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
The Spirit of Crazy Horse
As I write this, the boys and I are here in the Black Hills—land that still whispers his name, where the wind moves like memory. Crazy Horse. A leader, a visionary, a warrior whose life was marked by both quiet strength and unshakable resolve.
We could never hope to capture the full truth of his story in a single podcast episode—it would take a lifetime, and even then, the fullness of his legacy could never be contained by words alone. But what we can do is honor his perspective, reflect on the wisdom of how he lived, and highlight a life that found meaning and hope even in the face of great adversity.
In this episode, we journey through the history, the landscape, and the enduring lessons of Crazy Horse’s life. His story is not only one of resistance against injustice, but of devotion—to his people, to the land, and to the truth of who he was. Here, in the shadow of Thunderhead Mountain, where the Crazy Horse Memorial rises from stone, we reflect on what it means to live with courage, to stand by your values, and to keep hope alive in the most difficult times.
Annotated Works Cited:
Brown, Dee. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.
Brown’s landmark work provides historical context on U.S. military campaigns against Native nations, including the events leading up to and following the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Supports your episode’s framing of the government’s overwhelming retaliation after Native victories.
“Chief Henry Standing Bear.” Crazy Horse Memorial®, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, https://crazyhorsememorial.org/the-story/chief-henry-standing-bear. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Details Standing Bear’s pivotal 1939 letter to sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, including the quote: “The white man has great heroes… the red man has great heroes too.” Supports your mention of Standing Bear’s motivation for initiating the memorial.
“Crazy Horse—Tasunke Witco.” Crazy Horse Memorial®, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, https://crazyhorsememorial.org/the-story/crazy-horse---tasunke-witco. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Provides biographical background on Crazy Horse, his Lakota name, character traits, and leadership style. Confirms details about his humility, refusal to be photographed, and adherence to traditional values.
“Foundation Document Overview—Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.” National Park Service, 2015, https://npshistory.com/publications/foundation-documents/libi-fd-overview.pdf. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Summarizes the historical significance of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and identifies key participants, including Crazy Horse. Corroborates the account of his strategic role during the battle.
“History—Hear the Story.” Crazy Horse Memorial®, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, https://crazyhorsememorial.org/the-history. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Outlines the memorial’s history, from the first blast in 1948 to present-day progress, emphasizing the refusal of federal funding. Supports your narrative on the monument’s origins and philosophy.
“Little Bighorn—Story of the Battle.” National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/libi/learn/historyculture/battle-story.htm. Accessed 12 Aug. 2025.
Provides a detailed timeline of the battle, Custer’s miscalculations, and Native leadership strategies. Aligns with your battle scene description and the quote from Cheyenne eyewitnesses.
Marshall III, Joseph M. The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History. Vik
