Episode 174: Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan (Final Episode): Nabeel Masih

 

Nabeel Masih

            ​ Nabeel Masih was imprisoned in 2016 on blasphemy charges, sentenced to ten years in 2018, and then released on bail in 2021. Nabeel was taken from his home in 2016 after reposting a social media post that officials found offensive to one of Islam's most holy worship sites. Nabeel endured beatings, physical deprivation, and unsanitary conditions in prison before being released on bail. He awaits the ultimate decision on his case with fear, and wonders if God is punishing him. 

            Please enjoy the 174th episode of Lament of Hope, which is the final episode highlighting stories of individuals impacted by Pakistan's blasphemy laws. 

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

Episode 173: Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan (Interview 2): Nawab Bibi

 

Nawab Bibi

            ​ Bonus episode! This is the second of three interviews with individuals in Pakistan who have experienced pain and suffering due to Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Nawab Bibi is the wife of Zafar Bhatti, who is the longest serving blasphemy prisoner in Pakistan. He was imprisoned for alleged blasphemous texts in 2012, given a life sentence in 2017, and then sentenced to death in 2022. Zafar along with advocates are still fighting for justice in his case in hopes of eventual release. It has been over a decade since Zafar's imprisonment, and his wife continues to advocate for his freedom and hold on to the hope of being with him again. 

            Please enjoy the 173rd episode of Lament of Hope, which is the second of three interviews highlighting stories of individuals impacted by Pakistan's blasphemy laws. 

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

Episode 172: Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan (Interview 1): Family of Shahzad Masih and Shama Bibi

 

Family of Shahzad Masih and Shama Bibi

            ​ This is the first of three interviews with individuals in Pakistan who have experienced pain and suffering due to Pakistan's blasphemy laws. This episode tells the story of a young couple, Shahzad Masih and Shama Bibi, who were brutally killed in 2014 by a mob for allegedly burning pages of the Quran. There was no conclusive evidence found for this allegation, and several members of the mob are currently in prison. The children of the couple as well as Shama's father share the details and their reactions. The faces of the translator as well as the family members are blurred for their safety. 

            Please enjoy the 172nd episode of Lament of Hope, which is the first of three interviews highlighting stories of individuals impacted by Pakistan's blasphemy laws. 

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

Episode 171: Viggo Mortensen

 

Actor

            ​ Viggo Mortensen sat down with me to talk about his newest film, The Dead Don't Hurt, which tells the story of two lovers in the nineteenth century. Holger goes to fight in the Civil War, while Vivienne endures the trials of being left behind. We talked about different perspectives of specific scenes, Viggo's thoughts on the film and its characters, and what our culture looks like today.

            Please enjoy the 171st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Viggo Mortensen. Viggo, thank you for talking with me about your newest film. It was a gift to watch the film and connect 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 170: Jordan Smith

 

Singer

            ​ Jordan Smith is a gospel singer who became nationally known when he won season 9 of NBC's The Voice in 2015. In addition to the creation of his upcoming album, Jordan shared with me his musical journey from a pop to gospel focus as well as the deep love and admiration he has for his wife, Kristen. Jordan also talked about his faith in Jesus Christ and his thoughts on masculinity in our culture. 

            Jordan's new album, The People's Hymnal, releases next Friday, February 21st!!

            Please enjoy the 170th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jordan Smith. Jordan, thank you so much for talking with me. It was a gift to hear about your life and your love for Jesus Christ. 

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

Episode 169: Ruta Lee

 

Actress

            What a gift to connect with Ruta Lee! I spoke with Ruta over the holiday season and am so glad to finally get this out there for my listeners. Ruta Lee has been in numerous films and television shows from Hollywood's classic era ranging from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers as Ruth, Lettie in Funny Face, to episode appearances on The Twilight Zone, I Love Lucy, Bonanza, The Andy Griffith Show, and many more. I really enjoyed getting to learn more about her life and career, not to mention getting a glimpse into her bold and sexy personality.

            Please enjoy the 169th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Ruta Lee. Ruta, thank you so much for talking with me. Just hearing parts of your life story made me even more proud of being a woman of boldness and determination. 

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

Episode 168: Louisa John-Krol

 

Australian bard

            Louisa John-Krol is a fascinating individual to speak with, and I hope one day I can visit her, and we can sit down in-person with a cup of tea and talk more about her life. Louisa has a strong belief and passion for the fairy world, otherworldly music, and storytelling. We talked about those topics as well as her husband's experience with PTSD and her physical illness. She ended our time singing a lullaby she wrote for one of her cats who passed away.

            Please enjoy the 168th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Louisa John-Krol. Louisa, thank you so much for talking with me! It was a gift to learn more about you and your love for storytelling and the natural world. 

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

Episode 167: Yazdan Qafouri

 

Actor

            I was introduced to Yazdan's acting talent through his voice work on the recent anime release, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Yazdan was the voice of Hama, son of Helm Hammerhand and sister of the protagonist, Héra. Yazdan talked with me about his love and experience of acting on the stage as well as how to balance his mental well-being with the rigor of show after show. He also gave me a window into the world of the Iranian culture.

            Please enjoy the 167th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Yazdan Qafouri. Yazdan, thank you so much for talking with me. I really enjoyed our conversation and do hope to see more of your work 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 166: Lucie Arnaz

 

Actress

            It was an absolute delight to speak with Lucie. Lucie took a break from taking down her Christmas decorations to talk with me about the hard in the world right now. She had kept her decorations up just a bit longer to hold on to the warmth and hope of Christmas. We talked about the LA fires, working through trauma and growing as individuals, and marriage. 

            Please enjoy the 166th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Lucie Arnaz. Lucie, it was such a gift to connect. Thank you for making the time for our talk! 

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

Episode 165: Dr. Catherine Raven

 

Author

            This is one of the most fascinating interviews I have had so far. Dr. Catherine Raven lives in a cabin she built on an isolated piece of land in Montana. Her life changed forever when a wild fox knocked on her door to get her attention. That fox became Catherine's closest friend to the point where she even read him an illustrated story outside when he would come visiting. Their friendship became a book: Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship, which I highly recommend you read as it details her four-year-long friendship with Fox. A delightful interview from start to finish!

            Please enjoy the 165th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dr. Catherine Raven. Catherine, thank you so much for sharing your story with Fox. I absolutely loved our 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 164: Lisa Brenner

 

Actress

            I loved getting to sit down with Lisa Brenner and talk to her about her career and the choices she has made in Hollywood. We talked about navigating sexual intimacy on screen, how aging affects landing roles, and her love and passion for her family and storytelling.

            Please enjoy the 164th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Lisa Brenner. Lisa, it was a gift to talk with you. I am excited for what projects you have ahead!

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

Episode 163: Meredith Hall

 

Author

            Meredith Hall wrote the New York Times Bestselling memoir, Without a Map, which documents her story as a pregnant teenager without the support of her family or New Hampshire community. Meredith shared with me her journey from that frightened and vulnerable young woman, who was forced to give up her son at birth without even laying eyes on him, to a brave woman who bears the scars with the ambition to love.

            Please enjoy the 163rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Meredith Hall. Meredith, it was such a gift to talk with you. Thank you for sharing your story 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 162: Katherine Paterson

 

Author

            Katherine Paterson is an incredible individual to talk to. Her interview was full of anecdotes about her life, ranging from childhood, to writing, to hardships, and her strong faith in Christ. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!

            Please enjoy the 162nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Katherine Paterson. Katherine, thank you so much for talking with me. What a gift to connect! I'm still sad you can't move back to Lovettsville, Virginia. :)

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

Episode 161: Kechi Okwuchi

 

AGT finalist 

            Kechi Okwuchi was one of two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed 107 passengers in Nigeria in 2005. Kechi sustained burns to her body, but her physical scares do not define her. She was a finalist for her singing talent on the 12th season of AGT in 2017, published a memoir five years later entitled More Than My Scars, and currently advocates for several causes close to her heart. Kechi's story is one of faith, honesty, and courage.

            Please enjoy the 161st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Kechi Okwuchi. Kechi, thank you for sharing your story with the world. I am so grateful we got to connect and share an hour talking about life and dreams. 

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

Episode 160: Dave Pelzer

 

Child abuse survivor

            Dave Pelzer is a New York Times and International bestselling author. He has written several books, but the one that Dave talked about in this interview was the memoir of his childhood, A Child Called "It." Dave's mother called him "It" and targeted him out of his siblings for horrendous abuse that led him to fear for his life. Dave was taken from his mother at age 12 and went through several foster homes until age 18. Dave talked with me about his mother's abuse, the positive adventures of his adult years, and his desire to help others and be a source of encouragement and hope.

            Please enjoy the 160th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dave Pelzer. Dave, thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I am so encouraged by how you chose to lead a life of hope despite the horror you experienced as a child. You chose a healthier life path, and that is a story that so many individuals from dysfunctional families need to hear. 

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