Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith

“What If? And Why Not?” - Leadership in Christian Education with Casey Farris

Bad weather and flight delays make some people surly, but one of the most enjoyable days I’ve ever had in an airport happened under these very conditions, all because Casey Farris was there to bring fun, curiosity, and perspective into the moment.In this episode, I sit down with Casey Farris, a father, educator, leader, and the President of Madison Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, Christian education, and cultivating calm in chaotic environments.Casey reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him, the path that led him into Christian education, and the leadership principles that continue to guide his work today. Together, we explore:The formative influences of childhood and mentorshipHow Casey found his way into Christian education and school leadershipWhat healthy, effective leadership looks like in real lifeThe qualities that matter most when hiring, collaborating, and building strong teamsStaying calm, curious, and grounded during crisis situationsChoosing to learn something from every situationThe importance of family, presence, joy, and having fun along the wayIf you want to grow as a leader, learn how to find silver linings, and bring calm and hope wherever you are, tune in and get to know Casey Farris, a man I’ve come to think of as a true national treasure.0:00 Intro0:52 Meet Casey Farris: Background & Story3:24 Was Casey Always This Fun? Childhood & Personality5:25 Major Influences That Shaped Casey’s Life12:33 The Path Into Christian Education17:38 Mid-roll on Mentorship18:58 What Strong Leadership Really Looks Like25:30 Hiring Well: What Casey Looks for in People28:42 Staying Calm and Grounded in Crisis Situations31:19 Leanne on Developing a Calm, Steady Spirit33:01 The Gift of Family: Marriage, Kids & Being Present36:25 Final Wisdom & Encouragement from Casey FarrisFollow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Inside-Out Faith: Purpose, Calling & Hope | Season Six Premiere

Each of us seems to have a life song,  a theme we’re drawn to again and again. Often, it’s born from pain.In this season-opening episode of Gladness & Hunger, Leanne does something different. Instead of asking the questions, her intern flips the script, inviting Leanne to reflect on the heart behind the podcast, the season’s theme, and the journey that shaped her calling.This conversation explores why Gladness & Hunger exists, who it’s for, and how stories have the power to feed the soul, strengthen faith, and help people keep moving forward. Leanne shares how a season of spiritual direction training through Creighton University helped clarify this year’s theme “It’s an inside-out job” and why transformation must begin within before it can flow outward.Together, we explore:The purpose and audience of Gladness & HungerWhy sensitivity, hope, and contribution matterHow pain often gives birth to callingLeanne’s lifelong love of words and storiesWhat brings joy, creativity, and meaning in this season of lifeHow God uses weakness, not perfectionThe interpersonal qualities that matter most when working with othersThe daily habits that sustain faith, peace, and perseveranceLeanne reflects honestly on fear, perfectionism, comparison, and distraction, and how consistent spiritual practices like prayer, journaling, Sabbath, gratitude, and attentiveness to God have reshaped her inner life. She reminds listeners that God does not require perfection, only faithfulness, the willingness to get up and try again.The episode closes with Leanne sharing her hope for the season ahead and reading a poem by Ted Loder, inviting listeners to consider how their own painful experiences might be redeemed into something healing and hopeful.If you’re seeking inspiration for your vocational journey, longing for encouragement, or wondering how faith can be formed from the inside out, this season premiere sets the tone for what’s to come.0:00 Introduction0:59 Meet Kianna Winey: Turning the Mic on the Intern4:41 The Heart of the Podcast: Purpose, Audience & Hope6:48 Season Theme: “It’s an Inside-Out Job”11:26 Leanne’s Story & Love of Words14:48 What Brings Joy in This Season of Life16:03 Looking Back: How God Prepares Us Through Weakness18:03 Qualities Professors Look for in Students20:53 Letting Go of Perfectionism and Finishing Creative Projects26:44 Habits That Sustain Faith, Creativity & Peace31:18 A Prayer About Surrender, Honesty, and Being Found by GodFollow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Grace Knetter: “A Passion to Deliver Care”

Some know their vocational callings early in life. This is true for Grace Knetter, the only student I’ve ever had in business class with the dream to become a registered midwife. Young, but already deep into the preparation for her vocational calling, Grace is one of the most focused and determined young women I know. In 2025 when our first grandchild was born at home under the care of a midwife, knowing there are women like Grace called and gifted to step into this centuries-old practice became all the more personal.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Douglas T. Bates, III: "Mankind has been his Business"

Doug Bates is a lawyer in a long line of lawyers dating back to just after the Civil War. Doug and I met when we each wrote columns for the Hickman County Times. He called me to be on his annual radio program one Christmas, and I’ve loved him ever since. In his heart of hearts, Doug is a storyteller. He has an unbridled love for people, church, art, talent, athletics, a song well sung, and a word well spoken. Tune in and you'll see why it can be said of Doug Bates as it was said of Marley in The Christmas Carol, "Mankind was my business."Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Demetria Kalodimos: "Searching for Hidden Treasure"

Demetria Kalodimos is a familiar name and treasured voice in Nashville. She joined WSMV in 1984 and became the longest-running evening news anchor in its history. A career journalist and storyteller, Demetria is also a documentarian and musician. In this episode you’ll learn new things about Demetria--how she hails from Chicago, is an enduring Cubs fan, and has a zeal for treasure-hunting, Cornish Rex cats, real people, and true stories. Check out the Banner & Company podcast the Demetria hosts @ https://nashvillebanner.com/banner_and_company/Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/ Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/