Episode 183: Christina Perri

 

Singer and songwriter

           ​ Christina Perri's song, "A Thousand Years," has been a hit romance melody for as long as I can remember. Christina has become a mother of two beautiful daughters over the years, and she now knows the deep and lasting love of being a mom. Christina sat down with me to talk about her experience of motherhood thus far and her upcoming children's book, "A Thousand Years," which comes out April 1st. It is a book that expresses a mother's love and gives a new dimension to the song. ​

            Please enjoy the 183rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Christina Perri. Christina, thank you for sharing your story of motherhood with my audience and me. You were honest and vulnerable. Your story encouraged me that motherhood is worth the hard. 

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

Episode 182: Allison Eide

Singer and songwriter

            Allison Eide is a rising voice in the young adult Christian community as she shares her mental health struggles and victories through music. Allison talked to me about her journey with anxiety and OCD as well as the power of the gospel in her life. Her first album, "Love Who I Am," comes out this Saturday, March 29th!! Check out her website linked above for upcoming tour dates!​

            Please enjoy the 182nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Allison Eide. Allison, it was such a gift to connect and hear a part of your story. I cannot wait to see you in concert in May!!

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

Episode 181: Brian Cox

 

Actor

            Brian Cox has starred in several Shakespearean and other stage productions with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Additionally, he has been in several films as well as the HBO series Succession.  We talked about his acting career, his growing up years, and what he values in life.​

            Please enjoy the 181st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Brian Cox. Brian, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. It was a gift to hear a part of your life story and your passion for acting.  

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

Episode 180: Abbie Stockard

 

Miss America 2025

            Abbie Stockard sat down with me several weeks ago to talk about her faith, passion to raise awareness regarding cystic fibrosis, and the beauty pageant journey. Miss America 2025 is an important season in Abbie's life, but her ultimate goal is to care for children facing severe illness. She is a senior at Auburn University pursuing a degree in pediatric nursing.​

            Please enjoy the 180th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Abbie Stockard. Abbie, it was such a gift to meet you. You are wearing the Miss America crown with humility and purpose. 

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

Episode 179: Catherine Coldstream

 

Author

            Catherine Coldstream's memoir, My Years as a Nun, was published last year, and details Catherine's over a decade-long experience in a silent, Carmelite monastery in Northumberland. Catherine sat down with me to talk about how she came to live in the monastery, what the day-to-day looked like, and how her experience impacted her faith and the way she views monastic orders now.​

            Please enjoy the 179th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Catherine Coldstream. Catherine, it was a delight to speak with you and hear a part of your story. Thank you for writing about your experience in the Carmelite monastery and giving us a window into the monastic life. 

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

Episode 178: Mary Alice Hostetter

 

Author

            Mary Alice Hostetter's memoir, Plain: A Memoir of Mennonite Girlhood, was published in December of 2022, and the paperback copy hit shelves about six weeks ago. Mary Alice shared her journey with me from growing up in a sect of the Mennonite community to leaving it as a young woman and pursuing higher education. We also talked about being lesbian, and her transition to the Quaker faith.​

            Please enjoy the 178th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Mary Alice Hostetter. Mary Alice, thank you for coming up on the podcast and sharing a part of your story with my audience 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 177: Jean Lee

 

Author

            ​Jean Lee's memoir, Alzheimer's Daughter, is a raw and moving account of a daughter caught in the tension of wanting to honor her parents while also needing to address their worsening mental and physical abilities. Jean Lee sat down to talk with me about her story, and how her life has been impacted by writing a memoir and helping to found AlzAuthors.com. AlzAuthors.com is a nonprofit organization that creates an online community for caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's. It is a community where caregivers can support one another and learn from the experiences of those who understand.   

            Please enjoy the 177th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jean Lee. Jean, thank you so much for sharing your parents' story with vulnerability and love. The memoir was a gift to me, and I know it will be for any of my listeners who read it as well. 

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

Episode 176: Maria Rose Evans

 

Singer and songwriter

            ​ Maria Rose Evans is a rising vocalist based in Colorado. Her song, "Drunk Again," created in collaboration with Song House Collective and released in the fall of 2023, has amassed over 3.5 million plays on Spotify and almost a million views on YouTube. I spoke to Maria about her life and walk with the Lord as a young woman who struggles with mental health and has faced several tragedies. "Drunk Again" is a cry of my own heart, and it was a gift to connect with a fellow Christian who walks with the Lord keenly aware of her brokenness. We inhabit broken bodies and minds, but not without an ever-present and faithful God Who has defeated the power of death, no matter its form. 

            Please enjoy the 176th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Maria Rose Evans. Maria, thank you for your vulnerability and your courage. God is using you in mighty ways, and I am blessed to have intersected with your life. 

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