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
Girl, Interrupted
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In this deeply introspective episode of Hope is Kindled, we explore Susanna Kaysen’s Girl, Interrupted, a memoir that confronts the complexities of mental health, identity, and the thin line between sanity and society’s expectations. Through literary and psychological analysis, personal reflection, and comparisons to works like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Emerson’s Self-Reliance, we uncover the hope woven through Kaysen’s raw honesty. This episode is a compassionate look at the invisible battles we face — and the healing power of being seen, heard, and believed.
