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 mentorship
• How Casey found his way into Christian education and school leadership
• What healthy, effective leadership looks like in real life
• The qualities that matter most when hiring, collaborating, and building strong teams
• Staying calm, curious, and grounded during crisis situations
• Choosing to learn something from every situation
• The importance of family, presence, joy, and having fun along the way

If 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 Final Wisdom & Encouragement from Casey Farris

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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 & Hunger
• Why sensitivity, hope, and contribution matter
• How pain often gives birth to calling
• Leanne’s lifelong love of words and stories
• What brings joy, creativity, and meaning in this season of life
• How God uses weakness, not perfection
• The interpersonal qualities that matter most when working with others
• The daily habits that sustain faith, peace, and perseverance

Leanne 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/

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.

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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."

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Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

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/

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Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Ever wondered how to get your content into the media? Then you’re in for a treat because this episode of Gladness & Hunger features Mary O'Donohue, a media insider. Tune in to hear basic media strategies sure to help you get your work out to a larger audience. While Mary works solely with women non-fiction writers, all writers will find her advice—and her story—compelling. Tune in to hear how the words “because of you” were life-giving.

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Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Disney movie, you’re going to love hearing from today’s guest, Tony Bancroft. Chances are Tony, former Disney animator who now directs Lipscomb’s thriving animation program, and his twin, Tom, had a hand in bringing some of your favorites to the screen. Tune in to hear which movies Tony has worked on, and to hear about the influences that shaped the artistic talents of two animators with worldwide impact.  

Check out a new 2-D animated film just released called Light of the World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGd9zO_lvU4 

Light of the World tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of a young Apostle John. It is co-directed by Tom, and Tony served as animation director and co-head of story on the project. Early reviews are calling it an instant classic, a film for the whole family that has the power to change people. 

Check out the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast at this link: https://bancroftbros.libsyn.com/webpage/category/general 

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Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

How many guys do you know who were once in a band, took a turn at stand-up comedy, continues to be a popular local DJ, and has a long tenure of service as a minister? Patrick Chappell is one interesting gentleman! Raised by a tight-knit group of women, Patrick passionately pursues two C’s in his life: curiosity and connection. Tune in to hear how he offers his outgoing nature and love for people as gifts to the world around him.

Learn more about Patrick and his own podcast at http://patrickpodcast.com/about/.

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Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

How important is it that we hold high the flags of our own influence? The birth of a grandchild has me revisiting this question. In this episode I talk about Walt Whitman who said, You are here. Life exists. The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. And Mary Oliver, who charged us to Pay attention! Be astonished! Tell about it. God places unique opportunities into each of our hands. How might we step into these roles with greater intentionality? 

Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/

Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Are you an artist seeking to build a career with longevity and impact? Steve Taylor, an American singer, songwriter, record producer, music executive, film maker, assistant professor, and actor has done just that. Steve is known for projects like Blue Like Jazz, the movie adaptation of Donald Miller’s book, which he wrote, directed and produced, and Sketch, one of his latest projects that has critics raving. Listen in to be inspired and motivated by Steve's story.

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Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/