Lament of Hope

Muirgen O'Mahony is one of the talented ladies of Celtic Woman. It has been such a gift for me to connect with many of the Celtic Woman members, past and present, over the year and a half of this podcast. I had so much fun talking with Muirgen as we discussed favorite Christmas melodies, Muirgen's experience with anxiety, and her absolute passion for theatre. Celtic Woman start their White Christmas Symphony tour in the U.S. today through December 22nd. Check out their tour dates and locations on their website celticwoman.com. I can't wait to see them perform at the Kennedy Center in D.C. on the 14th!!

Regina Calcaterra wrote an autobiography of her childhood and that of her siblings as they faced years of instability in and out of foster care. Her memoir, Etched in Sand, A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long Island, which was published in 2013, became a New York Times and an international bestseller. Regina received her law degree in 1996 from Seton Hall University School of Law and went on to start her own law firm. Regina has received numerous awards and honors for both her legal and advocacy work. It was a gift to sit down with Regina to talk about her childhood and her passion for youth in foster care.

Juliet Marillier is one of my favorite historical fantasy authors. The first book in her Sevenwaters series, Daughter of the Forest, is absolutely stunning. It is vivid storytelling, and my eyes pricked with tears in the final chapters. Please read it!! Juliet talked with me about her respect for the natural world, her heart for animals, particularly dogs, her recent return to writing, and being part of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.

It was such a gift for me to connect with English singer and actor, Hadley Fraser. I was first introduced to Hadley's talent through his portrayal of Raoul in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera filmed live at the Royal Albert Hall. Hadley sat down with me to talk about his acting, balancing his family and his career, his love of nature, and his reflections on the meaning of life and God.

Natalie Lloyd was such a sweet woman to interview and definitely young of heart. Natalie is an author who lives with brittle bone disease, but it does not define her life or identity. She talked with me about her books, especially Hummingbird, living with brittle bone disease, and how much she loves her husband.

Michael Barnes is the lead vocalist of the rock band, Red. Michael joined our interview from the beautiful outdoors and talked with me about music and life. I really enjoyed talking with Michael. He was just himself, no showy talk or need to impress, but open and honest. I think anyone listening to this interview will be blessed by hearing our conversation.

I really enjoyed talking with Rose Reid. Rose Reid played Finley in a favorite coming-of-age romance film of mine, Finding You, which came out in 2021. Highly recommend if you have a soft spot for anything Irish and a hankering for a sweet romance story!! :) Rose was so genuine and raw about her thoughts and feelings on several subjects such as film, femininity, and faith. I felt like I was making a new friend. This was one of my favorite interviews so far, and I think you will find it very thought-provoking.

It was a delight to speak with Mary Pope Osborne. I was a huge fan of the Magic Tree House books when I was a kid, and it was incredible to get to connect with her now as an adult. Her life is an adventure story of its own! Comment your favorite Magic Tree House book!

It was such a gift to connect with Karen Kingsbury. She is passionate about the Lord and the gift of writing He has given her to glorify Him and encourage readers. May this interview that gives a glimpse into her personality and love of story bless your day!

It was a gift to sit down and talk with Sean Hepburn Ferrer about his childhood, his mother's passion for humanity, and his own thoughts and hopes for the world. Sean's answers were reflective and honest, and I really appreciated the time we had to connect.