In this Season 6 recap, Kianna and I reflect on the guests, stories, and lessons that shaped this season of Gladness and Hunger. We discuss mentorship, vocation, God&apos;s faithfulness, and the surprising ways our lives often unfold. Join us as we look back on the journey and celebrate the wisdom shared by this season&apos;s guests.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/Visit Leanne&apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/Contact Leanne&apos;s team @ <a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'>info@leannewsmith.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this Season 6 recap, Kianna and I reflect on the guests, stories, and lessons that shaped this season of &lt;em&gt;Gladness and Hunger&lt;/em&gt;. We discuss mentorship, vocation, God&amp;apos;s faithfulness, and the surprising ways our lives often unfold. Join us as we look back on the journey and celebrate the wisdom shared by this season&amp;apos;s guests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Leanne&amp;apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact Leanne&amp;apos;s team @ &lt;a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'&gt;info@leannewsmith.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this Season 6 recap, Kianna and I reflect on the guests, stories, and lessons that shaped this season of Gladness and Hunger. We discuss mentorship, vocation, God's faithfulness, and the surprising ways our lives often unfold. Join us as we look back on the journey and celebrate the wisdom shared by this season's guests. Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/ Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith....

Looking Back Over Our Shoulder: Season 6 Highlights

In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, I sit down with Sydney Ball shortly after the launch of her consulting firm, Ballpoint Business Solutions. A Lipscomb College of Business alumna, Sydney has been recognized with honors including the Sterling Award for Top 20 Professionals Under 40 in West Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Women of Influence. In our conversation, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and family influences that shaped both her career and her passion for serving others.From running her first business at just ten years old to building a successful career in banking, board leadership, and consulting, Sydney shares practical wisdom on networking, communication, mentorship, and leading with integrity. Along the way, she offers thoughtful insight into entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the importance of building meaningful connections.This conversation is an encouraging reminder that vocation is often formed through service, relationships, and the willingness to walk through unexpected doors of opportunity.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/Visit Leanne&apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/Contact Leanne&apos;s team @ <a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'>info@leannewsmith.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Gladness &amp;amp; Hunger, I sit down with Sydney Ball shortly after the launch of her consulting firm, Ballpoint Business Solutions. A Lipscomb College of Business alumna, Sydney has been recognized with honors including the Sterling Award for Top 20 Professionals Under 40 in West Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal’s &lt;em&gt;40 Under 40&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Women of Influence&lt;/em&gt;. In our conversation, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and family influences that shaped both her career and her passion for serving others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From running her first business at just ten years old to building a successful career in banking, board leadership, and consulting, Sydney shares practical wisdom on networking, communication, mentorship, and leading with integrity. Along the way, she offers thoughtful insight into entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the importance of building meaningful connections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This conversation is an encouraging reminder that vocation is often formed through service, relationships, and the willingness to walk through unexpected doors of opportunity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Leanne&amp;apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact Leanne&amp;apos;s team @ &lt;a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'&gt;info@leannewsmith.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, I sit down with Sydney Ball shortly after the launch of her consulting firm, Ballpoint Business Solutions. A Lipscomb College of Business alumna, Sydney has been recognized with honors including the Sterling Award for Top 20 Professionals Under 40 in West Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Women of Influence. In our conversation, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and family influences that shaped both her career and her p...

Sydney Ball: "Entrepreneurship Rooted in Service”

Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation?Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon &amp; Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno.Media has been a constant thread throughout Selene’s life, but her story is anything but linear. With seasons spent living in Mexico, the United States, Rome, Paris, and Spain, her journey reflects a deep love for travel, culture, and storytelling—along with a willingness to embrace change when life takes unexpected turns.In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, we explore Selene’s fascinating background, the early influences that shaped her path, and how she found her way from television into the world of books. Along the way, she shares what it looks like to adapt, to take risks, and to remain open to opportunities you never planned for.This conversation is a reminder that calling is often formed over time—through experiences, relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.If you’re navigating change, considering a new direction, or simply wondering how your story is unfolding, Selene’s journey offers both perspective and encouragement.0:00 Intro1:02 Meet Selene Covarrubias4:14 Between Two Worlds: Growing Up Across Cultures6:39 Backstage: Lessons from Early Hollywood8:33 Creativity, Motherhood, and Meaningful Work11:55 Midroll on Mentorship12:41 Leaps of Faith: Moving Countries &amp; Reinventing Yourself20:43 Critical Skills: Adaptability &amp; Self-Kindness22:26 Habits that Ground You &amp; Staying Open to Change24:39 Final Thoughts and Advice: Take Risks &amp; Reach Out Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/Visit Leanne&apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/Contact Leanne&apos;s team @ <a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'>info@leannewsmith.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon &amp;amp; Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both &lt;em&gt;The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson&lt;/em&gt; and later with Jay Leno.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Media has been a constant thread throughout Selene’s life, but her story is anything but linear. With seasons spent living in Mexico, the United States, Rome, Paris, and Spain, her journey reflects a deep love for travel, culture, and storytelling—along with a willingness to embrace change when life takes unexpected turns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Gladness &amp;amp; Hunger&lt;/em&gt;, we explore Selene’s fascinating background, the early influences that shaped her path, and how she found her way from television into the world of books. Along the way, she shares what it looks like to adapt, to take risks, and to remain open to opportunities you never planned for.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This conversation is a reminder that calling is often formed over time—through experiences, relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re navigating change, considering a new direction, or simply wondering how your story is unfolding, Selene’s journey offers both perspective and encouragement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;0:00 &lt;/b&gt;Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;1:02 &lt;/b&gt;Meet Selene Covarrubias&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;4:14 &lt;/b&gt;Between Two Worlds: Growing Up Across Cultures&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;6:39 &lt;/b&gt;Backstage: Lessons from Early Hollywood&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;8:33 &lt;/b&gt;Creativity, Motherhood, and Meaningful Work&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;11:55 &lt;/b&gt;Midroll on Mentorship&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;12:41 &lt;/b&gt;Leaps of Faith: Moving Countries &amp;amp; Reinventing Yourself&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;20:43 &lt;/b&gt;Critical Skills: Adaptability &amp;amp; Self-Kindness&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;22:26 &lt;/b&gt;Habits that Ground You &amp;amp; Staying Open to Change&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;24:39 &lt;/b&gt;Final Thoughts and Advice: Take Risks &amp;amp; Reach Out&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Leanne&amp;apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact Leanne&amp;apos;s team @ &lt;a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'&gt;info@leannewsmith.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation? Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon &amp; Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno. Media has been a constant thread throughout Selene’s life, but her story is anything but linear. With seasons spent living in Mexi...

Selene Covarrubias: From Carson & Leno to Simon & Schuster—Embracing Change & Finding Your Path

Sometimes we discover we are wired in ways that surprise us. In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, I sit down with Dr. Matt Hearn, longtime English professor at Lipscomb University, to explore his unexpected journey into literature and teaching.Matt shares how he came to love words, the teachers and mentors who shaped him, and the moments that awakened his curiosity. Along the way, he reflects on how following his passion—even when it didn’t look like the path he expected—led him to a fulfilling vocation.Together, we explore:<ul><li>How early experiences with literature and poetry sparked curiosity and shaped a lifelong love of words</li><li>The influence of challenging teachers and mentors who guided growth in surprising ways</li><li>How pursuing what you love can reveal your calling—even if it’s not what you originally planned</li><li>The role of curiosity, determination, and stubbornness in personal and professional growth</li><li>Why taking unexpected opportunities can lead to joy, purpose, and self-discovery</li></ul>This episode is thoughtful, reflective, and encouraging for anyone navigating life decisions, discovering passions, or learning to trust the slow unfolding of purpose. Through Matt’s story, we see that sometimes the work we were made to do is revealed gradually—and it can be more joyful than we ever imagined. 0:00 Intro0:53 Meet Matt Hearn3:59 When Your Life Takes You Somewhere You Never Expected7:19 The Teacher You Hate Might Be the One Who Shapes You Most11:32 Midroll on Mentorship12:55 Discovering Poetry and the Power of Words15:40 When a Change of Plans Leads You to What You Love18:52 How Curiosity and Stubbornness Can Shape Your Future26:38 Advice for Young People: Slow Down and Find What You’re Passionate About Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/Visit Leanne&apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/Contact Leanne&apos;s team @ <a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'>info@leannewsmith.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Sometimes we discover we are wired in ways that surprise us. In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Gladness &amp;amp; Hunger&lt;/em&gt;, I sit down with Dr. Matt Hearn, longtime English professor at Lipscomb University, to explore his unexpected journey into literature and teaching.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Matt shares how he came to love words, the teachers and mentors who shaped him, and the moments that awakened his curiosity. Along the way, he reflects on how following his passion—even when it didn’t look like the path he expected—led him to a fulfilling vocation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Together, we explore:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How early experiences with literature and poetry sparked curiosity and shaped a lifelong love of words&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The influence of challenging teachers and mentors who guided growth in surprising ways&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How pursuing what you love can reveal your calling—even if it’s not what you originally planned&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The role of curiosity, determination, and stubbornness in personal and professional growth&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why taking unexpected opportunities can lead to joy, purpose, and self-discovery&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode is thoughtful, reflective, and encouraging for anyone navigating life decisions, discovering passions, or learning to trust the slow unfolding of purpose. Through Matt’s story, we see that sometimes the work we were made to do is revealed gradually—and it can be more joyful than we ever imagined. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;0:00 &lt;/b&gt;Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;0:53 &lt;/b&gt;Meet Matt Hearn&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;3:59 &lt;/b&gt;When Your Life Takes You Somewhere You Never Expected&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;7:19 &lt;/b&gt;The Teacher You Hate Might Be the One Who Shapes You Most&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;11:32 &lt;/b&gt;Midroll on Mentorship&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;12:55 &lt;/b&gt;Discovering Poetry and the Power of Words&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;15:40 &lt;/b&gt;When a Change of Plans Leads You to What You Love&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;18:52 &lt;/b&gt;How Curiosity and Stubbornness Can Shape Your Future&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;26:38 &lt;/b&gt;Advice for Young People: Slow Down and Find What You’re Passionate About&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Leanne&amp;apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact Leanne&amp;apos;s team @ &lt;a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'&gt;info@leannewsmith.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

Sometimes we discover we are wired in ways that surprise us. In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, I sit down with Dr. Matt Hearn, longtime English professor at Lipscomb University, to explore his unexpected journey into literature and teaching. Matt shares how he came to love words, the teachers and mentors who shaped him, and the moments that awakened his curiosity. Along the way, he reflects on how following his passion—even when it didn’t look like the path he expected—led him to a fu...

Matt Hearn: "The Stories We Read & the Stories We Are"

The underemployment of people with extraordinary minds is not just a personal loss — it’s a collective one.In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, I sit down with filmmaker Barry Wortz to talk about his powerful documentary, <a href='https://lostpotential.vhx.tv/products/lost-potential'>Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis</a>.Barry was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old. Like many adults today, he spent decades navigating the world without language for his experience. In our conversation, he shares his personal journey, the misconceptions surrounding autism, and why the workplace is missing out on extraordinary talent because of misunderstanding and stigma.We explore how autism doesn’t “look” the way many people expect. Autistic individuals can be successful, gifted, creative, and deeply empathetic — yet still misunderstood. Barry makes a compelling case: when employers place people where they are strongest, especially those on the spectrum, they often outperform expectations.Together, we discuss:<ul><li>Why autism is frequently misunderstood</li><li>The power of storytelling to shift stigma</li><li>Late diagnoses and changing awareness</li><li>Masking, sensory overload, and emotional misinterpretation</li><li>How managers, teachers, and leaders can better support neurodivergent individuals The hope emerging from greater awareness and open conversation</li></ul>This episode is both personal and practical — a call to see differently, hire differently, and love differently.0:00 Intro1:01 Meet Barry Wortz3:02 &quot;Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis&quot; Documentary6:25 Diagnosed at 41: Barry’s Personal Journey12:09 Hire the Person for Their Strengths and Watch Them Excel14:43 Creating Environments Where Autistic Individuals Can Thrive17:23 Midroll On Mentorship18:34 Masking, Anxiety &amp; The Hidden Work of Autism24:14 Finding a Calling in Film &amp; Education28:33 Words of Hope for Families &amp; Individuals on the SpectrumRead more about <a href='https://lipscomb.edu/directory/wortz-barry'>Barry Wortz here</a>; and watch his documentary, <a href='https://lostpotential.vhx.tv/products/lost-potential'>Lost Potential, here</a>.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/Visit Leanne&apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/Contact Leanne&apos;s team @ <a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'>info@leannewsmith.com</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;The underemployment of people with extraordinary minds is not just a personal loss — it’s a collective one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Gladness &amp;amp; Hunger&lt;/em&gt;, I sit down with filmmaker Barry Wortz to talk about his powerful documentary, &lt;a href='https://lostpotential.vhx.tv/products/lost-potential'&gt;Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Barry was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old. Like many adults today, he spent decades navigating the world without language for his experience. In our conversation, he shares his personal journey, the misconceptions surrounding autism, and why the workplace is missing out on extraordinary talent because of misunderstanding and stigma.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We explore how autism doesn’t “look” the way many people expect. Autistic individuals can be successful, gifted, creative, and deeply empathetic — yet still misunderstood. Barry makes a compelling case: when employers place people where they are strongest, especially those on the spectrum, they often outperform expectations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Together, we discuss:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why autism is frequently misunderstood&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The power of storytelling to shift stigma&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Late diagnoses and changing awareness&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Masking, sensory overload, and emotional misinterpretation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How managers, teachers, and leaders can better support neurodivergent individuals&lt;br/&gt;The hope emerging from greater awareness and open conversation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode is both personal and practical — a call to see differently, hire differently, and love differently.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;0:00 Intro&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;1:01 Meet Barry Wortz&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3:02 &amp;quot;Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis&amp;quot; Documentary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6:25 Diagnosed at 41: Barry’s Personal Journey&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;12:09 Hire the Person for Their Strengths and Watch Them Excel&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;14:43 Creating Environments Where Autistic Individuals Can Thrive&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;17:23 Midroll On Mentorship&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;18:34 Masking, Anxiety &amp;amp; The Hidden Work of Autism&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;24:14 Finding a Calling in Film &amp;amp; Education&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;28:33 Words of Hope for Families &amp;amp; Individuals on the Spectrum&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Read more about &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href='https://lipscomb.edu/directory/wortz-barry'&gt;&lt;em&gt;Barry Wortz here&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;; and watch his documentary, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href='https://lostpotential.vhx.tv/products/lost-potential'&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lost Potential, here&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit Leanne&amp;apos;s Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contact Leanne&amp;apos;s team @ &lt;a href='mailto:info@leannewsmith.com'&gt;info@leannewsmith.com&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

The underemployment of people with extraordinary minds is not just a personal loss — it’s a collective one. In this episode of Gladness &amp; Hunger, I sit down with filmmaker Barry Wortz to talk about his powerful documentary, Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis. Barry was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old. Like many adults today, he spent decades navigating the world without language for his experience. In our conversation, he shares his personal journey, the misconce...

Barry Wortz: “Lost Potential – Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis”

Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith sits down with key individuals to mine the magic of their vocational stories. Inspired by Frederick Buechner who said the key to a career satisfying to both soul and pocketbook was to find “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet," this podcast is geared to writers, students, story lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration for their own vocational journey. As a 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.

Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

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