Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith Leanne W. Smith

Petchell Luepke and I were paired on a service project in the spring of 2022, and it was evident from the get-go this woman had a boatload of passion. But it wasn’t until months later that I realized she had a superpower. As a Gallup certified career coach, Petchell leverages her strengths to offer others clarity into their own. She has taught me, for example, to pair my “maximizer” with “strategic” to achieve my next book publication goal. Listen in and learn how you, too, can leverage your natural strengths and talents to achieve your vocational callings.

Rob Touchstone has been busy. In the last decade, he co-founded The Well Coffeehouses, launched a Business as Mission program, and now directs Lipscomb’s Center for Vocational Discovery. Rob’s deep gladness truly has intersected with the world’s deep hunger—and thirst—in more ways than one. Come join us as we talk about insights he has gained on his unique vocational journey.

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 trusting God when you feel called to unexpected new ventures.

In this episode it is my honor to talk with Jennifer Pagel, a forever friend of 26 years, who has been on a ministry path all her life. We talk about the healing importance of being fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. She is warmth, wisdom, beauty, and light, and I’m so happy to get to share her with you.

God was at work for this episode. It went like this: Norma, my beloved mentor who moved to Costa Rica, came into my mind sharply on a Tuesday morning. I texted her. Turned out, she was in Nashville only for a day, and it just so happened (God, I see You) she had only enough time on Wednesday to fill a studio slot that just opened up. As a mentor, Norma has showed me repeatedly the power of seizing the day. Listen in and be inspired.

In this episode I interview Brooke O’Dell, owner of Sugar Drop sweet supply shop. It was a joy to learn how Brooke’s passion for welcoming folks to the table was cultivated in a small Texas town. Brooke’s sense of style and wizardry skills in the kitchen are unparalleled. Listen in, then drive on over to Sugar Drop for a double sweet treat.