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 Princess Bride
In this side-splitting and heartwarming episode of Hope is Kindled, we journey into one of the most beloved stories ever told: The Princess Bride by William Goldman, a tale of true love, high adventure, fencing, fighting, giants, revenge, miracles, and, of course… rodents of unusual size.
This film has been one of my father’s favorites for as long as I can remember, and now I’m rereading the book with my boys, which is to say, we’re all quoting it out loud at random moments and debating who would win in a duel between Inigo Montoya and anyone, anywhere, ever.
But beneath the laughs and swashbuckling is something deeper: a timeless and necessary reminder that love, loyalty, and laughter will always outlast cynicism. That fairy tales matter not because they promise perfection, but because they give us hope, and maybe a few quotable insults to use against the six-fingered people in our lives.
So grab your sword, your sense of humor, and maybe a wheelbarrow and cloak (you’ll see why), and join us for an episode that proves once and for all:
Life is pain, highness, but it’s also hilarious, noble, and worth living as you wish.
