This week on Unpacked we wrap up the Shoulder to Shoulder series with a bonus episode to reflect on the incredible series we've been on together and explore some of the valuable feedback and insights we've received from our listeners and guests. We uncovered important themes of forgiveness and courage and learned from remarkable individuals who have experienced harm or alienation from their communities, yet have found paths to healing while honoring their own unique experiences. We share our personal insights, discussing what we've learned about ourselves during this series too.
As we wrap-up this series, we want to leave you with a sense of purpose. What do we hope you take away from these conversations? What are the next steps for you, the listener? We'll suggest questions to consider and resources to explore further, including statistics, recommended books, and ways to make a positive impact. Join us for this heartfelt closing episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, where love always has a seat at the table, and there's a place for you right here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10.5-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-The Naked Pastor
-Brian Nietzel Making Things Right Podcast
-The Walking Pastor Pastor Judy Howard Peterson
-Art of Growth Joel Hubbard
-Book: Talking Across the Divide
-Resources for Churches - Big Table Coaching
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with Kevin Castanheiro. Kevin is a former executive with Mexx Clothing, a world traveller, the current leader of an aquaculture ministry in Haiti, and our good friend. Plus sponsor of the Shoulder to Shoulder series! This week we take you through the remarkable story of Kevin, a gay man, and Evan, a long-time traditional pastor. Two people on the outside over 12 years ago met with seemingly opposing worldviews and find their lives changed by meeting at a funeral that leads to a journey of self-discovery and a unique friendship. Kevin shares his deeply personal story of coming out, navigating faith, the loss of his partner and how he came to be a part of a faith community where he experienced belonging. Meanwhile, a devout pastor, Evan opens up about his transformation, from holding traditional views to forming a friendship with Kevin. It's a story of friendship that transcends differences and prejudices, where they don't aim to change each other's minds, but instead, strive to share their hearts openly. We chat about their story of coming to understand in a deeper way how to have important conversations up close as opposed to making judgements at arm's length. Learn what it means to belong, create a safe place truly for all, how silence can be dangerous and how relationships and stories are transforming and clarifying. We discuss the history of Kevin and Evan meeting all the way up to the present day of leaving the church. Join us as we uncover hope and understanding, one heartfelt conversation at a time.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-Book: If I was your girl by Meredith Russo
-Episode 1 Introduction Series
-Episode 2 Joel Hubbard
-Episode 3 Joel Fortier
-Episode 4 Pastor Judy Howard Peterson
-Episode 5 Coming out U
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Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with guests Stephanie and Lisa, retired house flippers and a sweet couple. Stephanie and Lisa share their emotional stories of coming out, navigating the challenges of finding forgiveness with their parents and compassion for their families. They share the struggles they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the important life lessons they've learned along the way. Stephanie and Lisa shed light on what they wish more people understood about the LGBTQ+ community and foster a deeper understanding of diverse identities. Their insights highlight the importance of creating safe spaces and supportive communities for everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Their stories are not without struggle as they share the experience of alienation from a religious community due to their LGBTQ+ identity. We talk complexities of faith, spirituality, and the path towards healing. We explore the question of a safe community and the difference between fitting in and belonging.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-Episode 1 Introduction Series
-Episode 2 Joel Hubbard
-Episode 3 Joel Fortier
-Episode 4 Pastor Judy Howard Peterson
-Episode 5 Coming out U
-Episode 6 Brian Nietzel
-Episode 7 Diane Morton
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with guest Diane Morton, Retired Special Ed Teacher and mother to a transgender person. Diane's experience as a mother of a trans child brings to light the fears and worries that many parents face when their child comes out as transgender. Through her story, Diane demonstrates her journey of acceptance, growth, and unwavering love. As a former teacher who specialized in working with special needs students, she shares the parallels between advocating for her students and supporting her trans child. Diane's unique perspective sheds light on the importance of creating inclusive spaces, where everyone can be seen and heard. Diane offers practical tips for promoting understanding, respect, and compassion, fostering an environment where everyone can feel affirmed and valued for who they are.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-Book: If I was your girl by Meredith Russo
-Episode 1 Introduction Series
-Episode 2 Joel Hubbard
-Episode 3 Joel Fortier
-Episode 4 Pastor Judy Howard Peterson
-Episode 5 Coming out U
-Episode 6 Brian Nietzel
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with guest Brian Nietzel, Founder of Making Things Right. Making Things Right is a space to invite and equip Christians to better love and serve the LGBTQ+ community. Brian shares his mission to create new conversations and relationships between Christians and the LGBTQ+ community. We chat with Brian about his story of being gay and loving Jesus, why reconciliation between the LGBTQ+ community and the church is important, his concept of the quieter middle of people who are on the fence and how we can bridge the gap. He challenges us to ask do you want to defend a position or people? Brian lives with his husband, Dan, and two daughters in Atlanta, GA.
This is just the beginning and we are looking forward to sharing the Shoulder-to-Shoulder series with you. Love has a bigger table, there is a seat for you here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-Brian Nietzel Website
-Making Things Right Podcast
-Brian's Resources (books, podcasts, white papers)
-Follow Brian
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we continue to chat with guests Erika Dewald (she/her), Raven Huery (she/they), Elizabeth Larabie (she/her), and Hailey Beynon (she/her) from the University of Lethbridge. In this round table discussion, we take Unpacked on the road to listen to the stories of university students and hear how they discovered who they are. They share their coming out stories what was most supportive, what she wished more people know about the LGTBQ+ community and give hope and advice for young people who are discovering their sexuality but more importantly they share who they were made to be.
This is just the beginning of the series and we are looking forward to sharing the Shoulder-to-Shoulder series with you. Love has a bigger table, there is a seat for you here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with guests Erika Dewald (she/her), Raven Huery (she/they), Elizabeth Larabie (she/her), and Hailey Beynon (she/her) from the University of Lethbridge. In this round table discussion, we take Unpacked on the road to listen to the stories of university students and hear how they discovered who they are. They share their coming out stories what was most supportive, what she wished more people know about the LGTBQ+ community and give hope and advice for young people who are discovering their sexuality but more importantly they share who they were made to be.
This is just the beginning of the series and we are looking forward to sharing the Shoulder-to-Shoulder series with you. Love has a bigger table, there is a seat for you here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with guest Pastor Judy Howard Peterson, Pastor, founder and President of Haecceitas Inc, a non-profit that seeks to provide pastoral care and spiritual hospitality for those outside the traditional confines of the church. Judy has worked as a waitress, a landscaper, a teacher, an administrator and a pastor. She is an internationally known preacher and conference leader and continues to use my gifts in these ways. Judy chats with us about her life as a pastor and preacher, Campus Chaplain and the stories of caring for young LGTBQ+ people that lead to a public exit from the church. She shares about grief and loss of miscarriage and how she believes we're all wrong but it's all right because of Jesus. Learn what to do when your faith formula no longer works and when you find yourself as an ally and outside the community you once belonged.
This is just the beginning of the series and we are looking forward to sharing the Shoulder-to-Shoulder series with you. Love has a bigger table, there is a seat for you here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-Walking Pastor on Instagram
-Judy Howard Peterson on Facebook
-Support Judy's Pastoral Work
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we chat with guest Joel Fortier, retired Service Director and supporter of the Shoulder to Shoulder series. Joel chats with us about his life
coming out later in life, his father's passing and being the man of the family he thought he was supposed to be. Joel shares words of wisdom for young people, how he overcame self-rejection, therapy and his not-so-typical coming out story. Joel explains the importance of sharing your story and living for yourself fully.
This is just the beginning of the series and we are looking forward to sharing the Shoulder-to-Shoulder series with you. Love has a bigger table, there is a seat for you here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
LINKS
-Episode 1 Introduction Series
-Episode 2 Joel Hubbard
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
This week on Unpacked we launch the Shoulder to Shoulder series with an introduction episode on why the relationship between the church and the LGBTQ+ Community is important. Evan, Kevin and Tara chat about what the series is about, why we decided to do the series and what we hope people will hear and experience. We talk about the guests we interviewed, what to expect in the series and some of the challenges we are hearing in our area and across Canada for LGBTQ+ youth. This is just the beginning of the series and we are looking forward to sharing the Shoulder-to-Shoulder series with you. Love has a bigger table, there is a seat for you here with us.
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10-part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree, stand up for the marginalized, and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast.
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
The producers and co-creators of the Unpacked Podcast present a special series 10 part series Shoulder to Shoulder. Shoulder to Shoulder is co-hosted by Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley and Kevin Castanherio unpacking the relationship between the church and the LGTBQ+ community with ex-pastors, inclusive churches, thought leaders, and LGBTQ+ members. Episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
Evan, Tara and Kevin get curious not critical to have conversations around a more inclusive way forward for marginalized communities and faith to come together. We talk to real-life people (including our stories!) who by living inclusively lead to exclusion from the church. You won't want to miss the stories of LGTBQ+ people coming out and discovering who they are. Together, we get curious to learn about belonging, talk about why taking a stand or defending the outcast is hard, how churches move to be affirming of LGTBQ+ members, what it takes to create safe and diverse environments and how we can care for LGTQ+ people and children.
The goal is not to change your mind, but we are here to challenge that we can disagree and still love. We can disagree and include. We can disagree and stand up for the marginalized and take responsibility for harm. And there is room for all in this space as we come together. As all content under Unpacked, we aim to have conversations that grow in self-awareness and help our audience improve relationships at work and home. Using the lens of the enneagram and storytelling we unpack the messiness of life because we believe that's where we find growth.
Shoulder to Shoulder is brought to you by Kevin Castanheiro and Joel Fortier in partnership with Unpacked Podcast (Tara Linsley Marketing + Recess Creek Coaching)
Recess Creek Coaching with Evan Dewald
Helping you to look at your story through the enneagram and encouraging you towards writing a new story, greater health and relationships in all areas of your life. Book a free 15 minute discovery call today at unpackedpod.ca/coaching
Tara Linsley Digital Marketing Coach + Podcast Producer
Teaching small business owners and non-profits how to connect authentically and grow through metric driven data and a solid marketing strategy to scale your business. Book a free discovery call today at taralinsley.ca
Unpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, leaders, and storytellers discussing the experiences of being human. We talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. Subscribe and leave us a review!
Instagram:@theunpackedpod
Facebook: @theunpackedpod
unpackedpod.ca
Support the show
*music by Bensound
Shoulder to Shoulder: A wrap-up on the series with Kevin Castanheiro, Evan Dewald and Tara Linsley
1:05:07
Shoulder to Shoulder: the unlikely friendship of a pastor and a gay man with guests Kevin Castanheiro and Evan Dewald
1:19:01
Shoulder to Shoulder: We are more the same than we are different with guests Steph and Lisa
1:10:51
Shoulder to Shoulder: Everyone deserves love a parents perspective of embracing a child in the LGBTQ+ community with guest Diane Morton
1:01:11
Shoulder to Shoulder: Embracing Love, reconciliation and exploring the quieter middle with guest Brian Nietzel
1:00:02
Shoulder to Shoulder: Coming out U Part 2 with guests Erika, Raven, Lizzy & Hailey
54:04
Shoulder to Shoulder: Coming out U with guests Erika, Raven, Lizzy & Hailey
1:07:33
Shoulder to Shoulder: we're all wrong and it's all right because of Jesus with guest Judy Peterson
1:11:50
Shoulder to Shoulder: overcoming self-rejection to live fully for yourself with guest Joel Fortier
55:52
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Shoulder to Shoulder: Why is the relationship between the church and the LGBTQ+ community important with Evan Dewald, Tara Linsley & Kevin Castanheiro
42:33
Presenting Shoulder to Shoulder.... Belonging, LGBTQ+ Inclusion and the Church
4:44