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
30. The Alchemist
In this luminous episode of Hope is Kindled, we follow the journey of Santiago, a humble shepherd with a dream in his heart and the desert wind at his back. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a modern fable about purpose, destiny, and listening to the quiet wisdom of the world around us. We explore the novel’s mystical layers, its call to follow one’s “Personal Legend,” and its reminder that the treasure we seek is often found within. With reflections on faith, fear, transformation, and love — and a surprise visit from Sweetums and the Eleventh Doctor — this episode is an invitation to wonder, to trust, and to keep walking the path, even when the signs are hard to read.
