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 Diving Bell & The Butterfly
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What does it mean to be free?
In this short episode of Hope is Kindled, we journey into Jean-Dominique Bauby’s unforgettable memoir The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Struck by locked-in syndrome after a massive stroke, Bauby was able to move only his left eyelid; and yet, through blinks alone, he dictated a work of breathtaking beauty and courage.
This is not just a story of suffering, but of imagination, resilience, and hope. Bauby reminds us that while the body may fail, the human spirit can still soar. His “diving bell” was his body, heavy and immobile, but his mind, his butterfly, remained free to wander through memory, dream, and love.
We’ll explore Bauby’s writing through psychological and philosophical lenses, connecting his reflections to works like Night, Papillon, The Odyssey, The Brothers Karamazov, and more. Along the way, we’ll discover how even in confinement, hope can be kindled into something eternal.
