Marianne Richmond is a children’s author and illustrator whose books have sold in the millions. Coming out of a painful childhood, Marianne has learned to listen for the commonalities. While we all have vastly different life experiences, the emotions we feel are the same. Marianne’s books strike the resonant chords of those emotions with book titles like The Gift of an Angel, The Gift of a Memory, Be Brave, Little One, and The World is Awaiting You, her latest, releasing this month. Find more about her books on her website.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.

I have long admired Dr. Jan Harris, English professor, poet, and Fellow for Faculty Wellbeing on Lipscomb’s campus. When I was paired with her this academic year in a professional development program, I felt like I had won the lottery. In this episode we’ll talk about poetry, writing, the importance of movement, and you’ll get a glimpse into Jan’s skill at being fully present with others.

Find Jan's chapbook, Isolating One’s Priorities, at Chapbook Press and on Amazon.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.

In this episode, it is a special honor to share the story of Vivi Radiro, a young woman who has come to cancer research study as a career goal by way of a rocky start in a dirt-floored hut in Kenya. A line from a book written by Jenny Radler, a missionary who has proven to be a great blessing in Vivi's life, describes her well: “Those who hurt the most are also the ones capable of tapping into the most profound levels of overcoming.” This is one of the most sacred podcast episodes I've ever recorded.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.