Strangers on The Way

In Episode 49, Lauren introduces listeners to Irving Cortés, a successful businessman and economist from Mexico City. Irving is changing his city through generosity, the empowerment of women, faith, and entrepreneurship. Get a taste of Mexican culture and immerse yourself in the beauty of the city through Irving's inspirational words. - The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world...

In Episode 48, Lauren chats with an Englishman named Luke Smith! Luke leads the England and Wales team of Fusion Movement, an organization that equips churches to love, reach and disciple college students. Luke is an outstanding leader and so much FUN! Get ready for some laughs as we discuss Shakespeare, fools, silly English phrases, and Luke's wild adventure sitting in a homemade prison cage...

In Episode 47, Lauren interviews Cassie Nance, a homeschooling mom who is passionate about healthy parenting. Cassie lives in Ventura County, California and has a wonderful husband and two teenage kids. During the episode, Cassie shares deep wisdom about how to call out identity in your kids, operating out of love instead of fear, how to offer your kids supportive space, the importance of removing...

In Episode 46, Lauren chats with Kelsey Wickenhauser, coach and founder of Kingdom Fit Moms Academy. Kelsey's approach to weight loss is next level and truly inspired by God -- so much so that Kelsey left a career as a Physician Assistant to pursue her God-given dream. If there's a dream in your heart, we believe Kelsey's words will inspire you today! The Strangers on The Way Podcas...

In Episode 45, Lauren interviews Yvette Ewing, community developer and Executive Director of the Fuller Center for Housing Hero Project Lake County (founders of Habitat for Humanity) and The Community Works, a 22 city workforce development program that helps people come out of poverty.  Yvette is a 34-year community development leader who specializes in collaboration and innovative community progr...

In Episode 44, Lauren interviews Professor of Heaven (Lauren-proclaimed nickname!) Marti Heagney. Marti has done extensive research on people who have experienced Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and have gone to Heaven. Turns out Heaven isn't just babies and angels playing harps on clouds. There's so much more to the afterlife. Join Lauren and Marti as they discuss what Heaven is really li...

In Episode 43, Lauren chats with Nebraska farmer and father, Chris Booth. Lauren sat next to Chris on an airplane last week and was moved hearing about the power of rural life and 4-H show animals. In this episode, Chris shares about the agricultural cycle and how it relates to life, the beauty of a rural lifestyle, neighbors who look out for one another, and several fun stranger stories of his ow...

In Episode 42, Lauren catches up five years later with Ray Contreras, the stranger she met at a hostel in San Diego famous for his random acts of kindness. In this episode, Lauren and Ray discuss the aftermath of the pandemic, ways to create beauty from ashes, and how to spark local community and environmental change through the entrepreneurship of Ray's newest business, Blulite Bonfires. Fol...

In Episode 41, Lauren invites you to experience your own strangers on the way activation. Get a piece of paper and a pen and jump into this healing experience. In just a moment, there will be an opportunity for you to reflect on the people and places in your own story. Think of the name of a friend, a family member, a person or a leader in your life who describes a specific attribute. On a sheet o...

In Episode 40, Lauren introduces listeners to Bill, a man who has experienced homelessness for decades that she met on a walk in her local neighborhood. “Come out of hiding; you're safe here with me. There's no need to cover what I already see. You've got your reasons, but I hold your peace. You've been on lockdown and I hold the key.” -Steffany Gretzinger Wonder Do you know so...

In Episode 39, Lauren introduces listeners to the first non-human stranger in this series - a bird with a broken wing and a powerful lesson. Wonder Is there a space in your life that is hurting? Are you exhausted trying to figure out life on your own? Do the worries seem to be circling like crows in the sky? You may not see him, but your rescuer is right next to you. You don’t have to rescue yours...

In Episode 38, Lauren introduces listeners to Casmir, a new friend from Seattle who overcame a powerful addiction. Wonder  Does the darkness in your life feel a bit extra dark these days? Are you or someone you know battling some form of addiction? Activate Take a moment and declare that the night will shine like the day. Invite God to show you where he is in these dark moments of life. He may dro...

In Episode 38, Lauren introduces listeners to Mary, a powerful woman from England! Wonder Today, I want you to know that freedom can be yours. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as my experience (God knows your heart and knows what you need), but you can ask him to set you free. You can ask him for more. You can ask him to show you his love. He delights in you. He loves to walk and talk with you. H...

In Episode 36, Lauren introduces listeners to Royce, an elderly cashier at Trader Joe's! Wonder 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.” Royce loved and served his wife because he knew she loved him. Love empowers us to love. Do you know that God loved you first, too? Before you were born, he chose you because he loves you. How does that make you feel? Activate  Ask God, “How ar...

In Episode 35, Lauren introduces listeners to Ken, her next-door-neighbor. “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors — in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” -Mr. Rogers Wonder Is there anyone in your life who...

In Episode 34, Lauren introduces listeners to Don, the plumber at her favorite place on the planet - Arlington Race Track. “When you are on a great horse, you are on the best seat you will ever have." -Winston Churchill Wonder Is there something you’ve lost that you haven’t spoken about in a while? Are there others who may have experienced the same loss? Activate Connect with one of the peopl...

In Episode 33, Lauren introduces listeners to an Englishman named Paul who shares about the redemption of brokenness. " Brokenness is often the road to breakthrough.” -Tony Evans Wonder Are you bleeding and broken today? It’s okay. God is right there with you holding the pieces. Activate What one step will you take today to help someone else who is broken, too? Yield Pray this prayer with me:...

In Episode 32, Lauren introduces listeners to a man wearing a bright red suit she ran into at a networking event. “A coach is someone who sees beyond your limits and guides you to greatness.” -Michael Jordan Wonder I have this funny feeling that you may run into someone who reminds you of someone else this week. Ask God if there is a personal characteristic, a location or a theme to keep an eye ou...

In Episode 31,  Lauren introduces listeners to an elderly woman named Louise who shares wisdom about hard days. Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers acros...

In Episode 30,  Lauren introduces listeners to Joan and a miraculous healing! Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through h...

In Episode 29,  Lauren introduces listeners to Kyle and a wild story of provision! Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired thro...

In Episode 28,  Lauren introduces listeners to Kiara, a Lyft driver in a divinely orchestrated set up! Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the wor...

In Episode 27,  Lauren introduces listeners to Lisa and Penny, new friends who help her SEE! Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be ins...

In Episode 26,  Lauren introduces listeners to Stephen, a man who looks just like her dad and helps her through grief. Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with stranger...

In Episode 25,  Lauren introduces listeners to Richard, someone very close to her heart, and shares inspiration about walking through the loss of someone due to suicide. Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares insp...