Shows
Life That Demands TruthEpisode 10: Testimony of Transformation
This week's episode shares a powerful story of addiction, redemption, and the kind of transformation only God can work in a life. Our special guest, Carlton Jefts, opens up about his darkest moments and the moment God grabbed hold of his heart and changed everything. Pastor Phil and Frank sit down for a raw, hope filled conversation that reminds us no one is too far gone. If you or someone you love needs a reminder that grace still breaks chains, you won’t want to miss this one.
Listener’s Companion
Testimony of Transformation: A Sto...
2025-12-1149 min
Fairy Tales by Ra#8 Pandora’s Box 🧚In this magical retelling of the classic myth, Ra brings us the story of Pandora’s Box — a tale about curiosity, mistakes, and the surprising power of hope. When Pandora hears strange whispers coming from a mysterious chest, she faces a choice that could change the world forever. Through vivid storytelling, this episode gently explores themes of temptation, regret, and the beautiful light that follows even the darkest moments. Perfect for young listeners and adults alike, this is a timeless reminder that hope is always just a breath away.
2025-05-2303 min
OneLegUpAlex GarrettHopeStory’s One Leg Up at the NYC MarathonThanks to Richard of HopeStory for sharing his story running in the TCS NYC Marathon for the first time ever! Gabby and I got to experience the Marathon and the after party and it was a great energy as always on Marathon Sunday in NYC! More on the HopeStory organization : https://l.instagram.com/?u=htt...
2023-11-0708 minOneLegUpAlex GarrettHopeStory’s One Leg Up at the NYC MarathonThanks to Richard of HopeStory for sharing his story running in the TCS NYC Marathon for the first time ever! Gabby and I got to experience the Marathon and the after party and it was a great energy as always on Marathon Sunday in NYC! More on the HopeStory organization : https://l.instagram.com/?u=htt...
2023-11-0708 min
Community SpotlightTina's Hope StoryListen to Tina's Hope story. Do you have a hope story, too? Share it with us here: https://thelightfm.org/hopestory
2023-03-0101 min
The Courage ToThe Courage to GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS - Brian StillerBrian Stiller. The man who has arguable accomplished a lot in his lifetime, yet remains so rooted in his relationship with God, friends and family, and pursues great depth in global partnerships. In this 2 hour episode, we explore two different parts - the first hour is all about Brian's life, leadership, and faith, and the second hour we dive into global partnerships and his organizational experience. There's a lot to chew on here!
This episode is in conjunction with Hope Story. Check out hopestory.ca
2023-01-231h 57The Courage ToThe Courage to HOPE STORY - Tim BrownThis episode is a collide of this podcast (a side hobby of mine) with my professional life (working at Hope Story). Meet Tim Brown, the Execute Director of Hope Story. In this episode we talk about his journey to becoming the ED of Hope Story, but more specifically, his journey of being called to serve the poor in some capacity. We also discuss staff culture, how opportunities are at the edge of chaos, the importance of partnerships, and who Hope Story even is as an organization. Plus we do a rapid question series where Tim shares some great stories!
2023-01-231h 35
The Lucky Few165. Delivering HOPE w/A New DS Diagnosis (ft. Rick Smith, father + advocate!)Rick Smith is a father of three (including Noah who has Down syndrome), a blogger, an advocate, and the founder of Hope Story! Like so many of us in the DS community, his child’s diagnosis was delivered with an “I’m so sorry,” followed by the doctor offering anti-depressants to his wife. And now, 11 years later, Rick is on a mission to change what happens in the delivery room by educating medical professionals about what it means to live with Down syndrome through his non-profit, Hope Story. Today we’re chatting about dads who advocate, releasing expectations for ALL of you...
2022-06-1450 min
#myHOPEstory(Podcast)HOPEbeyond: Andrew Mathieson20schemes church planter Andrew Mathieson chats through his story of growing up in the posh but of town, falling into addiction, and the Lord breaking in to pull him out. If you want to know how you can have your(own)HOPEstory check out: www.myHOPEstory.co.uk
2022-03-0729 min
For ParentsAbbie & Rick: Parenting a Child with Down SyndromeAbbie and Rick are parents to three boys, and Noah, their oldest son, has down syndrome. They talk about what it was like when they first found out about his diagnosis, and how talking to another family a few years ahead of them gave them hope for Noah's future. That journey inspired them to help connect more parents raising children with down syndrome through an organization called HopeStory. Follow more of Noah's story here or here!
2021-10-211h 05#myHOPEstory(Podcast)#myHOPEstory(Cara)This week Cara tells of the Lord's hand on her life through many adventures including Gaelic school, a year being a dancer, and marrying a hunky Church Planter.To find out how you can have your(own)HOPEstory check out: www.myHOPEstory.co.uk
2021-03-311h 36
The Awake PodcastWRK 028: Hope Story - A New Conversation about Down SyndromeOn this episode of The Awake Podcast, we sat down with Rick and Dr. Abbie Smith of Richardson, TX. Through the relationship of two 10-year-old boys, we’ve come to know, love and appreciate the work they are doing in this world. As advocates for families with Down Syndrome, they are on their own journey with their 10-year-old son Noah and his brothers, Jaxten and Cohen. After finding out a half hour after Noah’s birth that he was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, God put it on their hearts to change the conversation forever. Abbie, a general pediatrician, and her husb...
2021-03-151h 02#myHOPEstory(Podcast)#myHOPEstory(Scott Jr)Listen to a Barlanark boy describe his struggles with education and life but how Jesus found him and gives him HOPE in the midst of it. To find out how you can have your(own)HOPEstory check out: www.myHOPEstory.co.uk
2021-02-251h 04#myHOPEstory(Podcast)#myHOPEstory(Chris)Episode 5 is our youngest member yet... although he admits he probably acts older than most! Listen to hear how Jesus worked through numerous church experiences and uni life in Aberdeen to give Chris the HOPE that only he can.To find out how you can have your(own)HOPEstory check out: http://www.myHOPEstory.co.uk.
2021-02-161h 21#myHOPEstory(Podcast)#myHOPEstory(Faith)Up next on the podcast is our homeschooled, theatre-loving, world travelling, kids' worker extraordinaire Faith (or Rachel if you really want...) Whitacre!Listen to journey of life and how Jesus has held her and grown her every step of the way.To find out how you can have your(own)HOPEstory check out: http://www.myHOPEstory.co.uk.
2021-02-101h 48#myHOPEstory(Podcast)#myHOPEstory(Dilly)Second up in our #myHOPEstory(podcast) is one of our newest members Dilly, being interviewed once again by Ants. Includes just under 2 hours worth of riveting conversation as Dilly tells of how she left Jesus behind whilst at Uni but he never left her... Worth the listen even if you need to split it up and listen in parts!To find out how you can have your(own)HOPEstory go to: www.myHOPEstory.co.uk.
2021-01-271h 43#myHOPEstory(Podcast)#myHOPEstory(Pete B)Listen to our first ever #myHOPEstory(podcast) which features our host Ants interviewing on of the pastors of our church Pete B. Listen to hear everything you ever wanted to know about Pete and a whole lot you didn't thrown in for free too!To find out how you can have your(own)HOPEstory go to: www.myHOPEstory.co.uk.
2021-01-201h 22
DADICATED.COM - empowering Dads44 Mark X Cronin on his son’s Down Syndrome & Spreading Happiness“Stay humble and accept the humility that comes as a parent. There is so much we want to do for our children and there is so much we try to do, and in the end, they have their lives that they will lead and there is only so much we can do.” Mark Cronin, on DADicated.comMark lives in Long Island and has been married for 38 years. He has 3 boys, Patrick (29), James (26), and John (24), who has down syndrome. Mark and John are the co-founders of John’s Crazy Socks, which was John’s idea. They sell crazy soc...
2020-11-0648 min
The Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Emily Kessler (A Down Syndrome Adoption Story)In this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Emily Kessler, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about her story of adoption a daughter with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/emily-kessler-ep-19
2020-10-2727 min
The Hope Story PodcastFive Ways to Create Awareness for Down Syndrome Awareness Month (and Every Month!)In this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we share five ways for parents of children of Down syndrome to create awareness for Down syndrome awareness month (and every month.) Be sure to check out this episodes show notes by visiting show notes at http://hopestory.org/down-syndrome-awareness-month-2020
2020-10-1314 min
The Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Jenny Gatchell; Mom of a Daughter with Down SyndromeIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Jenny Gatchell, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about being a mom of a daughter with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/jenny-gatchell-ep-17
2020-09-2127 min
The Hope Story PodcastSeven Lessons I've Learned From Being a Parent of a Child With Down SyndromeIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast Rick Smith shares seven lessons he has learned from being a parent of a child with Down syndrome. Be sure to check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/seven-lessons-ep-16
2020-08-2422 min
The Hope Story PodcastPreeti Gandhi from Hope Story’s “To the Next Me” World Down Syndrome Day VideoIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Preeti Gandhi from Hope Story's "To the Next Me" World Down Syndrome Day Video about being the mother of a child with Down syndrome. Be sure to check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/preeti-gandhi-ep-15
2020-08-1029 min
The Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Cynthia GarciaIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Cynthia Garcia, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about being a mom of a daughter with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/cynthia-garcia-ep-14
2020-07-2724 min
The Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Natalie Jones; Mom of a Son With Down SyndromeIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Natalie Jones, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about being a mom of a son with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/natalie-jones-ep-13
2020-07-1333 min
The Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Antwanetta Alford-StewardIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Antwanetta Alford-Steward, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about being a mom of a son with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/antwanetta-alford-steward-episode-12
2020-06-2918 min
The Hope Story PodcastFive Things That Everyone Must Do for a Successful IEP Meeting: Catherine WhitcherIn this week's episode we talk with Catherine Whitcher, IEP Mentor, about five things everyone must do for a successful IEP meeting. Be sure to check out the show notes at https://hopestory.org/catherine-whitcher-ep-11
2020-06-1528 min
The Hope Story PodcastCarissa Carroll: Founder of Jack's Basket; A Nonprofit Celebrating Babies With Down SyndromeIn this episode we talk with Carissa Carroll, the Founder of Jack's Basket; a nonprofit celebrating babies with Down syndrome. Be sure to visit the show notes at https://hopestory.org/carissa-carroll-ep-10
2020-06-0137 min
The Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Lauren ShelorIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Lauren Shelor, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about being a mom of a son with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/lauren-shelor-episode-9
2020-05-1834 minThe Hope Story PodcastThe Biggest Problem Facing People with Down syndrome and How Hope Story is Working to Solve ItIn this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk about the biggest problem facing people with Down syndrome and how Hope Story is working to solve it. Be sure to check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/rick-smith-ep-8
2020-05-0518 minThe Hope Story PodcastDarla Lawrence on Her COVID-19 Recovery and Raising a Child With Down SyndromeOn this episode Darla Lawrence talks about her COVID-19 diagnosis and recovery as well as her story of raising a child with Down syndorme. Be sure to check out the show notes at https://hopestory.org/darla-lawrence-ep-7
2020-04-2034 minThe Hope Story PodcastHope Advocate Spotlight: Sam BreithauptIn this episode of the Hope Story Podcast we talk with Sam Breithaupt, one of our Hope Advocates, about her journey raising Emery, her daughter born with Down syndorme! Part of Emery's journey involves a tracheostomy and a surgery to repair an AVSD. Be sure to visit https://hopestory.org/sam-breithaupt to check out the show notes for this episode.
2020-04-0631 minThe Hope Story PodcastCOVID-19 and Down Syndrome: What You Need to Know with Pediatrician, Dr. Abbie SmithIn this episode Dr. Abbie Smith (a pediatrician and mother of a child with Down syndrome) shares what parents need to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Down syndrome. Check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/covid-19-ep-5
2020-03-1927 minThe Hope Story PodcastErin Book Mullen on Lobbying for Increased Down Syndrome Research Funding, Down Syndrome and Childhood LeukemiaIn this episode we talk to Erin Book Mullen about being a DC Lobbyist who works to increase funding for Down syndrome research. Erin led the effort with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to secure the first-ever Congressional hearing on Down syndrome research where Frank Stephens declared that his life was worth living. That testimony, along with their work with Congressional Champions, resulted in a historic and significant 65% increase of Down syndrome research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from $35 million in FY2017 to $58 million in FY2018. In addition, we talk with Erin about raising two girls, one...
2020-03-0938 minThe Hope Story PodcastJohn’s Crazy Socks Co-Founder: Mark CroninIn this episode we interview Mark Cronin, the co-founder of John's Crazy Socks. John's Crazy Socks is a multi-million dollar company sock ran by Mark and his son with Down syndrome, John. In this episode Mark talks about their business and about being the father of an adult with Down syndrome. Check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/johns-crazy-socks
2020-02-2453 minThe Hope Story PodcastThe Father of the First Person With Down Syndrome to Run for Public Office: Michael RussellIn this episode we talk with Michael Russell, the father of the first person with Down syndrome (Bryan Russell) to run for public office. Learn more about about Hope Story at https://hopestory.org
2020-02-1025 minThe Hope Story Podcast"Noah's Mom," Co-Founder of Hope Story, and Pediatrician: Dr. Abbie SmithIn this episode we talk with Abbie Smith, a mother of three children (one of which who was born with Down syndrome,) a pediatrician, and the co-founder of Hope Story. Learn more about about Hope Story at https://hopestory.org
2020-01-2743 min
The John and Christian PodcastOscars Mission & First Ever Guest Appearance by Rick SmithOn this episode, John and I recap our mission to make it to the Oscars and John gives his joke of the week. We are then joined by our first ever guest-- Rick Smith, founder and president of Hopestory.
2019-02-1129 min
The Way Home with Dan DarlingThe Way Home: Rick Smith on human dignity and Down syndromeThis episode is part of a special series of podcasts in conjunction with the release of The Dignity Revolution: Reclaiming God's Rich Vision for Humanity. In this series, Dan is bringing together leaders and thinkers whose work helps Christians think well about what it means to be human.How can Christians help lead the conversation of Down syndrome? Rick Smith, founder of Hope Story, joins me to talk about being a dad to a child with Down syndrome. He shares how he and his wife started a ministry to educate people about Down syndrome.You can pre-order The...
2018-08-3024 min