Kenneth Gourlay is a student, activist, and technologist. He considers himself to be a pragmatic idealist, imagining what the world could be and finding reasonable steps in that direction. Having formerly been incarcerated, his life experience informs a unique perspective and a particular determination to see the world a better, interconnected, more loving place.

Academics

I am working through my PhD in Sociology. Browse my CV.

WordPress Consulting

Explore my work with website design and online marketing strategies.

Service & Activism

A big part of my life is service. See what I’m up to.

Lessons Learned

Have a look at by book—part memoir, part self-help—about my experiences with incarceration.

Also check out The Unspeakable Vice Podcast.


  • I am In the Fediverse!

    I am In the Fediverse!

    I have been playing around with Mastodon for a while and am starting to appreciate the Fediverse more and more. I was just recently informed about a WordPress plugin that implements ActivityPub, opening a number of additional distribution channels for my blog! I’ve always liked…

    full article

  • Talking About Sex: A Special Case?

    Talking About Sex: A Special Case?

    People seem most comfortable discussing sex with their peers and close friends, but even then they do not necessarily communicate freely and honestly. A recent study explored when talking about sex is more difficult.

    full article

  • Finishing a Powerboat

    Finishing a Powerboat

    Constructing the hull of my powerboat was hard enough. In fact, it made me a little nervous at the end. Consequently, I didn’t finish the hull in an orderly way. As it turns out, this is not ideal. But I was eager to get fiberglass…

    full article

  • Building a Powerboat

    Building a Powerboat

    After building a cedar strip canoe in 2020 and enjoying it in 2021, I realized I wanted to build another boat. According to my design specifications, it had to be electric powered, fast, classy, and fit in the back of my car. After some long…

    full article

  • New Apple HomePod in 2023

    New Apple HomePod in 2023

    About a year ago my friend purchased a pair of HomePod Minis, looking for an upgrade to the audio in her office. Not really knowing what she was buying, she ended up with some actually pretty cool smart speakers. Cool enough, in fact that she…

    full article

  • Autumn on the River: A Photo Essay

    Autumn on the River: A Photo Essay

    A few days ago I made time for a little paddle on the river. It’s late in the season and I was nearly the only person on the water. It was still warm enough to be very pleasant, but the leaves have started changing colors.…

    full article