Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

Sometimes education becomes a bridge to the seeming impossible. When a student suggested Richard Goode visit Death Row, it planted a seed that grew into the LIFE program (Lipscomb Initiative for Education) at the women's prison in Nashville. Remarkably, Richard's own story began with higher education a distant dream. In this episode, discover how education can transform lives and what it...

What does it look like to find your singular calling after exploring multiple paths? I first met Garrett Dickerson when he was a student. Now, several years, a graduate degree, and multiple career lanes later, he's laser-focused on one thing: following God's plan and purpose for his life. In this episode, Garrett shares how he's helping others discover their own calling.  Garrett&ap...

What if one conversation changed the trajectory of your career? When Mark Victor Hansen told Honoree Corder at a conference that she needed to write a book, she took his advice—and never looked back. Now an author, TEDx speaker, and publishing strategist, Honoree shares her marketing genius and the lessons she's learned along the way. If you've been hesitating to share your message, Hono...

Ever felt torn between what you're known for and what truly lights you up? Kenneth Robinson is one of four brothers who played college football—three went pro—but what he loved most was reading quietly at home. In this episode, Kenneth shares how his thirst for learning led him to education, where he now pours wisdom into others through the very curiosity that shaped him. Find links to all my...

We all go through seasons where the storms keep coming. In this episode, I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to share a tough season in my own story. Over the past five years, I've weathered storms I never expected. If you've faced recent storms, I hope these words remind you you're not alone and that sun typically follows rain. Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com...

Every one of us has superpowers, but we don't always know what they are. Petchell Luepke, a Gallup certified career coach, helped me discover mine and she can help you learn how to discover yours, too. Petchell taught me, for example, to pair my “maximizer” with “strategic” to achieve my next book publication goal. Listen in and learn how you can leverage your natural strengths and talents to...

What happens when your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger—or in this case, thirst—meet? Rob Touchstone has spent the last decade living into this question—co-founding The Well Coffeehouses, launching a Business as Mission program, and now directing Lipscomb University's Center for Vocational Discovery. In this conversation, Rob shares why vocational discovery is a journey not a de...

Most of us look forward to a day when we might slow down. But in a season when most people wind down after reaching the apex of their careers, Phil & Melissa Roe have chosen a different path. They bought a farm just outside of Franklin, TN and transformed it into a spiritual retreat center.  Tune in as we talk about what it looks like to trust God when you feel called to unexpected new venture...

Is there any experience more powerful than being seen? In this episode I talk with Jennifer Pagel, a forever friend of 26 years, who has been on a ministry path all her life. We'll discuss the healing that comes from being fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. Jennifer is warmth, wisdom, beauty, and light. It thrills me to get to share her with you. Find links to all my podcasts at leanne...

How often have you personally vowed to seize the day? My long-time mentor, Dr. Norma Burgess, has shown me the value of living this out repeatedly—and the story of how this episode happened is proof of her own teaching. She moved to Costa Rica, but when she came sharply to my mind one recent Tuesday, I texted her. Just so happened she was in Nashville...only for the day, with one open hour. In thi...

How does it feel to be invited to a welcome, well-set table? Brooke O'Dell (former owner of Sugar Drop Sweet Supply Shop) learned the art of hospitality in a small Texas town—and now she's bringing that warmth to Nashville. In this episode, Brooke shares how her passion for gathering people was cultivated, why creating beautiful moments around food matters, and how her sense of style and...

What does it take to bridge the gap between a writer's vision and a reader's heart? Ami McConnell, a book doctor widely appreciated in publishing circles, has been doing exactly that since she was young. Connection is Ami's passion. In 2018, she launched WriterFest Nashville, bringing together creatives of book, song, and film. She’s also the host of the WriterFest with Ami McConnel...

Is there an underground current running through your life? You know—a theme that continues to bubble up in your work, your conversations, your passions? In this Season 2 opener, I share why fiction writing and teaching practical truths are the resonant notes in my own lifesong, and I invite you to start listening for yours. Talk to anyone long enough, and you'll notice undercurrents that emer...

What does it look like when someone discovers their gifts early and starts using them to make waves in the world? Though Aidan Miller is young, it's clear God has been shaping him for something meaningful. When I invited him on the podcast, I told him: "I love hearing how God works in people's lives, and the joy I imagine He feels in watching us give back to the world the very gifts...

What's the difference between copying and truly creating? Tom Bancroft, a former Disney animator now putting Nashville on the animation map, shares why moving past the copying stage is essential for any artist. Tune in to hear how early influences shaped the remarkable careers of Tom and his twin brother Tony (also a Disney animator, hence the (x2) in the title) in this one-of-a-kind partners...

What does it mean to be an artist partnering with God? In this episode, I sit down with Isaac Horn and Lincoln Mick of The Arcadian Wild —Lincoln is my son-in-law—to explore themes of invitation, creativity, and leaning into the talents we've been given. You'll hear the story behind Spring: Wake , the song that scores this podcast, and discover what it looks like to create art that honor...

Ever wonder what it takes to earn journalism's highest honors—or what comes after? Alan Griggs has won three Peabody awards, interviewed a U.S. President, and hired Robin Roberts early in her career. But despite his storied accomplishments, Alan remains disarmingly candid and approachable. Now in a second career as a professor, Alan continues to pay his hard-earned wisdom forward. Check out A...

Some people are born to be truth-seekers. Leonard Allen is one of them, a man shaped by early influences like Tiger’s Milk. Today, Leonard uses his own influence to ensure the pursuit of religious and intellectual truth continues strong for the next generation. If you've ever wrestled with questions of faith and meaning, you'll enjoy this conversation. Read about Leonard's latest bo...

What do you do when life throws you a major curveball? My friend Kendra picked up a hammer and knocked out a wall. The renovation of her new home became a powerful metaphor for rebuilding her life—and the subject of a book she's writing. If you've ever faced a season of unexpected change, Kendra's story will resonate. Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com . Follow Leanne...

Ever feel like life is happening to you instead of being shaped by you? Crafting a life plan can ensure you live with intention. In this episode, we'll talk about the power of good posture and consider the vocational story of Moses. When God asks Moses, "What's in your hand?" it holds a lesson that could change how each of us sees what we already have to offer. Find links to al...