Episode 264: Jason Arkles (Part 1)

 

Sculptor and art educator

           Jason Arkles is an American sculptor and art educator who is based in Florence, Italy. Talking with him felt like stepping into the past and getting a taste of the art world of old. He sat down with me twice to talk about his fascinating journey to becoming a sculptor, techniques used in sculpting, one of his favorite commissions, and his thoughts on the sacred.  

            Please enjoy the 264th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jason Arkles. Jason, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about your passion for art and its history. Our conversations will be in my tops list for this podcast.

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

Episode 263: Joy Villa

 

Singer and songwriter

            Joy Villa is a singer, songwriter, actress, and author who appeared at the 2026 Grammys in a bold, handmade outfit with the slogans "Scientology Kills" and "Jesus Heals" displayed on the front and back. Joy sat down with me a few days before the Grammys to talk about the division created by political identity, the darkness of scientology and why she chose to leave it.

            Please enjoy the 263rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Joy Villa. Joy, thank you for sharing your story with me and my audience. It was a gift to talk with you.  

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

Episode 262: Stephen Hunter

 

Actor and acting coach

           ⁠ 2026 is the 25th anniversary year of the first film in Peter Jackson's adaption of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I decided why not celebrate with Tolkien remembrances sprinkled throughout the year. First, John Noble, who played Denethor in the trilogy, made an appearance. Today, I have Stephen Hunter who played the dwarf, Bombur, in The Hobbit film trilogy. Stephen still acts but spends the majority of his time as an acting coach helping others to put their best foot forward in a difficult and competitive industry. Sit back and listen to Stephen's acting journey and his passion for bringing stories to life. 

           Please enjoy the 262nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Stephen Hunter. Stephen, thank you for taking time to talk with me and my audience about your acting journey. 

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

Episode 261: Veera Kaijanen

Tightwire performer

           ⁠ Veera Kaijanen is a tightwire performer who also hula hoops. Veera has performed in venues across Europe showcasing her ability to tell stories to audiences small and large. Veera and I sat down to talk about her journey to the tightwire, performing in circus acts, and some life lessons gained from the tightrope. 

           Please enjoy the 261st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Veera Kaijanen. Veera, thank you for sitting down with me and my audience to share an important part of your life story. 

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