The Echoes Podcast

H. E. Butt Foundation

The Echoes Podcast dives into real-world questions about community, faith, and human connection. Guided by hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega, each episode explores personal journeys and societal challenges with inspiring guests—from faith leaders and poets to social advocates—whose stories shape our shared experiences. Through conversations with figures like Rev. Ben McBride, who moved his family to East Oakland’s “Kill Zone” to serve his community, or poet Olga Samples Davis, who reflects on the transformative power of language, we bring to light themes of belonging, resilience, and the meaning of home. From the creators of Echoes Magazine by the H. E. Butt Foundation, The Echoes Podcast continues the magazine's legacy of storytelling that fosters understanding, empathy, and action.

  1. How Do We Help Our Kids Cope With Crisis? | With Dr. Jamie Aten & Kent Annan

    1 AUG

    How Do We Help Our Kids Cope With Crisis? | With Dr. Jamie Aten & Kent Annan

    This summer, devastating floods struck Central Texas, leaving families, camps, and entire communities grieving and in shock. In response, the Echoes team hosted two live webinars to support parents, educators, and caregivers facing an urgent question: How do we help our kids cope with something like this? In this season one finale, we share highlights from those gatherings—including two heartfelt conversations with trauma expert Dr. Jamie Aten. A seasoned psychologist and co-creator of Spiritual First Aid, Jamie has spent over 20 years responding to the world’s hardest disasters and has lived through personal trauma himself. He’s joined in the second conversation by Kent Annan, host of the Better Samaritan Podcast, for an honest and hopeful dialogue about grief, parenting, and self-compassion. Together, they offer practical tools and spiritual insight for those walking children—and themselves—through fear, confusion, and loss. Whether you're a parent, pastor, educator, or community leader, this conversation offers grace-filled wisdom for showing up with love, clarity, and resilience when it’s needed most. Mentioned in this episode: Spiritual First Aid, co-created by Dr. Jamie AtenPhilippians 4 and the Lord’s PrayerThe Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-JonesLetter-writing reflection exercise: “Who helped you through this crisis?”1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith…”The Better Samaritan Podcast from Christianity TodayAdditional mental health resources related to the podcast episodeFull recordings of the webinars included in the podcast excerptSubscribe to Echoes Magazine at hebfdn.org/echoes/subscribe to receive a beautiful, free print magazine each quarter.

    44 min
  2. Repairing What Politics Can’t Fix: David Brooks on Trust, Morality, and Our Search for Meaning

    24 JUN

    Repairing What Politics Can’t Fix: David Brooks on Trust, Morality, and Our Search for Meaning

    We live in a difficult time. People have their opinions about how to solve problems, but distrust runs deep. People make promises—especially our politicians—but they can’t always deliver on those promises. In our season one finale, bestselling author and columnist David Brooks joins The Echoes Podcast to explore what’s really missing—and how we might find it again. Brooks helps us see that what’s broken in our world is not simply political, but spiritual and relational. He shares stories of moral formation and vulnerability, and together we practice the simple but powerful act of asking good questions. Along the way, we reflect on the limits of AI, the enduring power of art, and why overinvesting in friendship might just be the hope we need. David Brooks is the author of The Road to Character, The Second Mountain, and How to Know a Person. A columnist for The New York Times and The Atlantic, he’s known for exploring the intersection of politics, culture, and morality. Mentioned in this episode: The Road to Character and How to Know a Person by David Brooks East of Eden by John Steinbeck The Gift by Lewis Hyde (referenced contextually) Ronald Reagan’s address at the Laymen’s Leadership Institute in 1974 (excerpted clip begins at 6:50). “Remembering Jim Lehrer” on PBS Subscribe to Echoes Magazine at hebfdn.org/echoes/subscribe/ to receive a beautiful, free print magazine each quarter.

    47 min
  3. Why AI Can't Make Art | with Austin Kleon

    10 JUN

    Why AI Can't Make Art | with Austin Kleon

    What does it mean to create something beautiful—not despite our limitations, but because of them? We talk with bestselling author and artist Austin Kleon about creativity as resistance, the tension between process and product, and the courage to show our work. From crushed oyster shells to pink conchas, from ancient nun rhythms to the modern grind, this episode reminds us that creativity is not about abundance—it’s about attention. And it might just save our souls.  Our guest this week, Austin Kleon, is the New York Times bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, and Keep Going. Known for his accessible insights into the creative process, he writes a widely followed weekly newsletter and shares his own journey of making art with words and pictures.  Notes   Steal Like an Artist, Keep Going, and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon The Gift by Lewis Hyde Makoto Fujimura at Laity Lodge Pink concha painting by Eva M. Marengo Sanchez Get a beautiful quarterly print magazine for free at echoesmagazine.org

    35 min
  4. What Teenagers Have Always Needed | With Crystal Kirgiss 

    27 MAY

    What Teenagers Have Always Needed | With Crystal Kirgiss 

    Do “kids these days” have you scratching your head? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Crystal Kirgiss joins Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear to explore the ancient roots of adolescence, the unchanging traits of teenagers across time, and why understanding young adults has more to do with showing up than keeping up with trends. Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or just someone who wants to support the next generation, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that you’re not the first person to face these challenges.      Even if you don't have kids, simply being a good neighbor can include noticing and caring for teens in your community. You don’t need to be cool—you just need to be there.      Notes   Dr. Crystal Kirgiss – Director of Discipleship Content at Young Life, author, speaker, and expert on the history of adolescence.  Hosted by Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear.  The Relate Study by Young Life  Young Life Discipleship Resources Eugene Peterson’s book on raising teenagers  Crystal’s article in the Echoes Magazine (Issue 1, 2025)

    32 min
  5. Faith and Justice | With Sister Pearl Ceasar

    13 MAY

    Faith and Justice | With Sister Pearl Ceasar

    Sister Pearl Ceasar has a remarkable journey from classroom teacher to nonpartisan community organizer. Guided by her deep faith and commitment to justice, Sister Pearl spent decades building coalitions for change in San Antonio and across Texas. She explains how personal relationships, listening, and persistence can transform neighborhoods—and entire cities. Co-hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega join Sister Pearl to reflect on faith, leadership, and the power of binding communities together for the common good. 🔗 Subscribe to Echoes Magazine for free: EchoesMagazine.org  🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  Episode Notes:  "If you’re walking and no one is following, you’re not leading—you’re just out for a walk.""Real change happens when neighbors listen to each other—and move forward together.""Organizing isn’t about politics; it’s about love made visible in community.""Faith isn’t abstract. It’s building drainage systems, raising wages, and ensuring everyone has a fair shot.""Justice is slow work, but the only thing slower is doing nothing at all."COPS/Metro AllianceProject QuestIndustrial Areas Foundation (IAF)Learn more about community organizing in Texas at the West/Southwest IAF. Production Team: Written and produced by Marcus Goodyear, Camille Hall-Ortega, and Rob Stennett  Hosted by Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega Edited by Rob Stennett and Kim Stone  Executive Producers: Patton Dodd and David Rogers  Graphic Design Manager: Hilary Commer  Junior Designer: Lindsay Bruce  Content Creator: Alyson Amestoy  Staff Writer: Beth Avila  Funded by the H. E. Butt Foundation  Special thanks to our guest Sister Pearl Ceasar.

    36 min
  6. Grace and Grit | With Ashley Cleveland

    29 APR

    Grace and Grit | With Ashley Cleveland

    Grammy-winning musical artist and author Ashley Cleveland joins The Echoes Podcast to talk about grit. Through addiction and recovery, heartbreak and healing, Ashley invites us into a story where surrender becomes strength, vulnerability becomes vision, and brokenness gives way to beauty. This is a conversation about faith forged in fire, and the quiet, astonishing power of telling the whole, unvarnished truth.  🔗 Subscribe to Echoes Magazine for free: EchoesMagazine.org  🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  Episode Notes:  Little Black Sheep: A Memoir by Ashley Cleveland. Ashley Cleveland’s extensive discography includes three Grammy Award wins for Best Rock Gospel Album: The Daylight’s Shot, You Are There, and Lesson of Love.  Also referenced: Olga Samples Davis (Echoes Podcast previous guest) Rust College (Historically Black College) Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”  Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Madeleine L’Engle (Author, speaker at Laity Lodge, mentioned via archive clip) Ignatian spiritual exercises (19th annotation) Ashley Cleveland’s sermons at Church of the Redeemer  Production Team: Written and produced by Marcus Goodyear, Camille Hall-Ortega, and Rob Stennett Hosted by Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear Edited by Rob Stennett and Kim Stone Executive Producers: Patton Dodd and David Rogers Graphic Design Manager: Hilary Commer Junior Designer: Lindsay Bruce Content Creator: Alyson Amestoy Staff Writer: Beth Avila  Funded by the H. E. Butt Foundation  Special thanks to our guest Ashley Cleveland for being vulnerable about her struggles and for talking with us about grit.

    36 min
  7. The Cure for Loneliness | With Dr. Warren Kinghorn

    15 APR

    The Cure for Loneliness | With Dr. Warren Kinghorn

    Theoretically, we are more connected than ever, yet loneliness is a growing crisis. Research shows that social isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. What’s behind this epidemic of disconnection, and what can we do about it? In this episode, psychiatrist and theologian Dr. Warren Kinghorn joins hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega to explore the medical and theological roots of loneliness. Drawing on his work with veterans, students, and other communities, Dr. Kinghorn offers a powerful perspective on why we struggle to find belonging—and how embracing vulnerability and deep connection can change our lives. From the impact of social media to the lessons of faith, from the role of community to the surprising effects of shame, this conversation is a hopeful reflection on what it truly means to belong. 🔗 Subscribe to Echoes Magazine for free: EchoesMagazine.org 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Episode Notes: Echoes Magazine feature on Dr. Kinghorn: Loneliness is killing us: Duke University, the University of Aberdeen, and guests explored solutions at a recent Laity Lodge retreat.Dr. Warren Kinghorn’s faculty page at Duke UniversityWayfaring: A Theological Journey by Warren KinghornSurgeon General’s 2023 Report: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and IsolationThe New York Times: Why Is the Loneliness Epidemic so Hard to Cure? (paywall)Pew Research Center: 2025 Religious Landscape StudyGallup: Church Attendance Has Declined in Most U.S. Religious GroupsFrom the UK: Loneliness minister: “It’s more important than ever to take action”From the World Health Organization: Commission on Social ConnectionThe Congregational CollectiveBraving the Wilderness by Brené BrownMadness and Grace by Matthew S. StanfordThe Soul of Shame by Curt ThompsonJosef Pieper, German philosopher and authorAlbert Borgmann, philosopher of technologyGenesis 2-3 (Biblical account of humanity’s brokenness)1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (The Body of Christ and community) Production Team:Written and produced by Marcus Goodyear, Rob Stennett, and Camille Hall-OrtegaEdited by Rob Stennett and Kim StoneExecutive Producers: Patton Dodd and David RogersGraphic Design Manager: Hilary Commer Junior Designer: Lindsay Bruce Content Creator: Alyson Amestoy Staff Writer: Elisabeth Avila Writer: Elizabeth Coffee Funded by the H. E. Butt Foundation Special thanks to our guest Dr. Warren Kinghorn for his thoughtful exploration of loneliness, belonging, and mental health.

    35 min
  8. Does Your Zip Code Determine Your Life Expectancy? | With Dr. Lyssa Ochoa

    1 APR

    Does Your Zip Code Determine Your Life Expectancy? | With Dr. Lyssa Ochoa

    “Your zip code shouldn’t determine your life expectancy—but in many American cities, it does.” In this eye-opening conversation, San Antonio vascular surgeon Dr. Lyssa Ochoa talks with us, your hosts Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear, about the stark health disparities in our communities. She highlights a 20-year gap in life expectancy between San Antonio neighborhoods just miles apart. This issue has complicated roots—including historical practices like redlining—and today, some communities are seeing higher rates of diabetes, amputations, and other chronic illnesses. Through her work at the SAVE Clinic, Dr. Ochoa advocates fiercely for equitable healthcare, investing in underserved neighborhoods, and offering compassionate, accessible care. Join us as we discuss why true community health means caring for our neighbors. 🔗 Subscribe to Echoes Magazine for free: EchoesMagazine.org Episode Notes: Echoes Magazine feature on Dr. Ochoa: “What My Patients Are Facing Is Beyond Medical Need”Know Your Neighbor: “Making San Antonio” with Dr. Christine Drennon of Trinity University Laity Lodge: “Becoming a Beloved Community” by Michelle Lugalia-HollonSAVE Clinic (San Antonio Vascular and Endovascular Clinic) founded by Dr. Lyssa Ochoa Dr. Roberto Treviño and the National Diabetes Prevention ProgramU.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Social Determinants of Health frameworkSan Antonio Report: Southside economic growth offers opportunity to work toward healthy equitySan Antonio Report: Medical group ordered to pay $8M for Medicare fraud to lay off employees, close locationsSouth Bexar County Medical Needs Assessment Report 2023San Antonio Express-News: Losing Limbs to a Terrible DiseaseCBS Morning News: “Less about people and more about profits”: Investors’ role in closure of San Antonio Hospital Under ScrutinyProduction Team: Written and produced by Camille Hall-Ortega, Rob Stennett, and Marcus Goodyear Edited by Rob Stennett and Kim Stone Executive Producers: Patton Dodd and David Rogers Graphic Design Manager: Hilary Commer Junior Designer: Lindsay Bruce Content Creator: Alyson Amestoy Staff Writer: Beth Avila Writer: Elizabeth Coffee Funded by the H. E. Butt Foundation Special thanks to our guest Dr. Lyssa Ochoa for highlighting health disparities and advocating passionately for equitable healthcare in our communities.

    33 min
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Trailer

About

The Echoes Podcast dives into real-world questions about community, faith, and human connection. Guided by hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega, each episode explores personal journeys and societal challenges with inspiring guests—from faith leaders and poets to social advocates—whose stories shape our shared experiences. Through conversations with figures like Rev. Ben McBride, who moved his family to East Oakland’s “Kill Zone” to serve his community, or poet Olga Samples Davis, who reflects on the transformative power of language, we bring to light themes of belonging, resilience, and the meaning of home. From the creators of Echoes Magazine by the H. E. Butt Foundation, The Echoes Podcast continues the magazine's legacy of storytelling that fosters understanding, empathy, and action.

Information

  • Creator
    H. E. Butt Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 H. E. Butt Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Echoes Podcast

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