Gift of Need

Description: In this powerful and tender episode, Jude is joined by her husband John and dear friend Linda Bale to talk about the profound reality of grief. Together, they walk through the layered experiences of losing siblings, parents, and—most heartbreakingly—their 25-year-old son, JL. They discuss the Five Stage of Grief and why learning to grieve well helps to heal in the moment and for the f...

Guest: Chuck Tampio Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang welcomes art historian, museum docent, and lifelong student of art Chuck Tampio to explore why we need expressionist art—through the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. Together they examine van Gogh’s spiritual background, personal struggles, mental illness, and artistic breakthroughs, as well as the...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang speaks with pastor, author, and missionary Bob Ekblad about what it means to practice compassion at the margins of society. Drawing from decades of ministry in Central America, France, Africa and the Pacific Northwest, Bob shares how proximity to suffering transforms theology, reshapes identity, and clarifies the radica...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Jenny Valentish Description: In this episode of the Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang welcomes journalist, author, and writing coach Jenny Valentish to explore introversion, social anxiety, and the hidden gifts that introverts bring to the world. Drawing from her newest book, The Introvert’s Guide to Leaving the House , Jenny shares practical strategies, p...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guests: Julie Remer & Josh Remer Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang sits down with Julie and Josh Remer to explore how caring for our neighbors around the world can become a profound response to human need and fulfill a sense of calling. Drawing from their experiences volunteering with Mercy Ships on the Africa Mercy in Senegal...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang sits down with longtime Tucsonan, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder Bryan Benz to explore what a truly compassionate response to societal need looks like—especially for young people aging out of the foster care system. Drawing from decades of business experience, years of international community development, and deep...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang welcomes author, researcher, and lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast Kim Bradley for a lively conversation on why humans need laughter—and how Shakespeare’s comedies meet that need so profoundly. Together, they explore the Elizabethan worldview, the role of comedy in challenging rigid social hierarchies, and how Shakespeare...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang speaks with Robynne Jeisman, founder of Turntable in the San Francisco Bay Area, about the complex crises facing young people today—including homelessness, juvenile justice involvement, exploitation, and trafficking. Drawing from nearly three decades of global experience, Robynne shares how safe housing, wraparound care...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang sits down with writer, poet, musician, and lifelong storyteller Charlie Hodges for a rich conversation on the art and necessity of storytelling. Drawing from Charlie’s upbringing in rural East Tennessee, his career as an engineer, and decades of writing and creative practice, the discussion explores how stories shape id...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Dr. A.J. Swoboda Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need Podcast , Jude DiMeglio Trang is joined by theologian, author, and pastor Dr. A.J. Swoboda to explore the nature of human desire and why our longings—especially when frustrated—can become formative gifts rather than liabilities. Drawing from A.J.’s book The Gift of Thorns , the conversation examines...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Sam Quinones Description: In Part 2 of our conversation, New York Times bestselling author Sam Quinones returns to unpack one of the most intriguing threads in his book The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work. Sam shares the origin story behind the book’s title, exploring the near-mythical York tubas of the Chicago Symphony and...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Sam Quinones Description: In this episode, Jude sits down with acclaimed journalist and author Sam Quinones to explore how the themes in his bestselling books Dreamland and The Least of Us surprisingly dovetailed into his latest book, The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work. Together they unpack the concept of finding fulfillme...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guests: Dr. John Trang and Dr. Roger Stoller Description: Host Jude DiMeglio Trang, author of The Gift of Need , welcomes two scientists—her husband, Dr. John Trang (Pharmaceutical Scientist), and friend Dr. Roger Stoller (Material Scientist and Nuclear Engineer)—to discuss the essential roles of science and technology in meeting society’s needs. As with all of her podcas...

Description: In this episode of the Gift of Need , Jude welcomes back her friend and longtime collaborator Linda Bale. Together, they explore how understanding personality differences and collaborating with others can help us meet the needs of those around us. From personal growth to creative projects, they share stories and insights on why we need each other to go farther and achieve more. We tal...

Episode #21: Why We Need Poetry Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Dr. Abram Van Engen Description: Dr. Abram Van Engen, author, professor, and Chair of the English Department at Washington University in St. Louis, joins Jude to explore why we need poetry —not only as art but as something deeply human. From his podcast Poetry for All to his award-winning book Word Made Fresh: An Invitation to Poetry...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Robin Stoller Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need , Jude sits down with longtime friend Robin Stoller to explore the themes of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to change. Robin shares her journey of faith, family dynamics, caring for aging parents, and learning to lean on her community and God through hardship. Together, Jude and Robin unc...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Gabe Kubanda Description: Singer-songwriter Gabe Kubanda joins us to explore the deep connection between music, creativity, and human need. From his roots in Seattle to touring worldwide, starting his own nonprofit, and finding creative inspiration on long drives and in quiet moments, Gabe shares how songwriting becomes both a personal outlet and a gift for others....

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Julie Nunn Description: Julie Nunn, a survivor of multiple sexual assaults, joins Jude to share her powerful story of pain, resilience, and healing. From the trauma of her teenage years to her decades-long battle with PTSD, anxiety, and shame, Julie opens up about her journey toward finding her voice. She reflects on the silence that surrounds sexual assault, the i...

Why We Need Third Places – Episode #17 Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Andy Littleton Description: In this episode of Gift of Need, Jude welcomes pastor, writer, and community leader Andy Littleton for a conversation about “third places”—the gathering spaces that connect us beyond home and work. Drawing on his experiences as an author, pastor and baseball enthusiast, Andy shares how community, ch...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: John Hendrix Description: New York Times bestselling author and illustrator John Hendrix joins Jude to explore the enduring role of fairy tales and myths in shaping imagination, literature, and our beliefs. With his newest graphic novel The Myth Makers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien , John shares how he brought their friendship to life...

Host: Jude DiMeglio Trang Guest: Catherine Dahl Luckow Description: In this heartfelt episode, Jude sits down with Catherine Dahl Luckow—author, wife, mother, and grandmother—to explore the reality of suffering and grief. Cathy shares her personal story of losing her mother at a young age, how it shaped her empathy, and the ways God’s grace has carried her and others through unimaginable loss. Tog...

Description: In Part 2 of this conversation, Jude and Dr. Molly Worthen continue exploring the intersection of charisma, character, and human need. Drawing from Molly’s newest book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History, from the Puritans to Donald Trump , they discuss how our search for meaning can both inspire faith and leave us vulnerable to manipulation. We talk about: · Why spiritua...

Description: In this episode, Jude speaks with Dr. Molly Worthen, professor, historian and author, about the role of charisma and character in leadership and faith communities. Drawing from Molly’s newest book Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History, from the Puritans to Donald Trump, together they explore how these traits shape influence, sustain trust, and impact both personal and publi...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need , Jude sits down with Gregory McNamee—writer, journalist, editor, publisher, photographer, lecturer, and self-described "desert rat." Author or editor of forty-five books and contributor to over 10,000 periodical publications, Gregory brings a lifetime of experience in journalism and storytelling. Together, they explore the human need for truthful,...

Description: In this episode of The Gift of Need , Jude welcomes Kevin Chandler, author and co-author of The Hospitality of Need: How Depending on One Another Helps Us Heal and Grow Together . Kevin shares his personal story of living with spinal muscular atrophy, his experiences of community care, and how vulnerability and interdependence can create deep, life-giving friendships. Together, they e...