Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

In this Season 6 recap, Kianna and I reflect on the guests, stories, and lessons that shaped this season of Gladness and Hunger . We discuss mentorship, vocation, God's faithfulness, and the surprising ways our lives often unfold. Join us as we look back on the journey and celebrate the wisdom shared by this season's guests. Here are more detailed highlights: We began Season 6 ( S6:E1 )...

In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, I sit down with Sydney Ball shortly after the launch of her consulting firm, Ballpoint Business Solutions. A Lipscomb College of Business alumna, Sydney has been recognized with honors including the Sterling Award for Top 20 Professionals Under 40 in West Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 , and Women of Influence . In our conversation, sh...

Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation? Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon & Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno. Media has been a constant thread...

Sometimes we discover we are wired in ways that surprise us. In this episode of Gladness & Hunger , I sit down with Dr. Matt Hearn, longtime English professor at Lipscomb University, to explore his unexpected journey into literature and teaching. Matt shares how he came to love words, the teachers and mentors who shaped him, and the moments that awakened his curiosity. Along the way, he reflec...

The underemployment of people with extraordinary minds is not just a personal loss — it’s a collective one. In this episode of Gladness & Hunger , I sit down with filmmaker Barry Wortz to talk about his powerful documentary, Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis . Barry was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old. Like many adults today, he spent decades navigating the world wit...

Bad weather and flight delays make some people surly, but one of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had in an airport happened under these very conditions, all because Casey Farris was there to bring fun, curiosity, and perspective into the moment. In this episode, I sit down with Casey Farris, a father, educator, leader, and the President of Madison Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, for a wide-rangi...

Each of us seems to have a life song,  a theme we’re drawn to again and again. Often, it’s born from pain. In this season-opening episode of Gladness & Hunger , Leanne does something different. Instead of asking the questions, her intern flips the script, inviting Leanne to reflect on the heart behind the podcast, the season’s theme, and the journey that shaped her calling. This conversation e...

Some know their vocational callings early in life. This is true for Grace Knetter, the only student I’ve ever had in business class with the dream to become a registered midwife. Young, but already deep into the preparation for her vocational calling, Grace is one of the most focused and determined young women I know. In 2025 when our first grandchild was born at home under the care of a midwife,...

Doug Bates is a lawyer in a long line of lawyers dating back to just after the Civil War. Doug and I met when we each wrote columns for the Hickman County Times. He called me to be on his annual radio program one Christmas, and I’ve loved him ever since. In his heart of hearts, Doug is a storyteller. He has an unbridled love for people, church, art, talent, athletics, a song well sung, and a word...

Demetria Kalodimos is a familiar name and treasured voice in Nashville. She joined WSMV in 1984 and became the longest-running evening news anchor in its history. A career journalist and storyteller, Demetria is also a documentarian and musician. In this episode you’ll learn new things about Demetria--how she hails from Chicago, is an enduring Cubs fan, and has a zeal for treasure-hunting, Cornish...

Ever wondered how to get your content into the media? Then you’re in for a treat because this episode of Gladness & Hunger features Mary O'Donohue, a media insider. Tune in to hear basic media strategies sure to help you get your work out to a larger audience. While Mary works solely with women non-fiction writers, all writers will find her advice—and her story—compelling. Tune in to hear...

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Disney movie, you’re going to love hearing from today’s guest, Tony Bancroft. Chances are Tony, former Disney animator who now directs Lipscomb’s thriving animation program, and his twin, Tom, had a hand in bringing some of your favorites to the screen. Tune in to hear which movies Tony has worked on, and to hear about the influences that shaped the artistic talents of two...

How many guys do you know who were once in a band, took a turn at stand-up comedy, continues to be a popular local DJ, and has a long tenure of service as a minister? Patrick Chappell is one interesting gentleman! Raised by a tight-knit group of women, Patrick passionately pursues two C’s in his life: curiosity and connection. Tune in to hear how he offers his outgoing nature and love for people a...

How important is it that we hold high the flags of our own influence? The birth of a grandchild has me revisiting this question. In this episode I talk about Walt Whitman who said, You are here. Life exists. The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. And Mary Oliver, who charged us to Pay attention! Be astonished! Tell about it.  God places unique opportunities into each of our han...

Are you an artist seeking to build a career with longevity and impact? Steve Taylor, an American singer, songwriter, record producer, music executive, film maker, assistant professor, and actor has done just that. Steve is known for projects like Blue Like Jazz , the movie adaptation of Donald Miller’s book, which he wrote, directed and produced, and Sketch , one of his latest projects that has cr...

A wise man once told me and my husband that we would look back on the early years of our working lives as among the most special. And he was right. John McCord, now a minister in Texas, and his family were integral to the truth of that prediction. If you're looking for a reminder that influence matters and some relationships stand the test of time and distance, tune in. Follow Leanne on Insta...

Do the spaces we occupy—where we live and do business—matter? DJ Farris believes they do. DJ is a realtor, avid outdoorsman, and lover of history. He says, “My study of history has taught me the importance of place, home, and family. These things matter because of the people who have gone before and the people who come next.” Listen in as DJ and I talk about the sacred nature of places and spaces...

Ever known someone who could run 100 miles in a single day? This was my first introduction to Earl Lavender in 1985 when he ran as a fundraiser for Lipscomb Athletics. Though Earl has had wide influence in the U.S. and abroad, in both biblical and athletic arenas, he makes his big waves with humility, giving all credit to the Ultimate Teacher. Tune in and you'll learn what thousands of former...

It's natural to wonder how you'd take it if you received a terminal diagnosis. In November 2023, Joseph M. Ivey found out. Joe has an impressive resume, having led several organizations, served on boards, and contributed his expertise to a number of non-profits. But when Joe had a health event that led to the discovery of a terminal brain tumor, his priorities shifted. If you need to be...

If you've ever wanted to know more about keeping bees, the history of pack-horse librarians in Appalachia, or where to find some motherly wisdom, you'll want to listen to this episode. It’s my honor to talk with Bonnie Blaylock, author of Light to the Hills , and co-host of the popular “Just Ask Your Mom” podcast. She’s also a beekeeper. You have a love a woman who can do all of that and...

What do Amy Cuddy, the Sabbath, and an old accounting ledger have in common? As Season 4 of Gladness & Hunger is launched, I'm reminded of the critical nature of stories, how important it is to observe Sabbath, particularly as a act of remembrance, and the sacred nature of one of my own stories, taught to me by my father, this side of his grave. My encouragement to you in the coming year...

What does it look like to build a life that creates ripples of influence far beyond your immediate circle? My husband Stan and I met Dave and Sydney Clayton, of Ethos Church, when they were undergraduates at Lipscomb—even then, they were influencers on a wider-than-average scale. In this episode, they share how they're raising sons to be fathers, the transformative power of consistent rhythms...

Creating work that resonates with millions is rare. Marianne Richmond, children's author and illustrator whose books have sold in the millions, learned to listen for commonalities. Coming out of a painful childhood, she discovered that while we all have vastly different experiences, the emotions we feel are the same. If you're a creator seeking to connect authentically with your audience...

What does it mean to be fully present with another person? I've long admired Dr. Jan Harris—English professor, poet, and Fellow for Faculty Wellbeing at Lipscomb. In this episode, we talk about poetry, writing, and Jan's remarkable gift for presence. Discover how poetry helps us see the world differently and what it looks like to contribute your unique verse to the world. Find Jan's...

Some stories change you. Vivi Radiro's journey from a dirt-floored hut in Kenya to cancer research is one of the most sacred stories I've ever recorded. In this episode, Vivi shares how pain became purpose and what it takes to pursue impossible dreams. If you need hope that God sees you and that a transformed life is possible, Vivi's witness to resilience will inspire you. Find link...