Episode 216: Bruce Spence

 

Actor

           ⁠ Bruce Spence has played numerous film, television, and theatre roles since he started his acting career in the 1960s. One of his iconic roles is that of "The Mouth of Sauron" from the final film of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Bruce also received the 2024 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award for his philanthropic work among Australian actors. Bruce spoke with me at length about acting, his many film and theatre projects, books, his childhood, and the importance of taking action to make the world a better place. 

            Please enjoy the 216th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Bruce Spence. Bruce, thank you for giving me and my audience a window into 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 215: Danielle Richardson

 

Podcaster

           ⁠ My dear friend, Anna, decided it was time my audience heard some of my experiences and thoughts on life. So, this is a get to know me from me hosted by Anna. Get ready for a conversation about the podcast, being a woman, and a bathroom escapade in Ghana.

            Please enjoy the 215th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting well.... 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 214: Jon Huertas

 

Actor and director

           ⁠ Jon Huertas is a director and actor who has appeared in several television shows such as Castle, Generation Kill, and This is Us to name a few. Jon talked with me about his journey into acting, his love of nature, the dangers of male stereotypes, meaning, and his sewing machine. 

            Please enjoy the 214th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jon Huertas. Jon, thank you for coming on the show. It was a gift to connect and have a 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 213: Leah Smith

Social media influencer

           ⁠ Leah Smith is a 40-year-old mom who loves Jesus and encouraging others through social media. She also has Stage Three Congestive Heart Failure. Leah is currently recovering from yet another open-heart surgery. She sat down with me to share her literal heart journey, but also how social media has been an outlet for her to connect with others and give hope to those struggling with chronic illnesses. 

            Please enjoy the 213th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Leah Smith. Leah, thank you for sharing your physical and emotional heart journey 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 212: James Norbury

 

Adventurer

           ⁠ James Norbury made almost a month-long trip on foot from the Lord of the Rings film set of Hobbiton to the location used for Mount Doom. Dressed as hobbits carrying the replica of the one ring, James (dressed as Frodo) and his friend, Alex (Sam), traversed New Zealand's North Island mimicking the journey of the Tolkien hobbits. 310 miles later, James is on the podcast to share his thoughts on the famous trilogy, the story of his quest (which includes a crazy incident on Mount Doom), and his take aways from the experience. 

            Please enjoy the 212th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting James Norbury. James, thank you for sharing the story of your quest with 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 211: Allelon Ruggiero

 

Actor and entrepreneur

           ⁠ Allelon Ruggiero's famous role is that of Stephen Meeks in Peter Weir's Dead Poets Society. Allelon sat down with me to talk about his business ventures involving the aerial arts, how he became an actor, and the impactful interactions he had with Robin Williams on the set of Dead Poets Society.

            Please enjoy the 211th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Allelon Ruggiero. Allelon, thank you for sharing parts of your life story with me. It was a gift to talk 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 210: Irene Bedard

 

Actress and producer

           ⁠ Irene Bedard is an actress and producer who is famously known for voicing Pocahontas in the Disney animated film. Irene sat down with me on Memorial Day to share her love and passion for her Native American heritage and her perspective on the indigenous experience in America. 

            Please enjoy the 210th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Irene Bedard. Irene, thank you for talking with me about your passion for indigenous peoples and your desire to make their stories known. 

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

Episode 209: Mark Lee

 

Actor

           ⁠ Mark Lee is a talented Australian actor who has performed several television, film, and theatre roles. He is famously known for starring in the Peter Weir 1981 film, Gallipoli, which tells the story of two young Australians (played by Mark Lee and Mel Gibson) who take part in the Gallipoli campaign during WWI. It is a very impactful film, and I have never forgotten the ending scene since seeing it as a teenager. Mark sat down with me to talk about his various acting roles, the tensions in the acting world, and how humans desire meaning. 

            Please enjoy the 209th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Mark Lee. Mark, thank you for our personable and engaging conversation. 

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