Join us downstairs (a lift is available) at McDougall United Church on May 8
Schedule of Events
6:00 pm - Live music and refreshments
6:30 pm - podcast recording starts
7:15 pm - intermission and live music
7:30 pm - recording continues
8:45 pm - live music and departure.
There will be live music, refreshments and light snacks at the event.
Prepared to Drown is a monthly recorded podcast & live event with a variety of exciting themes exploring the intersection of faith & the world we live in today.
Podcast Episode: “Ships in the Night”
Facing the loneliness epidemic. In this episode, we ask how our culture-and even our theology- has built a crisis shaping the mental health of an entire generation
Podcast features: Rev. Bill Weaver, Ricardo De Menezes, Rev. Joanne Anquist and special guest Laura Istead.
Laura Istead (she/her) is a network weaver, community builder, and long-time social sector leader based in Calgary. Most recently she served 8 years as Executive Director of Two Wheel View, a transformative charity that uses bicycles as a tool to empower young people as they build life, leadership, and employability skills. During her 15 year tenure with the organization, Laura played a key role in expanding the organization’s reach, fundraising and system development while deepening community partnerships, and shaping programs rooted in belonging, confidence and skill building.
Laura holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Education & Communications from Royal Roads University, along with certificates in Public Relations, Social Media, and Leadership from Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. Her work is grounded in relationship-building and a deep belief that strong communities are built when people are intentionally brought together.
She is the founder of the Social Sector Club (SSC) — a growing movement dedicated to connecting non-profit professionals to share ideas, seek support, and celebrate one another. Through gatherings and creative spaces, SSC fosters connection, collaboration, professional growth, and joy. In a sector that can often feel isolating and overwhelming, Laura champions community as a vital force for resilience, inspiration, and sustainability.
Laura recently joined the Non Profit Chamber (formerly CCVO) as a Board Member. She is excited to further support the social sector in Alberta in this capacity.
Creativity and storytelling are central to Laura’s life and work. Outside of her professional roles, she can often be found volunteering, writing, gardening, baking, or travelling. She is proud to have been raised in a family where giving back and supporting others has been woven into everyday life for generations.
Space is limited, please let us know that you are coming. We do have a waitlist for if this event fills up. If we have a cancellation, you will be contacted.
Join us every month on the third Friday for a new podcast recording. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
This program is a part of Soul Cellar, to learn more about it please visit our webpage.
To learn more about Prepared to Drown, please visit their website.
Visit our Patreon: Listen to past episodes and join our community https://www.patreon.com/preparedtodrown
You can also find Prepared to Drown on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Join us downstairs (a lift is available) at McDougall United Church on May 8
Schedule of Events
6:00 pm - Live music and refreshments
6:30 pm - podcast recording starts
7:15 pm - intermission and live music
7:30 pm - recording continues
8:45 pm - live music and departure.
There will be live music, refreshments and light snacks at the event.
Prepared to Drown is a monthly recorded podcast & live event with a variety of exciting themes exploring the intersection of faith & the world we live in today.
Podcast Episode: “Ships in the Night”
Facing the loneliness epidemic. In this episode, we ask how our culture-and even our theology- has built a crisis shaping the mental health of an entire generation
Podcast features: Rev. Bill Weaver, Ricardo De Menezes, Rev. Joanne Anquist and special guest Laura Istead.
Laura Istead (she/her) is a network weaver, community builder, and long-time social sector leader based in Calgary. Most recently she served 8 years as Executive Director of Two Wheel View, a transformative charity that uses bicycles as a tool to empower young people as they build life, leadership, and employability skills. During her 15 year tenure with the organization, Laura played a key role in expanding the organization’s reach, fundraising and system development while deepening community partnerships, and shaping programs rooted in belonging, confidence and skill building.
Laura holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Education & Communications from Royal Roads University, along with certificates in Public Relations, Social Media, and Leadership from Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. Her work is grounded in relationship-building and a deep belief that strong communities are built when people are intentionally brought together.
She is the founder of the Social Sector Club (SSC) — a growing movement dedicated to connecting non-profit professionals to share ideas, seek support, and celebrate one another. Through gatherings and creative spaces, SSC fosters connection, collaboration, professional growth, and joy. In a sector that can often feel isolating and overwhelming, Laura champions community as a vital force for resilience, inspiration, and sustainability.
Laura recently joined the Non Profit Chamber (formerly CCVO) as a Board Member. She is excited to further support the social sector in Alberta in this capacity.
Creativity and storytelling are central to Laura’s life and work. Outside of her professional roles, she can often be found volunteering, writing, gardening, baking, or travelling. She is proud to have been raised in a family where giving back and supporting others has been woven into everyday life for generations.
Space is limited, please let us know that you are coming. We do have a waitlist for if this event fills up. If we have a cancellation, you will be contacted.
Join us every month on the third Friday for a new podcast recording. 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
This program is a part of Soul Cellar, to learn more about it please visit our webpage.
To learn more about Prepared to Drown, please visit their website.
Visit our Patreon: Listen to past episodes and join our community https://www.patreon.com/preparedtodrown
You can also find Prepared to Drown on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
