American Hope

Today we’re hearing from three more people I met along the way: a man aspiring to be a stock trader, a graduate student thankful for his family, and Aida, who along with her brother is carrying on the legacy of their father and grandfather as they manage Ferdi, a not-to-be-missed, family Italian restaurant in the west village. And finally, a brief reflection from me on the nature of "wasting time"...

We're hearing from Carlo from Italy, a college student descended from Columbian immigrants, and Gordon from Croatia. The world comes to New York, and they're bringing their hope with them!

New York City: it is one of the world’s most famous plots of land, and I was blessed to be able to pretend I lived there for a few days. It’s impossible to sum up the sensory overload in one moment, and the mysterious calm in another. The strangeness and familiarity – visiting New York is like meeting a celebrity: someone you’ve seen a thousand times in the two-dimensions of magazines and screens,...

Dr. Ed Hastings is a professor of theology and spirituality at Villanova University. He tells his story of growing up Catholic, entering the priesthood, and many years later feeling called away from the priesthood. His story is an inspiration in so many ways: choosing faithfulness, navigating midlife change, and finding hope by noticing and experiencing the love of God in ordinary life.

All too often, when someone throws out a new idea, someone responds "No." How would things change if our response was more like Andrew's? To say "Yes and..." or even "This could be even better if..." Andrew and I discuss hope in improv, Jewish American history, and being peacemakers in our local neighborhoods.

Two more Villanova seniors, Patrick and Connor, reflect on Hope along with their buddy Ace, in their new season of post-college life. Connor and Patrick also offer unique perspective as members of ROTC, and their willingness to serve in the defense of the US as they start their careers in the Army and Navy. They give some advice to their younger selves, reflect on hope in the present, and encourag...

We’re back at Villanova University, just northwest of central Philly, with our friend Ace and a good friend, Noah. Noah and Ace come from very different parts of the country, are poised to begin careers in different fields, and at this transitional time of life, offer their insights on hope.

We’re still in Philadelphia, with a brief glimpse into the hope of a few people I met along the way in Philly – a retired teacher and her husband at a Phillies game, tour guide Nick, bus driver Aaron, and my own recollection of a conversation with a man I met watching a Flyers playoff game in Chinatown.

Tacoma, Phoenix, and Nashville wrap up as we move on to Philadelphia! We’re kicking things off in Philly at Villanova University with now-recent graduate, Ace Carr, and Senior Director of First Year Experience, Alicia Dunphy-Culp! We’re talking about hope from the unique point of view of the college experience as a sort of gateway into the future.

Shane and Faith Ecklund relocated to TN many years ago from Washington and have been working in Christian ministry. They share openly about their work, blessings, and challenges, for example Faith speaks openly about how her HOPE is a part of her experience of 29 years in a wheelchair. Many thanks to the Ecklunds and their church, One Church Home! https://onechurchhome.com/

We’re on the road in this episode, still in Nashville but hearing from a variety of people! We’ve got a piano tuner, working musicians, visitors from other areas (including Turkey!), and a music college grad making his way. This is American Hope in Nashville.

Mimi and Natalie are in their 20s, early in their careers and adult lives. We sat down at a popular restaurant in East Nashville (and you’ll feel like your at the table with us, with all the ambient sound!) We talked about what gives them hope in this young adult season of life, choices, and changes. And it wouldn’t be a Nashville episode if I didn’t include some live music! Thanks to David Graham...

"Buckeye Heidi" tells the story of how her church community surrounded her during the greatest grief of her lifetime, and how now, 30 years later, God continues to lift her up in hope.

The American Hope tour finally takes flight! Having started where all road trips start – at home – we head to the southwest to Phoenix, Arizona. In part 1, you’ll hear from Ellie, a senior at Grand Canyon University, and I also bumped into some old friends from home! (We were in Scottsdale so I’m including them in the Phoenix episode!) I’ve also been asking people to submit their thoughts remotely...

In this final set of voices from Tacoma, we'll hear about a woman whose brother was murdered in the line of duty, about living in complete surrender, and about the genuine struggle to find hope in difficult times.

Still on the road -- sort of -- we hit the road where all road trips start: at home. Eleven people shared what gives them hope. While all are founded on faith in God, that faith is expressed differently. So you’ll hear some common themes, but some that may surprise you.

We hit the road where all road trips start – at home in University Place, WA, where most of my community are part of the church. So you’ll hear some common themes, but some that may surprise you. Coming up: Tacoma church, part 2, and other voices from the Tacoma area. Then our journey will take us to the southwest for a brief stop in Phoenix, Arizona. ------------- Music for American Hope is by Ke...

Erik Johnson is an athlete, actor, comedian, all-around goofball, as well as being a loyal son and brother and great friend. In this conversation, Erik shares about his unexpected physical malady, his struggle through addiction, and where he found hope throughout.

Mike summarizes the show's simple focus: "What gives you hope?" But rather than an abstract philosophy, American Hope aims to share the voices and stories of Americans just like you: living, working, struggling, dreaming. Those voices come from every corner of the nation, including right next door.