Between the Lines (Literary Insights with Kevin)

Between the Lines (Literary Insights with Kevin)

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Between the Lines (Literary Insights with Kevin) episodes

  • Steve Harris | Tattoos on the Heart

    In this episode of Between the Lines, Steve Harris reflects on Gregory Boyle’s Tattoos on the Heart and its life-changing message of love, kinship, and redemption. Drawing from his experiences volunteering at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, Steve shares powerful stories about embracing others without judgment. His time working with inmates deeply aligns with Boyle’s belief that "some lives don’t matter less than others." Steve explores how moments of grace, even with people society might disregard, can reveal surprising truths about ourselves and the divine.


    Key Takeaways:

    Redemption is for everyone: Steve reflects on Boyle’s stories, reminding us that no one is beyond saving. “Even those who’ve massively screwed up are loved by God,” he shares, reinforcing Boyle’s message of unconditional love.


    Stepping outside your comfort zone brings growth: Serving in maximum security challenged Steve in unexpected ways. "By the time I was done, I was practically floating to my car," he says, describing how helping others renewed his own faith.


    We’re all searching for light: Steve quotes a powerful passage from the book: "Fumbling for grace and flashlights." He explains that life’s journey involves illuminating the path for others, even if we can’t walk it for them.


    Kinship reshapes relationships: Boyle’s idea that "compassion lies in seeing ourselves in kinship with others" changed how Steve interacts with people, urging us to love without judgment.


    Hope sustains us through challenges: Steve highlights Boyle’s insight: "I’m not optimistic, but I am full of hope." He explains that hope gives us the strength to keep going, even when life feels overwhelming.


    This conversation with Steve offers a glimpse into the transformative power of love and compassion, both in the book and in his personal experiences. “I knew that God loved me because I could feel His love for every one of those cellies,” Steve shares. He leaves listeners with the challenge to look at all relationships—whether with strangers or family—and ask, "Am I seeing others the way God sees them?"


    If you’ve ever struggled with forgiveness or loving difficult people, this episode will resonate with you. Join us as we explore how to shine a light in the darkest places and embrace kinship with those we least expect.

    44 min
  • Taisha Ostler | The Many Lives of Mama Love

    In this episode, we’re joined by Taisha Ostler, an escrow officer with Title One who has over 22 years of experience in the industry. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Utah and a Master of Fine Arts from Brigham Young University, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. The focus of the episode is The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin, a powerful memoir about addiction, incarceration, and personal transformation.

    Key Discussion Points:

    1. Why The Many Lives of Mama Love?
      As someone who enjoys a good comeback story, Taisha explains how this book stood out to her. It offered her a shift in perspective, particularly on addiction. Having experienced addiction within her family, she shares how the memoir provided deeper insights and more hope for those who struggle with similar issues.

    2. A Complex Justice System
      The discussion explores the book’s portrayal of the criminal justice system, highlighting how severe consequences served as a wake-up call for the protagonist. However, there is also a reflection on how the justice system often traps people in cycles that are difficult to escape.

    3. Addiction, Theft, and Consequences
      The protagonist’s actions, including theft from neighbors and committing fraud, result in over 32 felony charges. This led to a conversation about the desperation that addiction can cause, driving people to extreme measures and the heavy consequences that often follow.

    4. Women and Incarceration
      A major theme of the book is how incarceration affects women, especially those with children. Taisha reflects on how the system often fails women, trapping them in environments that aren’t conducive to rehabilitation. The episode touches on whether there are better ways to support women dealing with addiction and criminal charges.

    5. Compassion Over Judgment
      The book challenges readers to reassess their judgments about incarcerated individuals. The conversation explores the importance of focusing on compassion and understanding rather than defining someone by their criminal record or past mistakes.

    6. The Role of Heroes in Recovery
      One of the story’s key figures is Doug Abrams, who hires the protagonist despite learning about her criminal history. His act of forgiveness and support plays a pivotal role in her recovery, illustrating how second chances can help someone turn their life around.

    7. The Broader Message: Potential for Change
      The discussion wraps up with a reflection on the book’s hopeful message. It serves as a reminder that people can change, and with the right support and opportunities, they can overcome the obstacles of their past.

      8. Call to Action:
      After listening, think about how we view others, especially those who have faced addiction or incarceration. How can we show more compassion and support in our daily lives? Share your thoughts and leave us a review!

      57 min
    8. Dave Monson | Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture

      In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dave Monson, an advocate for building powerful team cultures, to explore the book Soup by Jon Gordon. Dave shares how this simple yet profound book has transformed his approach to leadership and business. Soup outlines the importance of leadership, relationships, and appreciation in creating a successful and thriving team.

      Key Takeaways from the Episode:

      1. You Are the Secret Ingredient
        Dave emphasizes the metaphor of "stirring the pot" and how leadership directly impacts team culture. The person stirring the soup—whether in a business, family, or group—matters more than the recipe itself. As Dave shares, “No one else can stir the pot the way you do. Your unique personality and approach make the difference.”

      2. The Power of Appreciation
        One of the central themes Dave highlights is appreciation. He recounts how showing genuine appreciation for his team during a challenging transaction led to increased engagement and stronger relationships. “Appreciation is often overlooked, but it’s the key to building loyalty and a positive work environment.”

      3. Transforming Team Members
        Dave shares real-life examples of how Soup helped shift the mindset of employees who were initially negative influences. By reading the book, they saw themselves in the story and made changes to become better team players. “Within two weeks, the toxic behavior stopped, and they became part of the solution rather than the problem.”

      4. Stirring with Love
        The heart of Soup is about leading with love, something not typically discussed in business. Dave reflects on how this concept can make all the difference. “It’s not the soup—it’s the love with which grandma stirs the soup. This applies to business as well.”

        5. Why This Book Stands Out
        Dave explains that Soup is not an academic read—it’s a simple, story-driven book that anyone, even a child, can understand. He believes this makes it the perfect tool for building a strong, engaged team, as it allows everyone to see their role in creating a successful company culture.

        Tune in to hear more about how Dave implements the lessons from Soup and how you can apply them to your own business for lasting success.

        Call to Action:
        After listening, grab a copy of Soup and start stirring your own pot with intention, appreciation, and love! And don’t forget to leave us a review and share your favorite takeaways with your team!

        56 min
      5. Tony Acosta | Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

        Dive into an enlightening episode of 'Between the Lines' with Tony Acosta — a distinguished figure in real estate, TEDx organizer, esteemed Forbes Real Estate Council member, and an avid educator. This week, we delve deep into 'Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike,' uncovering the riveting saga of Phil Knight's unwavering commitment to building Nike. This discussion bridges the worlds of sports apparel and real estate, highlighting the shared battles and victories across industries. Tony brings invaluable insights, shedding light on the core principles of innovation, grit, and the critical importance of clinging to your vision amidst daunting challenges.


        Phil Knight's Unyielding Journey: We explore Knight’s indomitable spirit and how his narrative of sculpting Nike from the ground up serves as a beacon for entrepreneurs navigating their seas of adversity.


        Transforming Setbacks into Milestones: Tony's expertise provides a fresh perspective on turning obstacles into pivotal moments of growth, inspired by Knight’s journey and his seasoned experience.


        The Power of Conviction and Tenacity: Drawing from 'Shoe Dog,' we reflect on the essentiality of steadfast belief and resilience in your path, which is instrumental in surmounting hurdles.


        This episode is a compelling testament to the fact that the pillars of belief, perseverance, and an adaptive mindset are key to conquering the trials of any endeavor. We invite our listeners to ponder their paths, embrace their challenges as opportunities for development, and persistently march forward, knowing that every obstacle encountered is merely a step closer to triumph.

        28 min
      6. Dave Carruth | Wallace Stegner

        Join us for the premiere episode of "Between the Lines," where we sit down with Dave Carruth, whose admiration for Wallace Stegner stems from a deep, personal connection to the landscapes that Stegner vividly portrays. As a Lake Powell enthusiast, Dave finds a unique resonance with Stegner's works, particularly their authentic depiction of the American West. This episode dives into why Stegner's storytelling appeals to Dave, highlighting the relatability and visualization of settings that Dave knows intimately. We explore "Big Rock Candy Mountain" & "Crossing to Safety." Uncovering the layers of human struggle, perseverance, and the beauty of the Western United States that Stegner eloquently captures.

        27 min

      About Between the Lines (Literary Insights with Kevin)

      From the publisher's feed

      As "Between the Lines" unfolds weekly, listeners will embark on a literary voyage. Imagine a book club where the stories come to life, the discussions never end, and the doors are always open, all…