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.
Hope is Kindled
20. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
In this swirling, psychedelic episode of Hope is Kindled, we dive into Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, chronicling Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters as they rocket across 1960s America in a day-glo bus with music, madness, and mind expansion. We reflect on the cultural explosion of the era, the search for spiritual awakening, and the edges where freedom and chaos collide. With vivid scenes, Muppet humor, and a glimpse into the birth of counterculture, this episode explores whether there’s still hope in a technicolor dream that wanted to break the world open — and let the light in.
