Tales of Hope

Tales of Hope

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Ever want to know what life at a small college is like? Or perhaps what the tales of its inhabitants are? Here at Tales of Hope, we want to spread these stories to the rest of the world. Join alum and current Hope College custodian Nick McNamara, as he sits down and learns the tales of members of th…

Nicholas McNamara


    • Dec 5, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Tales of Hope

    We Have To Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 15:06


    This was not an easy decision to make, but it was one I needed to make. Please stay with us on social media to learn when we may return. This is an indefinite hiatus from the podcasting world, not a permanent one.

    This Week In Hope: Dec 1-7

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2019 29:31


    Two episodes a week??? I think so!! Starting a new weekly show called This Week in Hope where I talk about some of the upcoming events on campus that YOU should be checking out. This week we have events ranging from departmental information meetings regarding majors, an art show, and films including one being put on by past guest Kory Lafontant! Also, a healthy dose of athletics including a men's basketball road trip to Wisconsin, Notre Dame hockey, and the first edition of The Rivalry: Basketball Style at Calvin.

    Music, Podcasts, and Community: The Tale of Sharee Nurse

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2019 44:53


    The echo is fixed!! Just in time for a big episode this week. Sit down with Sharee Nurse, Kollen Hall RD and the host of the I Think This Is Love podcast. We talk about how her show came to be, how she was once in a band, and what it has been like finding community in Holland. Sharee's site! - https://ithinkthisislove.com/

    The Path Not Thought Of: The Tale of Lauren Thorne '20

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2019 54:34


    (Apologies for the echo, looking into possibly a new place to record) Sit down with Lauren Thorne and I as we talk about her life and how things have gone in ways she never thought of. From ballet in New York, to coming to Hope for basketball and leaving that behind, to majoring and minoring in subjects that were never on her radar, life has been wild for her.

    What We Never Expect: The Tale of Kworweinski "Kory" LaFontant '21 Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2019 37:44


    *Show notes found at thepodcastingjanitor.wordpress.com* Part 2 of the amazing interview with Kory! This time we continue talking about life after basketball, his relationship with God, and the culture shock of coming from Florida and how people don't travel to "his Florida" when they go there on vacation.

    What We Never Expect: The Tale of Kworweinski "Kory" LaFontant '21 Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2019 37:20


    (Show Notes can be found at thepodcastingjanitor.wordpress.com) We're back baby! Season 2 of Tales of Hope kicks off with a deep two-parter featuring one of our social media followers, Kory. In part one, we get into growing up, being a pro gamer for a bit, and how he got to Hope only to be "bamboozled by God." Part 2 will be out next week!

    Hope History Minute: Hockey

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2019 21:35


    We're back!! This is a short episode, as we talk about the relatively young hockey program at Hope. Not playing on campus hasn't stopped them from being champions. Also, I talk about what has been going on with me recently and why I feel I haven't been doing a good job with the show.

    My Hope Scary Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2019 34:46


    (Sorry for the cold open, realize I forgot to include the intro music!) This week, I talk about the creepy paranormal experiences I have had at Hope. From motion-activated lights randomly turning on to ghosts running on the track, I've experienced a lot at Hope!

    Faces of Hope: A.J. Muste Pt. 2 - Pacificism and Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2019 28:28


    This week, we take a look at A.J.'s impact on wartime protests and promotions of peace. Learn about how he helped textile workers get better conditions by not retaliating to the violence they faced, how he organized a march to Moscow, and how the Vietnam War could've been ended with a response from our president. A. J. Muste – Digital Holland, Michigan - site used in this series

    Faces of Hope: A.J. Muste Pt. 1 - Early Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2019 21:07


    Part 1 of a 2 part series on the life of Abraham Johannes Muste. This week, we touch on his early life. From growing up in actual Holland, to moving to Grand Rapids when he was 6, to his education at Hope College. We also learn about his life post-graduation, as well as how his views on his religious beliefs changed after studying at a seminary.

    Special Episode: 9/11 Memories

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2019 26:35


    Impromptu special episode this week and it's a somber one. I spoke with five faculty and staff, one alum, and one student about their memories of 9/11 and what thy could remember of the day. I also talk about my memory of the day. If you have a memory of that day 18 years ago, please feel free to share it with us on social media.

    Partner Episode: A&D Creatives

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2019 22:13


    We're back, and this week breaking our rules a bit. Not an interview with someone from Hope, but rather an interview with supporter of the show, high school classmate, and new partner of the show Ashley DeJonge! Hear the story of how I came to contact her about creating our logo, how she got into the world of marketing, and what she wants her business to achieve when all is said and done. http://instagram.com/aanddcreatives(Note: Ashley texted me after the show to say she forgot to mention she also does social media managing for businesses as well!)

    To The Class of 2023...

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2019 27:31


    Going a little different route this week. Listen as I pass on some advice to the incoming freshman of Hope College, both from myself and from two friends of the show. Plus, hear about the newest partner of the show A & D Creatives! https://www.instagram.com/aanddcreatives/

    Hope History Minute: The Van Andel Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2019 23:34


    Jump in your time machines, because we are going back almost 100 years to the beginnings of a West Michigan powerhouse family! This week we take a look at the Van Andel's, one of the founding families of Amway and a family who has left their mark at Hope. From Amway's start as a small basement business, to it's rise to global name, as well as the other things patriarch Jay Van Andel has done to help the world, it can all be found in this episode!

    Hope History Minute: Volleyball

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2019 24:15


    This week, let's go a little bit back in time to see the rise of the volleyball program! From a slow start to a national powerhouse, see the rise of the program through the years. Also hear how the current coach impacted the team before she took over, and why the 2014 season was so special.

    State of the Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 25:05


    Different kind of show this week, as I talk about where we've come from, where we are today, and some of what to expect in the future.

    Faces of Hope: Coach Glenn Van Wieren

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2019 23:15


    Another past coach episode! This week, let's talk about Glenn Van Wieren, the greatest men's basketball coach in Hope history. From his years as a player, to being hired as the youngest faculty member, to his illustrious 33 year coaching career. Also hear his connections to the show, as well as my own encounter with Glenn! Visit theinterventionx.com and use code "Summer" at checkout for FREE shipping!

    Faces Of Hope: Coach Karla Wolters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2019 24:32


    This week, we take a look at one of the most successful coaches in all of Division III collegiate sports and a person who impacted Hope in many ways: former softball coach Karla Wolters! Hear her astonishing record, how many sports she coached, as well as the manner in which she won her 500th game at Hope!

    Partner Episode: Intervention X

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 26:17


    We have a partner of the show! The Intervention X, created by Hope grad David Lenzi '16, is now partnered with Tales of Hope. In this episode, I go over why I support the program as well as go through theinterventionx.com and break down what the program offers YOU.Website:theinterventionx.com David Lenzi:https://www.facebook.com/david.lenzi.75https://instagram.com/intellectual_kittenIntervention X:https://www.facebook.com/theinterventionx/https://instagram.com/theinterventionx

    Hope History Minute: Men's Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 28:43


    Time for another jump in our time machines, this time to learn about the men's basketball program! From playing YMCA and high school teams to having an exhibition game against Indiana University, the program has done it all. Also hear about how no coach has left the program with a losing record and how successful it has been in conference play. Finally, we learn how yet another sports team has a big connection to the show.

    Hope History Minute: Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 26:52


    Let's go on a trip in our time machine this week! We are going back to the early 1900's to see the beginning of Hope's football team! From non-college opponents to conference championships, the team has come a long way. Also, learn what national honors have been given to some of the players. Finally, see how the show is connected to the team.

    Hope History Minute: Women's Basketball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2019 28:08


    Welcome back! This week we take a look at the wildly successful women's basketball team. From humble beginnings as the Hope Basquette club, to joining the WMIAA and later-merged MIAA conferences, to national success. The women at Hope have done it all! Also, learn just how connected our show and the program have become.

    1000 Download Special! Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2019 59:46


    Part 2 of our 1000 download special! This time, we talk about my job that I had while a student, as well as my journey from graduation to now. Also, I talk about how this show came to be!

    1000 Download Special! Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2019 53:57


    Thank you all for 1000 downloads! It's been talked about for a while now, and it's finally happened....the roles got reversed and this time I am the guest. In part 1, my mom and I talk about what growing up was like for me. Living in a couple cities, going to high school, sports, the whole nine yards. We then talk about how my grades took a drop in college. Part 2 comes out next week!

    The Intervention X: The Tale of David Lenzi

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2019 56:18


    Be prepared for your minds to be blown this week. Our guest has written a book that may make him public enemy #1 for nutrition companies worldwide. But before you learn about that, hear how he almost never went this route had his athletic career not gotten derailed. Also hear how about his relationship with God and how He had a hand in David's journey. Visit theinterventionx.com to learn more and buy the book! Use promo code "SUMMER" at checkout for free shipping!David's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.lenzi.75The Intervention X on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinterventionx

    Religiously Scientific: The Tale of Cassie Harders '19 Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2019 48:46


    Part 1: http://talesofhope.buzzsprout.com/311114/1098299-religiously-scientific-the-tale-of-cassie-harders-19 Part 2 of the interview with recent Hope College graduate Cassie Harders! This week, listen as she talks about how her grades changed coming to college, our views on how your grades define you, and her plans for the future!

    Religiously Scientific: The Tale of Cassie Harders '19

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2019 46:38


    *Part 2 is coming next week* Listen as Cassie Harders '19 talks about dealing with divorce and how her family got through it, what being a Phelps Scholar her freshman year was like, and how she has been able to handle being religious and a science major at the same time. Part 2 will be out next Monday!

    French and Family: The Tale of Joshua Kraut

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2019 37:09


    *This interview was recorded via phone call* This week, sit down and listen as French professor Joshua Kraut talks about his life up until now. Travelling the world to both study and teach, raising a family, and much more gets covered as I catch up with a former professor of mine! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Hope History Minute: Hope Women's Lacrosse

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 25:32


    Another sports history episode! This week, we cover the relatively-new-to-intercollegiate-play women's lacrosse team. Hear about when the program became official, some of the records, and a shout out to a past guest and a supporter of the show! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Hope History Minute: Hope College Baseball

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2019 25:25


    Get up and stretch it out for a brief history of Hope's baseball team! In honor of their hot start and it being baseball, let's listen to a short history lesson of what has made Hope baseball great. From their all-time conference records against teams to their decade of dominance, it's (almost) all here. More stats and names can be found at athletics.hope.edu Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Balancing A Busy Life: The Tale of Leah Asen '19

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2019 36:35


    Note: This is a phone call recording Turning the tables on my guest this week, as she had interviewed me for a project a couple months ago! Listen as Leah Asen '19 recounts her time growing up in a Chicago suburb and her journey to Hope. Hear how she stopped at Hope on her way to a visit to Calvin, how she's able to balance work, school, and her social life, and how she already has a job lined up for right after college! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Celebrating Our Women: Famous Female Hope Alumni

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2019 22:12


    Let's close out Women's History Month strong, with some strong women! Listen as I give some details on what six women of Hope have done after college, courtesy of ranker.com's list of Famous Hope College Alumni. Also, hear me talk about the ways that YOU can give to the show, and in return give to Hope College! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Ohio Boy in Michigan: The Tale of Greg Widener

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2019 37:02


    My first Physical Plant colleague! Listen as Greg Widener recounts what growing up as a twin was like. Also hear how he slowly moved up in the workforce, from a janitor in a factory to project manager of a college. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    "How Much Time Do You Have?": The Tale of Mackenzie Green '20

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2019 72:38


    *Sorry for the echo!* This week's episode gets very emotional about halfway through - you have been warned. Sit down and listen to junior Mackenzie Green's tale; from living with a dad who's an adjunct professor, to experiencing one of the greatest physical education programs in the country (the program over in Illinois) where she first became a triathlete, to the heartbreaking news that began her college years. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Sisters From The Start: The Tales of Jane Ragains '21 and Megan Ready '21

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2019 73:14


    First multi-guest episode!!! Sit down and listen to sophomores Jane Ragains and Megan Ready talk about their lives. Hear how their lives growing up helped to prepare them for Hope, how women's lacrosse is different from men's lacrosse, and how a simple group text can spark a friendship and an eventual sisterhood in the Sigma Iota Beta sorority. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    From One Science to Another: The Tale of Jayson Dibble

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2019 63:51


    New week, new episode! Sit down with Communication professor Jayson Dibble and learn about his journey of continual learning, how wanting to fit in is rarely good, and the difference between the study of communication and the field of communications work. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    A Hope Filled Life: The Tale of Megan Herzog

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2019 56:05


    Sit back and relax as we hear about the life of Megan Herzog. Listen as she talks about being a part of the Hope community THREE times, playing hockey growing up, and her journey to find a job. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Learn From Your Decisions: The Tale of Shawn Jackson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2019 54:37


    Apologies for audio issues, not sure of what happened. Blessed with the opportunity to sit with friend and former Hope College running back Shawn Jackson to learn about his life. From bad decisions in high school, to playing football in college, to starting his own business, we touch on it all! Shawn's contact information for training: jacksonelitetraining.com facebook.com/jacksonelitetraining twitter.com/jet_performance Instagram.com/jacksonelitetraining Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Live in the Bible Belt with Hope Schaaf '22

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2019 42:16


    Today we sit with the youngest guest to date, freshman Hope Schaaf! Learn what life growing up in "the Bible Belt of Michigan" was like, how much of a risk she took choosing a college, and how sometimes having a core group of friends can sometimes be more helpful than having a lot of friends. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Two For One! Dow Center and DeVos Fieldhouse Histories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2019 33:26


    nicholasjmcnamara2.wixsite.com/bustedtales Sorry for being gone last week but we're back! Sit back and relax as we talk about the Dow Center and DeVos Fieldhouse, two fitness facilities on campus that provide a multitude of resources to students, faculty/staff, and alumni. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    New Recording Setup! with Emma Haas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2019 40:08


    First interview of the new year, and it's done with a two-microphone setup! Listen as Emma recounts growing up in Oregon and dealing with visiting divorced parents on opposite ends of the country. She then talks about finding her way to a Chicago suburb and eventually to Hope, where she is currently pursuing her love of all things Japan. New website for both Tales of Hope and Busted Sports: nicholasjmcnamara2.wixsite.com/bustedtales Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Let's Take A Stroll Downtown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2019 30:37


    Happy New Year! We start the year off with something new: a trip to downtown Holland and the businesses that support the show and the Hope community. Visit five businesses, hear where they are, and learn what all they offer to the community. Please, go support them all! My second show: anchor.fm/bustedsports Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Tales of Hope Best of! Fall 2018

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2018 63:22


    We've officially finished the fall semester of our freshman year as a podcast! This episode highlights some of my personal favorite clips, from Brian Morehouse's relationship don'ts to growing up during the civil rights movement with Paul Boersma. As I say in the episode, no new content will be coming until the beginning of January. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Thanks Be to the Fates with Mark Lewison

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2018 61:54


    Working out the kinks with the new setup, so forgive me for any problems. Sit back and relax as Mark takes us back to his time growing up in rural Minnesota, what not to do when you have a younger girlfriend as you finish college, and hear about his NaNoWriMo exploits and how a former student got him to join the fun. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Be Blinded with Science! at the A. Paul Schaap Science Center

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2018 45:10


    10 points to Gryffindor for whoever gets the reference in the title. Come learn about the history of Hope's science center, from being named after a man who believed in the power of positive thinking to more than doubling it's size after 30 years. Also hear about the awesome science museum/zoo, and listen to me talk about a new, future project that will be coming out next year (most likely). Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Get Ready For Life with Megan Kidulas

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2018 34:32


    We're back from Thanksgiving! Sit down and listen as Megan talks about her journey to Hope College, her time as a part of Hope's Ready For Life program, and what it's been like living with Williams Syndrome. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    A True Tale of Hope with Dr. Chad Carlson - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2018 43:53


    Part 2 of my conversation with Chad Carlson. This part, hear him talk about how he turned his education motivation around in graduate school and his time as a pro basketball player. Also, hear what he does as the Director of General Education and what went into writing his book on the early years of March Madness. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    A True Tale of Hope with Dr. Chad Carlson - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2018 45:44


    Part 2 coming out either early next week (before Thanksgiving) or the following week. This interview lasted nearly an hour and a half, so I decided to cut it down to two parts. In part 1, Chad talks with me about growing up at Hope and in Holland. He talks about the role sports has played in his life even from a young age, and how a former Hope soccer player was his "superhero". He also talks about his time as a Hope student, and the type of student he was. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Worship with the Spirits at Dimnent Chapel

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2018 39:57


    Welcome back after a week off! I begin this episode by giving Castbox some #FreeAdvertising and talking about my ghost encounters one night before getting into the history of Dimnent Chapel before diving into its history. Named after Hope's fifth president Dr. Edward Dimnent and made with stained glass windows from Italy, come learn what the chapel has to offer! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Educate Yourself in the Van Wylen Library

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2018 54:40


    Trying something different this week! We learn about the history of the Van Wylen Library, the history of the Van Wylens for who it's named after, and what all you can find inside the library! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

    Life, Family, And A Little Hoops with Greg Mitchell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2018 34:00


    Listen as I sit down for the first in-person interview of the podcast with Hope men's basketball coach Greg Mitchell! Hear him recount growing up with a coach for a father, how he transferred from Central Michigan (where he roomed with future a future NBA star!) to Hope, and how his faith plays a role in life and coaching. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talesofhope/support

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