Episode 159: Robin Jones Gunn

 

Author

            Robin Jones Gunn is a best-selling Christian author of more than 100 books including the Christy Miller series, the Haven Makers series, her memoir, Victim of Grace, and four novels that ended up being adapted into Christmas movies for Hallmark. Robin talked with me about her newest book, Tea with Elephants, which begins her newest series, the Suitcase Sisters. We also talked about tough writing periods, sweet moments with her husband, Ross, and her favorite food, carrot cake.

            Please enjoy the 159th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Robin Jones Gunn. Robin, thank you so much for taking time to talk with me. It was a gift to interact with you and to learn more about you 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 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.

Episode 154: Sara Somers

 

Recovering food addict

            It was a gift for me to connect with Sara Somers who published a memoir on her food addiction journey in 2020 entitled Saving Sara. Sara shared with me her decades-long struggle with binging food and where she is now in her recovery journey. I hope this can be an encouragement to anyone who feels alone in this struggle. You are far from alone, dear listener, and Sara's story proves there is hope. Also, please do check out her blog if you want to know more about her life in Paris!

            Please enjoy the 154th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Sara Somers. Sara, thank you so much for being transparent with me and my listeners about your food addiction journey. I am blessed to have met you and heard your 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 153: Lois Lowry

 

Author

            This was such a wonderful interview. Lois is not just a storyteller on paper! She filled our interview with vivid stories of growing up (including her first kiss), her atypical author journey, and how she walked through the death of her sister and son. Time flew as we moved through a stream of stories and experiences. One of my best author interviews yet thanks to lovely Lois.

            Please enjoy the 153rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Lois Lowry. Lois, thank you so much for taking the time to share many of your life memories with me. It was such 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.