Episodes
32
Latest episode
Oct 2026
Language
EN
In a world facing significant challenges, with conflicts around every corner, it is hope that fuels us as individuals and unites us as a community to do more–to do better–together. Hosted by Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones, The Hope People highlights the incredible efforts by those who demonstrate what it means to overcome adversity and lean into the lessons they've picked up along the way. These are candid conversations with entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, business executives, community influencers and more who, despite life's hurdles, embrace hope to highlight a higher purpose and meaning in their lives. We hope it will inspire you to become an Agent of Hope, as well.
Entrepreneur and FlyteVu co-founder Laura Hutfless joins The Hope People Podcast to reflect on the creativity required to build something new, the faith that has carried her through life's hardest valleys, her journey to becoming a single adoptive mother, and why she believes an abundance mindset can transform both businesses and lives.
Author, professor and speaker Kate Bowler joins The Hope People Podcast to share how a stage four cancer diagnosis transformed her understanding of faith, suffering and joy. In this honest conversation, she explores the dangers of toxic positivity, the power of telling the truth and why hope isn't about easy answers. It's about trusting God and embracing life with courage, humor and humanity anyway.
For more than three decades, Debbie Carroll has cared for the people behind the music. From her years at MusiCares to her leadership of Belmont's Center for Mental Health and Entertainment, her mission has remained the same: ensuring that the people who bring beauty into the world have the support they need when life becomes overwhelming. In this conversation she shares how supporting artists through crisis led to a passion for prevention, culture change and building healthier creative communities. Debbie reminds us that hope grows strongest when we choose to heal together.
Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and former NFL player Andrew East join The Hope People Podcast for a candid conversation about faith, marriage, daily discipline and redefining success beyond achievement. In a culture shaped by comparison and performance, they offer a different vision of success — one rooted in commitment, presence and purpose. From elite athletics to marriage and parenthood, Shawn and Andrew reflect on how failure became a teacher, faith reshaped their identity, and hope carried them through both extraordinary wins and painful transitions — even beyond the spotlight.
Daybreak Arts Founder Nicole Brandt Minyard shares how a simple service-learning project at Belmont University grew into a powerful creative movement that empowers artists experiencing homelessness. Nicole reflects on the early moments that shaped her calling, the role of faith and community in building Daybreak, and the transformative stories of artists who have reclaimed their identity, confidence and hope through art. From challenging stereotypes to creating economic opportunities, she reveals how creativity can be a bridge — healing wounds, restoring dignity and illuminating what's possible when we truly see one another.
Philanthropist and innovator Noah McMahon shares why he believes we are stepping into the golden age of giving — a moment defined by imagination, humility and bold ideas. From launching global initiatives and collaborating with world changers to mentoring the next generation of donors, Noah reveals how generosity becomes most powerful when it's rooted in purpose, hospitality and hope. This conversation unpacks the mindset shifts reshaping modern philanthropy, the joy found in meaningful service and why young leaders should see generosity not as a burden, but as a remarkable opportunity to design a better world. Hope isn't passive — it's a call to action, and each of us has a place at the table.
Musician and storyteller Dave Barnes shares how humor, faith and authenticity have shaped his journey through success, fatherhood and creativity. From Grammy nominations and hit songs like God Gave Me You to the joys of parenting and hosting his podcast Dadville , Dave reflects on the discipline of hope and the power of joy as a tool against darkness. Grounded in faith, he encourages young artists to be themselves on purpose and trust God to open doors, reminding us that true success comes from living authentically, integrating our gifts and choosing joy even in life's hardest seasons.
Entrepreneur and author Mignon Francois, founder of The Cupcake Collection, shares how she transformed her last $5 into a multimillion-dollar business through faith, perseverance and obedience. With warmth and wisdom, Mignon reflects on turning failure into favor, building a company grounded in prayer and using her story to inspire others to "make hope obvious." From navigating hardship to mentoring the next generation, her journey is a powerful reminder that every seed of faith — when planted with trust — can grow into something extraordinary.
Veronica Berti Bocelli –wife, manager and co-founder of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation–shares how faith, compassion and purpose guide her life and leadership. Veronica reflects on the responsibility of using one's gifts for good and the sacred power of music to heal and unite. She speaks candidly about service as a moral calling, the importance of giving time as the greatest act of love and her hope that all people learn to live with gratitude, kindness and joy, treasuring each moment and each person as a gift.
Physician, conservationist and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist shares his remarkable journey of hope and leadership. From pioneering life-saving medical procedures to breaking barriers in the Senate as the only physician in the chamber in 65 years, Frist reveals how a foundation of compassion, resilience and science guided his path from the operating room to policymaking. In this episode, he discusses how evidence-based decision-making, deep collaboration and a steadfast commitment to global health have shaped major initiatives—from crisis response to international healthcare reforms—leaving an enduring legacy of service and transformative change.
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
Claim this listing
