Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

Leanne W. Smith
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Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith sits down with key individuals to mine the magic of their vocational stories. Inspired by Frederick Buechner who said the key to a career satisfying to both soul and pocketbook was to find “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet," this podcast is geared to writers, students, story lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration for their own vocational journey. As a fiction writer and business professor at Lipscomb University with a heart to teach students how to build sustainable careers that actually feed their soul, Smith's deep gladness is in sharing messages of hope and inspiration like these.

  1. APR 21

    Selene Covarrubias: From Carson & Leno to Simon & Schuster—Embracing Change & Finding Your Path

    Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation? Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon & Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno. Media has been a constant thread throughout Selene’s life, but her story is anything but linear. With seasons spent living in Mexico, the United States, Rome, Paris, and Spain, her journey reflects a deep love for travel, culture, and storytelling—along with a willingness to embrace change when life takes unexpected turns. In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, we explore Selene’s fascinating background, the early influences that shaped her path, and how she found her way from television into the world of books. Along the way, she shares what it looks like to adapt, to take risks, and to remain open to opportunities you never planned for. This conversation is a reminder that calling is often formed over time—through experiences, relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. If you’re navigating change, considering a new direction, or simply wondering how your story is unfolding, Selene’s journey offers both perspective and encouragement. 0:00 Intro 1:02 Meet Selene Covarrubias 4:14 Between Two Worlds: Growing Up Across Cultures 6:39 Backstage: Lessons from Early Hollywood 8:33 Creativity, Motherhood, and Meaningful Work 11:55 Midroll on Mentorship 12:41 Leaps of Faith: Moving Countries & Reinventing Yourself 20:43 Critical Skills: Adaptability & Self-Kindness 22:26 Habits that Ground You & Staying Open to Change 24:39 Final Thoughts and Advice: Take Risks & Reach Out Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    27 min

  2. MAR 31

    Matt Hearn: "The Stories We Read & the Stories We Are"

    Sometimes we discover we are wired in ways that surprise us. In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, I sit down with Dr. Matt Hearn, longtime English professor at Lipscomb University, to explore his unexpected journey into literature and teaching. Matt shares how he came to love words, the teachers and mentors who shaped him, and the moments that awakened his curiosity. Along the way, he reflects on how following his passion—even when it didn’t look like the path he expected—led him to a fulfilling vocation. Together, we explore: How early experiences with literature and poetry sparked curiosity and shaped a lifelong love of wordsThe influence of challenging teachers and mentors who guided growth in surprising waysHow pursuing what you love can reveal your calling—even if it’s not what you originally plannedThe role of curiosity, determination, and stubbornness in personal and professional growthWhy taking unexpected opportunities can lead to joy, purpose, and self-discoveryThis episode is thoughtful, reflective, and encouraging for anyone navigating life decisions, discovering passions, or learning to trust the slow unfolding of purpose. Through Matt’s story, we see that sometimes the work we were made to do is revealed gradually—and it can be more joyful than we ever imagined.  0:00 Intro 0:53 Meet Matt Hearn 3:59 When Your Life Takes You Somewhere You Never Expected 7:19 The Teacher You Hate Might Be the One Who Shapes You Most 11:32 Midroll on Mentorship 12:55 Discovering Poetry and the Power of Words 15:40 When a Change of Plans Leads You to What You Love 18:52 How Curiosity and Stubbornness Can Shape Your Future 26:38 Advice for Young People: Slow Down and Find What You’re Passionate About Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    29 min

  3. MAR 10

    Barry Wortz: “Lost Potential – Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis”

    The underemployment of people with extraordinary minds is not just a personal loss — it’s a collective one. In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, I sit down with filmmaker Barry Wortz to talk about his powerful documentary, Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis. Barry was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old. Like many adults today, he spent decades navigating the world without language for his experience. In our conversation, he shares his personal journey, the misconceptions surrounding autism, and why the workplace is missing out on extraordinary talent because of misunderstanding and stigma. We explore how autism doesn’t “look” the way many people expect. Autistic individuals can be successful, gifted, creative, and deeply empathetic — yet still misunderstood. Barry makes a compelling case: when employers place people where they are strongest, especially those on the spectrum, they often outperform expectations. Together, we discuss: Why autism is frequently misunderstoodThe power of storytelling to shift stigmaLate diagnoses and changing awarenessMasking, sensory overload, and emotional misinterpretationHow managers, teachers, and leaders can better support neurodivergent individuals The hope emerging from greater awareness and open conversationThis episode is both personal and practical — a call to see differently, hire differently, and love differently. 0:00 Intro 1:01 Meet Barry Wortz 3:02 "Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis" Documentary 6:25 Diagnosed at 41: Barry’s Personal Journey 12:09 Hire the Person for Their Strengths and Watch Them Excel 14:43 Creating Environments Where Autistic Individuals Can Thrive 17:23 Midroll On Mentorship 18:34 Masking, Anxiety & The Hidden Work of Autism 24:14 Finding a Calling in Film & Education 28:33 Words of Hope for Families & Individuals on the Spectrum Read more about Barry Wortz here; and watch his documentary, Lost Potential, here. Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    32 min

  4. FEB 17

    “What If? And Why Not?” - Leadership in Christian Education with Casey Farris

    Bad weather and flight delays make some people surly, but one of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had in an airport happened under these very conditions, all because Casey Farris was there to bring fun, curiosity, and perspective into the moment. In this episode, I sit down with Casey Farris, a father, educator, leader, and the President of Madison Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, Christian education, and cultivating calm in chaotic environments. Casey reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him, the path that led him into Christian education, and the leadership principles that continue to guide his work today.  Together, we explore: The formative influences of childhood and mentorshipHow Casey found his way into Christian education and school leadershipWhat healthy, effective leadership looks like in real lifeThe qualities that matter most when hiring, collaborating, and building strong teamsStaying calm, curious, and grounded during crisis situationsChoosing to learn something from every situationThe importance of family, presence, joy, and having fun along the wayIf you want to grow as a leader, learn how to find silver linings, and bring calm and hope wherever you are, tune in and get to know Casey Farris, a man I’ve come to think of as a true national treasure. 0:00 Intro 0:52 Meet Casey Farris: Background & Story 3:24 Was Casey Always This Fun? Childhood & Personality 5:25 Major Influences That Shaped Casey’s Life 12:33 The Path Into Christian Education 17:38 Mid-roll on Mentorship 18:58 What Strong Leadership Really Looks Like 25:30 Hiring Well: What Casey Looks for in People 28:42 Staying Calm and Grounded in Crisis Situations 31:19 Leanne on Developing a Calm, Steady Spirit 33:01 The Gift of Family: Marriage, Kids & Being Present 36:25 Fi Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    39 min

  5. JAN 27

    Inside-Out Faith: Purpose, Calling & Hope | Season Six Premiere

    Each of us seems to have a life song,  a theme we’re drawn to again and again. Often, it’s born from pain. In this season-opening episode of Gladness & Hunger, Leanne does something different. Instead of asking the questions, her intern flips the script, inviting Leanne to reflect on the heart behind the podcast, the season’s theme, and the journey that shaped her calling. This conversation explores why Gladness & Hunger exists, who it’s for, and how stories have the power to feed the soul, strengthen faith, and help people keep moving forward. Leanne shares how a season of spiritual direction training through Creighton University helped clarify this year’s theme “It’s an inside-out job” and why transformation must begin within before it can flow outward. Together, we explore: The purpose and audience of Gladness & HungerWhy sensitivity, hope, and contribution matterHow pain often gives birth to callingLeanne’s lifelong love of words and storiesWhat brings joy, creativity, and meaning in this season of lifeHow God uses weakness, not perfectionThe interpersonal qualities that matter most when working with othersThe daily habits that sustain faith, peace, and perseveranceLeanne reflects honestly on fear, perfectionism, comparison, and distraction, and how consistent spiritual practices like prayer, journaling, Sabbath, gratitude, and attentiveness to God have reshaped her inner life. She reminds listeners that God does not require perfection, only faithfulness, the willingness to get up and try again. The episode closes with Leanne sharing her hope for the season ahead and reading a poem by Ted Loder, inviting listeners to consider how their own painful experiences might be redeemed into something healing and hopeful. If you’re seeking inspiration for your vocational journey, longing for encouragement, or wondering how faith can be formed from the inside out, this season premiere sets the tone for what’s to come. 0:00 Introduction 0:59 Meet Kianna Winey: Turning the Mic on the Intern 4:41 The Heart of the Podcast: Purpose, Audience & Hope 6:48 Season Theme: “It’s an Inside-Out Job” 11:26 Leanne’s Story & Love of Words 14:48 What Brings Joy in This Season of Life 16:03 Looking Back: How God Prepares Us Through Weakness 18:03 Qualities Professors Look for in Students 20:53 Letting Go of Perfectionism and Finishing Creative Projects 26:44 Habits That Sustain Faith, Creativity & Peace 31:18 A Prayer About Surrender, Honesty, and Being Found by God Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    34 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Grace Knetter: “A Passion to Deliver Care”

    Some know their vocational callings early in life. This is true for Grace Knetter, the only student I’ve ever had in business class with the dream to become a registered midwife. Young, but already deep into the preparation for her vocational calling, Grace is one of the most focused and determined young women I know. In 2025 when our first grandchild was born at home under the care of a midwife, knowing there are women like Grace called and gifted to step into this centuries-old practice became all the more personal. Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    30 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Douglas T. Bates, III: "Mankind has been his Business"

    Doug Bates is a lawyer in a long line of lawyers dating back to just after the Civil War. Doug and I met when we each wrote columns for the Hickman County Times. He called me to be on his annual radio program one Christmas, and I’ve loved him ever since. In his heart of hearts, Doug is a storyteller. He has an unbridled love for people, church, art, talent, athletics, a song well sung, and a word well spoken. Tune in and you'll see why it can be said of Doug Bates as it was said of Marley in The Christmas Carol, "Mankind was my business." Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    30 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Demetria Kalodimos: "Searching for Hidden Treasure"

    Demetria Kalodimos is a familiar name and treasured voice in Nashville. She joined WSMV in 1984 and became the longest-running evening news anchor in its history. A career journalist and storyteller, Demetria is also a documentarian and musician. In this episode you’ll learn new things about Demetria--how she hails from Chicago, is an enduring Cubs fan, and has a zeal for treasure-hunting, Cornish Rex cats, real people, and true stories.  Check out the Banner & Company podcast the Demetria hosts @ https://nashvillebanner.com/banner_and_company/ Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith sits down with key individuals to mine the magic of their vocational stories. Inspired by Frederick Buechner who said the key to a career satisfying to both soul and pocketbook was to find “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet," this podcast is geared to writers, students, story lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration for their own vocational journey. As a fiction writer and business professor at Lipscomb University with a heart to teach students how to build sustainable careers that actually feed their soul, Smith's deep gladness is in sharing messages of hope and inspiration like these.

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