Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy

ELCA Advocacy

Join us where we connect faith-based advocacy and current events that matter in our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service and lives. Each episode brings you insights on important advocacy topics and shows you how to get involved. You will hear from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience, helping you reflect on today's challenges. We bring together voices of faith-advocates caring for all people and creation. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired! 

  1. NOV 17

    Here I Pod - S3SE2: Present Perspectives on Public Witness: Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar

    Give yourself some encouragement! This Special Episode is a conversation between the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and the Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar, bishop of the ELCA Oregon Synod. Rev. Reumann and Bishop Strickland discuss a letter to the ELCA signed by ELCA synod bishops.    Special Guests:  The Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar, Bishop, Oregon Synod Interviewed by: The Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, ELCA Witness in Society    Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup  Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger, Zachary Olson  Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart   About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther. Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    27 min

  2. NOV 11

    S3SE1: Present Perspectives on Public Witness: Bishop Kevin Strickland

    This Special Episode is a conversation between the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and the Rev. Kevin E. Strickland, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod. Rev. Reumann and Bishop Strickland discuss a letter to the ELCA signed by ELCA synod bishops.  On our first episode of our new special series, Bishop Strikland shares the meaning of “Evangelical” in his southern context on behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The lens of this leader on current events in the communities, ELCA congregations and ministries in the synod, covering Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee are discussed.  Learn more about the letter here.    Special Guests:  The Rev. Kevin Strickland, Bishop, Southeastern Synod Interviewed by: The Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, ELCA Witness in Society    Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup  Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger, Zachary Olson  Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart   About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther. Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    27 min

  3. NOV 3

    S3E4: Pulling Together Around SNAP Threat

    One of the most pressing aspects of the current shutdown of the US federal government is its effect on SNAP and other hunger related programs. The interviews you're about to hear were recorded on Monday, October 27th, as advocates across the country expected SNAP funding to run out or be withheld starting November 1st. Since this was recorded, SNAP benefits were not released on November 1st, and federal judges have issued court orders that the administration continue to fund SNAP through use of contingency funds. Take action with our current action alert:  42 Million Americans Face Hunger Crisis During Shutdown - Take Action Now Learn more about the Alliance to End Hunger here. Learn more about ELCA World Hunger here. Learn more about Lutheran Disaster Response here. Featured Guest:  Karen Ehrens, US Policy Manager, Alliance to End Hunger Special Guests:  Susannah Cunningham, Senior Director, Building Resilient Communities Andrew Fuller, Program Director for Economic Policy, Witness in Society, ELCA Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    40 min

  4. OCT 29

    S3E3: Lutheran Disaster Responders Speak to FEMA Legislation

    In this episode of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Sean Coffman from Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). Sean and Regina were both in Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators on October 22, 2025 regarding proposed FEMA reform alongside other members of LDR's community of practice.  Following the conversation with Sean, we hear from two other members of the community of practice, as well as Marcus T. Coleman, Jr from United Way Worldwide.  Thank you to our guests & contributors: Sean Coffman, Program Director for Training & Networks, Lutheran Disaster ResponseJen Engquist, Disaster Capacity Builder, ND SynodsBryce Kennedy, Innovator for Resiliency and Preparedness, Southwestern Texas SynodMarcus T. Coleman, Jr., United Way WorldwideTake action on FEMA reform today with this current action alert, and be on the lookout for another disaster-related alert soon! Get all of our alerts by signing up to be part of our advocacy network. Download LDR's Congregational Preparedness Guide here. Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    34 min

  5. OCT 21

    S3E2: Partnerships to End Hunger Together

    In this episode, we travel with host Regina Q. Banks to the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, which took place this September in Columbus, Ohio.  The following people were interviewed:  Dr. Evie Landrau, Director of Networks & Engagement for ELCA World HungerDeacon Nick Bates, Director of Hunger Network in OhioDeaconess Katelin Hansen, Church & Community Development for All PeopleHallie Carrino-Lee, Government Relations & Advocacy Manager for Mid-Ohio Food CollectiveTestimonials from Deidre Jacobsen, Kris Bartinen, Mary Claire James, and Eddie Rosa Fuentes.  Content has been edited for clarity. Learn more about ELCA World Hunger, and take action today on two Farm Bill related alerts: Urge Congress to Protect International Food Aid in the Farm BillTell Congress to Pass a Strong Farm BillHere I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    40 min

  6. OCT 14

    S3E1: Immigration, Sensitive Locations, and Faithful Action

    In the first episode of Season 3, Regina Banks speaks with Mary Campbell, director of ELCA AMMPARO. AMMPARO is the "the ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO)." Mary provides crucial updates regarding how the ELCA's own congregational lives are being impacted by this administration's immigration actions, including rescinding the sensitive locations policy, which has had a chilling effect on people's ability to attend services at their local church. Kate Parsons also provides context on how migration is often the only choice, and the Lutheran history of welcoming refugees.  Finally, Pastor Manuel Retamoza shares his ministry at The Border Church. To see the site referenced in his comments, view this episode on our YouTube channel. Further Resources:  Sign up for the ELCA Advocacy network to receive action alerts and newsletters. Current Action Alert: Tell Congress You Support Welcoming Refugees ELCA AMMPARO ICE Detention Center locator: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities  "Know Your Rights" information from ELCA AMMPARO "Worship Unrestrained by Borders" in Living Lutheran Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    30 min

  7. AUG 1

    S2 E4: Climate Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation & Young Adults On the Hill

    In this episode, Regina Banks speaks with Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation, about the intersection of faith and climate advocacy. They discuss the importance of integrating climate justice into congregational life, the role of young adults in advocacy, and the resources available for faith communities to engage in climate conversations. The conversation highlights the need for intergenerational dialogue and the impact of advocacy on community engagement. Then travel to Capitol Hill where a group of young adults talk with Joey Chin as they use their voices to raise climate awareness with their elected leaders. Resources:  Lutherans Restoring Creation LRC "Actions Speaks Loudly" and World Cafe model resources Why Lutherans Care for Creation ELCA Social Statement on Caring for Creation ELCA Young Adults - Instagram Join the ELCA Advocacy Network Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    42 min

  8. JUL 25

    S2 E3: Generational Bills & August Recess Opportunities

    In this episode, our host Regina Banks speaks with Silas Kulkarni, director of strategy and advocacy for ELCA Witness in Society. They discuss how the ELCA has advocated at the federal level around budget reconciliation and rescission bills, as well as the opportunities for advocacy during August Recess, when members of Congress return to their districts and are available for meetings with their constituents.  We will then hear from Rev. Michael Wilker about how advocacy can start at August Recess and lead to even more opportunities throughout the year to engage on issues that concern you and your community.  Download ELCA Advocacy's August recess guide here: https://resources.elca.org/advocacy/august-resource-guide/  Signup to receive newsletters and action alerts from ELCA Advocacy: https://elca.org/advocacy/signup Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. Banks Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Join us where we connect faith-based advocacy and current events that matter in our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service and lives. Each episode brings you insights on important advocacy topics and shows you how to get involved. You will hear from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience, helping you reflect on today's challenges. We bring together voices of faith-advocates caring for all people and creation. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired! 

Information

  • Creator
    ELCA Advocacy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy
  • Show Website
    Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy

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