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.