Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered how a fresh perspective could change your life? Meet Ruth Iren Holand, a 59-year-old Norwegian singer whose journey of personal growth and creativity has led her to create the inspirational musical piece "Land of Hope." Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams. We'll explore Ruth's transformative experiences and how her relentless pursuit of a loving and merciful understanding of God paved the way for her musical achievements.

Our conversation takes a darker turn as we dive into the grim realities of life inside the Gloriavale cult in New Zealand. Founded by Neville Cooper, later known as Hopeful Christian, this closed community evolved from an idyllic-looking commune into a highly controlled cult. Through personal testimonies like that of Theophila Pratt, who bravely escaped in 2016, we reveal the severe psychological and physical control members endured. By juxtaposing these harrowing stories with Ruth's own experiences with negative religious groups, we provide a broader context for the impact of extreme beliefs on personal freedom.

We circle back to Ruth's uplifting journey, focusing on the creation of her album "Land of Hope." Inspired by a life-altering dream and supported by Swedish composer Carl Mikael Bergerheim, Ruth collaborated with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra to bring her vision to life. Her music, transcending cultural boundaries with translations into languages like Chinese, Arabic, and Swahili, showcases the universal power of hope and healing. Join us for this compelling episode that underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless reach of a hopeful heart.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Follow my Patreon

Support my content at Buy me a Coffee:

Send us a Text Message.

Can a single disaster reshape a nation's destiny? Reflecting on the Alexander Kielland oil platform disaster of March 27, 1980, which tragically claimed 133 lives just a day before my birth, I take you through this poignant chapter in Norway's history. This event serves as a sobering backdrop to our exploration of Norway's oil adventure, contrasting Norway's strategic, people-centric investments with the paths taken by other oil-rich nations like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Discover how Norway's approach has cultivated a society defined by welfare, free healthcare, and social stability, emphasizing the crucial lesson of valuing human lives over mere economic gain.

Join me as we confront various challenges facing Norway today, from the flaws in the social security system to ongoing discrimination in the workforce and imperfections in our educational institutions. Despite instances of corruption among politicians, businesspeople, and lawyers, we highlight the role of transparency and strong laws in maintaining societal integrity. We'll debunk the myth that Norwegians thrive purely because of oil wealth, shining a light on the real success story—Norway's smart investments in human capital, social services, healthcare, and education. This episode offers a Northern Perspective on creating a more equitable society, moving beyond the capitalist ideology that hoards wealth among a few to one that ensures widespread prosperity.

Support the Show.

Follow my Patreon

Support my content at Buy me a Coffee:

Send us a Text Message.

Can you imagine the lengths someone would go for a beloved childhood toy? Picture this: my father once drove all the way from Denmark to Germany to retrieve my sister's forgotten stuffed seal. Join me as I recount how this humble seal became the protagonist of my very first stories, recorded on cassettes with lovingly hand-drawn covers. Reflecting on those early days, I share how supportive teachers nurtured my creative spirit, despite my restless nature, ultimately shaping storytelling into both my identity and career.

Ever wondered what makes a storyteller truly compelling? It starts with understanding your own motivation, and believe me, that self-awareness is everything. Whether you aim to share your personal experiences or breathe life into others' stories, aligning your narrative with your identity is crucial. Discover how to find stories in everyday moments—those seemingly mundane details can often turn into the richest tales. From practical exercises like daily writing to the importance of physical presence in interviews, I'll share insights gathered from my journey, including my transition from writing in Norwegian to podcasting in English.

Personal storytelling carries a delicate balance of sharing and safeguarding one's private life. In this episode, we explore how to navigate this tightrope without compromising the authenticity and relatability of your narrative. I'll delve into the risks associated with oversharing and its potential impact on mental health while highlighting the importance of presence in storytelling. Moving beyond how-to lists, we emphasize that true storytelling is about connecting with your audience in a deeply engaging and dynamic way. Tune in to uncover the essence of crafting compelling stories and learn how to resonate authentically with your listeners.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Follow my Patreon

Support my content at Buy me a Coffee: