Episode 316: Sister Theresa Aletheia

 

Nun

            Sister Theresa Aletheia left the Catholic religious order she had been part of for nearly ten years in 2022, alongside Sister Danielle Lussier, to begin an association dedicated to hearing the stories of people who have experienced spiritual and sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Sister Theresa sat down with me to talk about her journey to becoming a nun, her own experience of spiritual betrayal, and the difficult but necessary ministry of listening.⁠

            Please enjoy the 316th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Sister Theresa Aletheia. Sister Theresa, thank you for sharing part of your faith journey with me. It was a gift to listen! 

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

Episode 315: Alexandra Hunter

Content creator

            Alexandra Hunter is a content creator who is passionate about sharing her faith journey and her experience as a single 41-year-old who desires marriage. She sat down with me to talk about her recent conversion to Christianity, what led her to faith, and what it really looks like to follow Christ in the day-to-day—especially when life doesn’t unfold the way we hoped.⁠

            Please enjoy the 315th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Alexandra Hunter. Alexandra, thank you for sharing your story with me. It was a gift for me to talk with you about our walk of faith. 

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

Episode 314: Liam Thomas

 

Actor

            Liam Thomas is a British actor who found his way to the industry after working first in the Navy and then as an undercover detective. Liam sat down with me to talk about his childhood, his passion for storytelling, and his experience in the undercover world.⁠

            Please enjoy the 314th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Liam Thomas. Liam, thank you for coming on the podcast to share parts of your life journey with me. I am excited for your upcoming projects!

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

Episode 313: Katya Suvorova

 

Author

            Katya Suvorova has owned her voice in an upcoming memoir titled Ungrateful Immigrant Daughter. Katya sat down with me to talk about her childhood journey as an undocumented immigrant's daughter in the U.S. as well as the hardship of broken family relationships.⁠

            Please enjoy the 313th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Katya Suvorova. Katya, thank you for sitting down with me and sharing 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 312

 

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

Episode 311: Prisha Mosley

 

Detransitioner

            Prisha Mosley has struggled to feel comfortable in her body ever since she was a young teen. She began medically transitioning to a male at sixteen and had a mastectomy at eighteen. Prisha sat down with me to share her story, which ultimately led to detransitioning.⁠

            Please enjoy the 311th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Prisha Mosley. Prisha, thank you for sharing your story with me and my audience. It has made a permanent imprint of hope on my heart.

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

Episode 310: Satish Sawant

 

Founder and President of APYSA

            ⁠Satish Sawant was born in a leprosy colony in Pune, India, to parents affected by leprosy. He sat down with me to discuss the stigma surrounding people affected by leprosy in India, including those who have been cured but continue to live with permanent physical effects of the disease. He also shared his journey of founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating communities about leprosy and providing support to the colony where he grew up.

            Please enjoy the 310th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Satish Sawant. Satish, thank you so much for talking with me. It is such important work you are doing! 

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

Episode 309: Presley and Jessica Warman

 

Content creators

            ⁠Presley and Jessica are sisters with a passion for vintage fashion. Presley loves the 50's and Jessica the 60's. Both ladies sat down with me to talk about their content creation journey and their daily life dressing vintage.

            Please enjoy the 309th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Presley and Jessica Warman. Presley and Jessica, it was such a treat to talk with both of 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 308: Lara Silverman

 

Author

            ⁠Lara Silverman suddenly became bedridden at the height of her legal career in 2018 without any explanation. She still has no explanation but now can rise from her bed two hours at a time before returning. Lara took one of those stints to talk with me about her illness, her sweet relationship with her late husband, and her hard conversations with the Lord.

            Please enjoy the 308th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Lara Silverman. Lara, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I am so grateful for you and 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 307: Alicia Duncan

 

Author and advocate

            ⁠Alicia Duncan lost her mom, Donna, in the fall of 2021 when she chose to be euthanized four hours after being released from a psychiatric ward due to a suicide attempt. Alicia sat down with me to share her mother's end-of-life story and how she processed Donna's passing.

            Please enjoy the 307th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Alicia Duncan. Alicia, thank you for sitting down with me to share such a hard part of you and your mom's story. I am so grateful for the work you are doing to bring more awareness to the ethical concerns of medical assistance in dying (MAID). 

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

Episode 306: Aaron Burns

 

Filmmaker

            ⁠Jimmy is an upcoming biopic film starring KJ Apa based on Jimmy Stewart's life before and during the filming of It's a Wonderful Life. Aaron Burns sat down with me to talk about his experience as the director of the film, his passion for the project, and some of the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.

            Please enjoy the 306th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Aaron Burns. Aaron, thank you for coming on the podcast and sharing more about your passion for this upcoming film. I am so excited to see it! 

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

Episode 305: Sean Hotchkiss

 

Author

            ⁠Sean Hotchkiss' memoir, ⁠Hating Women: A Memoir of Male Rage and Recovery, hits shelves in one week. Sean sat down with me to talk about his journey wrestling with relational hurts as a male. 

            Please enjoy the 305th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Sean Hotchkiss. Sean, thank you for sitting down with me and sharing your journey from despair to hope. 

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

Episode 304: Mike Janzen

 

Musician

            ⁠Mike Janzen is a singer, songwriter, and pianist who recently came out with his eighth album, The End of Myself. Mike sat down with me to talk about the debilitating concussion in 2016 that inspired this project.

            Please enjoy the 304th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Mike Janzen. Mike, thank you for sharing such a hard and transformative part of your story 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 303: Joyce Shaw

 

A mom who has experienced a miscarriage

            ⁠Joyce Shaw is a mom of three boys who sat down with me to share the heartbreaking story of the miscarriage of her daughter, Aoife, over a year ago.

            Please enjoy the 303rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Joyce Shaw. Joyce, thank you for sharing the story of this hard chapter in your life with me and my audience. May it comfort many moms who know this intimate pain with the knowledge that they are not alone. 

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

Episode 302: Jen

 

A tall female content creator

            ⁠Jen is a woman who is 6 foot 4 inches tall. The majority of her life has been seen from a higher altitude than many of her female peers. Jen sat down with me to talk about the assumptions she has faced as a tall woman and her journey to embracing her height.

            Please enjoy the 302nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jen. Jen, thank you for such a fun, honest, 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.

Episode 301: Dajia Jay Wilson

 

Model, poet, and motivational speaker

            ⁠Dajia Jay Wilson is a fashion model with a passion for holistic beauty. She is also a poet and motivational speaker who seeks to bring awareness to intentional living on and off the runway.

            Please enjoy the 301st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dajia Jay Wilson. Dajia, thank you so much for coming on the podcast and sharing your passion for holistic living. 

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

Episode 300: Cameron Rhodes

 

Actor

            ⁠It is such a gift for me to publish the 300th episode of this podcast highlighting the actor who played Farmer Maggot in the first film of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We talk about his iconic scene with the black rider, acting, and his love of opera (Cameron sings too!!).

            Please enjoy the 300th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Cameron Rhodes. Cameron, thank you so much for talking 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 299: Caren Jepkemei

 

Fashion model

            ⁠Caren Jepkemei left everything behind in Kenya in 2019 to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion model. She sat down with me to share her story, which has already involved brands such as Vogue, Chanel, and Valentino.

            Please enjoy the 299th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Caren Jepkemei. Caren, I am so grateful we had the opportunity to connect. Thank you for sharing your story 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 298: Sydney Anne Bennett

 

Lives with Functional Neurological Disorder

            ⁠Sydney Anne Bennett is a wife and mom who lives with a chronic illness called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Sydney sat down with me to talk about her journey with FND, how it plays out in her daily life, and where her hope lies.

            Please enjoy the 298th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Sydney Anne Bennett. Sydney, I am so grateful for our conversation. Thank you for sharing your story 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 297: Gaeya

 

Singer

            ⁠Gaeya is a Swedish artist with a passion to bring inner awareness and healing to others through her raw approach to music. Gaeya sat down with me to talk about her upcoming EP, "Growth," her faith in nature and her quest for hope.

            Please enjoy the 297th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Gaeya. Gaeya, thank you for sharing your worldview with me as well as your heart behind "Growth." 

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

Episode 296: Karli Karandos

 

Writer

            ⁠Karli Karandos is currently writing a memoir about her experience living with and then grieving the passing of a dysfunctional mother whose cause of death is still a mystery. It was just always complicated.

            Please enjoy the 296th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Karli Karandos. Karli, thank you for sharing such a hard part of your life story with me. I'm grateful for your courage. 

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

Episode 295: Casuarina Smith

 

Trucker

            ⁠Casuarina Smith hales from Australia with a love for the open road and scenic landscapes. Casuarina sat down with me to talk about the why behind her passion and what it's like driving behind the big wheel.

            Please enjoy the 295th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Casuarina Smith. Casuarina, thank you for talking to me about your life and love of the road. 

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

Episode 294: Stephanie Packer

 

Living with chronic illness

            ⁠Stephanie Packer was diagnosed with a terminal illness at 29 and given three years to live. Stephanie is now in her forties. She sat down with me to talk about the physical and emotional pain she endures, the medical horrors she has faced, and her thoughts on assisted suicide. If you would like to see the video Stephanie mentions, it is posted on my Instagram alongside this episode.

            Please enjoy the 294th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Stephanie Packer. Stephanie, thank you for sharing your story with me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity. 

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

Episode 293: Jennifer Goff

 

Entrepreneur 

            ⁠Jennifer Goff started "Skip The Line" the day she spent three hours soliciting her services as a stand-in for those waiting in line at a Game of Thrones pop-up bar in D.C. I sat down with her to talk about how she made a job out of waiting.

            Please enjoy the 293rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jennifer Goff. Jennifer, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about such a fascinating business venture. 

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

Episode 292: Madison Furgeson

 

Walking through infertility

            ⁠Madison Furgeson has been struggling with infertility for nine years. She has experienced numerous miscarriages, but she still believes that one day she will be a mom, even if it looks different than she first expected.

            Please enjoy the 292nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Madison Furgeson. Madison, thank you for sharing your infertility journey with vulnerability to so many. It is such an encouragement, and I am honored to be your first podcast interview! 

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

Episode 291: Giuseppe Dell'Anno

 

Winner of "The Great British Baking Show" 2021

            ⁠Giuseppe Dell'Anno won The Great British Baking Show in 2021 and was the first Italian to receive the honor. Giuseppe has since gone on to write recipe books, teach baking classes, and start his own catering company. Giuseppe sat down with me to talk about his Italian heritage and the struggle to balance all of his loves.

            Please enjoy the 291st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Giuseppe Dell'Anno. Giuseppe, I'm so grateful we were able to talk. Thank you for taking the time in the midst of so much busy!

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

Episode 290: Mary Gibbs

 

Former voice actor

            ⁠Mary Gibbs⁠ voiced the cute and iconic toddler, "Boo," in the beloved Pixar classic, Monsters, Inc. Over twenty years later, Mary and I sit down to talk about her life now as a physical therapist, her father's passing six years ago, and Mary's singing hobby. 

            Please enjoy the 290th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Mary Gibbs. Mary, it was a gift to talk with you. Thank you for taking the time!

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

Episode 289: Laura Bretan

 

Opera singer

            Laura Bretan won "Romania's Got Talent" in 2016 and then came into America's public eye when she auditioned for "America's Got Talent" the same year in which she placed sixth. Laura's operatic voice has graced stages around the world, and she was kind enough to sit down with me to talk about where she currently is in her music journey, the value of her faith, and the bittersweetness of the music industry.

            Please enjoy the 289th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Laura Bretan. Laura, thank you so much for talking with me. Your story encouraged me, and I am excited for what is in store for 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 288: Dawn Wilcox

 

Documenting femicide in the U.S.

            Dawn Wilcox is a registered nurse who also happens to be documenting femicide cases in the U.S. for the past ten years. Her database spans females murdered by males from 1950 to the present. Dawn is at about 15,000 and still says she is scratching the surface. I sat down with her to talk about her work and the why behind it.

            Please enjoy the 288th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dawn Wilcox. Dawn, thank you for being a voice for the voiceless in our society. 

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

Episode 287: Janae Kinne

Content creator

            Janae Kinne and I sat down to talk about singleness. Disclaimer that this is not a dialogue on how to get "unstuck," prepare for marriage, or ignore your desires to be a Mrs.

            Please enjoy the 287th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Janae Kinne. Janae, thank you for sitting down with me to talk about your life journey and your experience with singleness. 

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

Episode 286: Samuel Hurley

 

Poet

            Samuel Hurley is a poet who not only writes but performs his works. We sat down to discuss the complexities of the human experience.

            Please enjoy the 286th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Samuel Hurley. Samuel, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. It was such an 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.

Episode 285: Nicolas Bruno

 

 Photographer and craftsman

            Nicolas Bruno is a photographer and artistic craftsman who creates visceral images based on his experiences with sleep paralysis. Nicolas sat down with me to talk about his journeys within surreality and his passion to use art as a voice for those who also live with sleep paralysis.

            Please enjoy the 285th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Nicolas Bruno. Nicolas, thank you for talking with me. It was such an interesting conversation. So glad we could connect on the podcast!

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

Episode 284: Dr. Tom Catena

 

 Medical doctor 

            Dr. Tom Catena is the head doctor of Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. He sees hundreds of patients a day who live in poverty and need medical care. This episode is a window into his life, faith, and daily struggles.

            Please enjoy the 284th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dr. Tom Catena. Dr. Tom, it was a gift to talk with you. Thank you for taking precious time to talk to 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 283: Steph Black

 

 Archaeologist 

            Steph Black is graduating this year with her PhD in Archaeology from Durham University. She sat down with me to talk about her thesis project, her excavation experiences, and her perspective on what defines value.

            Please enjoy the 283rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Steph Black. Steph, thank you for taking time to talk with me. It was a fascinating 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 282: Bri Anora

 

Poet

            Bri Anora sat down with me to talk about her life as a poet and the passion she has for expressing herself through the written word. Her second poetry collection, On Your Darkest Days, publishes on Monday, April 20th.

            Please enjoy the 282nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Bri Anora. Bri, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. It was a gift to get to peek through the window of your world. 

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

Episode 281: Laurel Nicholson

 

Death doula

            Laurel Nicholson, founder of "The Death & Resurrection Doula," sat down with me to talk about her experience walking alongside the dying, what being a death doula entails, and the hope she reminds her clients passing from this life to the next.

            Please enjoy the 281st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Laurel Nicholson. Laurel, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I really enjoyed our conversation, and it honestly gave me hope wrestling with this difficult topic.  

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

Episode 280: Karolyn Grimes

 

Former child actress

            Karolyn Grimes is famously known for her role as "Zuzu Bailey" in the beloved 1946 classic, It's a Wonderful Life. Her scene with Jimmy Stewart about preserving the flower petals has become one of the most memorable moments from that film. Karolyn was kind enough to sit down with me and reflect on her own life story.

            Please enjoy the 280th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Karolyn Grimes. Karolyn, thank you for taking the time to talk with me. It was a gift to meet you and hear 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 279: Agata Grzybowska

 

Documentary and war photographer

            Agata Grzybowska is a documentary and war photographer who captures hardships people face around the world. She was recently highlighted for her work shooting stills of Chloé Zhao's Oscar nominated film, Hamnet. Agata and I sat down to talk about her life as a photographer and the impact of human suffering upon her own soul.

            Please enjoy the 279th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Agata Grzybowska. Agata, it was such a pleasure to talk with you and to hear about your heart behind your work. 

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

Episode 278: Timber Cleghorn

 

Humanitarian aid worker and former contestant on "Alone"

            Timber Cleghorn was the last contestant of, Alone, Season 11, to tap out resulting in a winner. Timber took a break from his job cutting timber to talk about his passion for humanitarian aid, parenting children through the unknown, and what he does with fear.

            Please enjoy the 278th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Timber Cleghorn. Timber, thank you for talking with me. It was such a gift to hear parts of 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 277: Rana Hassan Faqih

 

Dispatcher at the Palestine Red Crescent Society

            Rana Hassan Faqih is a dispatcher for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. She was the main dispatcher who interacted for several hours with five-year-old girl, Hind Rajab, who was desperately calling for aid from a car in Gaza under fire as she was surrounded by the bodies of her loved ones.

            Please enjoy the 277th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Rana Hassan Faqih. Rana, it was a gift to talk with you and to hear Hind's voice through your own. 

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

Episode 276: Dub Paetz

 

Survivalist and former contestant on "Alone"

            Dub Paetz was one of three last contestants on Season 11 of Alone. Dub sat down with me to talk about what changed in his mindset toward people due to the show, surviving in high school, and doing life with his girlfriend, Jolie.

            Please enjoy the 276th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Dub Paetz. Dub, thank you for talking with me about your survival journey, both in and outside the Arctic Circle. 

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

Episode 275: Bernd Ogrodnik

 

Puppeteer

            Bernd Ogrodnik is the artistic director of the "Worlds of Puppets" production company based in Reykjavik, Iceland. He is world-renowned for not only his puppet designs, but his puppet performances. Bernd sat down with me to talk about the world of puppetry and his desire to express meaningful themes through his storytelling.

            Please enjoy the 275th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Bernd Ogrodnik. Bernd, thank you so much for talking with me. I loved learning more about puppets and the worlds they can contain.

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

Episode 274: Frederick Atkinson

 

Literature lover and writer

            Frederick Atkinson and I sat down to talk about all things literature, whether that be his journey to content creation, the perspective to be gained in reading challenging subject matters, the Brontë novels, or the beauty of Old English.

            Please enjoy the 274th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Frederick Atkinson. Frederick, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. Such a great chat about the good and the beautiful to be found in literature. 

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

Episode 273: Sophie Stone Cook

 

Former actress

            Sophie Stone Cook graced my childhood screen as "Susan Pevensie" in the BBC The Chronicles of Narnia television series. Sophie sat down with me decades later to talk about the power she found through playing "Susan," her journey with neurodivergence, and personal spirituality.

            Please enjoy the 273rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Sophie Stone Cook. Sophie, it was such a gift to meet you. I felt like I was walking into the wardrobe of not only Narnia but of your life 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 272: Taya and Colton Kyle

 

Widow and son of deceased American sniper, Chris Kyle

            Taya and Colton Kyle, the widow and son of the deceased American sniper, Chris Kyle, sat down with me to talk about what patriotism looks like, the division in America today, and the importance of hope.

            Please enjoy the 272nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Taya and Colton Kyle. Taya and Colton, I am so grateful to be the host of this thought-provoking and honest conversation. Thank you for coming on the podcast!

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

Episode 271: Cameron M. Fathauer

 

Traumatic brain injury survivor, lawyer, author, speaker

            Cameron M. Fathauer suffered a traumatic brain injury over a decade ago and lost a third of his skull. Today, he is a successful attorney with a unique perspective to offer on the subject of artificial intelligence.

            Please enjoy the 271st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Cameron M. Fathauer. Cameron, it was a gift to talk with you. Your empathy for people is evident, and I am excited to see where the Lord takes 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 270: Markus Zusak

 

Author

            Markus Zusak is the acclaimed writer of The Book Thief. He sat down with me to talk about his writing process, quiet but powerful details in The Book Thief, and the beauty of storytelling. 

            Please enjoy the 270th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Markus Zusak. Markus, thank you for talking with me about storytelling. Such a gift!

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

Episode 269: Brother Arnold

 

1 of 3 remaining Shakers in the U.S.

            Brother Arnold sat down with me to discuss the Shaker faith, how he came to embrace the Shaker worldview, and his life in the last active Shaker community in New Gloucester, Maine. 

            Please enjoy the 269th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Brother Arnold. Brother Arnold, thank you so much for this conversation. I really enjoyed it, and I am grateful for the time you took to answer my many questions. 

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

Episode 268: Archie Yates

 

Actor 

             Archie Yates will forever be fixed in my mind as an actor who gave me one of my most beloved characters in film: Yorki in JoJo Rabbit. Archie sat down with me to talk about his passion for storytelling, moving into the filmmaking world, and his thoughts on compelling moral dilemmas in film.

            Please enjoy the 268th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Archie Yates. Archie, thank you for talking with me about your passion for storytelling. Excited to see what projects come your way in the future!

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

Episode 267: A Personal Story

 

There and back again

             Well friends, I interrupt your regular scheduled programming to bring you a short, personal story. Still processing it but thought it might be worth sharing 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 266: Elahe Hessamfar

 

Author and speaker

             Elahe Hessamfar came on the podcast to share the moving testimony of her daughter's life plagued by mental madness.

            Please enjoy the 266th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Elahe Hessamfar. Elahe, it was a gift to hear your daughter's story and its impact upon your life and faith. 

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

Episode 265: Jason Arkles (Part 2)

 

Sculptor and art educator

            Please enjoy the 265th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting the second part of my interview with Jason Arkles. Make sure to listen to part 1 if you are jumping in! 

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

Episode 264: Jason Arkles (Part 1)

 

Sculptor and art educator

           Jason Arkles is an American sculptor and art educator who is based in Florence, Italy. Talking with him felt like stepping into the past and getting a taste of the art world of old. He sat down with me twice to talk about his fascinating journey to becoming a sculptor, techniques used in sculpting, one of his favorite commissions, and his thoughts on the sacred.  

            Please enjoy the 264th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Jason Arkles. Jason, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about your passion for art and its history. Our conversations will be in my tops list for this podcast.

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

Episode 263: Joy Villa

 

Singer and songwriter

            Joy Villa is a singer, songwriter, actress, and author who appeared at the 2026 Grammys in a bold, handmade outfit with the slogans "Scientology Kills" and "Jesus Heals" displayed on the front and back. Joy sat down with me a few days before the Grammys to talk about the division created by political identity, the darkness of scientology and why she chose to leave it.

            Please enjoy the 263rd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Joy Villa. Joy, thank you for sharing your story with me and my audience. 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 262: Stephen Hunter

 

Actor and acting coach

           ⁠ 2026 is the 25th anniversary year of the first film in Peter Jackson's adaption of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I decided why not celebrate with Tolkien remembrances sprinkled throughout the year. First, John Noble, who played Denethor in the trilogy, made an appearance. Today, I have Stephen Hunter who played the dwarf, Bombur, in The Hobbit film trilogy. Stephen still acts but spends the majority of his time as an acting coach helping others to put their best foot forward in a difficult and competitive industry. Sit back and listen to Stephen's acting journey and his passion for bringing stories to life. 

           Please enjoy the 262nd episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Stephen Hunter. Stephen, thank you for taking time to talk with me and my audience about your acting 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 261: Veera Kaijanen

Tightwire performer

           ⁠ Veera Kaijanen is a tightwire performer who also hula hoops. Veera has performed in venues across Europe showcasing her ability to tell stories to audiences small and large. Veera and I sat down to talk about her journey to the tightwire, performing in circus acts, and some life lessons gained from the tightrope. 

           Please enjoy the 261st episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Veera Kaijanen. Veera, thank you for sitting down with me and my audience to share an important part of your life story. 

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