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
Big Magic
In this episode of Hope is Kindled, we turn to Elizabeth Gilbert’s inspiring manifesto on creativity: Big Magic. Unlike ancient epics or war memoirs, this book speaks directly to our everyday lives, urging us to live with courage, curiosity, and joy.
Gilbert reminds us that creativity is not a gift reserved for geniuses—it’s the birthright of every human soul. She shows us that fear will always sit in the room with us, but it doesn’t have to run the show. With warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, she invites us to embrace enchantment, persistence, and trust as we pursue creative lives.
In this episode, we weave Gilbert’s message together with the voices of other works we’ve explored: Emerson’s call for self-reliance, Whitman’s expansive vision of humanity, Marcus Aurelius’s quiet strength, and even Dostoevsky’s confrontation with despair. Together, they remind us that hope doesn’t just live in survival or triumph—it also lives in creation.
Big Magic teaches us that it’s enough to begin. Enough to try. Enough to create for the sheer joy of it. That act alone is resistance to fear, and an affirmation of life.
Listen now and remember: hope is not only found in great battles or great tragedies—it’s also found in a brushstroke, a poem, a song, a garden. It’s found in the everyday act of choosing to live creatively, beyond fear.
