We kick off a new series focused on practicing presence and community care. In this episode, I discuss the challenges of professionalizing community care and introduces the concept of 'vernacular' care, emphasizing the need to embrace more personal, relational approaches over industrialized, standardized methods. Tune in for insights on how to foster genuine connections and rethink the ways we engage with and support vulnerable communities.

On the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and their families—wearing orange shirts, observing silence, and acknowledging the land we live on. Yet sometimes it feels like performance. Can these gestures move beyond checkboxes and virtue signaling to true transformation? In this episode, I sit with Dr. Mike Hogetorp, facilitator for the Canadian Learning Community for Decolonization and Innovation in Theological Education with NAIITS, to explore how we can enter these rituals with sincerity, humility, and a willingness to be unsettled, taught, and changed—asking what it really takes to cultivate right relationship and authentic reconciliation.

Are we really giving people a voice, or just the illusion of one?

This episode dives into the tension between tokenism and true participation in community work. We look at what it takes to move beyond traditional charity models toward real collaboration—where power is shared, not hoarded. Through the story of the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union (TUHU), we explore both the wins and the struggles of creating spaces where people experiencing homelessness can shape the decisions that impact their lives. Along the way, we unpack what this means for food banks, church outreach, and any program that wants to move past symbolic inclusion toward authentic, empowering community.

In this episode, my guest from Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto shares the heart and mission of their work. We delve into what it truly means to create a space of belonging for those marginalized in society. Our conversation covers the intrinsic value of relationships, the challenge of balancing efficiency with genuine connection, and the importance of community over programs. We also discuss the unique dynamics of being a faith-based organization amidst the pressures of urban development and societal expectations. Tune in for a deep exploration of how intentional presence and patience can transform a community.

This episode explores the powerful connection between our physical experiences and spiritual worship. I'm joined by Dr. Kenneth Wallace Jr., a Professor, Formationalist and ordained worship pastor with Street Psalms. Together, we discuss the significance of engaging all our senses in worship, the role of physical experiences in our faith, and how community work can deepen our spiritual connection. This episode sheds light on how worship extends beyond traditional music and cognitive practices, encompassing a holistic and embodied approach to connecting with God. Whether it's through beading, gardening, or the smell of incense, discover how embracing the physical elements of life can lead to a more profound and integrated worship experience.

In this episode, I explore the intersections of faith, harm reduction, and personal transformation with my guests Lorraine Lam and Steve MacDoull. We go below the surface and consider how our theology impacts our views on the speed and likelihood of human transformation. The conversation covers the challenges and importance of harm reduction, how faith communities can engage with this approach, and the complex interplay between individual actions and systemic changes. Through personal stories and thoughtful analysis, the episode highlights the importance of compassion, community support, and policy advocacy in addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding substance use and addiction.

00:00 Introduction to Healing and Transformation04:19 Understanding Harm Reduction06:31 Historical Perspectives on Addiction08:38 The Role of Environment in Addiction12:25 Challenges of Punishment and Prohibition17:20 Faith Communities and Harm Reduction22:07 The Complexity of Harm Reduction23:09 Personal Stories and Reflections41:30 Reevaluating Drug Use and Church Teachings42:23 The Church's Struggle with Substance Users43:40 Fear and Proximity in Addressing Substance Use44:38 The Divide Between City and Suburban Perspectives46:55 The Role of Harm Reduction Spaces50:54 The Church's Role in Policy and Justice01:01:15 Finding Hope Amidst Disappointment

I'm joined by Ahmesa Mansaray-Richardson for a rich conversation on what it means to speak and live authentically in spaces shaped by conformity. From her upbringing in West Africa to her work in development and theological education, Ahmeda shares how using one's vernacular—the language of lived experience—is a radical act of self-preservation and resistance.

Together, we explore:

• The unspoken scripts that govern professional and social interactions
• The tension between institutional expectations and personal identity
• The power of code-switching and cultural nuance
• The importance of hacking systems to maintain human connection
• Why staying rooted in your story and voice matters

This episode is a call to reclaim your voice, resist erasure, and embody your faith and identity with courage.

In this convo, my friends Aleke and Hector join me to unpack how vocation is shifting—especially in the social sector. We get into why fewer people are pursuing pastoral ministry and why more are moving toward health, wellness, and counseling.

We talk about:

· How ideas of “calling” are evolving

· Mixing spirituality with professional work

· The tension between confidence and curiosity

· How culture, identity, and personal history shape our work

It’s honest, thoughtful, and full of real-life stories from peoplenavigating these spaces every day.

If you’re in social work, ministry, or just wondering how toconnect your purpose with your job in the social sector—this one’s for you. 💬✨

#Vocation #Calling #SpiritualCare #SocialSector #FaithAndWork#Deconstruction #Counseling #Intersectionality #Purpose #PastoralMinistry