Lament of Hope
Lament of Hope is a podcast hosted by Danielle Richardson. It explores life’s many layers with empathy and focuses on profound topics. Each episode features conversations with diverse voices. The show aims to create thoughtful discussions around personal and emotional experiences.
Episodes
A Different Kind of Forever: Kristen Armstrong
Kristen Armstrong's life was changed forever when her husband of two years, Brandon, was in a car accident that left him with permanent brain damage. Kristen sat down with me to talk about the early years of Brandon's injury, her decision to become his legal guardian and ultimately remarry, and the sustaining power of her faith.
Growing Up Off-Grid: Kelsey King Vandermyde
Kelsey King Vandermyde grew up in a cabin in Montana with no electricity, a pet deer, and living off the land. She was one of twenty siblings. Kelsey sat down with me to talk about the fear that drove her father to raise his family in the mountains, her life in the cabin, and her journey to becoming a Mormon.
Laughter is Sometimes a Discipline: Moriah Smallbone
Moriah Smallbone sat down with me to share more about her musical contribution to the upcoming "Jimmy" film, her passion for living authentically, and how she is embracing laughter and enjoying her own company.
I Was Found in a Landfill: Jackie Darby
Jackie Darby's newborn cries were heard by a missionary nurse passing a landfill in Seoul, Korea in 1963. Jackie sat down with me to talk about the trauma of her birth, her adoption story, and her struggle with identity.
I Need You Because I'm Broken: David Heflin
David Heflin is the founder of Broken & Mended, which is a ministry dedicated to providing community for those living with chronic illness. David sat down with me to share his journey and daily life with Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn's, as well as his heart for those who live in physical pain.
Choosing to Grow Up Together: Emma Schroeder
Emma Schroeder is a few months out from her 21st birthday but she has already been married for almost two years and has a five-month-old daughter. Emma sat down with me to talk about her journey as a young wife and mom.
The Harm of Care: Susie Singer Carter
Award-winning filmmaker, Susie Singer Carter, cofounded the nonprofit, ROAR 4 LTC, which seeks to expose and end elderly abuse within long-term care facilities. Susie sat down with me to share her mother's own painful experience, the dangers of when care becomes a corporation, and ROAR's first ever national walk advocating for reform.
I Sing for the Sake of Love: Margaux Sauvé
Margaux Sauvé is the vocalist for the music group, Ghostly Kisses, named after one of the lines in William Faulkner’s short poem "Une ballade des dames perdues." Margaux sat down with me to talk about her creative process, how Ghostly Kisses came to be, and the desire for love and acceptance in her own life.
A Shadowed Life: Kit Wallis
Kit Wallis lives with schizoaffective disorder. She sat down with me to talk about what her life looks like, her medication journey, and the radical acceptance of limitations and new dreams.
The Good Gift of Becoming Gloria Stewart: Jen Lilley
Jen Lilley sat down with me to talk about her faith journey and the opportunity she had to play Gloria Stewart, Jimmy Stewart's wife, in the upcoming biopic film, "Jimmy."
There's a Reason Someone Sharpied Alien Heads All Over Their Car: Kat Lively
Kat Lively is a storyteller and podcaster who has a passion to talk about mental health struggles and provide a space where the conversation is welcomed. She sat down with me to share how she was adopted by her grandparents, the impact of a dear friend taking his life, and how she has processed grief and coped with hardship.
I Had to Find My Daughter: Amie Mieko Ellis
Amie Mieko Ellis sat down with me to share the story of the month and a half when her 17-year-old daughter, Sarah, was human trafficked.
For the Love of Bear: Blake
Blake founded Bear Den Sanctuary based in Texas in 2021 after a fruitless search to find her own missing cat, Bear. She sat down with me to talk about how she started the sanctuary, her passion for homeless cats, and what it looks like to take care of about 150 cats a day.
Forged in Fire: Tracey Gray
Tracey Gray is a firefighter who began his life in survival mode. He sat down with me to talk about his job as a first responder, his childhood in foster care, the abuse he experienced, and the ways he has confronted and carried his trauma at different points throughout his life.
An Exodus of Her Own: Katya Dunko
Katya Dunko sat down with me to share her story of opioid addiction, fleeing Egypt with her baby girl, and breaking a generational grip on pain.
The Sacred Work of Listening: Sister Theresa Aletheia
Sister Theresa Aletheia left the Catholic religious order she had been part of for nearly ten years in 2022, alongside Sister Danielle Lussier, to begin an association dedicated to hearing the stories of people who have experienced spiritual and sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Sister Theresa sat down with me to talk about her journey to becoming a nun, her own experience of spiritual betr
The Parts of Christianity We Don't Talk About: Alexandra Hunter
Alexandra Hunter is a content creator who is passionate about sharing her faith journey and her experience as a single 41-year-old who desires marriage. She sat down with me to talk about her recent conversion to Christianity, what led her to faith, and what it really looks like to follow Christ in the day-to-day—especially when life doesn’t unfold the way we hoped.
The Detective Who Became a Storyteller: Liam Thomas
Liam Thomas is a British actor who found his way to the industry after working first in the Navy and then as an undercover detective. Liam sat down with me to talk about his childhood, his passion for storytelling, and his experience in the undercover world.
An Undocumented Childhood: Katya Suvorova
Katya Suvorova has owned her voice in an upcoming memoir titled "Ungrateful Immigrant Daughter." Katya sat down with me to talk about her childhood journey as an undocumented immigrant's daughter in the U.S. as well as the hardship of broken family relationships.
A Thought on Family No Contact
So glad you are here. Please review and rate the podcast!
She Said "Mommy" and I Knew: Prisha Mosley
Prisha Mosley has struggled to feel comfortable in her body ever since she was a young teen. She began medically transitioning to a male at sixteen and had a mastectomy at eighteen. Prisha sat down with me to share her story, which ultimately led to detransitioning.
Life in a Leprosy Colony: Satish Sawant
Satish Sawant was born in a leprosy colony in Pune, India, to parents affected by leprosy. He sat down with me to discuss the stigma surrounding people affected by leprosy in India, including those who have been cured but continue to live with permanent physical effects of the disease. He also shared his journey of founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating communities about leprosy
A Sisterhood in Vintage: Presley and Jessica Warman
Presley and Jessica are sisters with a passion for vintage fashion. Presley loves the 50's and Jessica the 60's. Both ladies sat down with me to talk about their content creation journey and their daily life dressing vintage.
My Hope is Not Bedridden: Lara Silverman
Lara Silverman suddenly became bedridden at the height of her legal career in 2018 without any explanation. She still has no explanation but now can rise from her bed two hours at a time before returning. Lara took one of those stints to talk with me about her illness, her sweet relationship with her late husband, and her hard conversations with the Lord.
My Mom Chose Euthanasia: Alicia Duncan
Alicia Duncan lost her mom, Donna, in the fall of 2021 when she chose to be euthanized four hours after being released from a psychiatric ward due to a suicide attempt. Alicia sat down with me to share her mother's end-of-life story and how she processed Donna's passing.
A Conversation with the Director of "Jimmy": Aaron Burns
"Jimmy" is an upcoming biopic film starring KJ Apa based on Jimmy Stewart's life before and during the filming of "It's a Wonderful Life." Aaron Burns sat down with me to talk about his experience as the director of the film, his passion for the project, and some of the challenges he has faced as a filmmaker.
The Pain of Rage: Sean Hotchkiss
Sean Hotchkiss' memoir, "Hating Women: A Memoir of Male Rage and Recovery," hits shelves in one week. Sean sat down with me to talk about his journey wrestling with relational hurts as a male.
Hope Sometimes Looks like a Child in a Doctor's Coat: Mike Janzen
Mike Janzen is a singer, songwriter, and pianist who recently came out with his eighth album, "The End of Myself." Mike sat down with me to talk about the debilitating concussion in 2016 that inspired this project.
Love that Couldn't Be Held: Joyce Shaw
Joyce Shaw is a mom of three boys who sat down with me to share the heartbreaking story of the miscarriage of her daughter, Aoife, over a year ago.
Yes, I Can Change a Lightbulb: Jen
Jen is a woman who is 6 foot 4 inches tall. The majority of her life has been seen from a higher altitude than many of her female peers. Jen sat down with me to talk about the assumptions she has faced as a tall woman and her journey to embracing her height.
The Holistic Model: Dajia Jay Wilson
Dajia Jay Wilson is a fashion model with a passion for holistic beauty. She is also a poet and motivational speaker who seeks to bring awareness to intentional living on and off the runway.
A Maggot of Honor: Cameron Rhodes
It is such a gift for me to publish the 300th episode of this podcast highlighting the actor who played Farmer Maggot in the first film of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. We talk about his iconic scene with the black rider, acting, and his love of opera (Cameron sings too!!).
The Runway Beyond Home: Caren Jepkemei
Caren Jepkemei left everything behind in Kenya in 2019 to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion model. She sat down with me to share her story, which has already involved brands such as Vogue, Chanel, and Valentino.
My Disability Doesn't Empower Me: Sydney Anne Bennett
Sydney Anne Bennett is a wife and mom who lives with a chronic illness called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Sydney sat down with me to talk about her journey with FND, how it plays out in her daily life, and where her hope lies.
My Quest for Hope: Gaeya
Gaeya is a Swedish artist with a passion to bring inner awareness and healing to others through her raw approach to music. Gaeya sat down with me to talk about her upcoming EP, "Growth," her faith in nature and her quest for hope.
When Death Doesn't End the Conversation: Karli Karandos
Karli Karandos is currently writing a memoir about her experience living with and then grieving the passing of a dysfunctional mother whose cause of death is still a mystery. It was just always complicated.
For the Love of Trucking: Casuarina Smith
Casuarina Smith hales from Australia with a love for the open road and scenic landscapes. Casuarina sat down with me to talk about the why behind her passion and what it's like driving behind the big wheel.
Death Cost Me $1.20: Stephanie Packer
Stephanie Packer was diagnosed with a terminal illness at 29 and given three years to live. Stephanie is now in her forties. She sat down with me to talk about the physical and emotional pain she endures, the medical horrors she has faced, and her thoughts on assisted suicide. If you would like to see the video Stephanie mentions, it is posted on my Instagram alongside this episode.
Paid to Wait: Jennifer Goff
Jennifer Goff started "Skip The Line" the day she spent three hours soliciting her services as a stand-in for those waiting in line at a "Game of Thrones" pop-up bar in D.C. I sat down with her to talk about how she made a job out of waiting.
The Grief of Infertility: Madison Furgeson
Madison Furgeson has been struggling with infertility for nine years. She has experienced numerous miscarriages, but she still believes that one day she will be a mom, even if it looks different than she first expected.
Cooking Between Two Worlds: Giuseppe Dell'Anno
Giuseppe Dell'Anno won "The Great British Baking Show" in 2021 and was the first Italian to receive the honor. Giuseppe has since gone on to write recipe books, teach baking classes, and start his own catering company. Giuseppe sat down with me to talk about his Italian heritage and the struggle to balance all of his loves.
"Boo? What's Boo?": Mary Gibbs
Mary Gibbs voiced the cute and iconic toddler, "Boo," in the beloved Pixar classic, "Monsters, Inc." Over twenty years later, Mary and I sit down to talk about her life now as a physical therapist, her father's passing six years ago, and Mary's singing hobby.
The Weighted Gift: Laura Bretan
Laura Bretan won "Romania's Got Talent" in 2016 and then came into America's public eye when she auditioned for "America's Got Talent" the same year in which she placed sixth. Laura's operatic voice has graced stages around the world, and she was kind enough to sit down with me to talk about where she currently is in her music journey, the value of her faith, an
She Died with a Protective Order in her Pocket: Dawn Wilcox
Dawn Wilcox is a registered nurse who also happens to be documenting femicide cases in the U.S. for the past ten years. Her database spans females murdered by males from 1950 to the present. Dawn is at about 15,000 and still says she is scratching the surface. I sat down with her to talk about her work and the why behind it.
Single, Not Stuck: Janae Kinne
Janae Kinne and I sat down to talk about singleness. Disclaimer that this is not a dialogue on how to get "unstuck," prepare for marriage, or ignore your desires to be a Mrs.
Hope is My Rebellion: Samuel Hurley
Samuel Hurley is a poet who not only writes but performs his works. We sat down to discuss the complexities of the human experience.
Hooded Man, Rocking Horse: Nicolas Bruno
Nicolas Bruno is a photographer and artistic craftsman who creates visceral images based on his experiences with sleep paralysis. Nicolas sat down with me to talk about his journeys within surreality and his passion to use art as a voice for those who also live with sleep paralysis.
A Day, A Hundred Souls: Dr. Tom Catena
Dr. Tom Catena is the head doctor of Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. He sees hundreds of patients a day who live in poverty and need medical care. This episode is a window into his life, faith, and daily struggles.
Unearthing a Silent Humanity: Steph Black
Steph Black is graduating this year with her PhD in Archaeology from Durham University. She sat down with me to talk about her thesis project, her excavation experiences, and her perspective on what defines value.
I Cannot Conceal the Fire Within Me: Bri Anora
Bri Anora sat down with me to talk about her life as a poet and the passion she has for expressing herself through the written word. Her second poetry collection, "On Your Darkest Days," publishes on Monday, April 20th.
A Conversation with a Death Doula: Laurel Nicholson
Laurel Nicholson, founder of "The Death & Resurrection Doula," sat down with me to talk about her experience walking alongside the dying, what being a death doula entails, and the hope she reminds her clients passing from this life to the next.
The Zuzu Paradox: Karolyn Grimes
Karolyn Grimes is famously known for her role as "Zuzu Bailey" in the beloved 1946 classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." Her scene with Jimmy Stewart about preserving the flower petals has become one of the most memorable moments from that film. Karolyn was kind enough to sit down with me and reflect on her own life story.
Documenting Humanity Through a Lens: Agata Grzybowska
Agata Grzybowska is a documentary and war photographer who captures hardships people face around the world. She was recently highlighted for her work shooting stills of Chloé Zhao's Oscar nominated film, "Hamnet." Agata and I sat down to talk about her life as a photographer and the impact of human suffering upon her own soul.
Faithfulness Despite Fear: Timber Cleghorn
Timber Cleghorn was the last contestant of "Alone," Season 11, to tap out resulting in a winner. Timber took a break from his job cutting timber to talk about his passion for humanitarian aid, parenting children through the unknown, and what he does with fear.
The Cry of Innocence: Rana Hassan Faqih
Rana Hassan Faqih is a dispatcher for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. She was the main dispatcher who interacted for several hours with five-year-old girl, Hind Rajab, who was desperately calling for aid from a car in Gaza under fire as she was surrounded by the bodies of her loved ones.
Bullying is Its Own Kind of Arctic: Dub Paetz
Dub Paetz was one of three last contestants on Season 11 of "Alone." Dub sat down with me to talk about what changed in his mindset toward people due to the show, surviving in high school, and doing life with his girlfriend, Jolie.
The Emotive World of Puppetry: Bernd Ogrodnik
Bernd Ogrodnik is the artistic director of the "Worlds of Puppets" production company based in Reykjavik, Iceland. He is world-renowned for not only his puppet designs, but his puppet performances. Bernd sat down with me to talk about the world of puppetry and his desire to express meaningful themes through his storytelling.
An Ode to Literature with Frederick Atkinson
Frederick Atkinson and I sat down to talk about all things literature, whether that be his journey to content creation, the perspective to be gained in reading challenging subject matters, the Brontë novels, or the beauty of Old English.
Finding Her Voice in Narnia: Sophie Stone Cook
Sophie Stone Cook graced my childhood screen as "Susan Pevensie" in the BBC "The Chronicles of Narnia" television series. Sophie sat down with me decades later to talk about the power she found through playing "Susan," her journey with neurodivergence, and personal spirituality.
Patriotism is Not a Party: Taya and Colton Kyle
Taya and Colton Kyle, the widow and son of the deceased American sniper, Chris Kyle, sat down with me to talk about what patriotism looks like, the division in America today, and the importance of hope.
AI and the Human Experience: Cameron M. Fathauer
Cameron M. Fathauer suffered a traumatic brain injury over a decade ago and lost a third of his skull. Today, he is a successful attorney with a unique perspective to offer on the subject of artificial intelligence.
A Thought-Provoking Conversation with Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak is the acclaimed writer of "The Book Thief." He sat down with me to talk about his writing process, quiet but powerful details in "The Book Thief," and the beauty of storytelling.
Brother Arnold: 1 of 3 Remaining Shakers in the U.S.
Brother Arnold sat down with me to discuss the Shaker faith, how he came to embrace the Shaker worldview, and his life in the last active Shaker community in New Gloucester, Maine.
Beyond "I Need Cuddles": Archie Yates Discusses Moral Dilemma in Storytelling
Archie Yates will forever be fixed in my mind as an actor who gave me one of my most beloved characters in film: Yorki in "JoJo Rabbit." Archie sat down with me to talk about his passion for storytelling, moving into the filmmaking world, and his thoughts on compelling moral dilemmas in film.
There and Back Again: A Personal Story
Well friends, I interrupt your regular scheduled programming to bring you a short, personal story. Still processing it but thought it might be worth sharing with you.
The Gates of Madness will not Prevail: Elahe Hessamfar
Elahe Hessamfar came on the podcast to share the moving testimony of her daughter's life plagued by mental madness.
Sculpture and the Sacred (Part 2): Jason Arkles
Part 2 of my interview with sculptor and art educator, Jason Arkles!
Sculpture and the Sacred (Part 1): Jason Arkles
Jason Arkles is an American sculptor and art educator who is based in Florence, Italy. Talking with him felt like stepping into the past and getting a taste of the art world of old. He sat down with me twice to talk about his fascinating journey to becoming a sculptor, techniques used in sculpting, one of his favorite commissions, and his thoughts on the sacred.
Chained by Scientology: Joy Villa
Joy Villa is a singer, songwriter, actress, and author who appeared at the 2026 Grammys in a bold, handmade outfit with the slogans "Scientology Kills" and "Jesus Heals" displayed on the front and back. Joy sat down with me a few days before the Grammys to talk about the division created by political identity, the darkness of scientology and why she chose to leave it.
Catching Up with Bombur: Stephen Hunter
2026 is the 25th anniversary year of the first film in Peter Jackson's adaption of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I decided why not celebrate with Tolkien remembrances sprinkled throughout the year. First, John Noble, who played Denethor in the trilogy, made an appearance. Today, I have Stephen Hunter who played the dwarf, Bombur, in "The Hobbit" film trilogy. Stephen sti
A Storyteller on a Tightrope: Veera Kaijanen
Veera Kaijanen is a tightwire performer who also hula hoops. Veera has performed in venues across Europe showcasing her ability to tell stories to audiences small and large. Veera and I sat down to talk about her journey to the tightwire, performing in circus acts, and some life lessons gained from the tightrope.
A Conversation with John Noble
John Noble is famously known for his role as Denethor in the iconic film trilogy, "Lord of the Rings." I sat down with him earlier this week to talk about the film, acting, and life's shadows and suns.
It's Hard to Be and to Know Humans: Samantha Mathis
Actress, Samantha Mathis, sat down with me to talk about her recent projects, her acting philosophy, life's hardships (both personal and external), the emotion of anger, and the gift of a furry friend's presence. Note to listeners: Some expletives contained.
The Monkey Was Nice, the Snake Was Not, and the Cat Took Revenge: Wesley Eure
Wesley Eure, known for his acting in the late 70's children's series, "Land of the Lost," and the soap opera, "Days of Our Lives," sat down with me to tell me so many fun animal stories and share his appreciation of classic animation.
Enter the World of Overtone Singing: Anna-Maria Hefele
I came across Anna-Maria Hefele's YouTube channel upon seeing a sample video of her explaining the technicality of overtone singing. I was fascinated by her ability to sing two notes at the same time, so I reached out to have a conversation. Anna-Maria shared with me how her journey with overtone singing began, the technicality of this vocal art, and we even dived into some philosophical musin
It's Not About Mushrooms: Callum Blue
Callum Blue's character of Andrew Jacoby in "The Princess Diaries 2" ended up being the wrong partner for Princess Mia but somehow as a viewer, at least for me, there was a pang of sadness for the nice, honest, and just no drama Duke of Kenilworth. I sat down with him over twenty years since the sequel's release to talk about a personal quest of self-discovery involving trauma an
Let's Go Fly a Kite: Karen Dotrice
I ended the 2025 podcast lineup with Angela Cartwright, Brigitta Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music." I begin the 2026 year with Karen Dotrice, Jane Banks in the classic Disney musical "Mary Poppins." Karen is now 70 yet still cherishes her time on set many years ago. We talked about fond moments talking with Mr. Disney, how important experiencing childhood is, and some of the ha
Climb Every Mountain: Angela Cartwright
It was such a gift for me to end my 2025 guest lineup with Angela Cartwright, famously known for playing Brigitta von Trapp in the beloved classic "The Sound of Music." Angela talked with me about the bond she has with her "Sound of Music" family, her love for art, and how she copes with life's changes.
Tourette's is Like a Snowflake: Troye Evers
Troye Evers breaks down stereotypes about Tourette's in this interview as he shares his own experience with ticks, the mental struggles that often accompany the syndrome, and why it matters to talk about it without drama or exaggeration.
Under the Shadow of a Murder: Rachel Rear
Rachel Rear's stepsister, Stephanie Kupchynsky, disappeared at the age of twenty-seven in late summer of 1991. Stephanie's bones were found seven years later, and her murder solved over two decades after she vanished. Rachel sat down with me during Thanksgiving break to talk about her true crime story, "Catch the Sparrow," documenting Stephanie's story and investigation, how
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