Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

Leanne W. Smith
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Personal Journals
  • Bimonthly

Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith interviews guests to mine the magic of their vocational stories.  Frederick Buechner said the vocational sweet spot 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 an inspirational 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. On each episode guests are asked 5 questions:   1.     What’s your story?  2.     How did you come to your vocation?  3.     When you look back over your shoulder at your life, what are the lessons? And do you see how God was working? 4.     What soft skills have proven critical in your career pursuits? 5.     What habits or disciplines do you recommend to others?   There is something deeply moving about hearing how others came to their life's work. May listening inspire you to keep offering your own God-given gifts back to the world.

  1. 1d ago

    S7:E4: Joy Jordan-Lake: “The truth of a both/and”

    Ever felt two sharply contrasting emotions at the same time? In a gut-wrenching moment that also held great beauty? In this episode, #1 Amazon bestselling author Joy Jordan-Lake unpacks how a painful event in her childhood shaped her understanding of that tension. Jordan-Lake says writing helped her come to terms with the “both/and” – that searing pain and beauty can coexist. Highlights from our conversation: How illness as a child and early access to libraries led to a love of words and story Dark themes can emerge in sleepy towns A writer’s work always includes elements of the biographical Pain and beauty can coexist Joy always wanted to adopt a child, and did, in the community of 9 families She decided to write a children’s book because she didn’t want to have to skip pages There’s always room for more stories The writing life can be both lonely and a rollercoaster Gratitude is an antidote for comparison Jordan-Lake’s Blue Hole Back Home is a 2009 Christy Award winner for Best First Novel, and a Common Book selection for several universities Read more about Joy Jordan-Lake's work on her website: https://www.joyjordanlake.com/  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

  2. Oct 20

    S7:E3: Chris Gonzalez: “The Healing Power of Relationship”

    Ever felt like a seed in the desert awaiting your superbloom? Chris Gonzalez says he finally got to his vocation of marriage and family therapy thanks to key people in his life. We talk about the healing power of relationships, how presence is itself healing, and that empathy is the ability to detect the emotional condition of another person and demonstrate that you care about it. A recent health crisis affirmed for Chris what has been a guiding principle in his work and life: relationships matter. Highlights from our conversation A mother’s nurturing influence.A mentor: “Without him, I’m not doing what I’m doing.”How listening scratched an itch.A first therapist was the first time “someone else was interested in my hurt.”“My confidence is in the rearview mirror.”Marriage, family, friendships are all pathways to the image of God.“To heal alone is to have to heal twice.”The definition of empathy.Without trust, “there’s a hole in the bottom of the bucket.”We are the intervention.Don’t waste a hurt; seek to redeem it.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

  3. Oct 6

    S7:E2: Kate Watkins: “Lessons in Delight & Suffering”

    What if your winding career path is actually the point? As Kate Watkins, who started on a farm and has come back to the farm, puts it, “Your life is chasing you your whole life.” Her desires to delight were planted early as a candy striper, leading her through a maze of jobs and educational pursuits that would culminate in a doctorate of ministry and the life lesson to “minister wherever you are.” A major insight, gained from her work in Tennessee’s prisons, was that most of us on the “outside” have a weak theology of suffering. Talking with Kate is ever a feast for my soul. May listening in be a feast for yours.  Highlights from our conversation Early dreams can come to fruition“Your life is chasing you your whole life.” God places people in your life, even at the dry cleaner’s and the mall.Do Kingdom where you are. Be a chaplain where you are.How a baby that leaped in her stomach……was born 7 years later.And when Richard Goode asked her to pray about it……she didn’t need to because, “Today is the answer to that prayer.”I share a holy moment from my own work at the prison. Of how you think you’re going to bless another, and you are the one who comes away blessed.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

  4. Sep 22

    S7:E1: Marty Kittrell: “When Best-Laid Plans Go Awry”

    Have you ever watched your career soar — only to hit a wall you didn't see coming? In this episode, Marty Kittrell, well-versed in corporate strategy, finance, security offerings, private equity, and board practices, gets candid about navigating the gap between professional highs and hard-hitting setbacks. Whether you're climbing, stumbling, or somewhere in between, Marty's story will leave you with a fresh perspective on what it means to lead, learn, and give back. Highlights from our conversation "Context is decisive."The importance of curiosityMarty’s passion for trivia How the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry3 professional failures in 3 years, followed by 10 years of greatest professional successBeing a sand dummy2 things Marty wishes he’d had on his resumePlaying chess onlineMarty gave me an ingot of silver with a charge: "Don’t keep your talents hidden under a bushel."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

  5. Jun 2

    Looking Back Over Our Shoulder: Season 6 Highlights

    In this Season 6 recap, Kianna and I reflect on the guests, stories, and lessons that shaped this season of Gladness and Hunger. We discuss mentorship, vocation, God's faithfulness, and the surprising ways our lives often unfold. Join us as we look back on the journey and celebrate the wisdom shared by this season's guests. Here are more detailed highlights: We began Season 6 (S6:E1) with me being interviewed by my intern. Kianna Winey put me on the other side of the table and asked me why the premise of Gladness & Hunger calls to me so deeply. The short of it is, I find it fascinating to hear how others come to their vocations. And it’s inspirational to hear what personal habits have made a difference for them. We are enriched by one another’s stories, including stories of vocation. It is especially inspiring to see the beauty that comes from detours. Every guest has a life song—a theme they’re drawn to. Often, this theme is born from the detours.  In S6:E2, Casey Farris and I talked about leadership, Christian education, and cultivating calm in chaotic environments, but we also talked about good old-fashioned fun. If you need inspiration for putting more fun in your life, listen to Casey.  In S6:E3, I talk with documentary filmmaker Barry Wortz about his personal efforts to unmask the autism employment crisis. If you’re an employer or have an interest in autism, you’ll want to watch his film, Lost Potential.   In S6:E4, I talk with longtime English professor Dr. Matt Hearn about how some of us end up pursuing the very vocations we swore we’d never do, and the mentors who help us see the light.  In S6:E5, I got to chat with my friend, Selene Covarrubias about her vocational journey from television to publishing—from Johnny Carson to Simon & Schuster—and the joy of living abroad. In S6:E6, my guest is Sydney Ball, who recently launched Ballpoint Solutions. Need inspiration for being strategic, building your network, or serving on boards? This is the episode for you.  Mentorship runs as a theme all season, with practical tips offered during the Season 6 midrolls for building and sustaining strong mentoring relationships. Your time is precious! Which is why we want to offer you value from start to finish in every episode of Gladness & Hunger. May the Season 6 conversations prove to be a blessing to you. They have certainly proved to be a blessing for me and Kianna. 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

  6. May 12

    Sydney Ball: "Entrepreneurship Rooted in Service”

    In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, I sit down with Sydney Ball shortly after the launch of her consulting firm, Ballpoint Business Solutions. A Lipscomb College of Business alumna, Sydney has been recognized with honors including the Sterling Award for Top 20 Professionals Under 40 in West Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Women of Influence. In our conversation, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and family influences that shaped both her career and her passion for serving others. From running her first business at just ten years old to building a successful career in banking, board leadership, and consulting, Sydney shares practical wisdom on networking, communication, mentorship, and leading with integrity. Along the way, she offers thoughtful insight into entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the importance of building meaningful connections. This conversation is an encouraging reminder that vocation is often formed through service, relationships, and the willingness to walk through unexpected doors of opportunity. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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About

Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith interviews guests to mine the magic of their vocational stories.  Frederick Buechner said the vocational sweet spot 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 an inspirational 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. On each episode guests are asked 5 questions:   1.     What’s your story?  2.     How did you come to your vocation?  3.     When you look back over your shoulder at your life, what are the lessons? And do you see how God was working? 4.     What soft skills have proven critical in your career pursuits? 5.     What habits or disciplines do you recommend to others?   There is something deeply moving about hearing how others came to their life's work. May listening inspire you to keep offering your own God-given gifts back to the world.

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