The Rooms You’re Meant to Be In
The Hope People
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....
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Mignon Francois: Planting Seeds of Faith
The Hope People
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.
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A Hope that Heals
The Hope People
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.
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Leading with Compassion: A Life of Service in Medicine and Politics
The Hope People
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...
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Building Peace, One Child at a Time
The Hope People
Humanitarian and founder of Maison Shalom, Marguerite "Maggy" Barankitse, shares her extraordinary story of resilience, faith and the transformative power of love during this live conversation at the 2024 Hope Summit. After witnessing unimaginable violence during the Burundian Civil War, Maggy chose to fight hatred with hope, rescuing children from the Hutu and Tutsi factions and creating a community built on love and reconciliation. In this episode, she shares how faith sustained her, how she rebuilt lives despite exile and why she believes love remains the most powerful strategy for change.
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Surrendering the Spin: The Unpredictable Path of a Knuckleball Pitcher
The Hope People
Former Major League Baseball player R.A. Dickey shares his triumphant story of resilience and faith during this live conversation at the 2024 Hope Summit. From overcoming childhood trauma to becoming the first knuckleball pitcher to win the Cy Young Award, R.A.'s journey is a testament to the powers of authenticity and hope. In this episode, he shares his transition from a conventional fastball pitcher to a knuckleballer, a shift he believes mirrors his personal transformation. He also offers a look at the importance of faith, mentors and relationships in helping him thrive and embrace his...
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Hope on the Horizon: Barbara Jenkins’s Walk Across America and Beyond
The Hope People
Barbara Jenkins shares her inspiring journey of resilience, faith and hope. Her incredible story, spanning her humble beginnings in the Ozarks, her famous three-year, 3,000-mile walk across America and her life's highs and lows offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking hope and purpose.
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A Journey of Resilience and Representation
The Hope People
Chancellor I'Ashea Myles made history as the first African-American female civil trial court judge elected in Nashville, Tennessee. Though her academic journey began with a focus on vocal performance, she pivoted her career toward law, relying on her faith, family and the guidance of mentors to chart her path to the bench. Her remarkable journey, marked by resilience and determination, inspires hope in young people as she encourages them to pursue their dreams. Myles uses her position to advocate for mentorship and sponsorship across the legal profession, empowering the next generation of...
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From the Field to Fulfillment: A Playbook for Improving Mental Health in Sports
The Hope People
Former MLB player Ben Zobrist is committed to building strong emotional intelligence and mental health in young athletes. Reflecting on his own challenges after achieving his World Series dream, Ben stresses the importance of learning how to navigate the emotions, setbacks and fame that accompany sports success. As founder of Champion Forward, a nonprofit that helps athletes, parents and coaches improve their mental health and confidence, Ben advocates for a team-first mindset, building healthy connections and embracing one's unique qualities, believing that integrating heart, soul and mind is...
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Finding Joy in the Symphony of Life
The Hope People
Cody Fry, Belmont alumnus and accomplished musician, blends joy, hope and creativity into his craft, making orchestral music accessible and inspiring for younger audiences. Influenced by a musical upbringing and supportive mentors, Cody shares how he's crafted a unique style that fuses classical and contemporary elements, epitomized by his viral hit I Hear a Symphony. While navigating challenges like anxiety and the pressures of success, Cody has remained grounded through live performances, focusing on his family life and building meaningful connections. His advice to aspiring musicians...
info_outlineMusician 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.