In this episode, we talk with Aaron Loy, lead and founding pastor of Commonwealth in Knoxville. Growing up as a pastors kids and planting three churches himself, Aaron has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Yet, he is convinced that Jesus is not done with his Church, and believes that it can be a place of healing and beauty. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Commonwealth (commonwealthknox.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their gifts, passions, and profe...
Feb 27, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode, we talk with Bill Murrah, who has been doing community organizing and justice work in inner-city Knoxville for over 50 years! Bill has amazing stories and an important perspective on how we care for our community! The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Commonwealth (commonwealthknox.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their gifts, passions, and profession to cultivate beauty, goodness, and justice in the world around them. This episode is hosted b...
Jan 15, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 2! In this episode, we talk with Morgan Benson, who is the founder and director of SEED International in Haiti. Morgan has a unique and important perspective on how we can help people with tangible needs in a sustainable and dignifying way. Whether in Haiti, Knoxville, or anywhere else, you're going to want to hear what Morgan has to say! The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Commonwealth (commonwealthknox.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using the...
Dec 18, 2022•28 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, I have a conversation with Father Aaron Wright about the common misconceptions about God's plan for the world. We talk about how God is not going to do away with this world, but He is actually going to make it what He intended it to be from the beginning - His home. Aaron is an Anglican Rector at Old North Abbey in the Whittle Springs neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about...
Apr 05, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, I have a conversation with Father Aaron Wright about the common misconceptions about God's plan for the world. We talk about how God is not going to do away with this world, but He is actually going to make it what He intended it to be from the beginning - His home. Aaron is an Anglican Rector at Old North Abbey in the Whittle Springs neighborhood of Knoxville, TN. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about...
Mar 28, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Today, we get to hear from Reem Arnouk. Reem is a self-taught multimedia artist who loves to explore and create. She believes that curiosity and creativity are gifts from God that reflect His nature. She loves teaching others to try new things and explore God's creation through art. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their talents, passions, and profession to cultivate beauty, goodness, justice,...
Mar 04, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode, we get to hear from Dr. Trent Hippard. Trent is a husband, chiropractor, and owner of Restoration Chiropractic in West Knoxville. His mission is to make West Knoxville the healthiest community in East Tennessee. Trent has a passion to help people experience health in every aspect of life. He talks with us about his approach to not only physical health, but relational, emotional, and spiritual health as well. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknox...
Feb 24, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode, we get to hear Nichole's story. Nichole is a full-time mom who is very attentive to people and things that are often overlooked. We talk about listing to the hearts and emotions of children, seeing the dignity and humanity in people experiencing hunger and homelessness, and caring for Creation. She expresses feeling the weight of the pain and heartbreak of others and offers a hopeful way forward. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) t...
Dec 28, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, Dana Jones shares her story and how God developed a passion in her for loving hard kids. Dana currently works with inner-city youth in Knoxville and has worked as a juvenile corrections officer. We discuss the importance of seeing behind the masks that kids put on due to trauma, hurt, and neglect to see a child looking for love and connection. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using ...
Dec 05, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, Daniel Carter shares his story and how God gave him a passion for being present with people in hard places. Daniel has a heart for those experiencing homelessness and drug addiction. We discuss the importance of seeing the humanity in all people and meeting people where they are at. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their talents, passions, and profession to cultivate beauty, g...
Nov 04, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, Chris Lepto tells us about his story and his passion for bearing the burdens of others. Chris is a registered nurse at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. We discuss the importance of being present with people, listening, and showing empathy. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their talents, passions, and profession to cultivate beauty, goodness, justice, and abundance i...
Oct 16, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this interview, Molly Barnhart tells her story and how hospitality has become an important part of her life. Molly works for Water Angel Ministries in downtown Knoxville to serve those experiencing homelessness in the city. We discuss loneliness, invitation, building community, and how God created us to need one another. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their talents, passions, and professi...
Oct 01, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this interview, we hear the story of Natasha Shorts. Natasha mentors college athletes at the University of Tennessee with the campus ministry, Athletes in Action. We discuss singleness, womanhood, race, and finding your worth in what God says about you. Natasha is a writer, a poet, and hosts a podcast called Noted by Natasha. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville (hopeknoxville.org) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their talents, passions, and pro...
Sep 17, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this interview, Brooks shares about his passion for music and creativity. We discuss creative collaboration and the importance of bringing people together. You can check out Brooks' newest project, All Signs Point North, on Spotify or Apple Music. The Garden Project podcast is an initiative of Hope Knoxville ( hopeknoxville.org ) that exists to tell stories about people who are using their talents, passions, and profession to cultivate beauty, goodness, justice, and abundance in the world aro...
Aug 17, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 1
