Episode 152: Muirgen O'Mahony

 

Celtic Woman member

            Muirgen O'Mahony is one of the talented ladies of Celtic Woman. It has been such a gift for me to connect with many of the Celtic Woman members, past and present, over the year and a half of this podcast. I had so much fun talking with Muirgen as we discussed favorite Christmas melodies, Muirgen's experience with anxiety, and her absolute passion for theatre. Celtic Woman start their White Christmas Symphony tour in the U.S. today through December 22nd. Check out their tour dates and locations on their website linked above. I can't wait to see them perform at the Kennedy Center in D.C. on the 14th!!

            Please enjoy the 152nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Muirgen O'Mahony. Muirgen, I am so glad we got to connect before the tour. It was a gift to learn more about 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.

Episode 151: Regina Calcaterra

 

Advocate for youth in foster care and children in need

            Regina Calcaterra wrote an autobiography of her childhood and that of her siblings as they faced years of instability in and out of foster care. Her memoir, Etched in Sand, A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island, which was published in 2013, became a New York Times and an international bestseller. Regina received her law degree in 1996 from Seton Hall University School of Law and went on to start her own law firm. Regina has received numerous awards and honors for both her legal and advocacy work. It was a gift to sit down with Regina to talk about her childhood and her passion for youth in foster care.

            Please enjoy the 151st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Regina Calcaterra. Regina, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. Your story is such an inspiration to those of us who have experienced a traumatic childhood. Your story is one of hope. 

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

Episode 150: Juliet Marillier

 

Historical fantasy author

            Juliet Marillier is one of my favorite historical fantasy authors. The first book in her Sevenwaters series, Daughter of the Forest, is absolutely stunning. It is vivid storytelling, and my eyes pricked with tears in the final chapters. Please read it!! Juliet talked with me about her respect for the natural world, her heart for animals, particularly dogs, her recent return to writing, and being part of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.

            Please enjoy the 150th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Juliet Marillier. Juliet, thank you so much for talking with me. It was a gift for me to connect and hear part of the life story of one of my favorite historical fantasy authors.  

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

Episode 149: Hadley Fraser

 

Actor and singer

            It was such a gift for me to connect with English singer and actor, Hadley Fraser. I was first introduced to Hadley's talent through his portrayal of Raoul in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera filmed live at the Royal Albert Hall. Hadley sat down with me to talk about his acting, balancing his family and his career, his love of nature, and his reflections on the meaning of life and God. 

            For my listeners in the U.K., Hadley Fraser and Ramin Karimloo will be appearing at The London Palladium this Sunday, November 24th, in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. There are still tickets available! I wish I was in London this weekend. ;)

           Please enjoy the 149th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Hadley Fraser. Hadley, thank you for taking time to talk with me. I really enjoyed our conversation, especially the side quests. 

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

Episode 148: Natalie Lloyd

 

Author

            Natalie Lloyd was such a sweet woman to interview and definitely young of heart. Natalie is an author who lives with brittle bone disease, but it does not define her life or identity. She talked with me about her books, especially Hummingbird, living with brittle bone disease, and how much she loves her husband.

           Please enjoy the 148th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Natalie Lloyd. Natalie, thank you so much for sharing your love of story with the world. It was a gift to connect. 

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

Episode 147: Michael Barnes

 

Lead singer of Red

            Michael Barnes is the lead vocalist of the rock band, Red. Michael joined our interview from the beautiful outdoors and talked with me about music and life. I really enjoyed talking with Michael. He was just himself, no showy talk or need to impress, but open and honest. I think anyone watching this interview will be blessed by hearing our conversation.

           Please enjoy the 147th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Michael Barnes. Michael, thank you for taking time to talk with me. It was such a pleasure to connect and hear parts 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.

Episode 146: Rose Reid

 

Actress

            I really enjoyed talking with Rose Reid. Rose Reid played Finley in a favorite coming-of-age romance film of mine, Finding You, which came out in 2021. Highly recommend if you have a soft spot for anything Irish and a hankering for a sweet romance story!! :) Rose was so genuine and raw about her thoughts and feelings on several subjects such as film, femininity, and faith. I felt like I was making a new friend. This was one of my favorite interviews so far, and I think you will find it very thought-provoking.

           Please enjoy the 146th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Rose Reid. Rose, I am so grateful we got to connect. Thank you for taking the time to do this and talk with me about parts of your life journey. I so hope we meet for coffee in the future!

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

Episode 145: Mary Pope Osborne

Author

            It was a delight to speak with Mary Pope Osborne. I was a huge fan of the Magic Tree House books when I was a kid, and it was incredible to get to connect with her now as an adult. Her life is an adventure story of its own! 

           Please enjoy the 145th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Mary Pope Osborne. Mary, this was an absolute delight. Thank you so much for taking the time to share parts of your life story 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 144: Karen Kingsbury

 

#1 New York Times bestselling author

            It was such a gift to connect with Karen Kingsbury. She is passionate about the Lord and the gift of writing He has given her to glorify Him and encourage readers. May this interview that gives a glimpse into her personality and love of story bless your day!

           Please enjoy the 144th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Karen Kingsbury. Karen, thank you for taking time to talk with me. It was such a pleasure to connect and hear a part of your story! Thank you for encouraging so many by using the gift of writing God has given you. 

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