LAB: The Podcast

He's usually the one making others shine but today we flip the script. On this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Tampa native and Podcast Producer, Riley Cooper. Riley opens up about his hometown roots, his evolving walk with God, and the winding path that brought him to V3. We also talk about the deep impact the Wayfarer Podcast had on his life and how it became a turning point in his story. You won't want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of our own.Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast. Support / Sponsor@VUVIVOV3 | YouTube@labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Support the show

Join us on LAB the Podcast as Wendy Kieffer shares a heartfelt reading of “The Easter Flower” by Claude McKay. In this special Poetry Corner episode, Wendy guides us through McKay's timeless reflections on faith, resilience, and the enduring power of nature's beauty. Whether you're drawn to poetry or simply seeking inspiration, Wendy's reading invites you to pause, listen, and reflect.Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast. Meet Wendy KiefferSupport / Sponsor@VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeFollow:@labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Support the show

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Tampa native Kathia Guzman to explore her faith, family, and community journey. Kathia opens up about how growing up in Tampa has shaped her identity and the powerful role her faith has played in navigating life's challenges. Tune in to discover Kathia's story and the lessons she's learned along the way.Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast. Support / Sponsor@VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeFollow:@labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Support the show

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Poet and Author Paul Pastor to explore the heart behind his new poetry collection, The Locust Years. Join us as we talk about the creative process, the role of poetry in spiritual life, and what it means to name beauty even in the barren places.Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast.The Locust Years Support / Sponsor LAB the PodcastFor More Videos, Subscribe:@VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeIG:@labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Support the show

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Alex MacKinnon, Chair and Owner of C12 of Tampa Bay to explore the powerful story behind his life. Alex shares his personal journey. Don't miss this incredible conversation! Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast.Learn about C12Support / Sponsor LAB the PodcastFor More Videos, Subscribe:   @VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeIG:@labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Support the show

In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we're joined by Claudia Chan—recognized leadership expert, social entrepreneur, and certified life coach. Claudia shares the story behind her journey: from building influential platforms for women's empowerment to guiding others toward personal and professional transformation. Claudia opens up about the turning points that shaped her path and how she discovered the power of inner leadership. A conversation about vision, resilience, and redefining success from the inside out you won't want to miss!Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast. Claudia ChanSupport / Sponsor LAB the Podcast@VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeFollow: @labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Support the show

Jared Thomas, V3 Artist, Lumen sales pro, comedian, and Wayfarer Podcast co-host, shares his life story and career journey, reflecting on purpose, persistence, and finding meaning in every step of the way.Bayshore ComedyLearn more about VU VI VOFor More Videos, Subscribe: @VUVIVOV3 | YouTubeSupport the show

This week on LAB the Podcast, we are joined by Christina Kruse, our LAB Initiative Director and our partner from the Oak Rock Foundation to talk about one of the most pressing issues facing parents today: online safety for kids.We're sharing new updates from the LAB Initiative—including a fresh take on our Freedom Roast. ☕You won't want to miss this great conversation.Learn more about the Oak Rock FoundationSupport the LAB Initiative by ordering Freedom RoastLearn more about VU VI VOSupport the show

V3 Conservatory Poet Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast to share The Good Neighbor by John Burnside. Join us for a beautiful poem and wonderful conversation. Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow LAB the Podcast. Learn more about V3Support / Sponsor: LINKSupport the show

Is it possible to find life & beauty in the political sphere? Author Michael Wear joins LAB the Podcast for a conversation on his book The Spirit of our Politics and how the gospel "renovates public life."Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow LAB the Podcast. Spirit of our PoliticsSupport / Sponsor LAB the PodcastLearn more about VU VI VOSupport the show

Have you ever known someone who welcomes people with an extraordinary, almost otherworldly grace? Juan Osorio has this gift and he joins LAB the Podcast to share his story and for a conversation on hospitality and the power of “welcome.”Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow LAB the Podcast. Support / Sponsor: https://vuvivo.com/supportLearn more about VU VI VOSupport the show

Entrepreneur, business leader, craftsman and former professional athlete Garrett Gilkey joins LAB the Podcast to share his journey beyond the NFL. In this episode we talk faith, expectations, beauty and the moment he knew his life would change forever. Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow LAB the Podcast. Visit: https://vuvivo.com/Support / Sponsor: https://vuvivo.com/supportSupport the show

V3 Artist Shanna Zamparas joins LAB the Podcast to share a glimpse of her journey from childhood piano lessons to completing a Masters of Music in Piano Performance with a concentration in Sacred Studies from University of Florida.Visit: https://vuvivo.com/Support / Sponsor: https://vuvivo.com/supportSupport the show

Artist David Zvonař joins LAB the Podcast to share a glimpse into his story and for a conversation on photography, beauty and his time in Brno shooting V3's Sehnsucht Symphony recording.Coming soon: Sehnsucht Film Documentary and Sehnsucht Photobook! Visit: DavidZvonar.comVisit: https://vuvivo.com/Support / Sponsor: https://vuvivo.com/supportSupport the show

V3 Artist Megan Turnquest joins LAB the Podcast to share a glimpse into her story and life as an artist exploring what it means for her art to point beyond itself to the source of all life and beauty.Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow LAB the Podcast. For More Videos, Subscribe:@VUVIVOV3 | https://www.youtube.com/@VUVIVOV3Visit: https://vuvivo.com/Follow: @labthepodcast | @vuvivo_v3 | @zachjelliott | @wayfarerpodcast Like: https://www.facebook.com/vuvivo.v3Support / Sponsor: https://vuvivo.com/supportSupport the show

Renowned Sculptor Timothy Schmalz joins LAB the Podcast for a conversation on beauty, faith and the powerful role of public art. The Portico, in downtown Tampa, is home to Timothy's moving “Homeless Jesus.” Join us for the conversation and if you are in Tampa, find your way to the Portico to encounter Timothy's work. Timothy Paul Schmalz Learn more about VU VI VO: https://vuvivo.com/Support the work of V3: https://vuvivo.com/supportSupport the show

Dee Perconti joins LAB the Podcast to continue our conversation highlighting the issue of human trafficking and the organizations working hard to end it and care for survivors. Dee is an artist and board member of Rapha International. Learn more about RaphaLearn more about V3Support the show

LAB Initiative Director Christian Kruse and a representative from Oak Rock join LAB the Podcast to discuss the ongoing work to fight human trafficking and care for survivors. Learn more about the Oak Rock FoundationSupport the LAB Initiative by ordering Freedom RoastV3 LAB InitiativeLearn more about the work of V3Support the show

V3 Conservatory Poet Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast to share and discuss Christian Wiman's poem, “Prayer.” “Prayer” was the right poem as we continue our conversation highlighting the work to fight human trafficking and care for survivors through V3's LAB Initiative. Learn more about the work of V3.Support the show

CEO & Co-Founder Stephanie Freed joins LAB the Podcast to talk about Rapha's work to end the trafficking and sexual abuse of children — one child, one family, and one community at a time. Rapha was founded in 2003, beginning with the Survivor Care program for underage female survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation in Battambang, Cambodia. Rapha now serves child survivors in Cambodia, Thailand, Haiti and the US through residential and non-residential and therapeutic programming, which is administered by an international team of more than 380 professionals. Join us for the conversation and visit  to learn more about how you can pray for and partner with Rapha. RaphaLearn more about V3Support the show

American Fine Artist, Emily Pastor joins LAB the Podcast live at Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida to unveil, “Mary, Overshadowed” a stunning 40x60 original oil. Emily is a once in a generation talent and we were honored to share some time discussing the painting, her process and the reality of the “grandest” miracle. Don't miss this special episode of LAB the Podcast. V3 Art UnveilingsLearn more about V3Support the show

LAB Initiative Director, Christina Kruse joins LAB the Podcast to celebrate the generosity of Buddy Brew on the back side of 2024 Freedom Roast sales. We talk Human Trafficking Awareness month and V3's 2025 efforts to care for survivors and fight human trafficking.Freedom RoastLearn more about the work of V3Support the show

LAB the Podcast celebrates our 200th episode with our very first guests, Dave and Susan Ward. Dave and Susan express the life and beauty of the gospel through hospitality, generosity, creativity and their commitment to help fight human trafficking and care for survivors. Join us for our special 200th episode recorded at Buddy Brew's roasting facility in Tampa. Freedom Roast Coffee - Buddy Brew Coffee & V3Learn more about the work of V3Support the show

Artist Josh Nadeau joins LAB the Podcast to celebrate the upcoming release of his new book, “Room for Good Things to Run Wild.” We talk beauty, Sehnsucht Symphony and the opportunity ahead for artists. Don't miss a great conversation with an incredible artist and friend. Room for Good Things to Run WildLearn more about LAB the Podcast and the work of VU VI VO (V3)Support the show

NCF Vice President of Partner Relations, Barrett Swartz joins LAB the Podcast to share a glimpse of his story and for a conversation on how generosity is a vital part of expressing the life and beauty of the gospel. Support the show

“Not darkness but twilightin which even the best of minds must make its waynow. And slowly, the questionsoccur, vague but formidable…"V3 Conservatory Poet, Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast to read and discuss “The Answer” by R.S. Thomas. Don't miss this incredible poem and the rich experience of sharing it with Wendy.Support the show

Ekstasis Founder, Conor Sweetman, joins LAB the Podcast to explore, “A Time for Wonder: The Days of Advent Through the Eyes of Worship.” Join us for the conversation and for our annual V3 Advent reading.Don't miss this wonderful conversation and here's to a wonderful holiday season ahead!Join us live every evening, 12/6-12/26 at 9pm EST as we journey through, “A Time for Wonder” with the V3 team. V3 AdventDigital copies available here: LINKSupport the show

Producer Camille Kampouris joins LAB the Podcast for a conversation on the upcoming film, Bonhoeffer. We talk about some of the particular choices made that enhance the beauty and impact of the film. Don't miss the opportunity to hear the behind the scenes story and get your tickets for Bonhoeffer. In theaters November 18th. Bonhoeffer MovieSupport the show

One year ago, Susan Nations shared a glimpse of life and beauty with Zach Elliott when she invited him for a holiday tour of her enchanted home in Tampa. Since that day, he has been looking forward to sharing a conversation with her about hospitality, beauty and the traditions that make our holidays meaningfully reach. Don't miss this wonderful conversation and here's to a wonderful holiday season ahead!Support the show

V3 conservatory poet, Wendy Kieffer, joins LAB the Podcast to share her original poem, The Summons. Join us for the conversation!For more of Wendy's work, order Alchemy of Praise hereSupport the show

Sara Johnson, Florida's Statewide Grassroots Director for Vote No on 4 Florida, joins LAB the Podcast! Join us for a conversation on  amendment 4 and the importance of voting “no” on this deceptive and poorly written abortion amendment on Florida's November ballot. Don't miss this important episode! Former fashion executive and now wardrobe stylist, Erica Fetterman joins LAB the Podcast for a conversation on faith, fashion and how she expresses both in her life and work. Vote No on 4 FloridaSupport the show

Poet Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast to read and reflect on Malcolm Guite's, “Love's Choice.” Don't miss this beautiful poem and a thoughtful conversation on the extraordinary gift of regular communion together.Support the show

Artist Gina White joins LAB the Podcast for a special live podcast and unveiling of Awake My Soul II, the second visual art commission by VU VI VO. This extraordinary piece was inspired by the incredible love that gave a condemned woman new life. Discover the rich story behind this painting and how it became the seed for something absolutely beautiful.Awake My Soul II storyAwake My Soul II - 11" x 14" Limited Edition Giclée Signed PrintVU VI VOSupport the show

Former fashion executive and now wardrobe stylist, Erica Fetterman joins LAB the Podcast for a conversation on faith, fashion and how she expresses both in her life and work. Madison 3rd StylingSupport the show

Poet Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast to celebrate the release of her inaugural poetry collection, Alchemy of Praise. Don't miss this special episode of LAB the Podcast recorded live at Buddy Brew in Tampa, Florida.Alchemy of PraiseSupport the Show.

Faces of Choice Founder Lyric Gillett joins LAB the Podcast from Oxford University to discuss her work to help change the conversation around abortion. We talk about cultivating courage and what she experienced attempting to work with Fox Sports to air a commercial for Faces of Choice during the Super Bowl. Faces of ChoiceSupport the Show.

LAB Initiative Director Christina Kruse joins Lab the Podcast for a conversation on living generously and to share an update on V3's initiative to support the work to fight human trafficking and care for survivors.Also it's #freedomfriday … Purchase your bags of Buddy Brew Freedom Roast today to support the LAB Initiative!Freedom Roast CoffeeSupport the Show.

Singer and songwriter Peterson Jean-Marie joins LAB the Podcast to celebrate the release of his new album, Faithful God. Join us for the conversation and find, enjoy and share Faithful God on all streaming platforms.Find Faithful God hereConnect with Peterson hereSupport the Show.

Mrs. Florida American 2023 Angela Omoike joins LAB the Podcast to talk about childhood food insecurity, share a glimpse into her story and celebrate the launch of the Lolly FoundationDon't miss the episode and join us in sharing the life and beauty of the gospel by helping the Lolly Foundation reach their goal of raising $1,000.00 to care for children in Hillsborough County through their Nourish & Nurture program.Contact Angela: Angela813@gmail.comFB: LINKIG: @mrsfloridaamerican23Support the Show.

Executive Director Patton Dodd joins LAB the Podcast to talk about San Antonio's, Know Your Neighbor Initiative and how we can “widen our circle of concern.” Patton is the Executive Director of Storytelling and Communications at the H.E. Butt Foundation in Texas. He leads the Know Your Neighbor Initiative creating media and events to build bridges across economic divides in San Antonio. Support the Show.

Dr. Lydia Dugdale joins LAB the Podcast to celebrate her book, The Lost Art of Dying. Don't miss an important conversation on living and dying well in the modern age.Support the Show.

Imagine everything facing a child in the first few hours after they are removed from their home and as they await placement by child welfare services. Tennessee based Isaiah 117 meets children, caseworkers and families in this difficult moment.  Natalie Raney and Kayla Bain join LAB the Podcast to celebrate the work of Isaiah 117 and share the story of bringing this powerful ministry to Tampa. Join us for the conversation and prayerfully consider how you can support the incredible work of Isaiah 117. Support the Show.

University of Arkansas Professor Albert Cheng joins LAB the Podcast to talk about how our longing for beauty, goodness and truth is shaping education reform and the way we imagine learning. Support the Show.

Can you remember the last time you enjoyed a chair at the edge of a quiet lake or river? V3 Conservatory Poet Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast to share and discuss “The Chairs That No One Sits In” by Billy Collins. Don't miss this wonderful poem and conversation, just in time for summer.Support the Show.

Shining Isle Productions COO and Executive Producer Brock Starnes joins LAB the Podcast to celebrate the success of the Wingfeather Saga Season II animated series. Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga books have sold over 1.5 million copies and the animated Wingfeather Saga series is the largest crowdfunded animated family series of all time. Get to know this rich story your kids can enjoy this summer and if you haven't already, pick up your copy of the Wingfeather Saga Series. Wingfeather Saga SeriesSupport the Show.

Author and Professor D.C. Schindler joins LAB the Podcast to discuss his powerful book Freedom from Reality: The Diabolical Character of Modern Liberty. Don't miss the chance to hear from one of the brightest philosophical minds of our time on what may be the most urgent conversation in our cultural moment. Support the Show.

Dr. Joseph Clair joins LAB the Podcast to discuss the aim of a Christian liberal arts education and how to think well about higher education. Dr. Clair serves as the Executive Dean of the Cultural Enterprise which encompasses the humanities, theology, and education. He is also Dean of the College of Humanities and an Associate Professor of theology and culture.The Liberating ArtsThe Liberating Arts OrganizationSupport the Show.

Don't miss the chance to hear renowned artist and wonderful human, Josh Nadeau uncover the beauty of his Sehnsucht Symphony cover art. Soul good. Sehnsucht PrintSupport Symphony ProjectSupport the Show.

LAB Initiative Director, Christina Kruse joins LAB the Podcast to give an update on the LAB Initiative and to celebrate our newest partner, First Presbyterian Church in Tampa! Don't miss the chance to learn how the coffee you drink can help set captives free! Link to Freedom RoastLink to Support the LAB InitiativeSupport the Show.

Conservatory Poet Wendy Kieffer joins LAB the Podcast for a reading of Meditation on a Grapefruit by Craig Arnold. Don't miss a great conversation on this beautiful poem and the power of the "remarkable ordinary.”  Support the Show.

Professor and Author Margarita Mooney Clayton joins LAB the Podcast to talk about the Scala Foundation's work to restore meaning and purpose to education and for a discussion on her book, The Wounds of Beauty.Margarita Mooney Clayton, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. She has also taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Yale University, Pepperdine University, and Princeton University. She has also been a Visiting Fellow at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University. She earned a Bachelor's in Psychology from Yale University and a Master's and Ph.D. in Sociology from Princeton University. In 2016, she founded the Scala Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring American culture through beauty, liberal arts education, and worship. The Wounds of BeautySupport the Show.