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.

Episode 260: John Noble

 

Actor

           ⁠ John Noble is famously known for his role as Denethor in the iconic film trilogy, Lord of the Rings. I sat down with him earlier this week to talk about the film, acting, and life's shadows and suns.

           Please enjoy the 260th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting John Noble. John, thank you for talking with me. It was a pleasure to connect and have a conversation about acting and 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 259: Samantha Mathis

 

Actress

           ⁠ Actress, Samantha Mathis, sat down with me to talk about her recent projects, her acting philosophy, life's hardships (both personal and external), the emotion of anger, and the gift of a furry friend's presence.

           Please enjoy the 259th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Samantha Mathis. Samantha, thank you for talking with me. I am so grateful we could have an open conversation about acting and 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 258: Wesley Eure

 

Actor

           ⁠ Wesley Eure, known for his acting in the late 70's children's series, Land of the Lost, and the soap opera, Days of Our Lives, sat down with me to tell me so many fun animal stories and share his appreciation of classic animation.

           Please enjoy the 258th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Wesley Eure. Wesley, thank you for talking with me about animals and animation. It was such a delight to laugh and reflect on furry friends. 

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

Episode 257: Anna-Maria Hefele

 

Singer

           ⁠ I came across Anna-Maria Hefele's YouTube channel upon seeing a sample video of her explaining the technicality of overtone singing. I was fascinated by her ability to sing two notes at the same time, so I reached out to have a conversation. Anna-Maria shared with me how her journey with overtone singing began, the technicality of this vocal art, and we even dived into some philosophical musings on sound. 

           Please enjoy the 257th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Anna-Maria Hefele. Anna-Maria, thank you for talking with me. It was so neat to connect and talk about the fascinating world of sound. 

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

Episode 256: Callum Blue

 

Actor and director

           ⁠ Callum Blue's character of Andrew Jacoby in The Princess Diaries 2 ended up being the wrong partner for Princess Mia but somehow as a viewer, at least for me, there was a pang of sadness for the nice, honest, and just no drama Duke of Kenilworth. I sat down with him over twenty years since the sequel's release to talk about a personal quest of self-discovery involving trauma and mushrooms. 

           Please enjoy the 256th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Callum Blue. Callum, thank you for taking time to share your life 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 255: Karen Dotrice

 

Former actress

           ⁠ I ended the 2025 podcast lineup with Angela Cartwright, Brigitta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. I begin the 2026 year with Karen Dotrice, Jane Banks in the classic Disney musical Mary Poppins. Karen is now 70 yet still cherishes her time on set many years ago. We talked about fond moments talking with Mr. Disney, how important experiencing childhood is, and some of the hard moments Karen has walked through as an adult.

            Please enjoy the 255th episode of Lament of Hope highlighting Karen Dotrice. Karen, thank you for being my first guest of the year! Such a gift to connect and talk about your past and present.

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