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
Faust
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In this episode of Hope is Kindled, we dive into Goethe’s monumental Faust, a timeless tale of ambition, temptation, and the cost of one’s soul. Through literary, philosophical, and psychological analysis, we explore Faust’s bargain with Mephistopheles and the struggle between knowledge and wisdom, desire and responsibility. With reflections on Goethe’s life, the Enlightenment, and the power of redemption, this episode unpacks the darkness and brilliance of one of literature’s most enduring characters — and asks what it truly means to seek meaning in a complicated world.
