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
Marcus Aurelius' Meditations
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we never planned. This special, unplanned episode of Hope is Kindled arrives at just the right moment—and for this occasion, we are calling it Hope is Reignited. The new name reflects what this episode is meant to do: to remind us, in a world that feels heavy and uncertain, that the flame of hope can always be rekindled.
In turning to Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, we find a voice from nearly two thousand years ago that still speaks to the struggles of today. Across twelve books, Marcus reflects on leadership, humility, perseverance, inner strength, and the vast order of the universe. His words encourage us to endure with courage, to live with justice, and to hold fast to the quiet citadel within when the world outside feels overwhelming.
This is a timely episode for anyone feeling anxious, weary, or disconnected. It was not part of our plan, but perhaps it was always meant to arrive now—to remind us that character endures, that we are never alone, and that hope, even in the darkest times, can be reignited.
