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 Cider House Rules
Welcome back to Hope is Kindled, where stories help us rediscover our moral compass and our shared humanity. In this episode, we explore John Irving’s The Cider House Rules — a powerful reflection on compassion, choice, and the search for belonging. Through the lives of Homer Wells, Dr. Larch, and the residents of St. Cloud’s, we examine what it means to do good in an imperfect world.
With historical, psychological, and literary insight, we unpack the novel’s difficult moral questions and its tender faith in human decency. As always, we look for the flicker of hope that endures even in life’s grayest places — the rules we write for ourselves when none seem to fit.
“Goodnight, you princes of Maine, you kings of New England.”
