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Ever known someone who could run 100 miles in a single day? This was my first introduction to Earl Lavender in 1985 when he ran as a fundraiser for Lipscomb Athletics. Though Earl has had wide influence in the U.S. and abroad, in both biblical and athletic arenas, he makes his big waves with humility, giving all credit to the Ultimate Teacher. Tune in and you'll learn what thousands of former students already know: time with Earl Lavender is time well spent.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
It's natural to wonder how you'd take it if you received a terminal diagnosis. In November 2023, Joseph M. Ivey found out. Joe has an impressive resume, having led several organizations, served on boards, and contributed his expertise to a number of non-profits. But when Joe had a health event that led to the discovery of a terminal brain tumor, his priorities shifted. If you need to be reminded of what really matters in life, tune in.
Read more about Joe's Last Lecture here.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
If you've ever wanted to know more about keeping bees, the history of pack-horse librarians in Appalachia, or where to find some motherly wisdom, you'll want to listen to this episode. It’s my honor to talk with Bonnie Blaylock, author of Light to the Hills, and co-host of the popular “Just Ask Your Mom” podcast. She’s also a beekeeper. You have a love a woman who can do all of that and do it so well.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
What do Amy Cuddy, the Sabbath, and an old accounting ledger have in common? As Season 4 of Gladness & Hunger is launched, I'm reminded of the critical nature of stories, how important it is to observe Sabbath, particularly as a act of remembrance, and the sacred nature of one of my own stories, taught to me by my father, this side of his grave. My encouragement to you in the coming year is to keep a record of your own sacred stories and share
them whenever and however you can.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
What does it look like to build a life that creates ripples of influence far beyond your immediate circle? My husband Stan and I met Dave and Sydney Clayton, of Ethos Church, when they were undergraduates at Lipscomb—even then, they were influencers on a wider-than-average scale. In this episode, they share how they're raising sons to be fathers, the transformative power of consistent rhythms, and the practice of habit-stacking. If you're seeking to live with greater intentionality and impact, this conversation will inspire you.
Find links to all my podcasts on leannewsmith.com.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
Creating work that resonates with millions is rare. Marianne Richmond, children's author and illustrator whose books have sold in the millions, learned to listen for commonalities. Coming out of a painful childhood, she discovered that while we all have vastly different experiences, the emotions we feel are the same. If you're a creator seeking to connect authentically with your audience, Marianne's insights will guide you. Find more about her books on her website.
Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
What does it mean to be fully present with another person? I've long admired Dr. Jan Harris—English professor, poet, and Fellow for Faculty Wellbeing at Lipscomb. In this episode, we talk about poetry, writing, and Jan's remarkable gift for presence. Discover how poetry helps us see the world differently and what it looks like to contribute your unique verse to the world.
Find Jan's chapbook, Isolating One’s Priorities, at Chapbook Press and on Amazon.
Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
Some stories change you. Vivi Radiro's journey from a dirt-floored hut in Kenya to cancer research is one of the most sacred stories I've ever recorded. In this episode, Vivi shares how pain became purpose and what it takes to pursue impossible dreams. If you need hope that God sees you and that a transformed life is possible, Vivi's witness to resilience will inspire you.
Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
Sometimes education becomes a bridge to the seeming impossible. When a student suggested Richard Goode visit Death Row, it planted a seed that grew into the LIFE program (Lipscomb Initiative for Education) at the women's prison in Nashville. Remarkably, Richard's own story began with higher education a distant dream. In this episode, discover how education can transform lives and what it looks like to bring hope to unexpected places.
Richard is the author of several books on church history and reconciliation, including his latest, co-authored with Dr. Caleb Clanton, titled Great Ideas in History, Politics and Philosophy.
Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
What does it look like to find your singular calling after exploring multiple paths? I first met Garrett Dickerson when he was a student. Now, several years, a graduate degree, and multiple career lanes later, he's laser-focused on one thing: following God's plan and purpose for his life. In this episode, Garrett shares how he's helping others discover their own calling. Garrett's book, His Plan, Our Purpose, and Everything Else, is available on his website, garrettddickerson.com.
Find links to all my podcasts at leannewsmith.com.
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]
From the publisher's feed
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…
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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