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"We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of earth."*
President Lincoln spoke these words to Congress early in one of America's darkest chapters. America has promised and fulfilled, but also challenged and disappointed countless people's hopes in its 250 year history. Today, some Americans long to return to the hopes of the past. Others long to strive for the hopes of the future. Many are caught in between.
"American Hope" offers a glimpse into American culture one city at a time, one person at a time, one story at a time, as we explore one question: "What gives you hope?"
*Abraham Lincoln, "December 1, 1862: Second Annual Message." Miller Center, University of Virginia. 2026. Web.
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S1E16 16. On the Road -- New York City
New York City: it is one of the world’s most famous plots of land, and I was blessed to be able to pretend I lived there for a few days. It’s impossible to sum up the sensory overload in one moment,…
S1E15 15. To Exist is To Be Loved (Philadelphia, PA with Dr. Ed Hastings)
Dr. Ed Hastings is a professor of theology and spirituality at Villanova University. He tells his story of growing up Catholic, entering the priesthood, and many years later feeling called away from…
S1E14 14. Yes, and...Hope (Philadelphia, PA with Andrew)
All too often, when someone throws out a new idea, someone responds "No." How would things change if our response was more like Andrew's? To say "Yes and..." or even "This could be even better…
S1E13 13. Seizing the Good, Every Day (Philadelphia, PA with Connor, Patrick and Ace)
Two more Villanova seniors, Patrick and Connor, reflect on Hope along with their buddy Ace, in their new season of post-college life. Connor and Patrick also offer unique perspective as members of…
S1E12 12. Cyclical Fears, Cyclical Hopes (Philadelphia, PA with Noah and Ace)
We’re back at Villanova University, just northwest of central Philly, with our friend Ace and a good friend, Noah. Noah and Ace come from very different parts of the country, are poised to begin…
S1E11 11. On the Road -- Philadelphia
We’re still in Philadelphia, with a brief glimpse into the hope of a few people I met along the way in Philly – a retired teacher and her husband at a Phillies game, tour guide Nick, bus driver…
S1E10 10. "New Home" & New Hope (Philadelphia, PA with Alicia and Ace)
Tacoma, Phoenix, and Nashville wrap up as we move on to Philadelphia! We’re kicking things off in Philly at Villanova University with now-recent graduate, Ace Carr, and Senior Director of First Year…
S1E9 9. Grab Hold of Something True (Fairview, TN with Shane and Faith)
Shane and Faith Ecklund relocated to TN many years ago from Washington and have been working in Christian ministry. They share openly about their work, blessings, and challenges, for example Faith…
S1E8 8. On the Road -- Nashville
We’re on the road in this episode, still in Nashville but hearing from a variety of people! We’ve got a piano tuner, working musicians, visitors from other areas (including Turkey!), and a music…
S1E7 7. Scrambled Eggs into Catfish (Nashville, TN with Mimi and Natalie)
Mimi and Natalie are in their 20s, early in their careers and adult lives. We sat down at a popular restaurant in East Nashville (and you’ll feel like your at the table with us, with all the ambient…
S1E6 6. "They Came to Me in My Time of Need" (Verrado, AZ with Heidi)
"Buckeye Heidi" tells the story of how her church community surrounded her during the greatest grief of her lifetime, and how now, 30 years later, God continues to lift her up in hope.
S1E5 5. On the Road -- Phoenix, part 1
The American Hope tour finally takes flight! Having started where all road trips start – at home – we head to the southwest to Phoenix, Arizona. In part 1, you’ll hear from Ellie, a senior at Grand…
S1E4 4. On the Road -- Tacoma
In this final set of voices from Tacoma, we'll hear about a woman whose brother was murdered in the line of duty, about living in complete surrender, and about the genuine struggle to find hope in…
S1E3 3. On the Road--Tacoma church, part 2
Still on the road -- sort of -- we hit the road where all road trips start: at home. Eleven people shared what gives them hope. While all are founded on faith in God, that faith is expressed…
S1E2 2. On the Road--Tacoma church, part 1
We hit the road where all road trips start – at home in University Place, WA, where most of my community are part of the church. So you’ll hear some common themes, but some that may surprise you.…
S1E2 2. Hope on the Road: Dog Park in Tacoma, WA
My first episode was a standard-length interview, and this second episode is in a different category – brief spontaneous conversations with people I meet along the way. So I’m calling these “Hope on…
S1E1 1. The Hope not the Ope (Overland Park, KS, with Erik Johnson)
Erik Johnson is an athlete, actor, comedian, all-around goofball, as well as being a loyal son and brother and great friend. In this conversation, Erik shares about his unexpected physical malady,…
S1 American Hope trailer
Mike summarizes the show's simple focus: "What gives you hope?" But rather than an abstract philosophy, American Hope aims to share the voices and stories of Americans just like you: living,…
Frequently Asked Questions
American Hope has published 17 episodes since January 2026, covering topics in Documentary, Society & Culture.
American Hope is currently highly active with new episodes every few days. Average episode length is 22m.
