels we use—reducing nearly a million unique lives to a single, harmful stereotype. We’re three friends seeking to better understand the housing crisis and its root causes. In this series, we speak with people who have experienced homelessness, along with social workers, mental health professionals, researchers, law enforcement, and everyday community members trying to make sense of a complex issue. Together, we explore the human stories, systemic challenges, and lived realities behind one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
HOSTED BY
Unpacking Homelessness
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Unpacking Homelessness have?
Unpacking Homelessness currently has 14 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Unpacking Homelessness about?
"Homeless" is one of the most dehumanizing labels we use—reducing nearly a million unique lives to a single, harmful stereotype. We’re three friends seeking to better understand the housing crisis and its root causes. In this series, we speak with people who have experienced homelessness, along...
How often does Unpacking Homelessness release new episodes?
Unpacking Homelessness has 14 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Unpacking Homelessness?
You can listen to Unpacking Homelessness 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 Unpacking Homelessness?
Unpacking Homelessness is created and hosted by Unpacking Homelessness.
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