Welcome to Lean In Olympia

This show invites community members to share their knowledge, experience, and perspective and features conversations at the crossroads of humanity, justice, and belief. We will post new episodes by the end of the second week of each month on YouTube and Spotify! Take a look at our most recent episodes below.

Lean In Olympia Podcast!

Want to check out Lean in Olympia but don't have the time to sit down and watch? Check out our Lean in Olympia Podcast of Spotify!​

Catch Up on Our Past Episodes!
Season 2, Episode 3 - Faith in Action

December 13th, 2024
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. 


​

​Season 2, Episode 2 - Discussing Opioid Response with Katie Strozyk

Nov. 15th 2024
In this episode, we sit down with Katie Strozyk to discuss current trends in the opioid crisis, overdose prevention, and current resources for support.
Understanding the Impacts of the United States Indian Boarding Schools

Thank you for interest in understanding the history and the impact that Indian boarding schools have had on U.S. Tribes and Nations.  Beginning in 1801, the United States implemented a colonized school system mandating Native children, as young as 3 years old to 16 years old, attend boarding schools. In 1819, the U.S. federal government began funding religious organizations to run these schools. They operated for almost 200 years.
Season 2, Episode 1 - Refresh and Renewal

September 13th, 2024
Lean In Olympia is back from a break and feeling fresh! Join Meg and Corey for a little behind the scenes look into what's been happening at Interfaith Works while the podcast (and Meg!) took a sabbatical.
Resetting Our Sacred Table
​
November 19th, 2023
Join us as we celebrate community in the Resetting Our Sacred Table event held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

Episode 55 - Memory Booth

Meg and others in connection with Quixote Village give Honor to loved ones they have lost.  Community members speak out to memorialize their loved ones and their fondest memories. Please join us in remembering the lost but not forgotten.
​Episode 54 - 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 53 - 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 52 - 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 51 - 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 what the comprehensive plan for the city is, how it's made, and what it entails!

Episode 50 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 49 - 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 48 - 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.
​

Episode 47 - 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.
Marvin Bennet
Today we have the absolute joy of welcoming Marvin Bennett, former IW shelter guest and current community gem who brings light and life into every room he walks into! He's been there, he's struggled, and he has overcome incredible odds. Join us to hear more about his story, and the lasting connection he and Meg have made over the years.