Please enjoy this Christmas podcast episode featuring just me. I had some thoughts and updates I wanted to share as we all head into 2024. Merry Christmas, dear viewers and listeners! Thank you for taking the time to listen to humans tell their stories.
Oleksandra Matviichuk is a human rights lawyer who heads the Center for Civil Liberties in Kyiv, Ukraine. In this interview, Oleksandra discusses the work of the Center as well as the torture, displacement, and loss of life Ukrainians currently face from Russia.
Please enjoy the fifty-ninth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Oleksandra Matviichuk. Thank you, Oleksandra, for sharing with me the love you have for your people, and your desire for all nations to recognize human dignity.
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My favorite depiction of Javert from the musical, Les Misérables, is portrayed by Philip Quast. He played Javert in the 10th anniversary production in 1995 filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I have linked his solo "Stars" above.
Philip was kind enough to answer via email several questions I sent his way. Please see his answers below. Thank you, Philip, for sharing aspects of your life with me and my viewers. It is a pleasure to have you as our fifty-eighth installment in a "glimpse into a life series."
1. How would you describe your childhood?
Stephen Sondheim once called my description of my childhood as “Dickensian!” Not quite, as we weren’t badly off, but there were years when Santa Claus didn’t come. It was a farm, and we worked very hard. I felt at a very young age I was doing the work of 2 adult men. I didn’t mind, as I felt proud to receive my father's adulation for doing so. But, it was lonely. A one-teacher school with eighteen students from ages 4 to twelve. I think spending so much time alone doing chores and manual labour meant I lived in a fantasy world. I pretended a lot. I imagined I was exploring unknown lands and seas, even though we were nowhere near the sea.
2. What is your fondest memory as a child?
The smell of my dad's work hat when he put me on his shoulders.
3. What conversation with your mom and dad impressed itself upon your memory?
My sister and my brother and I had a "conversation" one night with mum and dad about drugs. They wanted us to promise we’d never use them. We refused, claiming we did not know what the future would bring! It upset them greatly, and turned into a huge fight. I realised many years later how they were projecting that most potent of human emotions—parental fear.
4. What would you title your autobiography and why?
Alas, because there were so many roads I didn’t or couldn’t take, but that sounds regretful when I am not. So, I guess Curious because I am, and it’s led to the most wonderful adventures and self-discovery, as well as meeting and working with the most extraordinary minds. I think I am a curiosity, as in peculiar. I love acquiring all sorts of new skills, and so curiosity is a prerequisite.
5. What is the meaning of life to you?
To be kind to people and always want the best for them. No other purpose. We need empathy to survive and to be creative. Otherwise, we just keep killing each other.
6. What makes life beautiful to you?
Nature. It will win against us because we don’t see ourselves as part of it.
7. What makes it hard?
Seeing ourselves as separate or superior to the Natural World.
8. Is there something you want to do that you still haven't done?
Retire, and go back to that more loner boyhood life.
9. What element of nature speaks most to you and why?
Its fragility and yet tenacious ability to change and adapt. Unlike us, who try to change the course of Nature and fight against it. Nature has time.We see Time in terms of our own lifetimes or three generations. Nature has billions of generations.
10. Is there something you would like to see change about our world?
MEN who are in power. Why? Why do you do what you do? Well, we know but stop with the “I’m here for a good time, not a long time stuff.” You’re going to die so grow up!
11. What individual do you look up to?
My life partner. She’s had to put up with me.
12. If you could be an animal, what would you be?
OH I don’t know! Feels like a drama school game. But certainly one that doesn’t get eaten alive.
13. What is your favorite book and why?
Barry Lopez's Arctic Dreams. It's very depressing to read nowadays though, so Melvin Bragg’s The Adventure of English. It is a true adventure book, and explains a lot of why and who we are.
14. Do you have a favorite time period in history and why?
I can’t have a favourite period in history because NOW is too demanding of my life, no matter how tough it is.
15. Do you think there is a piece of music that describes your personality? If so, what is it and why?
I love "Madam George" by Van Morrison because it takes me into some strange, solitary melancholia. It’s a state I like to be in privately, not depressed, but just present in nothingness marking time. I do love all narrative songs, stories. But, it’s probably Shostakovich’s "Piano Concerto No. 2: II. Andante" for the same reasons I like "Madam George."
It was a gift to be able to speak with Bobby Schindler this week. He shared with me a broad overview of the Terri Schiavo case as well as his passion for the vulnerable.
Bobby also shares some resources where viewers can find out more about his sister's case. I can second Bobby's recommendation of the Lawless podcast hosted by journalist, Lynn Vincent. It includes numerous interviews with an in-depth analysis of the events before, during, and after.
Please enjoy the fifty-seventh installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Bobby Schindler. Thank you, Bobby, for sharing details of Terri's case, as well as discussing the value of human life.
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Jaime Hampton started experiencing intense health anxiety after her youngest daughter had an allergic reaction to cashews. Jaime discussed with me her experience with health anxiety, as well as how she combats her fears with worship.
Please enjoy the fifty-sixth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Jaime Hampton. Thank you, Jaime, for sharing your struggle with health anxiety, and how there is hope to be found in Christ.
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Alissa Czisny won the U.S. national championship in 2009 and 2011. I discussed with Alissa the difference between skating to compete and skating to entertain, as well as grappling with identity in athletics.
Alissa recently performed a piece she choreographed to "Chasing Cars" by Fleurie and Tommee Profitt at the Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer fundraiser in Bellevue. It is a simple, but beautiful artistic skate, and I highly recommend giving it a watch.
Please enjoy the fifty-fifth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting figure skater, Alissa Czisny. Thank you, Alissa, for sharing your figure skating journey with me!
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Lucrezia Borgia has been considered for centuries one of history's most depraved women. Was she? Historian, Richard Drake, discusses with me his research on Lucrezia, and how the historical record disproves her sordid portrayal.
Please enjoy the fifty-fourth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Pope Alexander VI's daughter, Lucrezia Borgia. Thank you, Richard, for taking the time to share with me more about this fasnitating historic figure.
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Rachel Hankinson is a close friend of mine who shared with me her experience with chronic illness. Rachel has lived with pain for the majority of her life, and yet she is continuing to grow in her walk with the Lord despite the hard.
Please enjoy the fifty-third installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Rachel Hankinson. Thank you, Rachel, for talking with me about your chronic illness journey, and for giving me newfound admiration for bees!
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Shweta Subram is a playback singer and independent vocalist who currently resides in Dubai, India. Shweta spoke to me about playback singing in Bollywood, the value of seizing opportunities, and her love of family.
Please enjoy the fifty-second installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting playback singer and independent vocalist, Shweta Subram. Thank you, Shweta, for this lovely interview. I really enjoyed our conversation, and learning more about your life.
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Jeffrey Johnston lived as a transgender woman in the sex entertainment industry for nearly twenty years before coming to faith in Christ. Jeffrey shared with me his experience as a transgender woman, and why he detransitioned around the age of forty.
Please enjoy the fifty-first installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Jeffrey Johnston. Thank you, Jeffrey, for sharing your story with me. I was so encouraged to hear how God has worked in your life.
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Sylvia Engdahl has primarily written science fiction. She was kind enough to share with me her answers to several questions regarding her life and worldview via email. Sylvia asked to write her answers as her hearing is impaired.
Please enjoy the fiftieth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting author, Sylvia Engdahl. Sylvia, thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions, and doing so with thoroughness and sincerity.
1. How would you describe your childhood?
It was very long ago now (in two weeks I will be 90) and my memories of it are not vivid. I don't look back on it with nostalgia. It was neither happy nor unhappy; much of the time, especially at school, I was simply bored. I had nothing in common with other children and I didn't enjoy playing with them. All I wanted was to grow up and become a teacher (a wish that proved unfortunate when it came true). My chief companion was my mother, who taught me everything I knew and remained my closest friend throughout most of my adult life (when we were more like sisters than parent and child).
The concept that aroused my lifelong enthusiasm and led to the deep convictions about the world underlying my novels was introduced to me when I was twelve, in a science class during which the teacher read aloud a description of what it might be like to travel in space. This was in 1946, when space was not a topic of general interest and spaceships were viewed by most as no less fantastic than fairies with wings; I had never before heard or read anything about them. I don't know why the idea immediately fascinated me, much less why a few days later I declared to a friend that I believed we'd get to the moon within 25 years (an estimate only two years off from the future reality). From the beginning, my focus was neither on adventure nor on technical details but on the importance of space to the future of humankind.
2. What is your fondest memory as a child?
My fondest memory is of vacations at Bass Lake, California. We went there for the first time when I was ten and the contrast with Los Angeles, where I had always lived, made a deep and lasting impression on me. I was enthralled by the beauty of the lake, the pine-clad mountains, and the trees coming down to the shore. My father, who was then in his sixties and normally shared no interests with me or my mother, rented a small boat (and the next year bought one), the only thing he ever did that I enjoyed. I loved being out on the water. I still have a picture taken from that boat as the wallpaper on my laptop.
3. What conversation with your mom and dad impressed itself upon your memory?
Conversations with my mother were ongoing, and I don't recall a particular one. Those with my father that made an impression were when he laughed at my interest in astronomy; when he told me it would be foolish to go college and become a teacher since l could make just as much money as a secretary; and an especially infuriating one when at he told me at age sixteen that I was "just a little girl" too young to understand the issue involved in my parents' separation, which in fact I understood better than he did. Looking back, I realize that my father could not have been as stupid as he then seemed to me; he simply lacked the background to comprehend my interests. By the time I knew him, he was often under the influence of alcohol. He never intentionally hurt me. I feel no anger toward him now, for his failings had no lasting influence on my life.
4. What would you title your autobiography and why?
Well, I wrote one many years ago for the "Something About the Author" series that I titled "An Observer of Planet Earth" and though I didn't retain it in the "Contemporary Authors" version, I think it still fits. I have always viewed this world as if from outside, which is why so many of my novels are about advanced aliens observing younger worlds. While I am not as wise or as knowledgeable as these fictional observers, I am aware that our world is part of a larger pattern in which we see only one stage in the evolution of one sapient species, and I judge my observations in that light. This is, of course, a detached view, and it's true that I've always felt detached from other people and from society, which most would consider a psychological problem. I don't interpret it that way. I believe there is value in a long view, and even in feeling apart from one's contemporaries. Individuals differ, and that is fortunate since difference, not conformity, is what drives evolution. I have never wanted to be like everyone else. Being different is lonely, to be sure, but that's the price of gaining insight into the human condition.
5. What is the meaning of life to you?
I don't know the meaning of life and I don't pretend, even to myself, that I do. I'm sure that it has a meaning. Unlike many, I don't feel it's meaningless because no meaning is apparent to me. I conceive of this life as one stage in the existence of an individual spirit (or "soul" for those to whom that term connotes individuality). What lies beyond is a mystery beyond the comprehension of anyone now alive. We cannot even guess the relationship between the spirit and the world(s) into which its physical manifestation is born. Attempts to imagine the Unknowable are pointless. The important thing, to me, is to gain as much knowledge about reality as is accessible to me and when possible, to pass on my speculations about it through my writing. Others share their view of it through various forms of creativity, and taken together these expressions are the means by which humankind, like sapient species of other worlds, evolves toward a destiny we cannot define.
6. What makes life beautiful to you?
"Beautiful" is not a word I would use to describe life. I have seen much beauty during the past ninety years, but I have never felt joy in simply being alive as I know some people do. This may seem strange since I am an optimist and believe there is far more good than evil in the world. Love, in all its forms, is good. Kindness and empathy are good, as are many other human qualities. But beauty implies more than recognition of goodness. It requires an emotional response that life itself simply doesn't evoke in me. It also implies a comparison, yet life as we know it is simply a given; we have nothing to compare it with.
Perhaps the intent of the question is more like "what makes life pleasant for you?" I have taken pleasure in the sight of beautiful landscapes, such as lakes, rivers, mountains, the ocean; from trees and flowers; from sunsets; from a cat purring in my lap. I have enjoyed travel, as well as moving to new places and fixing up different houses, which we did often throughout my middle life. I have been happiest above all during the hours I was doing work I liked: camp counseling in my college years; computer programming in my youth; writing off and on, starting in my thirties; editing and ebook production in old age, and my various personal computers were, and still are, indispensable to my ongoing contentment (since long before moving to a care facility, they've been my only live contact with the world).
7. What makes it hard?
For one thing, I have never had a normal amount of physical energy, even in childhood, so I couldn't do many things I'd have liked to do, and my memories of those I did do (such as my trips to Europe) are mainly of exhaustion that detracted from my enjoyment of them. More importantly, I have never been fortunate enough to meet people who share my somewhat unusual view of the world, so even when with friends I have lacked the true companionship I craved. Thus I have been lonely, though I prefer being alone to mere socializing.
Another frustration has been that I'm like two people. On the outside, I've appeared to be an ordinary middle-aged, now elderly woman with no knowledge or interests beyond what's typical, while on the inside I'm a person with deep thoughts and some ability to articulate them. I do not express myself well in speaking; I must see what I'm saying in order to word it effectively. When I was young, it was said this was because I waa shy, but in fact it was the other way around. I was shy because I couldn't put my inner thoughts into spoken words. Similarly, I don't absorb ideas from listening; I have to read to grasp what's said about topics with any depth. I think auditory vs. visual preferences are detemined by the individual "wiring" of the brain. In any case, I avoided personal appearances as a writer, even before impaired hearing made them impossible for me, as I knew I wouldn't come across well. I've rarely received the recognition I might otherwise have gained as a result.
The hardest thing for me to accept is the failure of my novels to reach many of the readers apt to like them. They aren't meant to appeal to the average science fiction fan, and other readers don't browse science fiction lists; so despite good reviews their audience is small. There doesn't seem to be any way around this problem, but as I reach the end of my life it haunts me. Recently, I have put some of my views into essays at my website and in independently published ebooks that are readily available at many outlets. But few people discover that they exist. Among the millions of ebooks available (Amazon now adds nearly two million each year) it's unlikely they will ever be seen.
8. Is there something you want to do that you still haven't done?
I would have liked to write more novels, especially adult novels in which I explored the themes that matter to me in more depth. I was a victim of my first novel's success, in a sense, for its status as a Newbery Honor book branded me as a "children's author" (although it was originally meant for teens). Consequently, that was the only field in which I could publish. My subsequent Young Adult novels were marketed as suitable for the same readers and given to kids too young to understand them, thus they reached only a fraction of their intended audience.
Moreover, I lack the ability to think of story events except on rare occasions when they come to me, and when they do they're not the action/adventure type. This alone would have kept me from writing for the adult science fiction market; but there was a stronger barrier. My view of life is not fashionable. To publish serious science fiction one must be a pessimist or a cynic. So years later, when I wrote adult science fiction for independent publication, I compromised between an attempt to make it fast-moving enough to sell and the desire to express ideas. Neither aim was successful. My work has some devoted fans who praise its optimism, but it is not what I once hoped I could achieve.
9. What element of nature speaks most to you and why?
Though I enjoy the beauties of Earth's natural landscape, what speaks to me is the starry sky. The stars represent the vast universe and all that's unknown within it, as they have for most cultures throughout history. They are also the symbol of our species' future, whether or not we ever physically reach them (as I believe in time we will). Earth is our home base, always to be loved and honored, but planets don't remain habitable forever, and if humankind survives the ultimate natural demise of this world and even its sun, it will be because we're somewhere out among the stars. Meanwhile, they beckon, inspiring us to look toward a bright future and to seek knowledge of things we cannot yet even imagine.
10. Is there something you would like to see change about our world?
I'd naturally like to see a world without war or hatred or starvation. but that will not be ours until the distant future. One of the things most irritating to me is the common idea that there is something wrong with human nature because we're not yet on the verge of eliminating these problems. We have made progress. For example, little more than a century ago, many still viewed war as glorious. Young men who enlisted early in World War I were afraid it would be over before they got into the fight. Two hundred years ago, slavery was considered normal, and in many people's eyes, unobjectionable. Those who find the present discouraging know little of the past.
Moreover, there are reasons for the problems that arise as our species evolves. Indirectly, they lead to the development of the techologies essential to movement into space, for which most people see no need. I think we are at the level natural for our stage of evolution, when we are still confined to a single planet with limited resources that we have outgrown and must compete for. In my opinion, our current world problems are to be expected and will continue until we expand our civilization beyond it. I have believed since the early 1950s that even if we avoid all the catastrophes pessimists fear are coming, humankind cannot survive indefinitely without the use of extraterrestrial resources. Earth's beauty cannot be preserved unless some of us go elsewhere. So, what I'd like to see, in terms of what would be possible to see in the 21st century, is a major worldwide effort to speed the establishment of settlements in space.
11. What individual do you look up to?
I look up to all who against odds, often against active opposition, have made significant contributions to the intellectual or technical advancement of humankind. I especially look up to dissidents in the fields of science and medicine who, without group support, defy the orthodoxy of their era knowing it may end their careers. I'm afraid I can't single out individuals, though I'm sure there are many with or without positions of public prominence. I also look up to astronauts, the pioneers of the next step in human evolution, who take greater risks than the public appreciates to get us on track for long-term survival.
12. If you could be an animal, what would you be?
I'll be a cat, of course, as they are the only animals in which I've taken interest. Cats have many qualities I admire. They're curious and like to explore. They are notoriously independent; they don't let anyone tell them what to do or not to do. They don't make choices just to please someone else. They are happier alone than in groups of their kind. Yet, they are warm and loving with people they have chosen to accept, and often become devoted to them. I still miss the series of cats that were "family" to me throughout most of my life. They filled a need for affection that could not have been met without them.
13. What is your favorite book and why?
I read The Lord of the Rings before it was well known in America, and I was instantly captivated, although I'm not a big fan of fantasy. Tolkien's skill in making his world as richly-detailed and believable as a real world, his beautiful language, and his characters the reader cares about despite their differences from ourselves, combine to make the story unforgettable, even apart from its philosophy and the many quotable words of wisdom it contains. It has no equal. It is timeless, and will be read by our descendents on the distant worlds to which we someday travel.
14. Do you have a favorite time period in history and why?
I view history as a continuous stream of human progress, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, leading to our ultimate breakthrough into the larger universe. It is easy to romanticize earlier ages and forget what led to the advances that have since been made. The people of past eras were not unlike ourselves, and in some ways their outlook was the same. But they lived under the constraints of their time. The discomfort once viewed as normal was not just a lack of modern conveniences, unless one considers indoor plumbing a mere convenience. Flush toilets were not used in homes, or even in the White House, until the 1850s. Prior to that time, large-city sewage accumulated in deep basement holes and was periodically carted away to be dumped into a nearby river. In medieval cities, sewage had often been thrown into the streets, which until shortly before the turn of the 20th century, were full of horse manure. So, despite the presence of some now admired structures, cities stank, and impure water combined with scant medical knowledge made death from disease an ever-present threat even to the wealthy. Among the poor, squalor unimaginable today was taken for granted.
These unpleasant aspects of daily life pale beside the brutality of the past. Before the establishment of organized charities, the impoverished, when not imprisoned, were allowed to die from starvation. Going back a few hundred years, political dissidents, as well as criminals, were publicly tortured or executed for the entertainment of crowds. War was not confined to battlefields; it included rape and pillage as the routine consequence of a city's defeat, and the victors saw no harm in it. While modern bombs may kill more people, today's soldiers are less barbaric. The shift in attitudes has been gradual but undeniable. In the light of all we know about former eras, the only possible favorite is the one that has progressed the furthest, which is ours, or better, the one that will follow ours. We need to look forward, not back. The value of studying the past lies in seeing how far we have come.
15. Do you think there is a piece of music that describes your personality? If so, what is it and why?
I developed a hearing impairment some years ago that took away my enjoyment of the music I used to love, loud or soft orchestral music now sounds fuzzy to me. So, I stopped listening, and I don't recall the details of what pieces aroused my emotions. I don't think any one of them in particular describes my personality, though perhaps my general preferences do. I liked quiet, reflective music and also stirring music that expressed my feelings about the excitement of exploring the universe and the triumph of overcoming adversities. I most often found these qualities in film scores, and collected many of them. I can’t name my favorites offhand.
Lauren Styer is a second year Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at the University of Southern California. Lauren talked with me about her journey with Crohn's starting as a young child until her diagnosis when an undergraduate. I was so encouraged by Lauren's love of the Scripture and her strong faith in God's faithful love despite earthly hardships.
Please enjoy the forty-ninth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting occupational therapy doctoral student, Lauren Styer. Lauren, thank you so much for taking time to share your story with me, and for encouraging me in my own walk with Christ.
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It was a gift to speak with Judy about her thoughts on the entertainment industry, as well as her love of creativity and finding a way to express that love apart from the silver screen.
Please enjoy the forty-eighth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting actress and singer, Judy Norton. Thank you, Judy, for sharing part of your life story with me and encouraging me in my own desire to make a creative impact.
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I really ejoyed learning more about singer and songwriter, Odessa Jorgensen. Odessa talked with me about her childhood, the death of her father when she was twenty, and her experience with songwriting.
Please enjoy the forty-seventh installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting singer and songwriter, Odessa Jorgensen. Odessa, it was such a joy interacting with you and hearing part of your story!
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I really enjoyed speaking with musician and video designer, Chris Zabriskie. Chris and I discussed his departure from Mormonism, his relationship with his daughter, and how he has persevered as a solo composer.
Please enjoy the forty-sixth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting composer and video designer, Chris Zabriskie. Thank you, Chris, for sharing with me about your life and how you see the world.
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Matt Papa took half an hour with me during his busy travels to share his thoughts on suffering and how we can lean into God during those times. Matt is a singer and songwriter who uses his gift of music to glorify God through vulnerable worship. "Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call" is my favorite song that Matt has written. It has been a huge encouragement to me in times of suffering as it grounds me in scriptural truth, while also allowing me the space to grieve with the Father.
Please enjoy the forty-fifth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting singer and songwriter, Matt Papa. Thank you, Matt, for encouraging me in my faith with truth.
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An Artist Experiencing Chronic Illness
It is an encouragement to me to know Rae Ryan. Rae is an artist who lives in northern Virginia. She is currently experiencing chronic muscle weakness and fatigue without a known explanation. It has been approximately a year since symptoms started, and Rae is still in the midst of medical testing and finding a concrete diagnosis. I spoke with her about how she is coping with her unexplained symptoms, and how she sees life.
Please enjoy the forty-fourth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting artist, Rae Ryan. Thank you, Rae, for sharing a part of your life story with my listeners and me!
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Deb Beachy is a dear friend of mine who I met a couple years ago in a local coffee shop in Virginia. Deb has an incredible life story, but I specifically asked her to share in this episode about her experience in the Mennonite community. Deb discusses the difficulties she faced as a Mennonite female, as well as the religious trauma she is still working through after leaving the community.
Please enjoy the forty-third installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Deb Beachy. Thank you, Deb, for being vulnerable with my listeners and me. I am so grateful to know you, and I am inspired by your journey toward healing.
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A couple who found healing after an abortion
It was a gift for me to be able to speak with Debbie and Tim Shultz. Debbie and Tim are believers who faced an unexpected pregnancy during their engagement and had an abortion. They are telling their story decades later to share with others the love and healing God has done individually and in their marriage.They want others to know that abortion is not an unforgivable sin.
If you want to hear more of Debbie and Tim's story, take a look at their book entitled Unrobing the Shame: One Couple's Healing Journey After Abortion.
Please enjoy the forty-second installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Debbie and Tim Shultz. Thank you, Debbie and Tim, for sharing your hearts with me and encouraging fellow believers as we battle with sin within and without.
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Poet Laureate of North Carolina
My interview with Poet Laureate of North Carolina, Jaki Shelton Green, was an absolute delight. She spoke with me about loss, the artistry of writing, her childhood growing up in the South during segregation, as well as her value of balance in life. The time flew by as I listened to Jaki share a bit of her worldview with me. Jaki told me so many personal anecdotes with a soothing voice and a reflective, genuine disposition.
Please enjoy the forty-first installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green. Thank you, Jaki, for this engaging and delightful conversation!
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I enjoyed speaking with freelance concept artist, Even Mehl Amundsen, who originates from Norway. He has worked for Blizzard, Blur, Wizards of the Coasts, and several other studios. Even shared with me his thoughts on what it means to be alive, death, the beauty of concept art, as well as his relationship with his mom.
Listener discretion advised as expletives are used.
Please enjoy the fortieth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting freelance concept artist, Even Mehl Amundsen. Thank you, Even, for taking time to share with me how you see the world and what you love about concept art!
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Actress, Acting Coach, and Business Mentor
I really enjoyed speaking with Catherine last week. Catherine has worked in the acting industry for over thirty years. She shared with me the postive influences her parents had upon her childhood and on her acting, as well as her own thoughts on raising children in environments that foster confidence and not fear. Catherine also told me about a time she used her love of Shakespeare to express herself during a challenging season.
Please enjoy the thirty-ninth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting actress, Catherine McNally. Thank you, Catherine, for a personable and informative interview!
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Wife of Seasons of Sorrow author, Tim Challies
Reconciling pain with the goodness of God is the hardest aspect of the Christian life for me. I find it difficult to trust God's goodness when my circumstances cause me emotional or physical pain.
I was blessed to talk about this topic with Aileen Challies yesterday. Aileen is the wife of Tim Challies, who authored the book "Seasons of Sorrow." This book, which honestly seems a devotional of sorts, shows the reader how Tim walked through the sudden and unexpected death of his twenty-year-old son, Nick, from cardiac arrest.
Aileen spoke to me about her journey with grief after her son's death. We talked about topics such as anger against God, the traumatic effects of losing a loved one, and how pain does not negate God's goodness even when it feels like it.
Please enjoy the thirty-eighth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting Aileen Challies. Thank you, Aileen, for sharing with me how you walked through the valley of the shadow of death with our Great Shepherd.
Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format.
I really enjoyed getting to speak with William Wall this past week. William talked to me about his parents, his journey with Still's disease, and how he became an atheist. I was also able to hear from him about his newest novel, Empty Bed Blues, which tells the story of an Irish widow who seeks to recreate her life in Italy.
Please enjoy the thirty-seventh installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting author and poet, William Wall. Thank you, William, for this engaging conversation about life and literature.
Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format.
It was a pleasure getting to speak with author and actress, Karen Grassle. Karen was my childhood "Ma" in many ways through her character of Caroline Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie. I admired the character's inner strength and resilience amidst hardship and change.
Karen Grassle seems to share a similar resilience to the character she portrayed as she discussed with me how she walks through hardships. Karen also shared with me the difficulties she experienced as a child, as well as her desire to use her time well as an advocate for climate awareness.
Please enjoy the thirty-sixth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting author and actress, Karen Grassle. Thank you, Karen, for taking the time to talk with me about how you see the world.
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I am very glad that I was able to speak with singer and songwriter, Audrey Assad, about her experience with faith, trauma, and womanhood. Audrey shared with me how she experienced Christianity growing up, as well as what her thoughts on God are now. You will find Audrey's conversation with me vulnerable, honest, and personable.
Please enjoy the thirty-fifth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting singer and songwriter, Audrey Assad. Thank you, Audrey, for taking the time to talk with me!
Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format.
I know Bonnie's acting work best through the character of Mrs. Edwards on "Little House on the Prairie." Bonnie is 94 now, and yet she is continuing to act. She even published a memoir this year entitled "Middle of the Rainbow."
Bonnie talked with me about her difficult relationship with her parents, her 70+ marriage, her thoughts on love and life, and her work ethic.
Please enjoy the thirty-fourth installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting actress and author, Bonnie Bartlett Daniels. Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your life with me!
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I came across Lara's vocal work while listening to "Before I Leave This World" from Ivan Torrent's Reverie album. Her vocal work in the piece is absolutely stunning. I highly encourage you to listen to her numerous tracks on Spotify and SoundCloud.
It was a pleasure interviewing Lara. She asked to do the interview in written format as English is not her first language, and she wanted to articulate her answers clearly without the pressure of spontaneity. Please enjoy the thirty-third installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting vocalist, Lara Ausensi. Thank you, Lara, for giving such thoughtful and descriptive answers.
1. How would you describe your childhood?
My childhood was a blend of joy and adversity. I remember it being happy for the most part. I was surrounded by the love of my parents, and I had a close-knit group of friends. My dad and I shared a special bond through our mutual love for music. Beginning my piano lessons at the conservatory filled me with deep joy, especially knowing how much it meant to him and how proud he was of my journey. However, when I was 12, my father passed away from cancer, casting a deep shadow on our family. I also began to face bullying at school around that time. These experiences forced me to grow up faster, and I found myself taking on a more mature role, especially in caring for my younger sister. My teenage years were a challenging period, filled with the struggle of accepting my mom's remarriage, and grappling with the intense emotions that come with adolescence. Yet, through it all, music remained my comfort and anchor.
2. What is your fondest memory as a child?
One of my fondest memories as a child is spending time with my dad, immersed in our shared love for music. There were days when he would pick up one of his instruments and play tunes by ear, effortlessly transitioning from one melody to another. I would often join him, trying to match the notes on my piano. The genuine pride in his eyes whenever I hit the right notes or mastered a piece at the conservatory was something I cherished deeply. Those moments of musical bonding not only strengthened our father-daughter relationship, but also instilled in me a lifelong passion for music.
3. What conversation with your mom and dad impressed itself upon your memory?
The conversation that left a memorable mark on my memory was not one I was directly a part of, but rather one I accidentally overheard. I remember walking past the living room and hearing my mom's hushed, emotional voice as she spoke to my grandma over the phone. She mentioned that my dad had cancer. The weight of that word, even without fully grasping its implications at the time, struck fear into my heart. I ran upstairs and looked up 'cancer’ to understand. The information I found confirmed my worst fears, and I instinctively knew that my dad wouldn't be coming home with us anymore. That moment—the realization and the flood of emotions that came with it—is seared into my memory.
4. What would you title your autobiography and why?
I would title my autobiography Between Notes and Silences. This title encapsulates the rhythm of my life, with its alternating moments of profound activity and poignant stillness. From the cherished melodies of my childhood, where music and parental love were my safe havens, to the adult years filled with both challenges and triumphs, my journey has been a symphony of highs and lows. As an adult, I've encountered unique hardships, learned from them, and basked in moments of unexpected joy and achievements. This title reflects the entirety of my life, emphasizing not just the notes—the loud, clear moments of success and happiness—but also the silences, which are the moments of reflection, learning, and growth.
5. What is the meaning of life to you?
The meaning of life, to me, is a beautiful tapestry woven from countless experiences, emotions, and connections. It's about embracing every note, and every rhythm, be it from a classical piece that reminds me of my father, or a pop song that resonates with my current mood. It's the warmth of a well-brewed coffee cupped in my hands as I lose myself in the pages of a captivating book. It's the feel of cool sand beneath my feet, the thrill of a new city, the flavors of a freshly cooked local dish, and the soft purring of my cats by my side.
6. What makes life beautiful to you?
Having lived in various places from the vibrant landscapes of Spain to the picturesque beauty of the Netherlands, I've come to understand that life's essence is about growth and evolution. It's about constantly learning — from different cultures, from our loves and losses, from the music we create and the books we read. It's about cherishing every moment, whether it's the comforting routine of daily life, or the thrill of an unexpected adventure.
Above all, life is about connections. It's the bond I share with my loved ones, the memories of my father and our shared love for music, the camaraderie with friends around the world, old and new, and even the silent companionship of a good book or a serene seashore. In all these moments, big and small, I find the essence of what makes life beautiful to me.
7. What makes it hard?
Life becomes particularly challenging for me when I contemplate the ephemeral nature of success and recognition in my career as a vocal performer. It’s a world where one moment you can be at the pinnacle, surrounded by applause and accolades, and the next, you can find yourself eclipsed by new trends, overshadowed by the fleeting nature of popularity. This uncertainty, this ebb and flow of visibility and validation, can indeed make life hard.
Additionally, the loss of significant individuals like my father and my grandmother, Carmen, has left a void that resurfaces during moments of solitude. Their absence, especially during the times when I wish I could share my accomplishments and growth with them, casts a shadow on certain moments of joy.
8. Is there something you want to do that you still haven't done?
There are certain aspirations I still hold close to my heart, some of which revolve around pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. I dream of having the courage to present a more transparent version of myself on social media. As I am an introvert, this often feels like scaling a mountain, but I recognize the potential it holds for my career and personal growth. I also dream of taking more ownership of my music and being the sole creator without relying on a collaborator. This personal endeavor is more about proving to myself that I can channel my emotions and experiences into songs that resonate.
Travel, too, is on my list. The thought of embarking on a solo journey, especially to a culturally rich country like Japan, fills me with both excitement and trepidation. I believe such a trip would be not only an exploration of a new place but also a deep dive into my own psyche.
And, of course, there's that lingering dream of performing in a grand venue—the sound of my voice intertwined with the notes of a symphonic orchestra filling every nook and cranny of a massive space. It's not just about the scale or the audience, but more about the culmination of my passion, training, and the legacy of those I've loved and lost.
9. What element of nature speaks most to you and why?
Streams of water speak most profoundly to me in nature. Their constant flow and gentle murmurs remind me of life's ephemeral nature, and the beauty of movement and change. Just like a stream carves its path, I'm reminded to stay resilient and keep flowing no matter the obstacles.
Additionally, flowers, with their delicate beauty and transient bloom, mirror the fleeting moments of joy and the need to cherish them. Streams of water and flowers symbolize the ebb and flow of life, and the importance of embracing every moment.
10. Is there something you would like to see change about our world?
I wish to witness a shift from conflict and individualism to an era defined by empathy, compassion, and understanding. It might sound cliché, but I genuinely dream of wars being replaced by global unity and cooperation. Tolerance and respect should be the cornerstones of our interactions as well as breaking down barriers and fostering collective growth. I wish for a world where we value our shared humanity over our differences.
11. What individual do you look up to?
It's hard to name just one individual, as my inspirations are an amalgamation of remarkable people, artists, and thinkers who have touched my life in various capacities. My father is one inspiration, with his innate musicality and warmth. My grandmother, Carmen, is another with her wisdom and tales of a bygone era. My mother is yet another, with her resilience and unwavering support. I am also inspired by my sister, who is a dedicated and compassionate nurse. All these individuals have been foundational pillars in my life.
Musically, the ethereal melodies of Enya, the timeless genius of the Beatles, the classical brilliance of Bach and Purcell, and the distinctive sounds of Mike Oldfield and Kate Bush, have all influenced my artistic journey. Additionally, for a touch of humor and wit that I deeply appreciate, “Blackadder” and “Monty Python” have been significant. Each of these influences has played a role in shaping me into the woman and artist I am today.
12. If you could be an animal, what would you be?
I would be a cat. I not only have a special affinity for them, but cats also symbolize many qualities I relate to and admire. A cat embodies independence yet craves affection. A cat moves gracefully, and its curious nature often leads it on various adventures. Much like my journey of traversing different countries and soaking in diverse cultures, a cat is always exploring its surroundings and seeking new experiences. The musical nature of a cat’s purr also aligns with my deep connection to music, providing a comforting and soothing presence in any environment.
13. What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. This novel, set against the backdrop of the construction of a cathedral in medieval England, captivated me from the very beginning. The intricate plot, combined with richly developed characters, offers a window into the past. The novel showcases the complexities of human ambition, love, betrayal, and redemption. Follett masterfully weaves history, architecture, and the human spirit. Every time I read it, I'm transported to a different era, and I find myself marveling at the resilience and determination of the characters. The novel is a testament to the enduring human spirit, and the lengths we go to realize our dreams and aspirations.
14. Do you have a favorite time period in history and why?
I'm particularly drawn to the Belle Époque, which spanned from the late 19th century to the onset of World War I. This era, especially in places like Paris, was a golden age of arts, culture, and scientific discovery. The atmosphere was ripe with optimism, and there was a genuine belief in progress and the potential of humanity. It was a time when art and culture flourished, giving birth to many iconic works and movements in literature, painting, music, and even cinema. The aesthetic of the Belle Époque, with its elegant fashions and vibrant social scenes, has always fascinated me. Additionally, as a musician and lover of arts, the innovative and experimental spirit of the period deeply resonates with me. It's a reflection of what society can achieve when there's a confluence of creativity, optimism, and freedom of expression.
15. Do you think there is a piece of music that describes your personality? If so, what is it and why?
If I were to choose music that encapsulates my personality, it would be Enya's album The Celts. This album, with its range of haunting melodies and deep historical resonance, reflects not only my origins but also the myriad of cultures I've experienced. Born in the vibrant city of Barcelona and growing up in the 'Celtic land' of Galicia, I've been shaped by the blend of cosmopolitan energy and ancient mysticism inherent to these places. Further enriching my worldview, I've traveled and lived in countries such as the United States, France, Ireland, the UK, and the Netherlands. Each has added its unique note to the symphony of my life.
Pianist and Founder of Classical Kids
It was a pleasure speaking with pianist and classical music enthusiast, Susan Hammond. Susan founded the Classical Kids audio stories, which have consisted of tales such as "Song of the Unicorn," "Mr. Bach Comes to Call," and "Tchaikovsky Discovers America." Susan has a deep love for classical music, and it is central to her life. Susan discusses her life as a pianist, how she balanced raising kids while creating Classical Kids, as well as her passion for stewarding the climate.
Please enjoy the thirty-second installment in a "glimpse into a life series" highlighting pianist, Susan Hammond. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Susan!
Want to listen to the audio version of this interview? Click here to check out my podcast format.
