LAB the Podcast

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, Zach Elliott sits down with Brent Woody, lead attorney and Executive Director of the Justice Restoration Center to explore the often unseen legal and human work required to help survivors of human trafficking reclaim their lives. Together, we reflect on the connection between justice and beauty, the Imago Dei, and the quiet, faithful work that happens in the spa...

In this special Poetry Corner episode of LAB the Podcast, poet and artist Wendy Kieffer shares an original villanelle inspired by The Widow of Nain—a rarely explored gospel story where grief meets resurrection, and vulnerability encounters compassion. Recorded during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, this conversation reflects on loss, motherhood, beauty, and the profound hope found in C...

In this first episode of 2026, Zach Elliott sits down with Christina Kruse, Director of the LAB Initiative, to reflect on the growth of the initiative, the fight against human trafficking, and the vision ahead for the new year. Christina shares how Freedom Roast, church partnerships, and sustainable funding are creating real impact for survivors—locally and globally—and why January, National Human...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, Zach Elliott sits down once again with Lyric Gillett—Founder and Executive Director of Faces of Choice—for a powerful and timely conversation about courage, hope, and the life-shaping power of story. Lyric shares an extraordinary update: Faces of Choice has received network approval to bring the voices of abortion survivors to a global audience through the 2026...

This special live-recorded episode of LAB the Podcast was captured in the Theater at Armature Works in Tampa, Florida during the 2025 V3 Art Unveiling, surrounded by a live audience gathered for an evening of beauty. In this conversation, Zach Elliott sits with commissioned artist Morgan Irons as she shares the heart behind her work, Widow of Nain —a piece inspired by Luke Chapter 7 where grief, c...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with artist Sarah Sisco, whose creative path has taken her from NBA portraiture to immersive church installations to the rare honor of joining the White House Christmas decorating team. Sarah shares how beauty shapes us, why constraints can actually unleash creativity, and how wonder-filled environments—from sanctuaries to living rooms—invite us into...

In this special holiday episode, V3 Conservatory poet Wendy Kieffer returns to Poetry Corner to explore the sacred beauty that unfolds around the table. Together we reflect on slowing down, “bending time,” and rediscovering the holy ordinary moments that shape our lives. Through Wendy’s poem The Table , we consider tradition, memory, loss, joy, and the transformative power of gathering with the pe...

In this special ON THE ROAD episode, LAB the Podcast visits Tampa Covenant Church—one of Tampa’s most intentional and theologically rich sacred spaces. Pastor Lou Kaloger guides us through the beauty, architecture, and story of a church designed to lead with beauty: from symbolic windows, trees, and ancient elements, to a 160-year-old bell and a breathtaking stone chapel. Every detail tells the st...

Colonel Parker Schenecker served 27 years in Army intelligence, but his greatest joy was raising his children, Calyx and Beau.  In this powerful conversation, Colonel Schenecker shares how forgiveness, love, and service have helped him continue as a dad to Calyx and Beau — honoring their legacy through scholarships and programs that lift up young artists and future leaders. A hopeful and deeply hu...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, poet and V3 artist Wendy Kieffer joins us for a conversation inspired by “The Patience of Ordinary Things” by Pat Schneider. From cups that hold tea to floors that receive our feet, Wendy and Zach reflect on the quiet love hidden in the simplest moments — and how seeing with fresh eyes can awaken gratitude, imagination, and joy. Take a pause from the hurry, pour...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Timothy Patitsas, author of The Ethics of Beauty, theologian, filmmaker, and professor of ethics at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary. Together they explore the profound relationship between beauty, goodness, and truth—and why, in a world fractured by trauma and ideology, we must recover a posture that leads with beauty. Whether you’re an a...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Pastor and Author Courtney Ellis to talk about grief, hope, and the sacred art of paying attention. Courtney’s latest book, Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief weaves together family, faith, and the natural world—inviting us to see that grief and hope are not opposites, but companions on the same road. If you’ve ever faced loss, f...

In this special episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Zach's favorite guest—and favorite person—Cammie Elliott, Director of Ministry for VU VI VO. Cammie is the heartbeat behind so much of V3’s work—from LAB the Podcast to the Immersive Experiences, Sehnsucht Symphony and all special projects. Together, Zach and Cammie explore what it means to trust God in every season, from cross-coun...

Liza Thurmond joins LAB the Podcast to talk about the sacred work of teaching, seeing beauty through faith, and how one trip to Chicago’s Art Institute reshaped her classroom and church. A powerful conversation about V3's ON BEAUTY Immersive Experience at the Art Institute of Chicago and how it gave her fresh eyes.  Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of t...

Join us for an episode ON THE ROAD at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida — home to a stunning Chapel.  Development Director Nick Suszynski takes us inside this architectural and spiritual centerpiece, where sacred art, intentional design, and Catholic formation converge to shape generations of young men. Built in 2018 under the leadership of Jesuit’s visionary team, the Chapel of the Holy Cross...

Join us on LAB the Podcast for a special Poetry Corner episode with Poet and Author Wendy Kieffer (Alchemy of Praise). In this episode, Wendy shares a brand-new original poem that envisions walking with God in the cool of the morning — a powerful picture of hope, reunion, and new creation. We talk about the power of poetry to communicate before it’s understood, why reading aloud matters, and how c...

Join us as LAB the Podcast goes ON THE ROAD to First Pres Tampa with Rev. Kathy Conner. Discover how this South Tampa church is leading with beauty through intentional architecture, art, and community. From their five-year journey of faith to building a new campus, to creating spaces where kids, families, and neighbors feel at home, First Pres Tampa is shaping a vibrant, multi-generational church...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Dave Traynor, Pastor at South Tampa Fellowship Channel District Campus and long-time leader at Smith & Associates Real Estate. For nearly two decades, Dave has been at the heart of Tampa Bay’s growth, shaping some of the city’s most renowned high-rise developments while also pastoring and serving the community with Life and Beauty. Dave is a...

On this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin NeSmith—Pastor at Element Church in Brandon, Artist and owner of Fast Frames in Riverview. Benjamin’s journey weaves together the creativity of an artist and the calling of a pastor, offering a unique lens into how the Life and Beauty of the Gospel can be expressed in the everyday life. Join us as we explore his story, the intersections...

On this episode of LAB the Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Maynor, Chair of 100 Shares Tampa Bay and an 8th-generation Floridian with a deep passion for empowering women to steward their time, talent, and treasure. Amanda shares her journey of faith, leadership, and service, as well as the impact she’s making in the Tampa Bay community. 100 Shares Thank you for joining the conversation and embodyi...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Clendenon — V3 Team member and Co-Host of the Wayfarer Podcast. Jonathan shares his journey as a Florida-based technologist, newly married husband, and servant leader who has been faithfully supporting the ministry of VU VI VO for years. Jonathan’s story is one of faith, technology, and calling — a reminder of how God weaves together ou...

Sarah Farra and Pamela Poisson—founders of Dream Team Shows and producers of the Christmas production Undercover Elves —join LAB the Podcast to share the inspiring story of how God brought them together. From their personal journeys of faith to discovering their shared passion for the performing arts, Sarah and Pamela reflect on friendship, calling, and the joy of creating shows that are beautiful...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, V3 Conservatory Poet Wendy Kieffer returns for another episode of Poetry Corner, bringing to life Anne Sexton’s striking poem, The Fury of Sunrise s. Together, we explore Sexton’s vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and the complex themes woven into her work. Whether you’re a poetry lover, a student of literature, or simply curious about the life and beauty of p...

In this special On The Road edition of LAB the Podcast, we visit Redeemer City Church in Tampa, Florida—a modern church embodying an ancient faith. Planted by Pastor Mitch Kuhn, Redeemer is a growing community of believers currently gathering in the historic Zion Lutheran Church. Join us as we sit down with Pastor Mitch, explore the story behind Redeemer’s beautiful church home, and discover how a...

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Lurlene Diaz, Executive Director of Created Tampa—a Christ-centered nonprofit serving women impacted by sex trafficking, prostitution, and sexual exploitation. Lurlene shares her personal journey of faith, leadership, and calling as we explore how she arrived in Tampa, Florida to lead Created’s mission of healing and restoration through the love...