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.

When a student suggested that Richard Goode visit Death Row, it started a chain reaction that led to Richard launching the LIFE program (Lipscomb Initiative for Education) at the women’s prison in Nashville. His story begins with higher education only a distant dream, then he got the chance to enroll at a school he once deemed magical—the first, but not the last dream that would lead to a beautiful reality.

Richard is the author of several books on church history and reconciliation, including his latest, co-authored with Dr. Caleb Clanton, titled Great Ideas in History, Politics and Philosophy.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.