Knives and Lives: Winchester Knife Maker and Life Coach Kevin Parido

In this episode of Voices of Winchester, host Pete Koutoulas sits down with Winchester native Kevin Parido—neighbor, former pastor, knife maker, and life coach—for a wide-ranging conversation about craftsmanship, calling, and what it means to live with intention. Kevin shares how growing up surrounded by family in Winchester shaped him, how years in ministry in Chicago and back home influenced the way he works with people today, and why he eventually stepped into new work that blends hands-on creation with deep, practical reflection.

Kevin takes listeners inside Shepherd’s Forge—how a meaningful family tradition and a COVID-era leap of faith turned into a thriving craft business where people can spend a full day forging their own knife (no experience required) and walk away with something built to last. He also explains what life coaching is (and isn’t), who it helps, and why the best coaching creates space instead of giving prescriptions. The conversation then turns candid and compelling as Pete and Kevin explore faith, fear, power, and the modern relationship between church and state—plus Kevin’s perspective on grace, truth, and why transformation can’t be forced. If you’re curious about making something with your hands, getting unstuck in life, or hearing a thoughtful local voice tackle big questions, this is one you’ll want to hear.