Master of a Few

Today's segment is about the things I'm still grateful about growing my fundamentalist upbringing. There are many things that were harmful about how I grew up, but I don't know who I'd be without the community that raised me. Fundamentalism is dangerous and toxic, but it isn't a monolithic evil, and only ever talking about the bad things only perpetuates that idea. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hello! As of 8/28/2021, I am officially 2 years on Testosterone! I'm so excited to share my update on my transition and I also want to talk about what it has been like transitioning a global pandemic. Missing out on celebrating milestones with friends has been really hard and I want to bring some awareness and maybe some support to others going through it too! This is also available on YouTube with pictures to document my physical transition! - https://youtu.be/3xjT0NTHz6g Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

In this segment, I start retelling my story filling in gaps that I previously left out because I was ashamed of who I was before coming out and accepting my identity. I was indoctrinated from a very young age and as a result, I know I hurt people with my words and actions - here is the first part of my story of coming to terms with who I am and the obstacles I had to face to get here. Instagram - @Mackofafew Youtube - The Careful Poet TikTok - @MackEmerson --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

It has been over a year since my last episode and I finally think it's time to start again! In this segment, I will be explaining why I've decided to return to this podcast and also tell you a little bit of my story with conversion therapy. If you haven't watched #PrayAway on Netflix yet, please do. As a survivor of conversion therapy, it's real and damaging and only gets worse the more we avoid talking about it. Follow me on Instagram for updates on new episodes - @mackofafew --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Looking back there were a lot of things going on with baby Mack and while some of it was probably the precursors to my depression or anxiety or run-of-the-mill childhood awkwardness, some of it was definitely dysphoria I just couldn't name yet. I hope this helps someone as they try to figure out their own identity. Instagram: @Mackofafew Youtube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Today, June 19th, is Juneteenth or the day we celebrate the liberation of the enslaved. On this day in 1865, the last of enslaved were informed of emancipation. Take this day to educate yourself and learn the history of enslavement and oppression in The United States. Fittingly, this is also the last segment in my series reading "We Have Never Asked Permission to Sing," a chapbook of poetry written by Black and Brown Trans people. I hope you enjoy it and you can download the book for yourself at: https://forwardtogether.org/art/we-have-never-asked-permission-to-sing/ Take this day (and everyday) to educate yourself about systemic racism and how to be actively anti-racist. Find opportunities to get involved with the links below. https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#donate https://bit.ly/antiraciststarter My Youtube Channel (my 9 month video is out): The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

I said last week that I was going to spend a few weeks reading some poetry by Black and Brown trans people, so here is part two of that series. We probably have one week left of it after this. I hope you enjoy and download the book so you can read them over again. This poetry was written by Black and Brown trans people for a chap book called "We Have Never Asked Permission to Sing." It was released for Trans Day of Remembrance in 2019 and can be downloaded at https://forwardtogether.org/art/we-have-never-asked-permission-to-sing/ I will continue to read from this collection for the next several weeks to raise up the voices of Black and Brown trans people because the very community that gave us Pride is under attack. Find opportunities to get involved with the links below. https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#donate https://bit.ly/antiraciststarter My Youtube Channel (my 9 month video is out): The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey Everyone! I guess I should say Happy Pride, but it doesn't feel like the right statement. Although, maybe it is because Pride was started by Black and Brown Trans women who fought back against the police. Pride is old school this year. This week, I want to stay focused on what matters, so this week's segment of Master of a Few is a poetry reading...but it isn't mine. This poetry was written by Black and Brown trans people for a chap book called "We Have Never Asked Permission to Sing." It was released for Trans Day of Remembrance in 2019 and can be downloaded at https://forwardtogether.org/art/we-have-never-asked-permission-to-sing/ I will continue to read from this collection for the next several weeks to raise up the voices of Black and Brown trans people because the very community that gave us Pride is under attack. Find opportunities to get involved with the links below. https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#petitions https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#donate https://bit.ly/antiraciststarter My Youtube Channel (my 9 month video is out): The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

I am a white straight man and it's time to check my privilege and do better than silence. Black and brown people are being murdered simply for existing and my silence does nothing to help, so I am starting by educating myself. Below are a list of resources I'm using to start that process. I hope you'll do the same. #Saytheirnames #Blacklivesmatter https://sojo.net/articles/our-white-friends-desiring-be-allies?fbclid=IwAR1CkXOVIq6L_F2IdktZ3ynq8xP1sP950oLC3IbmgOmKOuAkjrYtbHDqroU https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR3A_2_hf6EwrJkn6w8jgZYZldi84w2MtCnN-N3lzVCCE7Xjff3EibFv090 My Youtube: The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

2 Weeks Post Top Surgery!! I'm feeling good and will include more details about recovery in my 9 month on T video to be released on the 30th! Thank you to everyone who supported me and continues to support my recovery! This segment is also about my parents. I heard an interesting phrase lately that I wanted to talk about; "What is left after anger?" Hear my answer in this segment! Enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Recorded 40 hours until surgery, this is the final pre-op podcast! That's right, I am less than 2 days out top surgery day! I am so excited and wanted to record my thoughts and feelings just prior to surgery day! This podcast is dedicated to everyone who has supported me with kind words, kind thoughts, prayers, financial help, and all of the other amazing ways I have been blessed by chosen family. I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me get this far. This one is for you! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

I get sent these kinds of videos all of the time and so I figured I would react to this one, so that you could hear my honest thoughts. CW: sexual violence/abuse, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, detransition My Youtube: The Careful Poet My book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Welcome to Season 4 of Master of a Few! We're 2 months from the 2 year mark and that is incredible to me! On this segment, I want to reflect on why I started this and talk about what I want to do in the future. Thanks to all those who have followed me on this journey and I hope you stick around! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Sometimes you just cannot stomach any cliches. Today is one of those days. My surgery is cancelled and I lost my summer job. I'm sure many of you are struggling too. Let's hold space for that. My God is big enough to handle my feelings and my anger and my disappointment. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Life's weird right now, so have some poetry! This is some of my more recent poetry and I hope you enjoy it! Poems: Woven, Solstice, Fond, I Remember You, Liability, It Must be Hard YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

A Tornado in Nashville A Worldwide Pandemic Who's been reading the Left Behind books? There is so much going on in the world right now, so let's take a just few moments to read some psalms and feel some peace. I'm praying for you all. Be kind. Be generous. Be safe. YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey Everyone! 4 years ago today, I came out as transgender and my life changed for the better! I chose this day as my new birthday and here's the story. Enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

August to February...it's only been six months and at the same time, it's already been six months! I'm so thankful to be on T, but the ways it has changed my dysphoria have been varied and odd. Here's some of my thoughts! Check out my YouTube video update coming soon! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet Instagram: @MackofaFew --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Mental health is our topic today. I've been talking about how much happier I am than I used to be, which is so true, but today I want to talk about a concurrent reality. I have depression and anxiety, which means even when I am living my dreams and I am so happy with my life, some days are still rough and I think it's important to talk about how both can be true. YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

People sometimes ask "what would you change if you could change anything?". I've realized that my answer is "nothing". I've been through a lot of hard things in my life, but I can honestly say they've made me who I am and I wouldn't change it for the world. YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Contentment is a rare thing, but every now and then I look around that this life I have and I just feel good about it. Today is one of those days, so let's talk about contentment. My book: Confessions of the Careful Poet YouTube: The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

When taking about faith with a friend, she told me about how a family member asked what her spiritual hill to die on was. I responded that I think the phrasing makes it sound like a battle and while I will die for my faith, I won't kill for it. I'm learning what it looks like to be an evangelical who know what he believes but is also compassionate and kind and genuine in a world where evangelical holds so much more negative connotation. My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet YouTube: The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Knowing something is true or false is only half the battle. The other half is managing to actually believe it. This can be particularly difficult when people say hurtful things. I have been fighting this battle and hopefully talking about it will help me out and maybe even help someone else. Enjoy! My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet YouTube: The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Welcome to the 20's! Can you believe its the new year already? I'm about to start my second semester of divinity school, but before we can properly move on and achieve our roaring 20's goals, we must reflect on what is behind us. In the spirit of that, this segment is a recap of 2019 and just a glimpse into what's to come! My Book (Officially 1 year old!) - Confessions of the Careful Poet YouTube! - The Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Welcome to the second half of the Confessions of the Careful Poet anniversary reading! This segment will include poems from the third and final part of the book: Confessions of the Careful Poet. I hope you enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

In a couple weeks, my book will turn one year old! Instead of smashing it into a cake, though, I figured I'd take it on a little birthday tour instead. So, this week, enjoy some poetry from Confessions of the Careful Poet complete with mediocre explanations for the origins of the poems. Check out the link below if you'd like to read them all. YouTube: The Careful Poet This Book! Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Your name, your pronouns, your number The three staples of a divinity school introduction. No, not your phone number, your enneagram type. I didn't have one for a long time, but I've finally settled on a type - I'm a 5 wing 6 Check out enneagraminstitute.com YouTube: The Careful Poet My book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Going to woods, getting a oil change, Folgers Breakfast Blend coffee, making breakfast, getting called "Buddy"...all of these things remind me of one person. He taught me to be a good man when he didn't even know I was watching. This segment is about my dad. We have a complicated relationship, but I love him and he'd be proud of the kind of man I am. YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey guess what...bodies aren't bad. It's a novel thought, I know. Learning how to live in my body instead of just ignoring it and trying to live as a disembodied brain is quite a difficult process, but it can be so rewarding. I hope you enjoy my ramblings about embodiment! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book! Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Growing up fundamentalist had its hard parts (I won't pretend otherwise), but I want to talk about some of the best parts of growing up in that church. Had I grown up anywhere else, I wouldn't be myself and I am so thankful for all the good parts of my childhood. I hope you enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

On Sep. 17, 2018, I put out a segment called "On Being Seen" this is sort of a part 2. Today I want to talk about seeing myself and finally believing that maybe just maybe I'm worthy of unashamed love...go figure. Also, I'll be 2 months on T on Monday and that's just craziness! Enjoy! YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

There are things that it just sucks to accept. The reality of trauma or abuse or having to accept when something is just so unfair and there is nothing you can do to fix it. Hard truths suck, but they are so important. This segment is about some of the hard things I am learning to recognize and starting to accept...sort of. YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Happy Coming Out Day! This week's segment is about coming out and how it is not a one time deal; coming out is a process, but 4 years later, I can happily announce that it does get better! Wherever you are on your journey, I'm proud of you! Youtube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Tomorrow, 9/28/19, will be my one month on T anniversary! Time goes by so freaking fast! With such an exciting milestone, I decided it was a good time for some reflection on this new stage of my life. So here ya go; some updates on transition, my personal life, my feelings about seminary, and my spiritual autobiography! Thanks for being on this journey with me and I hope you enjoy! My YouTube Channel: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone! This fall has been going by so quickly and my life is currently absorbed in work and Hebrew study groups, but I love it! Given the impending papers and exams, it's a good time for a poetry break! I hope you enjoy! The Poems: -Shaking Voices -Storms -How to Know When You're Falling -The Poet's Dream -All of the Above Check out my book on Amazon! Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14 KJV In this segment, I talk about my favorite psalm and how it has followed me throughout my life. Enjoy! My YouTube: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Do you ever have moments when you feel like this can't be real? There is no way this is your actual life. That can come in both a positive and negative flavor, but it can be a great feeling to feel grounded in the world. In this segment, I want to talk about dissociation, reality, and how interpretation changes everything. Enjoy! YouTube Channel: The Careful Poet My Book: Confessions of the Careful Poet Instagram/twitter: @mackofafew --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, welcome back to Master of a Few. On this segment, I wanted to update you on some fantastic stuff in my life, but also talk about something that has been difficult for me. This segment is on acceptance, but not the acceptance you're thinking of. This is the kind of acceptance where you accept that some people will never be able to be happy for you or truly love you. It's hard, but it brings so much peace. I hope this helps someone! Master of a Few has an Instagram! @mackofafew Youtube Channel - The Careful Poet My Book - Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Welcome to Season 3 of Master of a Few! It's time to switch some things up; starting with the beginning of the segment descriptions! This week's segment is an announcement of new beginnings, an explanation of the exciting things that are happening, and a blessing for all of you lovely people who are also at the start of something new. Thanks for listening thus far and I look forward to more great things to come! Youtube: The Careful Poet Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. I think you've been patient long enough...here is my big news and the story of how it came to be! Thank you so much to each person who has supported me and loved me. Please know that I would have loved to tell you in person, but this is the best I could do. My YouTube Channel for Updates! My Book! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. I know told you I would give you big news today, but I lied. I'm so sorry, but you have to wait one more week. As a consolation prize, though, here is some of the new poetry I've written! I hope you enjoy! My Youtube Channel My Book of Older Poetry! - http://bit.ly/CofCP --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Does anyone else struggle with waiting? I am a notoriously impatient person and I hate feeling like there is nothing to do. This has been my struggle for the summer, but particularly in the past weeks as I have been trying to live with WWJD on the forefront of my mind. So, in this segment, I talk about what it means to be Christ-like when you are in a time of rest or waiting or frankly, helplessness. Sometimes God brings us there for rest and sometimes it's to teach us patience. I am trying to learn both. I hope this helps somebody else who is finding themselves with nothing they can do. You can listen on Spotify now! - Master of a Few My Youtube Channel- The Careful Poet My Book- Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Do you know where the motto "What Would Jesus Do?" came from? It is from an amazing book called "In His Steps" by Charles M. Sheldon. He wrote this book about the congregation of Henry Maxwell and the challenge they undertook. This challenge was to ask one question before making any decision "What would Jesus do?" and then to act accordingly regardless of the consequences. This is what I talk about in this week's segment of Master of Few. I'm taking on this challenge and I urge you to try it to. Let's see what happens when we let Christ's example become real in our lives. My Youtube Channel! The Careful Poet My Book! Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Do you ever experience the feeling that you don't deserve to be respected or to be heard? I have that feeling all the time and in this segment I want to talk about my recent experiences with learning that I can take up space in this world. I hope this is helpful for you! Check out my book on Amazon: Confessions of the Careful Poet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. As I'm sure you can tell from the title, this is the last segment of Master of a Few that will be recorded in Pennsylvania. Tomorrow morning, I will be hitting the road for Nashville and this time to stay. PA has been home for 4 years and it was here that I really grew up. I figured out who I was, I came out, I lost everything, I gained so much more, I fell in love, I got my heart broken, I made friends and family, I made mistakes, I hurt people, and I learned so much. Thank you to every single person who was a character in this chapter of my story, for how ever short a time. I might be leaving PA tomorrow but I've leaving a special piece of my heart here. I hope you enjoy this reflective segment! Check out my book! Confessions of the Careful Poet (Available on Amazon) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Sometimes people we love and respect make us feel like we have no choice but to do the wrong thing; whether it's lying or treating someone in an unloving way or walking away from someone you love. Well guess what? You always have a choice. No matter how scared you are, you always have a choice. The choice to love and the choice to fight and the choice to leave. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack, and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Pride month is officially over, but guess what? The LGBTQ+ community doesn't just disappear and there are still queer kids out there who need help. As a teacher, I believe education is crucial for the protection of LGBTQ+ kids and in this segment, I want to talk about 3 ways I think teachers can help their queer students. I hope you enjoy this segment and I hope it helps! Check out my book! Music: Purple Planet --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone! It's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. I'm in Nashville! That's right, I went to pride in Pittsburgh on Sunday and then drove all the way to Tennessee the next day! It has been quite and adventure and a serious lesson in trusting the Lord to work things out the way they are supposed to be worked out. God is good! I hope you enjoy the full story of what's been going on! Check out my book on Amazon! Follow me on Twitter! @MackofaFew --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone! It's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Happy Pride Month! I get to go to pride this weekend, so I wanted to take a few minutes and explain why Pride is important to me and to the LGBTQ+ community. I hope this is informative for some people, but please keep in mind that these are only my views and I can in no way speak for the whole community. I can't wait for another chance to celebrate our community and I hope you get a chance to celebrate too! Stay safe and happy Pride! Show me your Pride pics on Twitter! @Mackofafew Check out my book! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. How's it going? I've been gone for just under a month because I've been super busy graduating and doing all kinds of things, but I'm back now! This is going to be a two post kind of week, so I wanted to start with a life update and story time segment. I hope you enjoy! Check out my Book Still! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support

Hey everyone, it's Mack and welcome back to Master of a Few; the podcast where the curious mind meets too much time. Maybe you've had this moment already and maybe it's coming for you soon; but at some point in all of my friends' lives, they have had to ask a question. "Mack is trans...what do I do now?" It can be scary if you've never had a friend who is trans before and all of a sudden someone you love comes out. What do you do? How do you respond? What if you believe transitioning is a sin but you still want to love them well? I don't have all of the answers, but I hope this helps someone at least a little bit. Pssst...have you looked at my book yet? Click HERE Do you have questions? Ask me on Twitter! @Mackofafew Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masterofafew/support