Episode 225: Marni Kagan

 

Professional matchmaker

           ⁠ By far, one of my most fascinating interviews yet! I got to sit down with a professional matchmaker of over fifteen years, Marni Kagan, who shared with me several of her client experiences as well as her process for taking on clients and walking them through the dating journey. Enjoy a conversation on dating etiquette, managing expectations for "the one," heartbreak, and wedding bliss. ⁠

            Please enjoy the 225th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Marni Kagan. Marni, thank you so much for talking with me about your matchmaking journey. 

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

Episode 224: Tiffany Sullivan

 

Author

           ⁠ ⁠Tiffany Sullivan published a memoir at the beginning of this year entitled Coming Out Restored - Struggles with Self & Sexuality Made New. Tiffany shared her journey with me as a young woman desperate for love who chose a romantic partnership with a female for several years before deciding to close the door on that chapter and accept God's love instead. This is an honest discussion about same-sex attraction, the universal desire to be known and loved, and faith. 

            Please enjoy the 224th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Tiffany Sullivan. Tiffany, thank you for sharing part of your life journey with me. It was a gift to hear and to see God's work in 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 223: Miriam Stockley

 

Singer

           ⁠ ⁠Miriam Stockley has been singing ever since she was a child in South Africa. She went on to become a backing singer for several prominent artists such as Tina Turner, Queen, and Elton John. She recorded the famous Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary album with Karl Jenkins and Mike Ratledge, which ended up being the last album that Princess Diana purchased before her death. Miriam was one of the artists to sing at Princess Diana's tribute concert at Althorpe House in June 1998. Additionally, Miriam Stockley's rendition of "Perfect Day" continues to be a soothing balm to the soul since she sang it in the 90s as the theme song for BBC's "The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends." Miriam sat down and talked with me about her life, the healing power of music, and how she sees the world. 

            Please enjoy the 223rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Miriam Stockley. Miriam, thank you for talking with me about your life and passions. It was a gift, and I am so glad we were able 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 222: Jorden Halvorsen

 

Bull Rider

           ⁠ ⁠Jorden Halvorsen is a four-time world champion female bull rider with a passion to give women an opportunity to enjoy bull riding and succeed in the sport. She founded "The Elite Lady Bull Riders" to provide an avenue for women to try their hand and/or compete in bull riding. Jorden sat down with me to share what she loves about bull riding, her nearly fatal injury in 2020, and how she is trying to bring women back into the bull riding arena in a way that acknowledges their physical limitations but still allows them to live to the fullest that eight seconds on a bucking bull. 

            Please enjoy the 222nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jorden Halvorsen. Jorden, thank you for sharing your bull riding journey with me. It was a gift to connect and hear how much you love the sport. 

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

Episode 221: Lisa Purtue

 

Former correctional officer 

           ⁠ ⁠Lisa Purtue published a memoir last year entitled, Five Minutes to Count, which details her experiences as a female correctional officer in some of the toughest prison facilities. She has asked that the state in which these facilities are located not be named due to her negative eyewitness accounts. Lisa sat down with me on the podcast and shared several of these experiences and her impressions. She is now a clinical abuse counselor and continues to share a message of empathy even for those behind bars. 

            Please enjoy the 221st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Lisa Purtue. Lisa, I am grateful we had our conversation, and I am eager for my listeners to learn more about the world many inmates face behind bars. 

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

Episode 220: Geneviève Côté

 

Vocalist

           ⁠ ⁠Geneviève Côté⁠ captivated me last year with her vocals when I came across one of her talent show auditions. She is an entertainer who tours around the world using her vocals to create the sounds of nature and everyday noises that fade into the background, like that of a door creaking or even a breath. Geneviève sat down with me to talk about how she preserves her voice, the connections she has made with people, animals, and nature through her vocal ability, and the importance of renewing one's mind.

            Please enjoy the 220th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Geneviève Côté. Geneviève, thank you for taking the time to talk with me and my audience about your passion for sound and connection.

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

Episode 219: Ingrid Weir

Interior designer, photographer, and author

           ⁠ Ingrid Weir grew up traveling the world with her father, famous Australian director, Peter Weir, and used her creative talents in some of his film projects, e.g. graphic designer for "Master and Commander." Ingrid is an interior designer, photographer, and author who has been featured in several prominent publications such as Vogue Living and Harper's Bazaar Australia. Ingrid talked with me about personality in interior designing, beauty, and what matters in life.

            Please enjoy the 219th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Ingrid Weir. Ingrid, thank you for conversing with me about life, beauty, and texture. 

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

Episode 218: Cork Graham

 

Former POW and photojournalist, author

           ⁠ Cork Graham's memoir, The Bamboo Chest: An Adventure in Healing the Trauma of War, recounts his experiences as a POW in a Vietnamese political prison where he was tortured and interrogated for almost a year before being released. Cork went on to serve the U.S. government as a paramilitary operations officer during the Central American civil wars, and then later became a substance abuse counselor to help fellow ex-military men suffering from PTSD. Cork sat down with me to share his experiences of war, his journey of PTSD healing, and his thoughts on our world's current hostile climate. 

            Please enjoy the 218th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Cork Graham. Cork, thank you for sharing such important yet painful 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 217: Richard Armitage

 

Actor and writer

           ⁠ Richard Armitage is a prolific actor who has starred in several films, television shows, and theatre productions. Some notable titles include "The Hobbit" trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, "North and South," "Ocean's 8," and BBC's "Robin Hood" series. Richard has expanded his reach into the writing world with his first thriller novel, Geneva, published in 2023, and his upcoming psychological thriller, The Cut, releasing next month. Richard sat down with me to talk about his upcoming book, his writing process, his childhood, and his thoughts on life and identity.

            Please enjoy the 217th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Richard Armitage. Richard, thank you for talking with me about your new book and your passion for powerful storytelling both through film and writing.

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