Lean In Olympia

Lean In Olympia, a monthly podcast that features conversations at the crossroads of humanity, justice, and belief.

Our Roots Run Deep | Lawrence Naputi 07/25/2025

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 shares some of his story. From receiving a permanent bed in the shelter, to now working at Sergio's to help others experiencing homelessness, by showing the same kindness, empathy, and care that was shown to him. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: Apple Podcasts: Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35911405

Our Roots Run Deep | Kathy Erlandson 06/27/2025

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 Director of Interfaith Works, Kathy Erlandson (2000-2010) reflects on the first winter, when a member of her congregation suggested opening the church as an overnight shelter during the cold weather months, and celebrates the progress Interfaith Works has made in the 24 years since that night. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: Apple Podcasts : Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35911440

We All Belong Here 06/27/2025

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 to center grace, not merit, in how we serve unhoused communities. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/37168520

Our Roots Run Deep | Gary Warnock 05/09/2025

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 Coroner Gary Warnock speaks to why, in 2014 in partnership with Interfaith Works, he initiated the Annual Day of Awareness in Thurston County to honor those who died, but who's remains where unclaimed. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: Apple Podcasts : Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35910890

Our Roots Run Deep | Danny Kadden 04/25/2025

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 Executive Director of Interfaith Works, Danny Kadden (2010-2018) shares how Interfaith stepped forward and began providing leadership on Homelessness in Thurston County. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: Apple Podcasts : Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35910820

Welcoming Without Conditions 04/18/2025

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 partnership with Interfaith Works. Pastor Mark speaks candidly about hope, spiritual leadership, and what it means to welcome all with dignity. Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/36214380

Our Roots Run Deep | Clark Gilman 03/28/2025

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 Council Member Clark Gilman shares his experience volunteering with his church, First Christian Church, which hosted the Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter from 2015 to 2021, and the congregations dedication to discipleship and living as disciples of Jesus. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: or Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35893125

Building Community and Hope 03/21/2025

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 these services make in people’s lives. Check out ways to get involved at Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35802155

Our Roots Run Deep | Carol McKinley 03/01/2025

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 McKinley shares the powerful "Moment of Blessing" ritual, created to transform sites of violence into spaces of peace and healing. Through this community-driven practice, individuals honor lost lives, acknowledge grief, and reclaim areas marked by violence, fostering hope and the belief that love and goodness will prevail. Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35490100

Cultural Roots, Creative Journeys 02/14/2025

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 responsibility of passing knowledge to future generations. Check out Joe's work here: Views on Fifth Salmon Project: Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/35279940

The Point in Time Count 01/18/2025

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 Clothing Drive is now collecting donations at the Old Olympia Fire Hall from 10am to 2pm on Fridays, until Jan. 24th, 2025. Find out more: To get involved, check out or for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Watch this episode on our Youtube page: Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/34888135

Faith in Action 12/13/2024

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: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/34372115

Discussing Opioid Response with Katie Strozyk | Lean in Olympia S2 E2 11/15/2024

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 /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/33918962

Refresh and Renewal 09/14/2024

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 expect at the 50th Anniversary Celebration for Interfaith Works coming up later in September! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/33048132

Memory Booth | Lean In Olympia Ep. 55 11/03/2023

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. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/28511015

David Scherer Water 10/27/2023

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. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/28446326

Meg Martin & Corey Passon 10/06/2023

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. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/28226087

Meg Rosenberg 09/15/2023

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 organizational development, education policy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/28035462

Stacey Ray 08/04/2023

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! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/27649962

Jamal Rahman & Jennifer Friedman 07/28/2023

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 like in practice! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/27586779

Kim Kondrat 07/03/2023

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! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/27339144

Erin Jones 06/16/2023

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 create policies and practices that would better serve students of color and students otherwise disenfranchised. She is an athlete, mother, dreamer, activist, and deeply committed to change at the societal level. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/27178611

Darian Lightfoot 05/26/2023

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. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/26964564

Nicole Virgil 05/12/2023

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 can have on our mental health.. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/26825970

Teal Gardener 04/28/2023

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 peer work and live experience. /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/26687172

Olivia Hickerson 03/31/2023

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! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/26405844

Dani Madrone 03/18/2023

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! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/26240454

Brad Schrandt 02/25/2023

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! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/26013102

Lily Raabe 02/11/2023

Lily Raabe We got the chance to sit down with the Artistic Director of The Olympia Family Theater, Lily Raabe! Lily Raabe is a storyteller, facilitator, and community builder who grew up on a school bus, with roots and community in Eastern Oregon, Portland, New York, Hawai’i, Seattle – and now Olympia. She's here to tell us about her journey, what she does at OFT and how she finds healing in her art! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/25717866

Noha Mahgoub 02/04/2023

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! /episode/index/show/6f3bc010-480e-427a-8abe-b9a4c72338d4/id/25824369

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