Strangers on The Way

What do you do when life takes you from the battlefields of Vietnam to the halls of the White House — and eventually onto the open road in an RV? For Steve Haynes, his life has been filled with extraordinary experiences, unexpected encounters, and stories that offer a glimpse into worlds most of us never get to see.

In Episode 156 of Strangers on The Way, Lauren Hansen sits down with Steve to hear about his remarkable life, from serving in Vietnam, where he was the sole survivor of a mission that took the lives of his fellow troops, to serving in the White House under four presidents: George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Steve also shares about his commander, Colin Powell, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at life and service in the White House.

But Steve's adventures don't end there! He also shares stories from traveling around the country in an RV, where encounters with strangers bring unexpected conversations, new perspectives, and reminders of the people we meet along the way.

Join Lauren for a conversation about service, survival, history, and the adventures that unfold when we remain open to the people and experiences around us. Tune in to hear Steve's story and be reminded of the power of human connection, one stranger at a time.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

What happens when your career path takes a turn you never expected? Sometimes, the most interesting adventures begin when we're willing to take a risk!

In Episode 155 of Strangers on The Way, Lauren Hansen sits down with Dan Light to explore his entrepreneurial journey, from majoring in chemistry to starting a photography business to exploring new entrepreneurial opportunities and helping others do the same.

Serving as a Startup Advisor and Executive Mentor, Dan shares why the path to building a business looks different for everyone, how being “risk prone” has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, and why testing ideas can be a powerful way to discover what works. Together, they unpack the beauty of entrepreneurial pivots, the courage to try something new, and the process of turning an idea into something real.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative with an idea, or simply wondering what's next for you, this conversation is an invitation to take a step, embrace the unknown, and discover what might happen when you move forward.

Because sometimes, the next big thing starts with a small experiment — and a willingness to take a chance on what's possible. Tune in and be encouraged to move toward people, explore new possibilities, and keep discovering the stories waiting to be told.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 154 of Strangers on the Way, Lauren Hansen sits down with Pastor Mike Signorelli, founding lead pastor of V1 Church, V1X College, and V1 Community Impact, author, filmmaker, and Bible teacher, for a conversation about Gen Z, forgiveness, offense, evangelism, and the unexpected ways God can use the people we meet. 

So what happens when we slow down enough to actually see the people around us? In this episode, Mike shares a story about a stranger who changed the trajectory of his life. What can we learn from Gen Z about the way we share our faith? How do we reach people who feel disconnected from the Church? And what happens when we choose forgiveness instead of holding onto offense? With Mike’s new book, The Unoffendable Heart, releasing October 20, 2026, Mike unpacks what it looks like to let go of offense, walk in forgiveness, and keep our hearts soft even when we’ve been hurt. This conversation will challenge you to look differently at the people around you, love people more intentionally, and maybe even wonder: What if the stranger you meet today is carrying a story that could change yours?

Mike and his wife, Julie, founded V1 Church with just 18 people, and the church has grown into a multi-campus ministry with a global online community focused on sharing the Gospel and making disciples. Mike also created the film The Domino Revival and hosts The Narrow Way, reaching millions through his teaching and ministry. 

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Pre-order and get your copy of The Unoffendable Heart here, available wherever books are sold. Learn more about Mike Signorelli's ministry here.

The Unoffendable Heart by Mike Signorelli

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

What happens when the person who once wanted to kill a street preacher becomes someone who spends his life sharing the Gospel?

In this powerful episode of Strangers on the Way, Lauren sits down with entrepreneur and evangelist Waleed Zarou, whose radical story of encountering God completely changed the direction of his life. Waleed shares honestly about a time that he attempted to murder a street preacher and the extraordinary encounter with God that stopped him in his tracks and ultimately led him to Jesus.

Waleed doesn’t just share his story - he shares the Gospel. In this conversation, he clearly explains who Jesus is, what the Gospel means, how someone can receive Jesus, and what the next steps can look like after making that decision. His passion is rooted in a simple belief: everyone, everywhere, everyday can be used by God to reach the people around them.

As an entrepreneur, Waleed has discovered that his businesses are mission fields, too. Lauren and Waleed swap stories from his experiences in the barber shop and pizzeria, talking about the unexpected opportunities to build relationships, share faith, and point people toward Jesus right in the middle of everyday life. Waleed has used both his salon and pizzeria as platforms to connect with his community and share the Gospel.

This is a conversation about radical transformation, bold faith, entrepreneurship, and what can happen when we realize that the people already in our everyday lives might be the very people God is asking us to reach.

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Learn more about Waleed Zarou and his ministry here.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 152, Lauren interviews Marvel enthusiasts Najeed Baig and Jeff Tano for a conversation about superheroes, human nature, and the stories that capture our imagination.

Why are we so drawn to superheroes? What do our favorite characters reveal about us? Together, they talk about their favorite Marvel characters, the appeal of superheroes, and the ways brokenness, weakness, courage, and redemption show up in these larger-than-life stories.

But the conversation doesn’t stop with the Marvel universe. Lauren, Najeed, and Jeff explore what it means to recognize the “everyday superheroes” in our own lives - the ordinary people who show up, make sacrifices, overcome challenges, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or simply fascinated by the stories we tell about good, evil, courage, and humanity, this episode invites you to look at superheroes, and the people around you, in a whole new way.

Because sometimes the greatest heroes aren’t the ones wearing a cape.

Episode 152: Najeed Baig and Jeff Tano - Marvel, superheroes and the heroes around us is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on YouTube. 

Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of Marvel films and Disney+ series, including plot details and spoilers. Marvel and Disney are trademarks of their respective owners. This podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Marvel or Disney.

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The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 151, Lauren sits down with Denvil Lee, Campus Pastor at The Chapel Lake Zurich. Denvil shares his incredible journey from working at McDonald’s, to retail leadership, to serving as a police officer, investigator, and detective, before eventually stepping into church leadership and pastoral ministry. One of the most powerful themes throughout the conversation is how Denvil approaches each role with a heart to serve and invest in people - often spending only a short time at the top before returning to walk alongside others, mentor them, and help raise them up.

Together, Lauren and Denvil explore why true leadership is more about faithfulness to the process than chasing outcomes, how God’s Kingdom often begins with small seeds, and why being entrusted with small things matters deeply.

Denvil also opens up about his personal faith journey from atheism and agnosticism to encountering God while cleaning the back of a church. Through moving stories and honest reflection, he reminds listeners that it is a joy to be found by God and that God is more than we can dream or imagine.

This episode is a powerful encouragement for anyone searching for purpose, learning to trust God in small beginnings, or wondering if they can still be found by Him.

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The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 150, Lauren sits down with Lynne Marian, a leader who has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of faith, ministry, and mission-driven marketing. Throughout her career, Lynne has helped amplify the impact of some of the most influential Christian organizations in the world, including World Vision, Zondervan, World Concern, Our Daily Bread Ministries, and Outreach, Inc.. While at Outreach, she founded Outreach Magazine, known for publishing the influential Top 100 list of America’s largest and fastest-growing churches.

Today, Lynne serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Plant With Purpose, a global Christian organization that has planted more than 80 million trees across nine countries while helping vulnerable communities cut poverty in half. Lynne lives in Southern California, where she also serves as a life and executive coach, helping leaders discover their calling and maximize their impact.

In this conversation, Lynne shares powerful stories of resilience from communities around the world including the remarkable story of Francine, a young woman in Burundi whose life was transformed through the work of Plant With Purpose. Lynne also reflects on how her work with Plant With Purpose has transformed her own spiritual journey, helping her see that creation care is deeply rooted in the Gospel itself. From the opening chapters of Book of Genesis, where God declares creation “very good,” humans are called to participate in stewarding and caring for the world God made. 

Lynne also introduces a new church discipleship and outreach initiative called Tend, a program designed to help churches reconnect faith with creation care and discipleship. This episode is an inspiring reminder that when compassion and action come together, ordinary people can help restore both communities and creation.

To learn more about Plant with Purpose, visit http://plantwithpurpose.org and to learn about Tend, visit https://tendlife.org. 

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The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strang

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 149, Lauren sits down with Marcy Bursac, adoptive mom, author, national advocate, and founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option, to talk about what happens when adoption isn’t Plan B…but Plan A.

Marcy shares how a visit to Moldova changed the trajectory of her life and led her to the desire to adopt. But when she stepped into the U.S. foster care system to adopt a sibling pair, she encountered something she didn’t expect: confusion, delays, misdirection, and a lack of clear guidance. Like many prospective adoptive parents, she found that while adoption from foster care is publicly encouraged, the pathway toward actually adopting can feel unclear.

Out of that frustration and deep love for children waiting for families The Forgotten Adoption Option was born. As a national 501(c)(3), the organization exists to close the gap between awareness and action. Marcy explains how thousands of adults raise their hands to adopt, only to be rerouted into foster licensing processes without clear communication about what adoption specifically requires. That disconnect leaves families discouraged and children, especially sibling groups, waiting longer for permanency.

In our conversation, Marcy shares:

• Why foster care adoption is often misunderstood
• The biggest barriers prospective adoptive parents face
• How culture change is needed
• The emotional realities of adopting siblings
• How clarity and education can reduce friction in the system

Through books for adults and children, a free adoption planning app, a nationally distributed reading program, research, coaching, and her own podcast, Marcy has supported more than 12,000 prospective adoptive parents across the United States.

If you’ve ever wondered whether adoption might be part of your story or you simply want to understand the reality behind foster care adoption, this conversation will move you from awareness to action.

Because sometimes the stranger you’re meant to meet becomes family.

Learn more: The Forgotten Adoption Option

Get Marcy's books: https://forgottenadoptionoption.org/books

Check out the podcast: https://pod.link/1542072701 

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 148, Lauren interviews Dr. Paul Falkowski, Founder and President of the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV) and explores the quiet, powerful impact of showing up for senior citizens — one visit at a time.

Paul shares the remarkable origin story of his organization, which began not in a boardroom, but while serving as a choir director. After a visit to a local senior care facility, Paul quickly learned that there was a need for one-on-one visitors for the seniors. What started as simple, one-on-one conversations grew into a national movement equipping volunteers and care staff to bring authentic human connection into nursing homes and senior living communities.

In the conversation, Paul addresses a common fear: “What do I say?” or “What if it’s awkward?” He gently dismantles those concerns, explaining that seniors are looking for authentic connection. He also highlights a sobering reality: nearly half of the 1.5 million people living in U.S. care communities receive no visitors at all. Yet, Paul believes this story can change when people step beyond their comfort zones and choose relationship over hesitation.

As an Air Force veteran, Paul brings a unique depth to his work, sharing unforgettable stories of connection, wisdom, humor, and humanity from the senior generation — stories you only hear when you’re willing to step to the margins of society.

This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need perfect words or a grand plan to make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is a willing heart, a listening ear, and the courage to walk toward those who are too often forgotten.

For more information about the National Association for Long-Term Care Volunteers, visit https://naltcv.org or reach Dr. Falkowski directly at [email protected] 

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The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...

In Episode 147, Lauren interviews Oklahoma-based mom, pickleball enthusiast, and ministry leader Moriah Stewart. Lauren spontaneously met Moriah at a conference in Chicago. In this episode, Moriah shares about her and her husband Kyle's love of teenagers, what she's learned through mentoring young adults, how to recognize God speaking to you, and wisdom she's gleaning through playing pickleball. This episode is a warm, faith-filled conversation about noticing God in daily life, loving young people well, and being open to divine appointments that begin with a simple hello.

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The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

Support the show

Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe.

As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and and co-author of I'm Possible! children's book, and Finding IT: Becoming Your Greatest Leadership Self.

Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive ...