Episode 126: Meg Shaffer

 

Author

           I love Meg Shaffer's novel, The Wishing Game, and it was such fun to connect with her and hear more about her new book, The Lost Story, which was just released a month ago. Meg talked with me about her writing experiences with each of the novels, her writing journey in general, and the pros and cons of the freelance writing lifestyle.

           Please enjoy the 126th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Meg Shaffer. Thank you, Meg, for talking with me about your novels and your writing 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 125: Dr. Matthew S. Stanford

 

CEO of Hope and Healing Center & Institute

           Dr. Matthew S. Stanford, CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston, Texas, received his PhD in behavioral neuroscience at Baylor University. Dr. Stanford has a heart for believers who struggle with mental health and wants to equip the church to be an informed advocate for Christians struggling with mental illness. This interview was such a gift to me as someone who struggles with generalized anxiety disorder, and I highly recommend giving this interview a watch/listen to learn how Christianity and mental health challenges can have a powerful and healing relationship.

           Please enjoy the 125th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dr. Stanford. Thank you, Matt, for this encouraging and informative interview.

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

Episode 124: Kim Phuc Phan Thi (The Napalm Girl)

 

Vietnam War survivor

           It was such a gift to get to speak with Kim for almost an hour about her life story. Kim is famously known as the Napalm Girl from the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken by Nick Ut of her as a child running from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. Kim shared with me the trauma and pain of that experience, how it has impacted her life, and how she has found hope.

           Please enjoy the 124th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Kim Phuc Phan Thi. Kim, your story inspired and encouraged me. I am so grateful for our time together! 

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

Episode 123: Olivia Atwater

 

Historical fantasy author

           Olivia Atwater sat down with me to talk about the first of her novels in the Regency Faerie Tales series. Olivia shared how she began her writing journey, how she crafted the protagonist in Half a Soul, Theodora Ettings, and her love of historical fantasy.

           Please enjoy the 123rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Olivia Atwater. Thank you, Olivia, for taking time to dive into historical fantasy with me. 

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

Episode 122: Máiréad Nesbitt

 Irish violinist

           This interview was a childhood dream come true for me. Máiréad Nesbitt inspired me to learn the violin. We talked together about how she balances life and performing, how she tells stories through music, and how her fiery spirit shows when it comes to seeing others mistreated. 

            Please forgive the poor audio on my end. Hurricane Debby sent some Wi-Fi-interrupting rain my way, and I had to switch recording platforms. Grateful that Máiréad came through perfectly clear!

           Please enjoy the 122nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Máiréad Nesbitt. Thank you, Máiréad, for taking time to share your passion for music with me! It was such a gift to connect, and I hope we can meet in person soon. 

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

Episode 121: Jessica Daley

 

Singer and stage actress

           Interviewing ⁠Jessica Daley⁠ felt like finding a long-lost friend. Jessica is so transparent and personable! Our time together flew by as she shared anecdotes from her life with her late Nan to how she has struggled with her mental health in the entertainment industry.

           Please enjoy the 121st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jessica Daley. Thank you, Jessica, for sitting down with me to share part of your life story. It was a gift for me to hear it!

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

Episode 120: Elizabeth Camden

 

Historical romance author

           Elizabeth Camden was one of my favorite authors as a teenager hungry for meaningful romance novels with exciting plots. Elizabeth sat down with me and shared her journey from librarian to novelist as well as how she creates her stories. If you are a Hitchcock fan, you may want to stick around to the end when she shares some of her favorite Hitchcock films. ;)

           Please enjoy the 120th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Elizabeth Camden. Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing with me your passion for historical romance novels. 

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

Episode 119: Deanne Bray Kotsur

 

Deaf Actress and Advocate

           Interviewing Deanne Bray Kotsur was a new and important opportunity for me on a professional and personal level. I learned a great deal about the deaf community, and the needs facing deaf children. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of sign language as a tool for communication between the deaf community and hearing individuals. A big thank you to sign language interpreter, Cass Del Castillo, for her participation in this interview!

           Please enjoy the 119th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Deanne Bray Kotsur. Thank you, Deanne, for sharing your heart for the deaf community with my listeners and me. 

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

Episode 118: Mya-Rose Craig

 

Environmental Advocate

           Mya-Rose Craig, also known as "Birdgirl," spoke with me days after graduating from Cambridge University with her bachelor's in political science. We discussed how she came to love birds, whether there is a negative aspect to environmentalism, and the emotional weight of wanting to protect the environment.

           Please enjoy the 118th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Mya-Rose Craig. Thank you, Mya-Rose, for taking the time to share with me your heart for the environment, and your desire for a better world. 

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