Best 40 Orchards Podcasts (2024)

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EP. 45 Making Bristol city centre a more sustainable and enjoyable place to visit with Tom Swithinbank from Bristol BIDs 47:53

2h ago47:53

47:53

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to this week's podcast, where I’m going behind the scenes of Bristol City Centre and talking to Tom Swithinbank. Tom's work involves helping businesses become more sustainable and making the city a more appealing place to visit. Tom works for Visit West, specifically for the Business Improvement Districts, which supp…

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Episode 49: Recapping the Perfect Pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island 1:08:01

1h ago1:08:01

1:08:01

Come along to Prince Edward Island and the 2024 biennial L.M. Montgomery conference with Kelly and Ragon! First we raved about our first conference experience and reflected on the brilliant presentations and new perspectives we heard. Then we shared all about our trip to LM Montgomery historical sites, Green Gables Heritage Place, the musicals insp…

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EP 44 From Boomtown to Wake the Tiger - How this festival organiser created a successful visitor attraction in the heart of Bristol 52:26

17d ago52:26

52:26

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, my conversation with Graham MacVoy, Managing Director of the visitor attraction Wake the Tiger in Bristol, truly blew my mind. Wake the Tiger is the permanent 'baby' created by the team running the unique Boomtown festival. The pandemic has much to answer for, but it gave Graham and his directors the head…

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Episode 48: Kilmeny of the Orchard 1:12:27

23d ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Y’all, this book is wild. Join Ragon and Kelly as they discuss one of LM Montgomery’s lesser-known novella Kilmeny of the Orchard. It’s a sweet, somewhat simplistic summer romance that takes some truly unexpected twists and turns. Although Kilmeny hasn’t stood the test of time like Anne of Green Gables, there are glimmers of L.M. Montgomery’s later…

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Episode 47: Summer Reading Extravaganza 59:18

1M ago59:18

59:18

Join Kelly, Ragon, and returning special guest Katie Stewart to discuss summer reads! They discuss books that remind them of summer as well as favorite summer reads for middle grade readers, romance and romantasy readers, the best books to survive a long flight, and of course, our ultimate recommendations for fun, breezy books to occupy your lazy s…

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43: Vicki Jones talks about setting up her award-winning Glampsite and YouTube channel 'Tractors and Cream' in Somerset 51:37

1M ago51:37

51:37

Send us a Text Message. In today’s podcast, I’m heading to the Somerset levels to chat with Vicki Jones, owner of the award-winning Tractors & Cream glampsite. Vicki and her husband Bryan worked in the hotel trade before they decided to upsticks and create their own hospitality business. After feeling the pain of putting up the yurts each year, the…

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Episode 46: Planning A Perfect Pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island 55:13

2M ago55:13

55:13

Kindred Spirits Book Club is going on the road! Kelly and Ragon are joined by Brenna Clarke Gray to plan for their upcoming trip to Prince Edward Island. We discuss all things PEI, from the award-winning cheese at COWS Creamery to the cheesy souvenirs aimed at Anne of Green Gables tourists. Side chats include Brenna’s survival guide for an academic…

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The Agency of Hope | Isaiah 40 1:19:58

2M ago1:19:58

1:19:58

Season 9 | Isaiah 40 | The Agency of Hope This season we are going down the rabbit hole. We are going to start with Exodus 32 and the story of the Golden Calf. And then based on our conversation, we will see what sparks our next wrestle. Each episode will be it's own unique conversation, but one thing will lead to another and there's no telling whe…

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Desires of the Heart? | Psalm 37 1:14:18

2M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Season 9 | Psalm 37 | Desires of the Heart? This season we are going down the rabbit hole. We are going to start with Exodus 32 and the story of the Golden Calf. And then based on our conversation, we will see what sparks our next wrestle. Each episode will be it's own unique conversation, but one thing will lead to another and there's no telling w…

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Episode 45: Friendships and Found Family: Community in Anne's House of Dreams 1:18:03

2M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

In today’s episode, Kelly and Ragon wind up their discussion of Anne’s House of Dreams. In a book that encompasses many emotional highs and lows, we discuss friendship and family as the foundation of a happy life. Ragon explains psychological protective factors, which can help determine how well someone weathers a crisis, and we share our favorite …

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I'll Take That | Genesis 3 1:04:56

2M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Season 9 | Genesis 3 | I'll Take That This season we are going down the rabbit hole. We are going to start with Exodus 32 and the story of the Golden Calf. And then based on our conversation, we will see what sparks our next wrestle. Each episode will be it's own unique conversation, but one thing will lead to another and there's no telling where w…

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The 10 Commandments | Exodus 20 1:12:50

3M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Season 9 | Exodus 20 | The 10 Commandments This season we are going down the rabbit hole. We are going to start with Exodus 32 and the story of the Golden Calf. And then based on our conversation, we will see what sparks our next wrestle. Each episode will be it's own unique conversation, but one thing will lead to another and there's no telling wh…

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Episode 44: Part II: Lullabies and Loss: Anne's Journey to Motherhood 1:05:04

3M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Rejoin Ragon, Kelly, and guest Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray for their discussion about motherhood in Anne’s House of Dreams. Ragon and Kelly are joined by Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray, Canadian literature expert, to discuss the joys and sorrows of Anne’s journey to motherhood in Anne’s House of Dreams. We discuss everything from baby talk to our favorite books…

1
EP 42 Ticketing system frustrations? Make yours work more effectively for you with Sarah Bagg 19:38

3M ago19:38

19:38

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Bagg, founder of ReWork Consulting, about getting the best ticketing or booking system to support your business needs. As a marketer, I've worked with several solutions, and I've noticed that most of them lack the automated link from email to CRM system. As a result,…

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The Golden Calf | Exodus 32 1:03:24

3M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Season 9 | Exodus 32 | The Golden Calf This season we are going down the rabbit hole. We are going to start with Exodus 32 and the story of the Golden Calf. And then based on our conversation, we will see what sparks our next wrestle. Each episode will be it's own unique conversation, but one thing will lead to another and there's no telling where …

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EP 41 How working with the overseas travel trade could really help your business, with Jon Chamberlain and Mike Newman 1:17:23

3M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

Send us a Text Message. In this podcast episode, we focus on increasing bookings from inbound travellers or overseas tourists through the travel trade. My guests are Jon Chamberlain, Head of Marketing for VisitWest, and Mike Newman of B2Me Tourism Marketing. Jon has been working for 11 years to promote Bristol, Bath, and the surrounding areas as a …

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Episode 43: Part I Lullabies and Loss: Anne's Journey to Motherhood 1:04:18

3M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Ragon and Kelly are joined by Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray, Canadian literature expert, to discuss the joys and sorrows of Anne’s journey to motherhood in Anne’s House of Dreams. We discuss Victorian attitudes to pregnancy and birth, and we share our own journeys around motherhood. We had so much to say that we are actually making this a two-part episode…

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Episode 42: Heartache and Hope: Romance in Anne's House of Dreams 1:25:16

4M ago1:25:16

1:25:16

Ragon and Kelly are joined by audiobook narrator and voice actor Kelli Tager to discuss the beautiful romance threaded through Anne’s House of Dreams. From Anne and Gilbert’s wedding day to Leslie and Owen’s happily ever after, join us to celebrate all the delicious romance. Kelli also discusses what it’s like to narrate audiobooks and her favorite…

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Episode 41: Wisdom and Whimsy: Captain Jim Tells The Tales 1:09:19

4M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

In this episode, we are setting sail with Captain Jim! Kelly and Ragon talk about the lighthouse keeper’s gentle guidance, how he embodies and subverts the theme of cleverness, and his deep wisdom, earned over many years of seafaring. Sidebars and digressions include whether Captain Jim is a stealth matchmaker, life at sea in the 1800s, and recomme…

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EP 40 - The state of the domestic group market in 2024, with Steve Reed Tourism 28:20

4M ago28:20

28:20

Send us a Text Message. Today's Marketing Insights is all about the 'groups' market. For many years, the domestic group travel or coach tour industry has been an important part of the UK’s tourism industry. Groups have historically been guaranteed business for many tourism organisations, with up to 50 people on a coach coming often during week day …

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Sassy Jesus | Woe to You! | Matthew 23 1:04:29

4M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Season 8 | Matthew 23 | Woe to You! We often have a picture of Jesus as this kind-hearted, gentle, lamb holding, children loving Messiah. But Jesus had some sassy things to say. As we navigate our way through Lent, let's examine some of the more difficult things that Jesus said to people. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our miss…

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Episode 40: Sorrow and Splendor: Leslie Moore Lives Happily Ever After 1:24:37

5M ago1:24:37

1:24:37

The mysterious beauty Leslie Moore is the subject of this Anne’s House of Dreams character study. Ragon and Kelly discuss the myths and metaphors surrounding Leslie, and whether she is properly humanized in the text. Digressions include Favorite Things parties, how to talk to kids about stereotypes in media, and the tragic beauty trope. Inspired By…

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EP 39 Easy tips for mastering your email marketing with Sarah Orchard - Marketing Insight 33:45

5M ago33:45

33:45

Send us a Text Message. Today’s episode is all about email marketing and the simple things you can do to make it work more effectively to drive bookings. Joining me on the show is Sarah Orchard of Get Fully Booked. Sarah runs a marketing programme that helps small independent accommodation businesses improve their marketing and increase their direc…

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Sassy Jesus | He Called Peter Satan | Matthew 16 1:01:05

5M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Season 8 | Matthew 16 | He Called Peter Satan We often have a picture of Jesus as this kind-hearted, gentle, lamb holding, children loving Messiah. But Jesus had some sassy things to say. As we navigate our way through Lent, let's examine some of the more difficult things that Jesus said to people. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards…

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EP 38 Behind the scenes at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Cotswolds with Simon Hough 43:32

5M ago43:32

43:32

Send us a Text Message. If large open-air events or air shows are your thing, you'll love this episode. In today’s podcast, I chat with Simon Hough, Head of Commercial Activities and Hospitality at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the largest military airshow in the world. We chat about the event and everything that goes into its creation…

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Sassy Jesus | Give Us A Sign | Matthew 16 1:05:43

5M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Season 8 | Matthew 16 | Give Us A Sign We often have a picture of Jesus as this kind-hearted, gentle, lamb holding, children loving Messiah. But Jesus had some sassy things to say. As we navigate our way through Lent, let's examine some of the more difficult things that Jesus said to people. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our m…

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Episode 39: Chats and Charity: Miss Cornelia Spills The Tea 1:12:53

5M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

Meet Miss Cornelia and her signature phrase “Just like a man!” Miss Cornelia is the great comic relief in Anne’s House of Dreams, an otherwise serious and emotional book. Ragon and Kelly do a deep dive into the contradictions that make up this memorable woman: she’s charitable, loving, and neighborly; and she’s judgmental, prejudiced, dogmatic and …

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Sassy Jesus | He Called Her A Dog | Matthew 15 1:03:58

5M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Season 8 | Matthew 15 | He Called Her A Dog We often have a picture of Jesus as this kind-hearted, gentle, lamb holding, children loving Messiah. But Jesus had some sassy things to say. As we navigate our way through Lent, let's examine some of the more difficult things that Jesus said to people. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, …

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EP 37 Marketing Insight - How to work with influencers in 2024 with Claire Robinson, Weekend Candy 29:01

5M ago29:01

29:01

Send us a Text Message. Today's episode is the first of my Marketing Insights series. In it, I’m talking to the lovely Claire Robinson, founder and Creative Director of WeekendCandy.com, about the world of influencer marketing and how to work with Influencers in 2024. Claire shares several tips on how to find the right people to work with and get t…

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Sassy Jesus | Brood of Vipers | Matthew 12 1:06:48

5M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Season 8 | Matthew 12 | Sassy Jesus: Brood of Vipers We often have a picture of Jesus as this kind-hearted, gentle, lamb holding, children loving Messiah. But Jesus had some sassy things to say. As we navigate our way through Lent, let's examine some of the more difficult things that Jesus said to people. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 O…

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Episode 38: Anne's House of Dreams Recap 1:13:41

5M ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Anne’s House of Dreams is one of L.M. Montgomery’s most mature and emotional books, and Ragon and Kelly are thrilled to devote season three of Kindred Spirits Book Club to it. In this episode, we recap Anne’s House of Dreams, discuss what we’ve been reading lately, revisit our own weddings, and brainstorm Miss Cornelia-inspired fanfic. We didn’t do…

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EP 36 Digital marketing insights and what's next for the UK's tourism industry with Jarrod Lopiccolo & Kate Sikora from digital agency Noble Performs 57:13

6M ago57:13

57:13

Send us a Text Message. Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and it can be a challenge to keep up. I recently had a conversation with Jarrod Lopiccolo (CEO) and Kate Sikora (Managing Partner) from Noble Performs, a digital agency that specialises in travel and tourism marketing. With over 20 years of experience in the US, they established a UK…

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Sassy Jesus | Planks, Specks, Dogs, and Swine | Matthew 7 59:27

6M ago59:27

59:27

Season 8 | Matthew 7 | Sassy Jesus: Planks, Specks, Dogs, and Swine We often have a picture of Jesus as this kind-hearted, gentle, lamb holding, children loving Messiah. But Jesus had some sassy things to say. As we navigate our way through Lent, let's examine some of the more difficult things that Jesus said to people. ____ This is a 40 Orchards p…

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Episode 37: Welcome to Season 3! 41:07

6M ago41:07

41:07

Welcome back, Kindred Spirits! Ragon and Kelly kick off a third podcast season by re-introducing themselves and the podcast, giving a behind the scenes look at how we make the pod, and discussing some of what’s to come in Season Three. This is a great place to dive in if you’re new to the podcast, and for longtime listeners, enjoy the deep friendsh…

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Ep 35 The role of culture in Weston-super-Mare's Regeneration: conversation with Creative Director, Fiona Matthews of Super Culture 🌟 40:58

6M ago40:58

40:58

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to episode 35 of the Visitor Elves podcast. Today, I’m joined by Fiona Matthews, Creative Director of Super Culture, an organisation that creates cultural experiences in Weston-super-Mare. Super Culture creates large-scale events such as the annual light festival GLOW and Whirligig and works on initiatives involving …

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Ep 34 ⚽️ Sports tourism in Bristol and the exciting plans for Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium, home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears with CEO Mark Kelly. 53:58

6M ago53:58

53:58

Send us a Text Message. Welcome back to the first Visitor Elves episode of 2024. I hope you had a good Christmas season and your plans for 2024 are shaping up. In today's conversation, I'm going behind the scenes of Ashton Gate Stadium, home of Bristol City Football Club, Bristol Bears, and Bristol Flyers, with the wonderful, Dublin-born CEO Mark K…

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Some New Year’s Riz | Romans 12 57:43

7M ago57:43

57:43

Bonus Episode | Romans 12 | Some New Year's Riz As we launch into a new year, what can Romans 12 teach us about doing life with others? ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our mission is to create circles for all people to wrestle through biblical texts, so that— together— we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, who…

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The Complexity and Inclusivity of Christ | Advent Pt 4 1:12:12

7M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

Bonus Episode | Luke 2 | The Complexity and Inclusivity of Christ This Advent Season, we will explore a few of the names given to Jesus at the time of his birth to Mary and Joseph. It's easy to read these familiar narratives and not linger on what might have been communicated in something as simple as a name. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At …

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Episode 36: Season 2 Finale: Queens Of The Blue Castle 1:21:23

7M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

It’s our last episode of Season 2 and the last episode of 2023! Editor Katie Stewart comes back to debate the most important of issues: who is the best romantic hero: Barney Snaith or Gilbert Blythe? We had a blast discussing the way the themes in The Blue Castle compare with Anne’s themes, as well as discussing Hallmark movies and holiday traditio…

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The Weirdness of Most High God | Advent Pt 3 51:07

7M ago51:07

51:07

Bonus Episode | Luke 1 | The Weirdness of Most High God This Advent Season, we will explore a few of the names given to Jesus at the time of his birth to Mary and Joseph. It's easy to read these familiar narratives and not linger on what might have been communicated in something as simple as a name. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchard…

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The Uniqueness of Emmanuel | Advent Pt 2 55:39

8M ago55:39

55:39

Bonus Episode | Matthew 1 | The Uniqueness of Emmanuel This Advent Season, we will explore a few of the names given to Jesus at the time of his birth to Mary and Joseph. It's easy to read these familiar narratives and not linger on what might have been communicated in something as simple as a name. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards…

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Episode 35: The Blue Castle Recap 1:20:25

8M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

We briefly leave the Anne series to discuss one of our very favorite LM Montgomery books, The Blue Castle! Many of the elements we love in the Anne series – romance, selfhood, family, and community – play out differently but just as satisfyingly in this book. Come along as we recap this gorgeous fairy tale of a book. Inspired By: Kelly and Ragon ar…

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Ep 33 Setting out the ambition and plans for visitor economy of the VisitWest tourism region with Managing Director, Kathryn Davis 54:14

8M ago54:14

54:14

Send us a Text Message. In this festive episode just before Christmas, we have a returning guest, the lovely Kathryn Davis, Managing Director of VisitWest, shedding light on the key aspects of the recently launched Destination Management Plan (DMP). The VisitWest regional area, including Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset, bri…

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The Naming of Jesus | Advent Pt 1 1:00:12

8M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Bonus Episode | Matthew 1 | The Naming of Jesus This Advent Season, we will explore a few of the names given to Jesus at the time of his birth to Mary and Joseph. It's easy to read these familiar narratives and not linger on what might have been communicated in something as simple as a name. ____ This is a 40 Orchards podcast. At 40 Orchards, our m…

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Episode 34: Anne Adaptations: The Sequel (1987 Miniseries) 1:19:41

8M ago1:19:41

1:19:41

Canadian literature expert Brenna Clarke Gray joins Ragon and Kelly to recap the bonkers 1987 miniseries: Anne of Green Gables, the Sequel! Are we making the best use of Dr. Gray’s expertise and insight into Anne? Probably not, but we sure had fun. Join us for an irreverent look at Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel – and stick around for a very spec…

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Ep 32 Insight into one of the South West's best campsite and outdoor activity centres Mendip Activity Centre, with George Combe 42:22

8M ago42:22

42:22

Send us a Text Message. Today's podcast episode features the delightful George Combe, talking about the growth and popularity of the Mendip Activity Centre in North Somerset. Spread across 250 acres, Mendip Activity Centre is the largest independent activity centre in the West. With a dry ski slope, toboggan run, watersports on the river, rock clim…

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LIVE @ Art House North | Patriarchal Drunkenness and Female Defiance | Esther 1 1:21:53

8M ago1:21:53

1:21:53

Bonus Episode! We are LIVE @ Art House North in St. Paul, Minnesota for a special episode of Searching the Sacred. Those gathered on a crisp fall night in Minnesota were able to vote on the passage we discussed - AND - we created space to hear from the audience. Patriarchal Drunkenness and Female Defiance | Esther 1 ____ This is a 40 Orchards podca…

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The GREAT Woman of Shunem | Daughters of the Hebrew Scriptures | 2 Kings 4 1:10:01

9M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Season 7 | 2 Kings 4 | The GREAT Woman of Shunem To end our season on Daughters of the Hebrew Scriptures, we turn to 2 Kings 4 and the story of the Shunammite Woman. Is she wealthy? Is she smart? Is she fat (not my word...listen to the podcast)? Is she savvy? Is she simply well-to-do? She is definitely worth talking about! And if you didn't know th…

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Episode 33: Anne’s Meddling Era: How To Write A Love Letter 1:20:26

9M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Now engaged to be married, romantic Anne can’t help but get involved in other people’s love lives, and her meddling has hilarious results! Join Ragon and Kelly as they discuss matchmaking – and matchbreaking! – gone wrong, Anne’s love letters to Gilbert, epistolary novels, and our favorite advice column. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by The Jolly …

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Hannah Pours Herself Out | Daughters of the Hebrew Scriptures | 1 Samuel 1 1:06:40

9M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Season 7 | 1 Samuel 1 | Hannah Pours Herself Out Hannah is a complex person. We meet her in a time of despair. But she is persistent. She's willing to cross lines. She's willing to speak her truth. She's going to violate some customs. And her name means grace. Enjoy exploring her story with us! ____ Afterthoughts Something new this season is our in…

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