From “Wall Street Jerk” to the First Female Chaplain of the FDNY: Ann Kansfield’s journey to authenticity and purpose

In Episode 26 of The Uplifters Podcast, we welcome Reverend Ann Kansfield, the inaugural New York Times New Yorker of the Year; the first female and first openly gay chaplain of the New York Fire Department; Co-pastor, with her wife, Jen, of The Greenpoint Reformed Church in Brooklyn; and author of Be the Brave One.

Ann grew up in the church, and she found comfort and purpose in the church, but after college, she took a job as a trader and became a self-described “Wall Street Jerk”. In the wake of September 11, she felt a call to serve and completed her seminary studies. She left one male-dominated career for another, but found her way in each through uncompromising authenticity. In fact, I almost titled this episode, “How to Fit in Anywhere by Being True to Yourself.”

Ann is frank, funny, and a compelling storyteller. In this episode you’ll hear Ann share:

• The ways her personality and values prepared her for her current roles

• The simple pleasures that bring her joy and help her find balance

• The conflicts between personal values and institutional loyalty that she and her family experienced when she and her wife married and took on leadership roles in their church home

• So many inspiring and juicy anecdotes about her life as a mother, wife, chaplain, and pastor.

Episode Summary

Segment 1: Ann's Background and Identity

- Ann shares her background and various jobs, including working on an assembly line and being a financial advisor.

- She talks about her experience as a chaplain in the fire department, nicknames, uniforms, and the unique challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

- Ann discusses the importance of authenticity and how her personality fits well with the fire department's culture.

Segment 2: The Fire Department and Its Mission

- Ann explains the mission of the fire department and the satisfaction of helping people in times of danger.

- She highlights the sense of camaraderie among firefighters and the adrenaline rush that comes with the job.

- The role the legendary FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge played in her decision to become a Chaplain.

Segment 3: Challenges to Authenticity

- Ann discusses the challenges to her authenticity, particularly when her values clash in certain situations.

- She explores the topic of protecting institutions versus prioritizing the care of individuals, referencing the church's handling of sex abuse scandals.

- Ann emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not compromising authenticity.

Segment 4: Ann's Influence on the Fire Department

- Ann reflects on her role in the fire department and how her personality and authenticity have positively impacted her relationships with colleagues.

- She shares a heartwarming story about her involvement in a fire emergency and the trust firefighters place in their chaplain.

Segment 5: Ann's Family and Personal Balance

- Ann discusses her upbringing in a religious household and her father's role as a minister.

- She shares the story of her father officiating her wedding and losing his job due to his support for marriage equality.

- Ann talks about her role as a parent and her desire to help her children become the best versions of themselves.

Segment 6: Balancing Work and Personal Life

- Ann explains her approach to maintaining a balance between her role as a co-pastor and her personal life.

- She emphasizes the importance of enjoying every moment, simplifying choices, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

- Ann shares her love for worship, good music, and meaningful connections with others.

- Ann shares her love for participating in emergency responses and explains why her wife calls it "puppy playtime."

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