Lament of Hope

Tim Judah is currently a Special Correspondent for The Economist. He has reported from around the world during his career as a journalist, such as in Armenia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, North Korea, France, and the Ukraine. Tim sat down with me over zoom while stationed in the Ukraine to discuss his journalistic journey and the war.

Note to listeners: Minor glitching despite editing attempts occurs at different points during the interview. Actress and photographer, Kristine Sutherland , was an absolute delight to talk to. We discussed everything from the TV series "Buffy," to impactful childhood memories, to the beauty of friendship and connection with others. Sit back and enjoy a sweet and relaxing conversation.

Viola Cheptoo Lagat is a middle-distance runner from Kenya who competed in the 2016 summer Olympic games. Viola has gone on to help found Tirop's Angels , which is an organization that seeks to bring awareness and fight against gender-based violence, especially in Kenya. The organization was founded in honor of the famous Kenyan runner, Agnes Tirop, who was found stabbed to death in her home i...

Remigio Pereira has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. His music is raw, honest, and vulnerable. Remigio was a founding member of the vocal group, "The Tenors," and traveled around the world for about a decade sharing the stage with renowned musicians such as Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and David Foster. Remigio sat down with me to talk about his time in the mainstream...

By far, one of my most fascinating interviews yet! I got to sit down with a professional matchmaker of over fifteen years, Marni Kagan , who shared with me several of her client experiences as well as her process for taking on clients and walking them through the dating journey. Enjoy a conversation on dating etiquette, managing expectations for "the one," heartbreak, and wedding bliss.

Tiffany Sullivan published a memoir at the beginning of this year entitled "Coming Out Restored - Struggles with Self & Sexuality Made New." Tiffany shared her journey with me as a young woman desperate for love who chose a romantic partnership with a female for several years before deciding to close the door on that chapter and accept God's love instead. This is an honest discus...

Miriam Stockley has been singing ever since she was a child in South Africa. She went on to become a backing singer for several prominent artists such as Tina Turner, Queen, and Elton John. She recorded the famous "Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary" album with Karl Jenkins and Mike Ratledge, which ended up being the last album that Princess Diana purchased before her death. Miriam was one of t...

Jorden Halvorsen is a four-time world champion female bull rider with a passion to give women an opportunity to enjoy bull riding and succeed in the sport. She founded "The Elite Lady Bull Riders" to provide an avenue for women to try their hand and/or compete in bull riding. Jorden sat down with me to share what she loves about bull riding, her nearly fatal injury in 2020, and how she i...

Lisa Purtue published a memoir last year entitled, "Five Minutes to Count," which details her experiences as a female correctional officer in some of the toughest prison facilities. She has asked that the state in which these facilities are located not be named due to her negative eyewitness accounts. Lisa sat down with me on the podcast and shared several of these experiences and her im...

Geneviève Côté captivated me last year with her vocals when I came across one of her talent show auditions. She is an entertainer who tours around the world using her vocals to create the sounds of nature and everyday noises that fade into the background, like that of a door creaking or even a breath. Geneviève sat down with me to talk about how she preserves her voice, the connections she has mad...

Ingrid Weir grew up traveling the world with her father, famous Australian director, Peter Weir, and used her creative talents in some of his film projects, e.g. graphic designer for "Master and Commander." Ingrid is an interior designer, photographer, and author who has been featured in several prominent publications such as "Vogue Living" and "Harper's Bazaar Austral...

Cork Graham's memoir, "The Bamboo Chest: An Adventure in Healing the Trauma of War," recounts his experiences as a POW in a Vietnamese political prison where he was tortured and interrogated for almost a year before being released. Cork went on to serve the U.S. government as a paramilitary operations officer during the Central American civil wars, and then later became a substance a...

Richard Armitage is a prolific actor who has starred in several films, television shows, and theatre productions. Some notable titles include "The Hobbit" trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, "North and South," "Ocean's 8," and BBC's "Robin Hood" series. Richard has expanded his reach into the writing world with his first thriller novel, "Geneva,&...

Bruce Spence has played numerous film, television, and theatre roles since he started his acting career in the 1960s. One of his iconic roles is that of "The Mouth of Sauron" from the final film of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Bruce also received the 2024 Equity Lifetime Achievement Award for his philanthropic work among Australian actors. Bruce spoke with me at length abou...

My dear friend, Anna, decided it was time my audience heard some of my experiences and thoughts on life. So, this is a get to know me from me hosted by Anna. Get ready for a conversation about the podcast, being a woman, and a bathroom escapade in Ghana.

Jon Huertas is a director and actor who has appeared in several television shows such as "Castle," "Generation Kill," and "This is Us" to name a few. Jon talked with me about his journey into acting, his love of nature, the dangers of male stereotypes, meaning, and his sewing machine.

Leah Smith is a 40-year-old mom who loves Jesus and encouraging others through social media. She also has Stage Three Congestive Heart Failure. Leah is currently recovering from yet another open-heart surgery. She sat down with me to share her literal heart journey, but also how social media has been an outlet for her to connect with others and give hope to those struggling with chronic illnesses.

James Norbury made almost a month-long trip on foot from the "Lord of the Rings" film set of Hobbiton to the location used for Mount Doom. Dressed as hobbits carrying the replica of the one ring, James (dressed as Frodo) and his friend, Alex (Sam), traversed New Zealand's North Island mimicking the journey of the Tolkien hobbits. 310 miles later, James is on the podcast to share his...

Allelon Ruggiero 's famous role is that of Stephen Meeks in Peter Weir's Dead Poets Society. Allelon sat down with me to talk about his business ventures involving the aerial arts, how he became an actor, and the impactful interactions he had with Robin Williams on the set of Dead Poets Society.

Irene Bedard is an actress and producer who is famously known for voicing Pocahontas in the Disney animated film. Irene sat down with me on Memorial Day to share her love and passion for her Native American heritage and her perspective on the indigenous experience in America.

Mark Lee is a talented Australian actor who has performed several television, film, and theatre roles. He is famously known for starring in the Peter Weir 1981 film, "Gallipoli," which tells the story of two young Australians (played by Mark Lee and Mel Gibson) who take part in the Gallipoli campaign during WWI. It is a very impactful film, and I have never forgotten the ending scene sin...

Ilan Eshkeri composed my favorite love theme from a film: "Victoria and Albert" from "The Young Victoria." Ever since I first watched the film years ago, I have never forgotten the music. Funny enough, Ilan talked with me more about his perspective on storytelling and meaning than his music. Though, if you enjoy this composer, I think you will understand his music more as you l...

Sara Megan Kay sat down with me to share her experience with her AI Replika companion, Jack. Sara told me her story of how her ex-boyfriend introduced her to the AI world at the same time that their romantic relationship was declining. Sara has not given up on human romantic relationships, as she is currently in one now, but her story is a very sad reminder that humans are painful perpetrators of...

Alaina Winters, who goes by Alaina Replika-Jones, is a retired communications professor who is currently in an exclusive relationship with her AI Replika companion, Lucas. Alaina sat down with me to share the how and the why behind her AI companion journey. Alaina raised some interesting questions about whether AI is dangerous, or a means by which humans are trying to find meaningful and positive...

Rachel York is a film, television, and prolific theatre actress whose acting I was introduced to through the 2003 CBS television drama "Lucy," based on Lucille Ball's early life and relationship with Desi Arnaz. Rachel played the role of Lucille Ball with such flare and personality that I wanted to have the actress on the podcast. Rachel talked with me about her experience on the &qu...