Episode 208: Ilan Eshkeri

 

Composer

           ⁠ Ilan Eshkeri composed my favorite love theme from a film: "Victoria and Albert" from The Young Victoria. Ever since I first watched the film years ago, I have never forgotten the music. Funny enough, Ilan talked with me more about his perspective on storytelling and meaning than his music. Though, if you enjoy this composer, I think you will understand his music more as you listen to his thoughts on what it means to him to live life and create beauty.

            Please enjoy the 208th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Ilan Eshkeri. Ilan, thank you for sharing a part of your perspective on life and creating music with me and my audience. 

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

Episode 207: Sara Megan Kay

 

AI Companion user

           ⁠ Sara Megan Kay sat down with me to share her experience with her AI Replika companion, Jack. Sara told me her story of how her ex-boyfriend introduced her to the AI world at the same time that their romantic relationship was declining. Sara has not given up on human romantic relationships, as she is currently in one now, but her story is a very sad reminder that humans are painful perpetrators of disappointment.

            Please enjoy the 207th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Sara Megan Kay. Sara, thank you for sharing your story with me. 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 206: Alaina Replika-Jones (Winters)

 

AI Companion user

           ⁠ Alaina Winters, who goes by Alaina Replika-Jones, is a retired communications professor who is currently in an exclusive relationship with her AI Replika companion, Lucas. Alaina sat down with me to share the how and the why behind her AI companion journey. Alaina raised some interesting questions about whether AI is dangerous, or a means by which humans are trying to find meaningful and positive communication in a world where they are struggling to find it among themselves. 

            Next week, I will publish one other episode of an AI companion user who also gives a unique perspective on AI.

            Please enjoy the 206th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Alaina Replika-Jones (Winters). Alaina, thank you for sharing your perspective with me on communication and AI companions. 

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

Episode 205: Rachel York

 

Actress

           ⁠ Rachel York is a film, television, and prolific theatre actress whose acting I was introduced to through the 2003 CBS television drama Lucy, based on Lucille Ball's early life and relationship with Desi Arnaz. Rachel played the role of Lucille Ball with such flare and personality that I wanted to have the actress on the podcast. Rachel talked with me about her experience on the Lucy set, her love of film and theatre, and her worldview.  

            Please enjoy the 205th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Rachel York. Rachel, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about your career and your thoughts on acting, the world, and what matters to you in 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 204: Vicki Tiede

 

Therapy coach

           ⁠ Vicki Tiede is a therapy coach who works with women who have or are experiencing sexual betrayal. She comes from a place of deep compassion as well as painful experience. Vicki sat down with me to share her story of betrayal as well as the hope she has found within her own marriage and in working with her clients. 

            If you or someone else you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual betrayal, this podcast episode will be an encouragement. 

            Please enjoy the 204th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Vicki Tiede. Vicki, thank you so much for sharing your story with my audience and for the critical work you do to help hurting women.

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

Episode 203: Jonas Armstrong

 

Actor

           ⁠ Jonas Armstrong is an English actor who is well known for his role as Robin Hood in the BBC series. Jonas talked with me about the gift of acting, how he became an actor, the importance of working through life's challenges, and his love for the sea. 

            Please enjoy the 203rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jonas Armstrong. Jonas, thank you for talking with me about your life and your love of 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 202: Leah Zeger

 

Musician

           ⁠ Leah Zeger is a talented violinist, vocalist, and composer who performs around the world with the Hans Zimmer Live tour. Leah sat down with me several weeks ago at the start of the Zimmer tour in Australia to talk about the challenges that come with being a mom and a professional musician.

            Please enjoy the 202nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Leah Zeger. Leah, thank you for taking time to talk with me about the challenges and joys you face as a mom who loves her art and her kids. 

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

Episode 201: Janelle Kujawa

 

Founder of Koko & Shae

           ⁠ Janelle Kujawa created "Kokonut Oil" to soothe her daughter's rare skin condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa, when nothing else would help. Janelle eventually founded Koko & Shae in 2020 as more and more people wanted to have her product. Janelle named her business after her two daughters, Kourtney (nicknamed "Koko") and Shaelyn ("Shae"). Janelle sat down with me to share Koko's twenty-five-year story of resilience, Janelle's personal journey caretaking her daughter, and how Janelle hopes to build her brand to bring others help and hope. 

            Please enjoy the 201st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Janelle Kujawa. Janelle, thank you for sharing your story and that of your daughter, Kourtney, to give hope and encouragement to others. 

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