Hope is Kindled
A podcast devoted to the way stories shape us, sharpen us, and sometimes… save us.
Hope is Kindled is a literary podcast that explores classic and powerful works of literature through the lens of self-discovery, moral reflection, and enduring hope. Each episode delves into a single book, essay, or story, examining its themes, characters, and psychological depth, and connects it to timeless questions about the human condition.
What makes the podcast unique is its blend of literary criticism and warmth. It uses biographical, psychological, and historical criticism, along with personal reflection and cultural commentary—including references to Doctor Who, The Muppets, and classic film.
Please let us know what you think of our episodes, if you have any ideas for future episodes or to share your experiences looking searching for hope in the literary world.
Hope is Kindled
Walden
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In Episode 5 of Hope is Kindled, we step into the quiet woods of Concord, Massachusetts, alongside Henry David Thoreau, and explore his profound experiment in intentional living as captured in Walden. This episode reflects on Thoreau’s call to “live deliberately,” stripping life down to its essentials in order to discover what truly matters. Through a blend of literary insight, personal reflection, and philosophical exploration, we examine how solitude, simplicity, and self-discovery can offer a powerful antidote to the noise and rush of modern life. Thoreau’s love of nature, his challenge to societal norms, and his fierce defense of inner freedom provide timeless guidance for anyone seeking clarity, courage, and a more meaningful existence. It’s not just a book about the woods — it’s a book about waking up.
