In this Season 6 recap, Kianna and I reflect on the guests, stories, and lessons that shaped this season of Gladness and Hunger. We discuss mentorship, vocation, God's faithfulness, and the surprising ways our lives often unfold. Join us as we look back on the journey and celebrate the wisdom shared by this season's guests.

Here are more detailed highlights:

We began Season 6 (S6:E1) with me being interviewed by my intern. Kianna Winey put me on the other side of the table and asked me why the premise of Gladness & Hunger calls to me so deeply. The short of it is, I find it fascinating to hear how others come to their vocations. And it’s inspirational to hear what personal habits have made a difference for them.

We are enriched by one another’s stories, including stories of vocation. It is especially inspiring to see the beauty that comes from detours. Every guest has a life song—a theme they’re drawn to. Often, this theme is born from the detours.

In S6:E2, Casey Farris and I talked about leadership, Christian education, and cultivating calm in chaotic environments, but we also talked about good old-fashioned fun. If you need inspiration for putting more fun in your life, listen to Casey.

In S6:E3, I talk with documentary filmmaker Barry Wortz about his personal efforts to unmask the autism employment crisis. If you’re an employer or have an interest in autism, you’ll want to watch his film, Lost Potential.

In S6:E4, I talk with longtime English professor Dr. Matt Hearn about how some of us end up pursuing the very vocations we swore we’d never do, and the mentors who help us see the light.

In S6:E5, I got to chat with my friend, Selene Covarrubias about her vocational journey from television to publishing—from Johnny Carson to Simon & Schuster—and the joy of living abroad.

In S6:E6, my guest is Sydney Ball, who recently launched Ballpoint Solutions. Need inspiration for being strategic, building your network, or serving on boards? This is the episode for you.

Mentorship runs as a theme all season, with practical tips offered during the Season 6 midrolls for building and sustaining strong mentoring relationships. Your time is precious! Which is why we want to offer you value from start to finish in every episode of Gladness & Hunger.

May the Season 6 conversations prove to be a blessing to you. They have certainly proved to be a blessing for me and Kianna.

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In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, I sit down with Sydney Ball shortly after the launch of her consulting firm, Ballpoint Business Solutions. A Lipscomb College of Business alumna, Sydney has been recognized with honors including the Sterling Award for Top 20 Professionals Under 40 in West Tennessee, Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Women of Influence. In our conversation, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and family influences that shaped both her career and her passion for serving others.

From running her first business at just ten years old to building a successful career in banking, board leadership, and consulting, Sydney shares practical wisdom on networking, communication, mentorship, and leading with integrity. Along the way, she offers thoughtful insight into entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the importance of building meaningful connections.

This conversation is an encouraging reminder that vocation is often formed through service, relationships, and the willingness to walk through unexpected doors of opportunity.

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Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation?

Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon & Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno.

Media has been a constant thread throughout Selene’s life, but her story is anything but linear. With seasons spent living in Mexico, the United States, Rome, Paris, and Spain, her journey reflects a deep love for travel, culture, and storytelling—along with a willingness to embrace change when life takes unexpected turns.

In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, we explore Selene’s fascinating background, the early influences that shaped her path, and how she found her way from television into the world of books. Along the way, she shares what it looks like to adapt, to take risks, and to remain open to opportunities you never planned for.

This conversation is a reminder that calling is often formed over time—through experiences, relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

If you’re navigating change, considering a new direction, or simply wondering how your story is unfolding, Selene’s journey offers both perspective and encouragement.

0:00 Intro

1:02 Meet Selene Covarrubias

4:14 Between Two Worlds: Growing Up Across Cultures

6:39 Backstage: Lessons from Early Hollywood

8:33 Creativity, Motherhood, and Meaningful Work

11:55 Midroll on Mentorship

12:41 Leaps of Faith: Moving Countries & Reinventing Yourself

20:43 Critical Skills: Adaptability & Self-Kindness

22:26 Habits that Ground You & Staying Open to Change

24:39 Final Thoughts and Advice: Take Risks & Reach Out

Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/

Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/

Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com