Conversations with Ginny and Emma

Christmas Special: Exploring Advent and St. Nicholas with Father John

Yes - There was a real Santa Claus - St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.
In this special Christmas episode, Emma and Ginny speak with Father John about the historic St. Nicholas and the significance of the whole Advent season. You’ll discover new traditions to make the season richer and more meaningful for your family. Take a listen!
Helpful Resources 
Books:
To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration 
Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide
The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life - The Ancient Practices Series
Films:
VeggieTales | Saint Nicholas 🎄 Christmas Special
Saint Nicholas: The Real Story (2015) | Full Movie
Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa
 

Can Gratitude Change Your Life? An Interview with Donna Wyland

Can gratitude really change your life?
Award-winning author and life coach Donna Wyland sits down with Emma and Ginny to explore how gratitude can reshape a life. Donna opens up about personal loss, seeking purpose, and the passion behind her books, A Guided Gratitude Journal and Last Best Year: A Short Guide to a Grateful Life.
 
Helpful Links: 
https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Gratitude-Journal-Donna-Wyland/dp/1732870578/ref
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Best-Year-Short-Grateful-ebook/dp/B0FN6NM6FB/ref
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0025LHZNW?ingress=0&visitId=07fca6c8-afa3-4515-a342-f6a72bf4ff4f&ccs_id=93d32cc6-1e14-4c85-969c-d60a7aa7f482
Spotify "Last Best Year" Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZdrrHave9d6tGMsc88iAS?si=ec8508c022d240c3
"Free to Be" Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freetobe/id1563122045
 

Does God Speak Japanese? An Interview with Dr. Nelson Jennings

Is God multilingual? Is McDonald's food "ethnic?"
Dr. Nelson Jennings, a Missions Professor and Author, shares his experiences living and teaching in Japan and Korea. He explores the powerful connection between Culture and Faith, the transforming power of learning a new language, and the adventure of "moving toward people" wherever we live. 
Helpful Links: 
Editor, Global Missiology - English (GME - http://www.globalmissiology.org/) 
East Asia Coordinator, Dictionary of Christian Biography in Asia (DCBAsia - https://dcbasia.org/)
President, Global Mission Leadership Forum (KGMLF - http://kgmlf2011.org/)
"Worldwide Witnesses" (blogpost - http://jnelsonjennings.blogspot.com/)
 
Amazon Author Page (https://www.amazon.com/author/jnelsonjennings) 
 
 

Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe? - An Interview with David Concepcion

AI is everywhere—and it’s changing how we live. 
Johns Hopkins Instructor David Concepcion separates the real from the hype—and explores how AI is impacting our society, relationships, and even our faith. A hopeful conversation that blends caution with curiosity.
About Today’s Guest:
David Concepcion | Hopkins EP Online
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trusted/
Articles and Websites:
AI and Faith
Does AI hurt the environment? Does it impact energy bills? : It's Been a Minute : NPR
How to master chatGPT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tLHVyd7WtM
Review of useful AI Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upDOltxNRqQ
How can a church use AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaCU_y2b23U

The Art of Creating Heroes: Vincent Andreano of Oblation Comics

Is the True Hero returning to popular culture?
Vincent Andreano, founder of Oblation Comics, talks about his upcoming graphic novel, Arbiter.  Discover how Vinny's daughter inspired him to return to his passion for art and storytelling and why he believes popular culture is seeking True Heroes. Get encouragement for rediscovering your own passion and getting to work today!
Links to Vinny's work
ARBITER | Oblation Comics
Arbiter - FundMyComic
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:39 Meet Vinny: The Artist's Journey
01:20 Founding Oblation Comics
02:33 Reigniting the Passion
04:12 The Craft of Graphic Novels
08:47 The Story of Arbiter
10:04 Inspiration and Themes
14:01 The Evolution of Heroes
16:29 The Evolution of Superheroes and Transhumanism
17:30 Revival and the Return to Truth
18:24 Bonding Through Art with My Daughter
21:08 Balancing Passion Projects with Family Life
21:44 The Journey of Creating Arbiter
27:05 Crowdfunding and Bringing Arbiter to Life
30:23 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Message

Creativity and Faith: An Artist’s Journey with Lydia Lundgren

Want to spark your own creativity?
Performance Artist Lydia Lundgren shares how faith and creativity shape her life – and how you can ignite your own creativity.
Lydia’s journey from a restrictive church to embracing her God-given calling reveals how creativity can nourish our souls and carry us through hard times, blessing others along the way.
 
Lydia Lundgren’s Work
Fairy StoryTime Images on IG
Fairy StoryTime Videos on YouTube
Lydia’s Website
Lydia’s Performance art on YouTube
Resources
The Artists Way book by Julia Cameron
 
00:00 Introduction to Lydia Lundgren
00:19 Meet the Artist: Lydia's Creative Journey
02:56 Faith and Art: Lydia's Spiritual Path
07:49 Fairy Story Time: A Unique Ministry
25:36 The Healing Power of Art
27:54 Encouraging Creativity in Everyday Life
30:34 Conclusion and Listener Challenge
 

The Reluctant Evangelist: Deborah McCracken of Northern Ireland

Back to Belfast - What happens when God calls you from a life of despair, depression, and self-destruction to be an Evangelist…in the very place you fled?
Deborah McCracken shares her raw journey from rebellion to new life and how she learned to hear God’s voice. Her story offers hope and a powerful prayer for anyone walking through dark places.
Follow Deborah’s Ministry and Travels:
Recovered Beloved on Facebook
Recovered Beloved on Instagram
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Deborah's Calling and Evangelism
01:50 Struggles and Turning Points
06:27 Influence of a Faithful Family
11:10 Evangelism in Northern Ireland
22:06 Hearing God's Voice
26:19 Encouragement and Prayer
31:52 Conclusion and Contact Information
 

Autism Explained: Expert Insights with Kara Medrano

Co-hosts Ginny and Emma interview Kara Medrano – an expert in special education, specializing in autism.
Medrano explains autism traits, misconceptions, and how to get support. She gives practical tips, including how to communicate with those on the spectrum and ways to help them build independence. Having a child on the spectrum, Ginny is eager to hear what Kara Medrano has to say.
Helpful Resources:
Book: Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
 
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:34 Meet Kara Medrano: Autism Expert
01:38 Kara's Journey into Special Education
04:09 Family Involvement in Special Needs
05:11 Understanding Autism: Common Traits
10:07 Misconceptions About Autism
12:52 Hope and Progress for Individuals with Autism
17:30 Effective Communication Strategies
19:38 Kara's Inspiration and Personal Growth
28:42 Resources and Recommendations for Parents
31:09 Conclusion and Farewell
 

The New Face of Trafficking: An Interview with Simon Arkley of The Lantern Project

Think you know enough about Human Trafficking? Think again. 
Simon Arkley of The Lantern Project explains both the tradition and new forms of trafficking that hide in plain sight - labor trafficking, dept bondage, and - the new face of trafficking - digital "sexploitation" of children through apps and social media, especially young boys. Learn the warning signs and how, together, we can make a difference.
Helpful Links:
The Lantern Project 
Site: https://thelantern.net
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheLanternProject01
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the.lantern.project/?hl=en
Email Sign Up: https://mailchi.mp/08ad491c5b99/joinus
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:21 Meet Simon Arkley and The Lantern Project
01:01 Understanding Human Trafficking
01:57 The Reality of Trafficking in Cities
03:19 Types of Trafficking and Their Impact
04:46 Simon's Personal Journey
07:22 Modern Trafficking Tactics
17:31 Parental Guidance and Safety Measures
22:29 Emotional Toll and Coping Mechanisms
26:29 Final Thoughts and Resources
 

Mona Hennein: Emmy-Winning TV Producer Turns Faith Crisis into Trauma Healing

Emmy winning TV producer Mona Hennein shares her surprising journey from Egyptian missionary roots to modern television success—and the faith crisis that reshaped her purpose.  A “digital media missionary,” Mona now creates biblical trauma healing programs for those in crisis, from the Middle East to Chicago’s inner city.