Next week, my “Matters of Soul Importance” podcast, which launched here on Jan. 5, 2024, turns 1 year old.
Reviewing this last year of rounding up guests, plotting scripts, recording either “in studio” or in my home office, and working with Forum staff, I can only smile brightly at the joy it’s brought.
Too often, however, the humble worker bees behind the scenes don’t receive recognition.
Next to Bill Marcil Jr., who offered the initial, enthusiastic “Yes, let’s do it!”
I owe a hearty nod to the smart and talented Mary Jo Hotzler. Mary Jo’s involvement in my work didn’t start with this, though. After beginning my journalism career in Washington state, I met up with Mary Jo, who was the first to take active steps to my coming aboard The Forum when we relocated back to our Fargo roots. Over a cup of coffee at Atomic, we discussed ideas for what would become the “Parenting Perspectives” feature. She also weighed in on my full-time hire in 2011, and, in late 2023, offered, “We’re here to help!” with the podcast idea.
Despite writing also for a few national publications, I can honestly say that writing for a local audience has brought the most fulfillment. I see you at the grocery store and community events and hear your gratitude in person. Despite those who’ve had more spicy reactions at times, in the face of the kindness and gratitude I’ve received, the din of denouncement fades quickly away.
For this latest venture, though, my sincerest accolades go to Kris Kerzman, the point person for the podcast. It wasn’t until I started working with him that I knew why I’d waited. I had the guests ready but lacked the technical know-how, and Kris came through in a big way.
As someone who loves collaborating and creating, I enjoyed every step of bringing the podcast to life with Kris, who helped me sort out design ideas and music themes. Through all the stops and starts, Kris has been a class act, and it’s been a real pleasure getting to know him through this effort.
Of course, it couldn’t happen without lively guests with something meaningful to say. I’ve been so blessed in that arena, leading up to the most recent discussion with fellow Forum columnist Rob Port and former Forum journalist Devlyn Brooks on, “Who is Jesus?” If you haven’t heard it yet, I think you’ll find it thought-provoking.
I’ve already begun filling out my slate for 2025 and can’t wait to get going. In this brand-new year, we’ll be discussing such topics as whether God can work through flawed politicians, what gifts the neurodivergent bring to God’s kingdom, if we should fear the incarcerated, and whether the Church really hates sex.
If you’ve enjoyed Matters of Soul Importance, please share it with friends.
I’d also love hearing what topics or guests you’d like featured. Drop me a line with any ideas and I’ll do my best to put them in motion.
And until then, “Don’t lose sight of the light!”
[For the sake of having a repository for my newspaper columns and articles, I reprint them here, with permission, a week after their run date. The preceding ran in The Forum newspaper on Dec. 29, 2024.]
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