In today’s conversation, we spoke about how, after three full years of production, we succeeded in our goal to bring a bit more hope into the world. By talking to others about what makes them passionate and how they use it to change the world around them, we’ve found many reasons to feel optimistic and we hope the same for you.  With the support of our family, friends, patrons, listeners, and seventy three guests, we’ve created something that we’re truly proud of. If there’s anything to take away from our podcast, it’s that change is the only constant, and you can use your passion to make ..read more

In today’s episode, we spoke with June Dollar. June practices servant leadership. Her belief is that we all have the potential to be servant leaders—people who serve their community and inspire others by example. This philosophy led her to become a yoga instructor, guiding students towards emotional and physical healing. June emphasizes the power of community engagement. She believes in the transformative impact of being present, advocating for mindfulness in each moment and extending a helping hand whenever possible. Hopefully, you find some hope today ..read more

In today's episode, we spoke with Anthony Kurza. Starting out as a student advisor, Anthony found a passion for improving the well-being of college students. From there, Anthony became a College Life Coach at Florida State University. In his role, he served as a source of support and guidance for students. Exploring topics from the importance of student services, to building resilience, and confronting toxic masculinity, Anthony offers insightful perspectives rooted in success and support for all. Hopefully, you find some hope today ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Jack Hitchcock. Jack is the student body president at FSU and chair of the Florida Student Association. Raised in a patriotic family, he carries a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for his country. From navigating the complexities of student politics to pondering the role of media in shaping public sentiment, Jack offers a multifaceted view on patriotism, optimism, and kindness—values he attributes to his upbringing. Hopefully, you find some hope today ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Lisa Mackay-Ring. Lisa is a professor and doctoral candidate in the religion department at FSU. She teaches classes about religious conflict and fosters discussions that challenge her students’ conventional views about religion as a whole. Aside from her work in academia, Lisa is deeply passionate about the themes of resiliency, proactivity, and self-reliance. Her personal experiences with grief and stress have shaped her views on the importance of bouncing back and taking control of one's path forward. Hopefully, you find some hope today ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Luther Peterson. Luther is a content creator who started in high school, first gaining traction with comedy and later integrating impactful life lessons into his work. He aims to influence millions through positive, diverse content. Aside from his work online, Luther is passionate about the performing arts and believes in the transformative power of expression. He also strives for a mindful lifestyle focused on health and well-being, finding peace and inspiration in the natural world. Hopefully, you find some hope today.  ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Alexis Dorman. Alexis serves as the President of FSU Democrats and of the Florida College Democratic Caucus. Balancing a rich academic life with activism, she's been a strong advocate for a multitude of social issues from a young age. Shedding light on the increasing acceptance of young individuals in elected offices, Alexis stresses the necessity for young people to take charge with activism and to foster change in their communities ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Jake Landherr. Jake has a keen eye for light, working as a professional lighting designer and technician. Whether he's orchestrating lights for a church service, a theater show, or a concert, Jake understands the nuances of his art form. Jake explains that lighting truly is an art form, deeply influenced by other forms such as painting. Lighting shapes our perception and emotional connection to a space. He believes that true mastery in any art form takes time; there's always another layer to discover, another shadow to cast, and another emotion to evoke ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Connor Bishop. Connor loves building things and exploring new hobbies. His guiding principle in life is to always have something to look forward to–a mindset that always keeps him moving. From building an infinity mirror to carving wood, he sees hands-on hobbies as a path to continual learning and connection to humanity. Connor's passion is driven by an understanding that no skill is ever fully mastered; there's always room for improvement and a lesson can be found in every hobby. He’s always eager to jump into the next learning opportunity. Hopefully, yo ..read more

In today's conversation, we spoke with Casey Copeland. Casey is ardently passionate about dance and its inherent power to narrate captivating stories through movement. She has a vision to revolutionize the dance industry by focusing on injury prevention and advocating for mental health and resilience among dancers.  Casey's passion is fueled by the understanding that resilience is not a static state but a skill that one hones over time. Her goal is to help dancers realize that resilience can take many forms, and sometimes, it's about knowing when to rest and give yourself time.  Hope ..read more