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
Fly! Find Your Own Wings and Soar Above Life’s Challenges
In this uplifting and deeply personal episode, Hope is Kindled takes flight with FLY!: Find Your Own Wings and Soar Above Life’s Challenges by Paralympic legend Lex Gillette.
Told in my own voice, this episode explores how Lex transformed the loss of sight into a lifelong vision — and how his lessons on trust, focus, and perseverance can help all of us learn to leap. Through biographical storytelling and psychological reflection, we unpack the meaning of hope as more than a mood — as a map — and follow Lex’s journey from Raleigh, North Carolina, to the global stage.
You’ll hear how faith becomes rhythm, how discipline becomes freedom, and how five simple practices — writing the board, building your runway, recruiting a caller, rehearsing the jump, and journaling the sand — can reshape the way we live, work, and dream.
This episode is a celebration of resilience, mentorship, and vision beyond sight — an invitation to run toward your own calling, even when the board ahead feels invisible.
