Episode 158: Naghmeh Panahi

 

Advocate

            Naghmeh Panahi's husband, Saeed Abedini, was arrested in 2012 while visiting Iran. Naghmeh spent three and a half years advocating for her husband's release around the globe. She spoke with American presidents, the U.S. Congress, and the United Nations as well as numerous media outlets to bring attention to the plight of the persecuted church. Her husband was released in 2016, but Naghmeh chose separation due to the abuse she experienced before and during his imprisonment. Her husband eventually filed for divorce as he did not want to pursue healing and reconciliation. Naghmeh now advocates for women around the world who experience abuse within the religious community. Naghmeh is a strong believer, and I was so encouraged to hear her story and how she did not lose her faith despite her ex-husband's poor representation of Christ's love for the church. I can definitely say she is one of my heroes. I highly encourage you to take the time to listen/watch this interview to hear her story.

            Please enjoy the 158th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Naghmeh Panahi. Naghmeh, thank you so much for talking with me. It was a gift. 

          Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format and give it a listen.

Episode 157: Cristiana Dell'Anna

 

Actress

            Cristiana was such a gift to interact with as we talked about topics ranging from her acting journey all the way to her thoughts on the meaning of life. Cristiana even read some of her poetry for me! One of my favorite interviews so far. Please take the time to listen to this episode to know more about the actress who played the leading role in Angel Studios' Cabrini, which was released earlier this year.

            Please enjoy the 157th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Cristiana Dell'Anna. Cristiana, you were a gift to talk to. I hope we can meet in person soon and you can hold Knightley. 

          Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format and give it a listen.

Episode 156: Anne Ursu

 

Author

            Anne Ursu is the author of The Real Boy, The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy, her newest book, Not Quite a Ghost, and others. Anne sat down with me to talk about several of her books, how she started writing middle grade novels, her journey with chronic fatigue syndrome, and her love of animals. It was such a delightful conversation, and I am so grateful Anne and I got to connect.

            Please enjoy the 156th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Anne Ursu. Anne, thank you so much for gifting me with your time and conversation. 

          Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format and give it a listen.

Episode 155: Jaha Dukureh

 

FGM and forced marriage survivor

            It was an honor for me to connect with Jaha Dukureh. Jaha is one of over 200 million women around the world who have experienced FGM. Jaha is the founder of Safe Hands for Girls, which is an organization that provides support to female survivors in Africa of genital mutilation. Jaha talked with me about her upcoming memoir, her experience with FGM and forced marriage, and how she lives with the trauma of her past. I highly encourage my listeners to make time for this interview. It is informative, vulnerable, and a true story of female oppression that so many women are experiencing around the world, predominately in Africa.

            Please enjoy the 155th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jaha Dukureh. Jaha, thank you so much for sitting down with me and sharing your story. It was a gift for me to interview such a brave and strong woman. 

          Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format and give it a listen.