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.

I first met Garrett Dickerson when he was a student at Lipscomb. Now, several years, a graduate degree, and a number of occupational lanes later, he is laser-focused on bringing his best to a singular vocation: following God’s plan and purpose for his life. As a servant leader who recently added "author" to his vocational tracks, he demonstrates a passion for helping others do the same.

Garrett has just released his first book, His Plan, Our Purpose, and Everything Else, available on his website, garrettddickerson.com.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.

In this episode, Honoree Corder—author, TEDx speaker, and publishing strategist—shares some of her marketing genius. When Mark Victor Hansen told her on a chance encounter at a conference that she needed to write a book, she took his advice and did it! Now she’s on a mission to share the lessons she has learned with others as she encourages writers of all stripes and genres with titles like You Must Write a Book and You Must Market Your Book.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.

From the time he was a kid, there was something different about Kenneth Robinson. Kenneth is one of four boys who all played college football. Three of them, including Kenneth, went on to play professionally. But what he really loved best was reading quietly at home. His thirst for learning and the chance to mold others through the blessings of his own curiosity would lead him to his current role in education where he has an on-going opportunity to pour wisdom into others.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.

In this episode, I talk about my personal storms of the past five years. While I love sharing other people’s stories and the wisdoms they’ve learned, I am not at all comfortable sharing my own. But for reasons I cannot explain, I felt called to begin this season stepping into a little more vulnerability. If you’ve had recent storms in your own life, may these words kindle your hope for the possibility that sun will follow rain.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.

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.

Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.