Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

Is there an underground current running through your life? You know—a theme that continues to bubble up in your work, your conversations, your passions? In this Season 2 opener, I share why fiction writing and teaching practical truths are the resonant notes in my own lifesong, and I invite you to start listening for yours. Talk to anyone long enough, and you'll notice undercurrents that emerge. If you've ever wondered what connects the dots of your own story, this conversation is for 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] 

What does it look like when someone discovers their gifts early and starts using them to make waves in the world? Though Aidan Miller is young, it's clear God has been shaping him for something meaningful. When I invited him on the podcast, I told him: "I love hearing how God works in people's lives, and the joy I imagine He feels in watching us give back to the world the very gifts He has given to each of us." His story captures the heart of what G&H is all about—and it's the perfect close to our first season.

For links to all my podcasts, visit 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's the difference between copying and truly creating? Tom Bancroft, a former Disney animator now putting Nashville on the animation map, shares why moving past the copying stage is essential for any artist. Tune in to hear how early influences shaped the remarkable careers of Tom and his twin brother Tony (also a Disney animator, hence the (x2) in the title) in this one-of-a-kind partnership: twins with a talent to draw. If you've ever loved a Disney movie, this is your episode.

Check out Tom & Tony's new animated film, Light of the World. You can also listen to the Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast here.  

For links to all my podcasts, visit 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 an artist partnering with God? In this episode, I sit down with Isaac Horn and Lincoln Mick of The Arcadian Wild—Lincoln is my son-in-law—to explore themes of invitation, creativity, and leaning into the talents we've been given. You'll hear the story behind Spring: Wake, the song that scores this podcast, and discover what it looks like to create art that honors both craft and calling. 

For links to all my podcasts, visit 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] 

Ever wonder what it takes to earn journalism's highest honors—or what comes after? Alan Griggs has won three Peabody awards, interviewed a U.S. President, and hired Robin Roberts early in her career. But despite his storied accomplishments, Alan remains disarmingly candid and approachable. Now in a second career as a professor, Alan continues to pay his hard-earned wisdom forward. Check out Alan's book, Flying Flak Alley, on Amazon. 

For links to all my podcasts, visit 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 people are born to be truth-seekers. Leonard Allen is one of them, a man shaped by early influences like Tiger’s Milk. Today, Leonard uses his own influence to ensure the pursuit of religious and intellectual truth continues strong for the next generation. If you've ever wrestled with questions of faith and meaning, you'll enjoy this conversation. Read about Leonard's latest book, The Bookroom. 

For links to all my podcasts, visit 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 do you do when life throws you a major curveball? My friend Kendra picked up a hammer and knocked out a wall. The renovation of her new home became a powerful metaphor for rebuilding her life—and the subject of a book she's writing. If you've ever faced a season of unexpected change, Kendra's story will resonate.

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] 

Ever feel like life is happening to you instead of being shaped by you? Crafting a life plan can ensure you live with intention. In this episode, we'll talk about the power of good posture and consider the vocational story of Moses. When God asks Moses, "What's in your hand?" it holds a lesson that could change how each of us sees what we already have to offer.

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]