The "Not Your Average" Podcast welcomes you into fun and meaningful conversations with people from all walks and stages of life in search of breaking stereotypes, and connecting and building relationship with people. Hosted by Isabela Herrera, uni student, network marketer, and lover of Jesus and people, this authentically funny and light podcast will leave you wanting to live an extra-ordinary life, no longer living a life that is simply average.
Join Isabela this week as she works through the first two chapters of an anti-racism activity book called Do the Work! by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz. This episode is part 1 of 2. In this episode, Isabela identifies who she is, defines key terms, and acknowledges her privilege. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllConnect with W. Kamau Bell here.Connect with Kate Schatz here.A massive thank you to Mossy Heart Media for designing the cover art and logo. A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Join Isabela for a solo session! This week, Isabela sits down to talk about Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and has an over-simplified yap about why the patriarchy may be at the centre of men's poor mental health, the higher suicide rates, and male loneliness. *In case no one's told you recently: you are loved, you are wanted & the world is a better place with you in it. The resources discussed in the episode are:For the United States:Call or text 988Crisis Text Line — text “home” to 741-741CA Peer-Run Warm Line — 1-855-600-9276For Australia:Lifeline AUS — 13 11 14 24/7 crisis supportFor the UK:Andy's Man Club — a men's suicide prevention charity that offers free-to-attend support groups across the UKMind.org — website with resources UK specific As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll or @amateuractivistpodA big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Brandi Jones joins the Amateur Activist this week to talk about Secure Families Initiative - the work they do, the importance of advocating for military spouses & family and why their experiences are important to listen to. As the Organising Director, Brandi establishes the vision, systems and strategies for SFI. She oversees grassroots programs, international campaigns and coordinates across departments to ensure that the values & experiences of their members are heard & uplifted. In this episode, Isabela and Brandi talk about the goals & mission of SFI, why it's important to civilians to prioritise these issues, the different ways SFI advocated for military familes on The Hill, and how listeners can get involved.As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllConnect with Secure Familes Initiative on Instagram or at their website. A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here.
Natalia Aíza joins the Amateur Activist this week to talk about OCD. Natalia has years of experience in this space - as an OCD experiencer, OCD therapist, activist and coach.In this episode, Isabela and Natalia talk through the basics - what is OCD, how might someone get diagnosed, and what recovery and ERP looks like. They also talk about what communities or demographics struggle with getting help because of certain pressures or stigmas and the different ways people may be able to support loved ones experiencing OCD. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllConnect with Natalia on Instagram or you can email her at Natalia@kairoswellnesscollective.comA big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
David Hayward aka NakedPastor joins the Amateur Activist this week to talk about his deconstruction. David is a pastor turned full-time artist who paints, draws, and fosters a global digital community around the journey of deconstruction, self-discovery, healing and spirituality. In this episode David and Isabela talk about why he left traditional ministry 15 years ago, why he believes deconstruction is a way of life & not simply a phase, the purpose of reconstruction, and so much more. This is an episode for everyone and we hope you enjoy it!As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllYou can connect with David on any social media platform under @NakedPastor or on his website.David has a book out called Flip It Like This which you can buy, hereA big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Jarrod McKenna joins the Amateur Activist this week to talk about activism, what embodied radical compassion should look like, the important work of nonviolence, and encouragement to young people just getting started in this work. Jarrod has years of experience in this space, engaging in grassroots movements, his work with various organisations such as Common Grace, Love Makes A Way, and First Home Project. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllConnect with Jarrod on Instagram, on his website, or listen to his podcasts, Inverse Podcast and Good on Wood. A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Welcome to the Amateur Book Club! In this episode, Isabela talks about the #1 National Bestseller & New York Times Bestseller, The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Isabela introduces listeners to the book and the varying media attention that the books has received, both positive and negative. Then, she dives into her thoughts & major takeaways. This is book 1 out of 4 for the Amateur Book Club. Follow us on Instagram @amateuractivistpod or @belagiirrll and keep an eye out for book 2, which we'll vote and decide on in April. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllA big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
The Amateur Activist is joined by her mum for a special birthday celebration episode. Isabela's mum, Andrea, takes over the podcast as the host and asks Isabela questions that were sent in by listeners and friends. Andrea and Isabela talk about birthday rituals, the transition from Australia back to America, and things they've learned about each other over the years. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllA big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here.
Lane Smith joins the Amateur Activist to talk about their book, 78 Acts of Liberation: Tarot to Transform our World. Lane and Isabela discuss a brief history of Tarot, Lane's changing relationship with it, and how it can be a useful tool of activism, advocacy & personal reflection in these spaces.As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpodConnect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrllConnect with Lane at their website or on BlueSkyA big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Lysne Tait joins the Amateur Activist to talk about period poverty in America. Lysne is the Exucive Director of Helping Women Period, a non-profit she co-founded in 2015 that provides free menstrual products and education to those experiencing homelessness and/or low-income disparity. Lysne and Isabela discuss what period poverty is and dispels any myths surrounding it. They also talk about practical ways to get involved, the urgency required to solve this public health issue, and resources to look into that might help us get legislation passed. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll Connect with Lysne on LinkedIn here or email her at lysne@helpingwomenperiod.org A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here Links mentioned in the episode: Alliance for Period Supplies - data, info on legislation Free the Tampons - form letters to send to businesses and schools to get free products in the restrooms #Happy Period - more information The Agenda. - free, woman-owned, safe data tracking app for periods/puberty curriculum Connect with Helping Women Period here http://www.helpingwomenperiod.org
Jessica Denise Dickson joins the Amateur Activist to talk all things enneagram, anti-racism, embodiment, and integration. Jessica has been working as an enneagram guide, anti-racism educator, and embodiment coach for the last 10+ years. In this episode, Isabela and Jessica talk about gender construct's impact on your enneagram results, culture's impact vs true identity, the harsh reality of how disembodied culture is, and how crucial community is to this work. Strap in and get ready to “mhmm” and “wow” your way through this episode. (If you're new to the enneagram or you want to listen to an in-depth conversation about it, Jessica was on Lady Preacher Podcast where she deep dives into all 9 types. You can listen here.) Connect with Jessica on Instagram here. You can look through her workshops and website here. Listen to Jessica's podcast, The Antiracist Enneagram Podcast here. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here.
Kevin Nye joins the Amateur Activist to talk about his first book, Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness. Kevin is an author, advocate, father, and husband, passionate about using his experience with the unhoused to demystify and humanise an epidemic that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and numb. Kevin and Isabela talk through the book — focusing on the importance of language, the reality of homelessness in America, why we simply manage homelessness instead of ending it, and more. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll Connect with Kevin on Twitter @kevinmnye1 Purchase Kevin's first book here. A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Isabela is back, which means Amateur Activist is BACK! As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
(For Pride 2022, the Amateur Activist Podcast produced a mini Pride series highlighting queer voices and experiences. This is episode 1 of 4.) Karen Pack and Steff Fenton join the Amateur Activist to share their experiences as queer people in and around the church and church spaces. They share their insights and voices around the importance of queer theology, queer churches, and what Pride means to them. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll Connect with Karen, here Connect with Steff, here A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Join Isabela for a solo session. Isabela talks about navigating friendships in your 20s and covers the bases — from friendship breakups, investing in existing friendships, and how to make new friends. Enjoy. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Dr. Joel Hollier joins the Amateur Activist to talk about life “after” COVID-19. Joel is a researcher, writer, social worker, and pastor, with degrees in social work and theology, and a PhD in Behavioural Science. His research covers the intersections of trauma, faith, gender, and sexuality. He is the author of A Place at His Table: A Biblical Exploration of Faith, Sexuality, and the Kingdom of God. Isabela and Joel have a conversation about living a trauma-informed life. They define what trauma is, the biology of trauma, moving forward from trauma, and answer a couple of questions from Instagram. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll Connect with Joel on Instagram, @joelhollier Find his book and other helpful resources at, https://www.joelhollier.com/resources A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
The Amateur Activist is joined by Rabbi Mike Harvey to talk about his first book, Let's Talk: A Rabbi Speaks to Christians. Rabbi Michael E. Harvey is the bestselling author of Let's Talk: A Rabbi Speaks to Christians. He is an ordained rabbi whose passion and work involves social justice and advocacy work and interfaith conversations. You can connect with Rabbi Mike here: https://www.rabbimichaelharvey.com/ Isabela and Rabbi Mike sat down in December 2023 to record this interview and she's excited to finally be able to share it with people. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
The Amateur Activist is joined by Beaux Young as the pair look back at their last two conversations (2020 & 2022), reflecting on how they've changed over the years. Beaux and Isabela have been friends for years and this conversation is special for a lot of reasons. While it may not be obvious why or how this episode intersects with activism or advocacy, it's an important exercise nonetheless (plus it's fun!). As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Hi amateurs, welcome back! As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here
Season 3 starts now! If you've been around since the very beginning, thank you. If this is your first episode, thank you for picking my podcast. It means the world that I get to plan, interview and release episodes for another season and that you listen to it all. This is a quick trailer explaining who and what we are as amateurs and what my hope is for this season & year. It's simply a way for us all to be on the same page. Thank you to David Andrew for producing the music used for Seasons 2 and 3. Follow him here Thank you for Jana Preuss for the photography for Seasons 2 and 3. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week, Isabela sits down with Sally Irwin, the CEO and founder of The Freedom Hub. Sally started The Freedom Hub in 2013 with the mission of ending slavery in Australia, helping victims rebuild their lives and partnering with others to end slavery globally. The Freedom Hub does incredible work with corporations and individuals to support survivors while fighting against a very real human rights issue that exists here in Australia. Isabela and Sally talk about where Sally's passion and fire to end modern-day slavery first began and where the idea for The Freedom Hub came from. They talk about the important and unique work Sally and her team do and how focusing on the future and well-being of survivors sets The Freedom Hub apart from other organisations doing similar work. You can connect with The Freedom Hub on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Click here to land on The Freedom Hub's website Read and follow along with 16 Days of Freedom here As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week Isabela sits down with Dr. Cathy Pederson, a Professor of Biology at Wittenberg University and founder of Standing Up To POTS, a non-profit working to improve the quality of life for people living with POTS. Standing Up to POTS was founded by Dr. Cathy Pederson in 2014 after her daughter was diagnosed with POTS. Standing Up to POTS was created to generate a community who can support each other while pushing forward understanding of POTS. Dr. Pederson earned her Ph.D. in Physiology and Neurobiology from Rutgers in 1996, and has dedicated all of her professional research efforts to POTS, chronic illness, and quality of life since her daughter's illness. In this episode, Cathy and Isabela share the basics of what POTS is, how it's impacted Isabela's life over the last decade, and the two main symptoms that make life hard for Isabela. They also discuss how the pandemic brought hope to the POTS community and offer insight into how we can advocate for those with chronic, invisible illnesses. Learn more about Standing Up To POTS here Listen to the POTScast here As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll *Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health-related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. The Amateur Activist will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.
This week, Isabela sits down for episode 4 of this season's mini-series, Let's Take a Look at the News. In this mini-series, Isabela intentionally looks at what's been happening in the news in Australia or globally and tries to understand the situation in “real-time.” In this episode, Isabela offers a vulnerable, honest, and unedited look into how she's been trying to navigate the conflict between Israel and Palestine, holding space for her Jewish and Israeli friends and being adamantly against the genocide of the Palestinian people. This episode isn't perfect. It's vulnerable, honest, and a reflection of Isabela's thoughts and emotions in real-time about a situation that feels hopeless. Organisations: -UN World Food Programme -UNICEF -Doctors without Borders -Save the Children -International Rescue Committee Accounts: @_publicthought As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week, the Amateur Activist sits down to quickly recap her half-marathon race from a couple of weeks ago. Running 21.1 km has nothing to do with activism or politics, and Isabela knows that. But, she attempts to look at how distance runners develop self-regulation tactics and mental resilience to withstand challenging and exhausting circumstances. In a somewhat scattered word vomit, Isabela tries to provide helpful tips for amateur activists to take care of themselves while engaging in advocacy and when consuming news. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so thankful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram @amateuractivistpod. Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll.
This week, Isabela sits down and records her thoughts around evangelism - her opinions on it as a Christian, if she thinks there's space in activism for evangelism, and the role the Church should play in this space. Isabela would love to hear your thoughts after listening to this episode - if you agreed with her, or disagreed, or had any thoughts of your own. She has opened up her DMs for this episode and is willing to have conversations about this topic. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week Isabela sits down for episode 3 of this season's mini series, Let's Take a Look at the News. In this mini series, Isabela intentionally looks at what's been happening in the news in Australia or globally and tries to understand the situation in "real time." This week Isabela attempts to understand The Voice Referendum in Australia. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week, Isabela is joined by Daniel Principe. Daniel is a youth advocate and educator. Every week he is invited to engage with schools and communities all across Australia to help them have the confronting conversations - pornography, body image, penis size, sexual assault, suicide, and online predators. Having heard the heartbreaking stories of thousands of young people across the country he is determined to address the elephants in the room in order for us all to be part of creating the positive cultural change we all hope for - but first he invites us to face ourselves and the culture that has shaped us. In this episode, Isabela and Dan talk about what it means to reimagine masculinity, Dan's workshops in schools across Australia and America and how we can reimagine together. You can connect with Daniel on his website here. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week Isabela sits down with Kat Armas - a Cuban American writer, theologian, and podcast host. In 2021, Kat released her debut book, Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength. Isabela got her hands on this book at the beginning of 2022, and it transformed how she engaged with her faith. In this week's episode, Isabela and Kat discuss the book, the importance of having an embodied faith, the centrality of food to our spirituality, and how to hold in tension the harm our faith has inflicted with the hope and liberation it also imparted into communities. You can connect with Kat Armas, here. You can buy her first book, Abuelita Faith, here. Her second book, Sacred Belonging: A 40 day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture, comes out in September. Pre-order here. You can connect with Isabela on Instagra, @belagiirrll. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who listens and shares. When you get a moment, we would appreciate it if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod
CW: This episode mentions r*pe, sexual assault / sexual violence and covers topics such as masturbation, trauma, and self-pleasure. In this episode, Isabela sits down with Ella Simms - a creative, educator, and founder of Colourful Peach. Colourful Peach is an arts and education organisation that seeks to unite, empower and entertain. They've done a lot of anti-sexual violence work in the last few years and it's that work that Ella and Isabela sit down to talk about. Ella has done phenomenal work in a school in London, helping young people work through sexual education, understanding what constitutes violence and trauma and how to heal from that. This is an episode full of deep laughter while navigating hard topics. You can support the work Ella and her team do, here. As always, we are so grateful for every single person that listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod This episode was recorded using Zencastr. Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr Professional. #madeonzencastr Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week Isabela sits down and goes through three things that happened during the month of June - the wildfires in Canada, important news regarding plasma donations in Australia, and the recent riots in France. As always, we are so grateful for every single person that listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify, or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod This episode was recorded using Zencastr. Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr Connect with me on Instagram, @belagiirrll
This week the Amateur Activist brings you a conversation on allyship. It's the middle of June, and the world is celebrating Pride Month. There are a lot of exciting things that we can be a part of as activists, queer people, allies, etc. This week, we look at what allyship can look like this month (and beyond), if Christians can really be allies towards the queer community, and the cost we should be counting as allies. As always, we are so grateful for every single person that listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr Connect with me on Instagram @belagiirrl
This week the Amateur Activist sits down to talk about mental health - her own history and experiences with mental illness, how to manage your own mental health in relationships, how to navigate feeling like a burden and unlearning toxic independence & learning how to be dependent and reliant on people. Isabela is vulnerable and honest in how she sees herself, in some of the things she continues to struggle with, as well as some of the things she's learned that have helped her take care of her mental health, learn how to ask for help, and be more comfortable letting those who love her take care of her. As always, we are so grateful for every single person that listens and shares. When you get a moment, we'd be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts, rated us on Spotify or tagged us in your stories on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod. This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special code (theamateuractivist) to save 30% on your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr Connect with me on Instagram @belagiirrll
This week the Amateur Activist sits down with you for a one-on-one and sheds some light on the behind-the-scenes of how she engaged with current events and news this week. Isabela highlights the sources and news platforms she goes to in order to inform herself, how she picks which topic to do a deep dive into, and goes a little deeper into two big things that happened in American news recently. As always, we are so grateful for every single person that listens and shares. Let us know how you engage with news and what you'd like more information on by connecting with us on Instagram, @amateuractivistpod This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr Connect with me on Instagram @belagiirrll
This week, the Amateur Activist is joined by Kate Boyd (for the second time!). Kate is a writer, Bible teacher, and host of the Happy & Holy podcast. Kate's first book has just been published, and Isabela gets an opportunity to talk to her about untangling, the journey back to church, and all the bits Isabela loved about the book. If you haven't listened to the first episode with Kate Boyd on the Messy Middle, we encourage you to go listen to that as well (it's a good one). This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. You can connect with Kate at: Website: kateboyd.co Instagram: @kateboyd.co Twitter: @thekateboyd
This week Isabela sits down with Joel Hingston. Joel used to teach biblical studies for numerous years, focusing on Johannine literature & Revelation and is now a PhD candidate. He is passionate about apocalyptic literature, ancient texts & cultures, music and myth. In this episode, Joel goes through the book of Revelation, providing context & settling some confusion around its message. Then Joel explains monster theory, it's history, how it's used in biblical studies, and how we as activists can use monster theory to inform our activism. This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season.
This week Isabela is joined by Jocelyn Clark. Jocelyn is a registered nurse who specialises in women's health, has a Master of Women's Health Medicine, is a midwife and currently juggles multiple roles, one of which is her work as a clinical nurse specialist working in women's health clinics caring for women who may not want to access mainstream healthcare. She is extremely passionate about helping women and education. This week, Isabela and Jocelyn discuss a variety of topics regarding the body - how to examine your breast and chest area, what vaginismus is, the myths and misconceptions about the vulva and vagina, and how they both feel about hormonal birth control. They cover it all (or at the very least, a lot). This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here.
If you've been around since July 2021, thank you. Thank you for listening to episodes, for sending kind words and for sharing episodes that made you think or feel something. It's March 2023 and we are launching season 2 of Amateur Activist shortly and I am so bloody excited. I'd love it if you would listen to this short 2.5-minute trailer for season 2 so we're all on the same page. If you're new here and found this space while I was on summer break, this small re-introduction to this space would be a great place to start. A massive thank you to David Andrew for producing the music that will be featured on every episode this season. A big thank you to Jana Preuss for the photography for this season's cover. And I have to thank all of you that continue to listen & share episodes.
This week Isabela is joined by Susan Smith, a seasoned counsellor whose help and guidance have helped and impacted countless people. She obtained her BA in Behavioural Science from Swinburne University, her Diploma in Counselling from the Australian Institute of Counselling and a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Counselling from NFP Leadership College. This week, they discussed attachment styles and models - what they are, how we can identify ourselves in one of th models and why it's important to know which style you most engage in and how this impacts how you engage in activism. This episode was recorded using Zencastr: Use my special link (https://zen.ai/theamateuractivist) and use (theamateuractivist) to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr A big thank you to David Andrew for producing the music for this season. Follow him here.
The Amateur Activist is joined by author, media commentator, blogger, and advocate for women and girls - Melinda Tankard Reist. Melinda is best known for her work addressing sexualisation, objectification, the harms of pornography, sexual exploitation, trafficking and violence against women. She recently authored her 7th book, He Chose P*rn Over Me. She is also one of the founders of the grassroots campaigning movement Collective Shout: for a world free of sexploitation. Collective Shout names and shames corporations, advertisers, and marketers who objectify women and sexualise girls to sell products & services. In this episode, Melinda and Isabela talk about the effects of pornography on young people, the lie that the porn industry sells to young women in particular about sexual liberation and empowerment, and why we as amateur activists should care about this issue at all. This episode does discuss sensitive material regarding the effects of porn on relationships and the effect is has on children as young as Year 4 who are effected by the porn they watch and the pornified culture they are growing up in. You can connect with Melinda on Instagram, here, or head to her website. You can connect with and follow Collective Shout on Instagram, here, or on their website. Melinda's new book, He Chose P*rn Over Me, is available here. We are wrapping up our first season of Amateur Activist and we would love to connect with and hear from you! If you enjoy the show and episodes, could you take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice? This helps new listeners find us. You can connect with Amateur Activist here or with Isabela here.
This week the Amateur Activist is joined by David Hayward, better known as NakedPastor. David is a pastor turned full time artist who paints, draws, and fosters a community around the journey of deconstruction, self-discovery, and spirituality. In this episode David and Isabela talk about why he left traditional ministry 12 years ago, why he believes deconstruction is a way of life, the purpose of reconstruction, and so much more. This is an episode for everyone and we hope you enjoy it! You can connect with David on any social media platform under @NakedPastor or at his website, https://nakedpastor.com/ David has a new book out called Flip It Like This which you can buy, here We are wrapping up our first season of Amateur Activist and we would love to connect with and hear from you! If you enjoy the show and episodes, could you take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. This helps new listeners find us. You can connect with Amateur Activist here or with Isabela here
This week Isabela gets comfortable and honest and answers your questions.
This week the Amateur Activist is joined by Jessica Denise Dickson - enneagram guide, anti-racism educator, and embodiment coach. The Enneagram is an ancient spiritual tool to better understand ourselves and others. If you're unsure what the Enneagram is or want a deep dive into the nine types, Jessica has done a phenomenal episode here on Lady Preacher Podcast. In this episode, however, Jessica talks about how the enneagram is used in anti-racism work and why it's a relevant tool. Strap in and get ready to learn so so much! More about Jessica Denise Dickson: Jessica has a Master's degree in Counseling, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a career counselling certificate. She has utilised the Enneagram since 2013 and has 15 years of experience in diversity training and education. You can find her on Instagram: @JessicaDDickson @JessicaDDicksonCoaching You can sign up for her workshops here:
This week the Amateur Activist is joined by Kevin Nye - author, advocate, father, husband, and a massive fan of Spider-man. Kevin recently released his first book Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness, where he unites the various sides of who he is - a Christian, a minister, and someone working in homeless services. In his book, Kevin uses his experience with the unhoused to demystify and humanise an epidemic that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and numb. In this episode, Isabela gets the opportunity to talk to Kevin about his book. You can purchase the book here: https://kevinmnye.com/grace-can-lead-us-home-book/ You can find Kevin on Instagram or Twitter @kevinmnye1
This week Isabela is joined by Elise Nesper. Elise has completed her Bachelor of Theology majoring in Biblical Studies with a language specialisation. She has also completed her Masters of Theology majoring in Biblical Studies with her thesis on the Gospel of John. Earlier in 2022, Elise created Speakeasy Theology, an online sacred and silly place for the thoughts that almost feel like blasphemy. In this "sacred and silly place" Elise has facilitated really interesting conversation while also poking at traditional thought. Elise and Isabela get together this week to talk about the top topics their followers wanted to hear an episode about - purity culture and the future of the church. Elise utilises her experience and knowledge of biblical study to explain how "purity" functions in the Old and New Testament within its context. They also share their personal thoughts on what the church could look like going forward and what it looks like in their lives.
Happy Pride Month! We're continuing our celebration of Pride into August with our third and final episode of our Pride Month series. In this episode, you get to meet Father Shannon TL Kearns and Brian G. Murphy, the two halves of QueerTheology.com. Fr Shay is a transgender man who is a playwright, an Artistic Director, a speaker, a priest, and a theologian. Brian is an activist and certified relationship coach. They have worked within the activism space for the last decade, specifically the area of social justice and faith-based activism. Isabela, Shay and Brian look at their work on QueerTheology.com and discuss the gap that Shay and Brian identified in the intersection between faith and queerness. They also discuss how QueerTheology.com and the content they create has helped fill that gap over the last ten years. You can connect with: Fr Shay on Instagram @ShannonTLKearns Brian on Instagram @ThisIsBGM Their work on Instagram @QueerTheology or at QueerTheology.com You can order Fr Shay's new book "In the Margins: A Transgender Man's Journey with Scripture" here: https://www.queertheology.com/in-the-margins/
Happy Pride Month! We're continuing our celebration of Pride into July with episode two of our Pride series. In this episode, you get to meet Bren. Bren is a writer and actor who is incredibly musical and creative. Isabela asks Bren a little about their story and journey to coming out and realising what they identify with under the umbrella term "queer." They briefly discuss the intersectionality of Bren's three main identifiers - queer, Christian, and neurodivergent.
It's the 1st anniversary of Amateur Activist and to celebrate, Isabela recorded and released a bonus episode. In this episode, the roles are reversed. Isabela is now the guest of her own podcast while Jeremiah (one of Isabela's best mates) interviews her and asks her 56 questions. Sit back, relax, laugh, and maybe gather some friends and give it a go answering these questions. Credit for the questions: https://thoughtcatalog.com/molly-burford/2017/10/56-deep-questions-to-ask-yourself-in-your-20s-to-help-you-find-out-who-you-really-are/ Credit for the podcast idea: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zVun7KiUlwpIDNr2b38l5?si=Ddj-H-VfRg2iRlp80yAxlw
Happy Pride Month!! We are doing a mini Pride series that will elevate the experiences and voices of queer folks over 4 episodes. This is the first episode and the Amateur Activist is joined by Karen Pack and Steff Fenton. Isabela met Karen and Steff while checking out New City Church, which they co-pastor with Joel Hollier in Glebe, NSW. In this episode, Karen and Steff share their stories and offer insight into what Pride means to them. Isabela asks why queer theology and queer churches are not only important but necessary.
This week the Amateur Activist is joined with friend and foster carer, Paige Copp. Paige is a 23 year old full time mom living in New Castle, Australia. Paige and Isabela continue the mini series on foster care and talk about Paige's journey and call to become a carer, dispelling myths about being a young, single mom, and share some insight on how important and vital community is to foster carers. You can find Paige on Instagram: @whole_motherhood We love hearing from you so if you want to reach out, send us a message @amateuractivistpod or @belagiirrll.
This week the Amateur Activist is joined by Dr Joel Hollier, researcher, writer, social worker, and pastor. Joel has degrees in both social work and theology, with a PhD in Behavioural Science. His research covers the intersections of trauma, faith, gender, and sexuality. He is the author of A Place at His Table: a biblical exploration of faith, sexuality, and the kingdom of God and teaches at the University of Sydney. Isabela and Joel have a conversation about living a trauma-informed life. They define what trauma is, the biology of trauma, moving forward from trauma, and answer a couple of questions from Instagram. Website: https://www.joelhollier.com/ Social Media: @joelhollier Link to ebook: https://www.joelhollier.com/resources
The Amateur Activist brings you another solo episode! On this week's episode, join in on a conversation around navigating friendships in your 20s. She covers all of the bases - from friendship breakups, investing in existing friendships, and how to make new friends. Enjoy amateur activists.
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