Episodios

  • #65 - Is There a Side B in Japan? Aogu Fujihashi, Kaz Okaya on LGBTQ & Church | LGBTQ+と教会：「サイドB」は日本にもあるのか—藤橋仰＆岡谷和作との対話

    #65 - Is There a Side B in Japan? Aogu Fujihashi, Kaz Okaya on LGBTQ & Church | LGBTQ+と教会：「サイドB」は日本にもあるのか—藤橋仰＆岡谷和作との対話
    Jun 25 2025
    In conversations around Christian faith and sexuality, especially in the U.S., it can feel like everyone’s expected to pick a “side.” But it’s not the same—or at least the same lines being drawn—in other places.In this episode, we talked with Aogu Fujihashi and Kaz Okaya about their experiences in the Japanese Christian context, where the conversation around LGBTQ+ identity looks a bit different. We talk about how a culture of conformity impacts same-sex marriage ideas in Japan, how American evangelicals influence Japanese churches, and the quiet struggles many queer Christians face in some church communities. Join us for a thoughtful look at what gets lost—or gained—in translation, on faith and sexuality, in Japan.—Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠—About Our GuestsAogu Fujihashi is a gay Japanese Christian who served on staff with YWAM from 2020 to 2025, after volunteering with them in the 2011 tsunami relief efforts. He focuses on helping the Japanese church have healthier conversations about LGBTQ+ issues. Aogu helped edit the Japanese translation of Two Views on Homosexuality and wrote the foreword for Wesley Hill’s Washed and Waiting. He’s passionate about creating spaces where people can experience God’s love and live whole lives. He can be found on Instagram at @aogufuji.Kazusa Okaya is a straight Japanese Christian, translator, and PhD student at Durham University. He translated Washed and Waiting and Andrew Marin’s Love Is an Orientation into Japanese and contributed to Two Views on Homosexuality. Kaz formerly served as an IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students) staff worker in Japan (KGK - “Kirisutosha Gakusei Kai", which means “Fellowship of Christian Students”). As a former staff pastor in student ministry, Kaz has been a thoughtful voice in ongoing conversations about faith and sexuality in the Japanese church. He participates in conversations on faith and sexuality at Dream Party dialogue.—★ Timestamps(00:00) #65 - Aogu Fujihashi and Kaz Okaya, Japanese Christians on Faith and Sexuality Convos (06:09) When the Japanese Christian bookstore has zero books on LGBTQ (17:31) Challenges of translating: "Christians who wish to be faithful..." (31:20) "Japan is the only G7 country that hasn't legalized same-sex marriage" (41:26) What is an "evangelical" in Japan? (44:21) How do Christians talk about being gay in Japan? Borrow US categories? (57:17) Japanese Christians "coming out", but rarely to a pastor (01:00:43) Kinship beyond marriage in Japan... is mainly outside the church (gang brotherhoods?) (01:08:16) We hope to keep dialogue open between progressive/conservative Christians (01:13:12) Who do we choose to dialogue with? When does it cause harm?—★ Links and ReferencesThe Bible study for LGBTQ+ and same-sex attracted people that Aogu facilitates meets every other week in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Follow on Instagram: @shinjukubaisutaAogu Fujihashi has an occasionally updated blog at https://aogufujihashi.wordpress.com/Kaz has an article in Christianity Today: Japanese Evangelicalism Was Once Nationalistic (May 2025)—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    1 h y 26 m
  • #64 – Grace Thomas: From Pentecostal Pastor to Trans Woman

    #64 – Grace Thomas: From Pentecostal Pastor to Trans Woman
    Jun 4 2025
    Grace Thomas came out as a transgender woman at age 61—after decades of life as a pastor, husband, and father. That alone makes her story remarkable. But what’s even more compelling is the way she tells it: with gentleness, honesty, and deep care for the people in her life.In this episode, Grace shares how her transition has shaped her relationships with her children and her wife, what it’s been like to remain in conversation with those who don’t fully understand or affirm her, and how her reading of Scripture has changed her approach to parenting, church, and more.We’re particularly grateful for the gracious and curious way that Grace approaches all her conversations, and we hope you’ll join us to learn from her, no matter where you land on these topics.About Our GuestGrace is a committed follower of Jesus with a call to ministry. She is also a trans woman out publicly for 3 ½ years. During her 32 years as a pastor in a conservative denomination, her two youngest children came out as gay. Deeply committed to loving her sons and following Jesus, she began a long journey of rethinking faith and what it means to fully love others, especially her children and herself. Grace supports parents of LGBTQ kids through various support groups as well as pursuing community and inclusion for LGBTQ individuals in the church. You can contact her at graceisforyoualways@gmail.comNote: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠—★ Timestamps(00:00) #64 - Grace Thomas: From Pentecostal Pastor to Trans Woman(03:39) I only knew to say: "Being gay is sin."(10:40) Coming out to myself as transgender: "I don't know" is cruel(25:15) The wrong wedding clothes: How does it hang on the law of love?(33:29) "Parents know if they're giving a child a fish or a rock"(47:02) Holiness: I don't see God as "untouchable"(58:26) A trans experience: Psalm 139(01:10:58) A trans experience: The car parts store(01:15:25) A trans experience: Passing as female(01:18:38) No one can stop me from loving my neighbor—★ Links and ReferencesCheck out a few other episodes we mentioned in this conversation:* #32 - TJ Participated in an “Oriented to Love” Dialogue--Here Are His Thoughts* #33 - Asking Better Questions with Oriented to Love’s Kristyn Komarnicki* #11 - Fractures in Our Moral Foundation | Applying Haidt to Sexual Ethic Divides—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship—★ CreditsCreators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    1 h y 28 m
  • BONUS - Mike Vick on Sexuality Politics in American Solidarity Party

    BONUS - Mike Vick on Sexuality Politics in American Solidarity Party
    May 21 2025

    In this bonus episode, we chat with Mike Vick about the American Solidarity Party. We explore the party's foundations, which are influenced by Christian democratic values and Catholic Social Teaching. Their thorough set of ethical platforms grounded in human dignity, the common good, and solidarity (in a way that neither Democratic nor Republican parties are offering!!) would really be a breath of fresh air in American politics!

    Mike Vick is the founder of the Liberation Caucus in the American Solidarity Party. The episode delves into Mike's personal and political journey, his stance on social and economic issues, and the challenges within the party, particularly concerning LGBT topics. Come join us as we think about the role of civic pluralism in US politics.

    —

    ★ Timestamps

    (00:00) Welcome Mike Vick from the American Solidarity Party

    (01:50) LGBTQ Topics and Side B Perspective

    (04:10) Mike Vick's Background and Political Journey

    (15:51) Solidarity Party's Principles and Inclusivity

    (19:15) Distributism and Economic Democracy

    (26:33) Pro-Life Stance and Social Issues

    (28:32) Platforms and Opinions on LGBTQ+ Issues

    (32:29) Three Camps within the Party

    (36:07) Party Challenges and Tensions

    (42:43) Liberation Caucus and Party Dynamics

    (49:23) Political Theology and Civic Pluralism

    (52:14) How to Get Active

    —

    ★ Links and References in This Episode

    * ASP Liberation Caucus: www.liberationasp.org

    * Mike’s Linktree: linktr.ee/votevickusa

    * American Solidarity Party

    * www.solidarity-party.org/platform

    * linktr.ee/liberationasp

    * The Servile State by Hilaire Belloc (1912)

    * Toward a Truly Free Market: A Distributist Perspective on the Role of Government,

    Taxes, Health Care, Deficits, and More by John Medaille (2011)

    —

    ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

    Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

    —

    ★ Credits

    Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    1 h y 2 m
  • #63 - Friendship over Romance? Rhaina Cohen on Centering Life with Friends

    #63 - Friendship over Romance? Rhaina Cohen on Centering Life with Friends
    May 14 2025
    What if friendship—not romance, not marriage—were the central relationship in your life?That’s the question Rhaina Cohen asks in her book The Other Significant Others. And wow, do we love this book. David, TJ, and Elena sat down with Rhaina to talk about what it would mean to build a life around deep, committed friendship—and why our current relationship hierarchy (romantic > everything else) might be due for a rethink.Once you start centering friendship, it starts disrupting many other assumptions. We talked about: what it looks like to live near your friends, how parenting could look different, what happens when friends make commitments, when other people don’t recognize those commitments, and whether secular folks should borrow a few ideas from monks.Join us and—if you haven’t already—go read the book!About Our GuestRhaina Cohen is an award-winning editor for the NPR documentary podcast Embedded and the author of the national bestseller, The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center, which Trevor Noah described as "my new Bible." Her writing on social connection has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post and has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Rhaina's recent TED talk on the untapped potential of friendship has been viewed more than half a million times. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and close friends.—★ Timestamps(00:00) Why we were excited to interview Rhaina Cohen(04:17) Rhaina Cohen: "Reimagining life with friendship at the center"(10:27) Deconstruction and reconstruction: You can't be what you can't see(19:10) Live Near Friends(24:52) Conflicts in friendships: needing language, recognition(28:29) Parenting doesn't have to be exhausting(37:00) Can we TEACH better relationship skills?(41:33) Covenant relationships: "You can be committed to someone and not be sleeping with them"(47:04) Would secular people benefit from monastic models?(55:03) What's next? Monogamy, marriage vows, and more(01:01:52) Recommended readings from Rhaina and more—★ Links and References“A Grand Experiment in Parenthood and Friendship” by Rhaina Cohen (The Atlantic, 2025)Live Near Friends: livenearfriends.comSuper Nuclear: supernuclear.substack.comPlatonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends by Marissa Franco (2022)Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections by Anna Goldfarb (2024):Stay True, a memoir by Hua Hsu (2023)First Love: Essays on Friendship by Lily Dancyger (2024)Invisibilia (NPR) series on friendship, especially: Nun of Us Are Friends, Esther Perel gives Therapy with FriendsFollow Rhaina: Related on Substack, @RhainaCohen on InstagramTJ’s Story (New Kinship episode #6): “TJ's Story | Dysphoria, Queerness, Contextualization, and Conviction”—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, or support!Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship—★ CreditsCreators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    1 h y 10 m
  • #62 - Evangelicals' Gender Ideas Came from C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy - with Robin Harris and Kathryn Wagner

    #62 - Evangelicals' Gender Ideas Came from C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy - with Robin Harris and Kathryn Wagner
    Apr 23 2025
    I mean, I don’t know you. Maybe you didn’t grow up in an evangelical Christian subculture. But if you did, there’s a high likelihood that the ideas you absorbed about how men and women behave—and what it even means to be masculine or feminine—were influenced heavily by C.S Lewis’ famous Space Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength.On this fascinating episode, Kathryn Wagner (returning guest and medieval lit scholar) and Robin Harris (writer and incoming seminarian) stopped by to evaluate Lewis’ takes on gender against both more modern feminist sensibilities and much older writers and theologians in the Christian tradition.You should absolutely join us.★ About Our Guests:Robin Harris is a North Carolina based freelance writer and editor who specializes in Bible curriculum. She is on the board of the Davenant Institute. Her writing has appeared in Mere Orthodoxy, Ad Fontes, and the Theopolis Institute. As of Fall 2025, she will be a student at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (MATS, 2027). She writes at robinjeanharris.substack.com/ and can be reached at robinjeanharris [at] gmail.com.Kathryn Wagner is the Director of Academic Programming at the Center for Christianity and Scholarship at Duke University. She studies the literature and religious culture of the late Middle Ages and teaches courses that aim to form students in virtue through the practices of the liberal arts. She can be reached at kathryn [at] mogkwagner.net.—★ Timestamps(00:00) #62 - Evangelicals' Gender Ideas Came from C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy - with Robin Harris and Kathryn Wagner(04:20) Evangelicals who leaned on C.S. Lewis and the Space Trilogy(13:12) The Space Trilogy tackles gender(24:46) But can archetypes live in the real world?(38:44) God does not have a body: Metaphors in Christian scripture(53:28) Confusion and contraception are tied together(01:00:58) God as our mother?(01:06:39) Lewis's thinking evolution: widening the gender box(01:24:44) Replacing theoretical masculinity and femininity with real friendships(01:33:24) What would Lewis think of today's transgender conversation?(01:40:31) In the Christian tradition on gender, Lewis is the test run—★ Links and ReferencesThese well-read people dropped a lot of names and references. For your ease of Google searching, here are the ones we caught:John and Stasi Eldridge (books: Wild at Heart, Captivating), Jordan Peterson Jungian thinking, Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Elisabeth Elliot (book: Let Me Be a Woman), complementarianism and egalitarianism, Michael Ward (book: Planet Narnia), apophatic theology, platonic forms and Aristotle’s hylomorphism, Thomistic/ Thomas=Thomas Aquinas, Pope John Paul II (book/writings: Theology of the Body), Anselm of Canterbury talked about God as our mother, Julian of Norwich said a similar thing; Joy Davidman, Dorothy Sayers, philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe, Sister Penelope Lawson, Ruth Pitter, C. S. Lewis (books: The Four Loves, A Grief Observed), Kevin Vanhoozer (theologian).—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship —★ CreditsCreators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    1 h y 48 m
  • #61 - 7 Myths of Side A: On Sex, Love, and Marriage for LGBTQ Christians

    #61 - 7 Myths of Side A: On Sex, Love, and Marriage for LGBTQ Christians
    Apr 2 2025

    What if celibate people are really just repressing their sexuality? Or the Bible writers banned same-sex sex because they couldn’t imagine a modern, egalitarian, consensual marriage?

    Join TJ (social science researcher) and David (communitarian vibes) as they name 7 “myths” of sex, celibacy, marriage, and love, and talk about LGBTQ flourishing for Christians.

    Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

    —

    ★ Timestamps

    (00:00) #61 - 7 Myths of Side A: On Sex, Love, and Marriage for LGBTQ Christians

    (03:19) Myth #1: Celibacy equals sexual repression or misery

    (10:29) Myth #2: The Bible writers only banned gay sex because they couldn't imagine consensual, egalitarian same-sex monogamous relationships

    (15:32) Myth #3: Marriage is the only committed covenant relationship

    (23:17) Myth #4: Colonialist European Christianity is the source of homophobia around the globe

    (31:06) Myth #5: A sexual ethic is just a personal decision

    (36:33) Myth #6: Love trumps everything

    (42:20) Myth #7: Sexual ethics are minor differences among Christians

    (53:25) Summing up

    —

    ★ Links and References

    * Bill White in the New York Times: “How My Dad Reconciled His God and His Gay Son.” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/05/opinion/coming-out-evangelical-pastor.html?unlocked_article_code=1.u04.SZiC.MDfFGLX6HWTO&smid=url-share

    * Wendell Berry, **“Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community,” (2018). https://www.counterpointpress.com/books/sex-economy-freedom-community/

    * John Pike, “Were loving, faithful same-sex relations known in antiquity?” https://www.psephizo.com/sexuality-2/were-loving-faithful-same-sex-relations-known-in-antiquity/

    * Preston Sprinkle, “Did Consensual Same-Sex Sexual Relationships Exist in Biblical Times? A Response to Matthew Vines,” (August 30, 2022). https://www.centerforfaith.com/blog/did-consensual-same-sex-sexual-relationships-exist-in-biblical-times-a-response-to-matthew

    —

    ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

    Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

    —

    ★ Credits

    Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    56 m
  • #60 - Teresa: On Being Queer Between Two Countries

    #60 - Teresa: On Being Queer Between Two Countries
    Mar 12 2025

    This episode contains a brief mention of violent murder.

    Teresa is a queer woman who grew up in the Philippines and has worked in the U.S. in campus ministry for several years. She brings thoughtful reflections on identities, faith relationships, and family interactions across multiple cultures. We’re honored to be her friend!

    Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

    —

    ★ Timestamps

    (00:00) #60 - Teresa - On Filipina, Side B

    (03:31) Understanding faith and sexuality as a 12-year-old Filipina

    (11:53) Filipino and US shared queer terminology

    (14:46) Catholics and Protestants: a wide schism

    (19:41) My parents love me dearly, but identity is hard

    (27:08) What's influencing me lately: mystics, monastics, and eunuchs

    (31:19) Side B: Reveling in God's love for me

    (39:38) Finding a queer staff community in campus ministry

    (45:38) Gifts of being queer: art, care, hospitality

    —

    ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

    Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

    —

    ★ Credits

    Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    53 m
  • #59 - The United Methodist Church Lifts Ban on Gay Marriage: Fragmentation and Autonomy, with Reverend Jerry Kulah (UMC Part 2 of 2)

    #59 - The United Methodist Church Lifts Ban on Gay Marriage: Fragmentation and Autonomy, with Reverend Jerry Kulah (UMC Part 2 of 2)
    Feb 19 2025
    Church unity is hard, folks.The United Methodist Church (UMC) had a momentous global meeting last year (2024), with the major outcome of allowing—or at least not preventing or taking action against—performing same-sex marriages and ordaining non-celibate gay leaders in the church. Methodists around the world have WIDE disagreements on how they even interpret this outcome, much less what they should do about it.This conflict is as much about church unity and governance as it is about LGBTQ rights and people—but of course they’re wrapped up together. You might recognize yourself and your own Christian denomination in the UMC’s 40+ years of conversations on these topics. Church unity is hard, folks.Last year, we talked to two members of the UMC to hear their perspectives: a U.S.-based seminary student pursuing ordination with the UMC, and a bishop in UMC leadership in Liberia.This episode is Part 2 of 2. Part 1 can be found here: https://newkinship.substack.com/p/58-the-united-methodist-church-liftsWe had some technical difficulties with the video on this episode, so thanks for bearing with us. It’s so important to take the time to listen to each other as we examine our own convictions. Please join us in listening with care for our Christian siblings around the world.About Our Guest:The Reverend Dr. Jerry P. Kulah is an elder in the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). For more 28 years, Dr. Kulah has served the UMC in Liberia as an evangelist, educator, pastor, and administrator. Dr. Kulah holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, USA (class of 2010); he is currently a PhD candidate in Theology at the Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Theological Federation, UK. Dr. Kulah’s vision is to see Africa transformed by Christ-centered Africans of quality, competence, and character.—★ Timestamps(00:00) #59 - The United Methodist Church Lifted Its Ban on Gay Marriage: On Fragmentation and Autonomy with Reverend Jerry Kulah (Part 2 of 2 on the UMC)(01:35) Rev. Kulah: Liberian, Ordained UMC Minister(06:46) "A silent invasion of the church in Africa"(11:52) Uniting, leaving, waiting: African churches in confusion(24:29) Regionalization fragments the church under a "big tent"(33:07) What will happen in the African UMC? (predictions from summer 2024)(45:12) Liberia's laws on marriage and sexuality(47:39) Same-sex temptation is not the same as "being homosexual"(54:37) We are brothers and sisters: "Don't compel me to live in your context"—★ Links and ReferencesA recent letter from the African Bishops: www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/africa-umc-bishops-statement-2024-18627021Comments from the Africa Initiative: peopleneedjesus.net/2024/05/24/africa-initiative-united-methodism-in-africa-is-not-for-sale-to-western-cultural-christianity/—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship—★ CreditsCreators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
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    1 h y 2 m