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Mending Lives

by Jane Houng

Life throws darkness but Mending Lives ignites the light within. Listen to people willing to share their real-life stories of coping with significant loss. Through inspiring conversations and a touch of spirituality, we explore themes of resilience, adversity and grief.

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Episodes

  1. Rebuilding Lives, One Story at a Time: Jane & Vanessa's Year-End Wrap-Up

    Join Jane Houng and Vanessa Chan as they close the first season of Mending Lives. In this heartfelt episode, they reflect on powerful moments, connections, and the wisdom shared by guests. Delve into stories of resilience, spirituality, and healing as Jane opens up about her journey and the…

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  2. Voices of Resilience: Marija Todorova’s Story of Healing and Empowerment

    Join Jane Houng in a compelling conversation with Marija Todorova about her multifaceted career. From interpreting in refugee camps to empowering asylum seekers in Hong Kong, discover how Marija’s work amplifies the voices of those often unheard and fosters a deeper understanding of cultural and...

  3. A Beacon of Hope: Mansour's Journey with Jane

    In this riveting episode of Mending Lives, Jane Houng shares the remarkable journey of Mansour Saliba, a young Lebanese scholar whose dedication to social change breathes new hope into challenging circumstances. Together, they illuminate the power of collaboration and the drive to uplift...

  4. From Tripoli to Beirut: Teaching, Translating, and Triumphs

    In this heartfelt episode, host Jane Houng sits down with Samira El Hussein, an inspiring English teacher and translator from Tripoli, Lebanon. They discuss Samira's decade-long journey teaching English, her role in translating Jane's memoir, and their collaborative work on Becky's Button. Jane...

  5. .🎷 "Jazz Funk and Life's Symphony with Mike Lindup: A Mending Lives Special"

    In this episode of 'Mending Lives,' Jane Houng interviews Mike Lindup, a founder of the jazz-funk band Level 42. This episode moves from their shared history at a specialist music school to an exploration of music's transcendental power to 'express the inexpressible'. With thoughtful insights…

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  6. Empathy in Action: The History of Becky's Bathhouse and Becky's Button to date

    If you want to know something about these two charities that Jane Houng established in her deceased daughter's name, this episode is a must! Every journey starts with a single step, often alone, but Jane was fortunate to meet Stavros Mirogiannis midway in her six-year trek. As a director of…

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  7. Beyond the Bars, Beyond the Stereotypes: Vassilis Manoussakis on Prison Education

    In this thought-provoking episode, Jane Houng speaks with Vassilis Manoussakis, a remarkable educator and poet who challenges the stereotypes surrounding prisoners. Through his innovative creative writing programs, Vassilis empowers Greek inmates to explore their pasts, reframe memories, find…

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  8. From Ashes to Everest: The Life and Lines of Yuyutsu Sharma

    In this fascinating episode of Mending Lives, host Jane Houng converses with Yuyutsu Sharma, a revered poet and translator based in Nepal. From accompanying his father on spiritual pilgrimages to dedicating his life capturing the essence of the Himalayas in verse, Yuyutsu shares his life’s…

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  9. Reclaiming Humanity: Ravi Shankar's Journey Through Culture, Confinement and Creativity

    Join Jane Houng for an engrossing dialogue with Ravi Shankar, the American poet whose life encapsulates the essence of resilience. Ravi takes us through his challenging cultural transitions between the U.S. and India, his pernicious experiences of incarceration and the press, and his subsequent...

  10. E15: The Intersection of Poetry, Tarot, and Healing: A Deep Dive with Tony Barnstone

    How can you maintain your humanity in these challenging times? How can Tarot help you discover your better self? How can you turn pain into something graceful? Join Jane Houng as she chats with Tony Barnstone, a prolific poet, writer, teacher and translator. They share their perspectives on how…

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  11. Rising from the Depths: Tim Tomlinson's Journey to Renewal

    Join Jane Houng for a heartfelt conversation with Tim Tomlinson, a poet, fiction writer and educator whose life is a testament to the human capacity for self-mastery. From the seedy bars of New Orleans to the serene depths of the ocean, he shares his harrowing journey from addiction and penury to...

  12. A Legal Odyssey from the UK to Nepal and Hong Kong

    Join Jane Houng as she delves into the remarkable life of Neville Sarony, covering his challenges from being the first foreign lawyer in Nepal to his distinguished career in the UK and Hong Kong. Neville shares insights about his legal practices, his service in the 7th Gurkha Rifles, and his...

  13. Women, Words, and Worldviews: Insights from Rochelle Potkar and Jane Houng

    This episode is a powerful discussion on the role of writers as both artists and activists. From her roots in Mumbai and Goa to international acclaim, Rochelle Potkar shares her journey as a poet, fiction writer, and screenwriter with Jane. Delving into some controversial aspects of motherhood,...

  14. A Commitment to Colour: Nigel's Journey towards Brightening Lives

    Join Jane Houng as she explores the world of Nigel Purkis, a shop owner in Chichester whose passion for colour has brightened the lives of many. With personal anecdotes, professional insights and surprising revelations, Nigel explains how his dedication to vibrant hues and customer satisfaction…

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  15. Writing Her Own Story: Azra Rahim on Cultural and Gender Issues

    Azra Rahim describes herself as a global wandering mystic. In this episode, she offers insightful perspectives on patriarchy, sexual harassment, gender fluidity and the liberating power of creative writing. This lively discussion also touches on multiculturalism, Sufi, Zika, Hindu scriptures, and...

  16. Jess Rinker: Finding Hope and Purpose Through Writing

    Join us in this heartwarming episode as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jess Rinker. Discover how Jess transformed her life through the power of writing, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and creativity. From her early days of struggling to find her path to becoming a...

  17. Creativity and Resilience: A.S. King on Writing, Loss, and Gender Identity

    Join us for a lively and insightful discussion with Amy, one of the best YA writers working today. She delves into her unique creative process, personal journey through loss, and perspectives on gender identity. Recognized with prestigious American awards, she also discusses her latest works and...

  18. From Corporate Climb to Inner Peace: Vanessa Chan on Leadership and Healing

    In this episode, Jane Houng explores the multifaceted life of Vanessa Chan, a veteran woman executive in tech who found solace and strength in yoga, meditation, and outdoor adventures. Vanessa discusses the personal qualities essential for leadership, the importance of mental health, and how her...

  19. Unbroken Hearts in a Broken World: Sister Gemma Simmonds on Cultivating Compassion and Free Will

    Life throws us curveballs, but what if those challenges are opportunities to discover our own strength? In this episode, Sister Gemma Simmonds, a powerhouse of positivity, grapples with the big questions: Are we bound by forces beyond our control, or do we have the freedom to forge our own…

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  20. Spark of the Divine: Exploring Faith and Meaning with Father Will

    Are you feeling lost, or looking for a deeper purpose? In this week's episode, I have a powerful conversation with Father Will, a renowned pastor at St Stephen's Chapel and St John's Cathedral in Hong Kong. We explore the transformative power of faith and interfaith dialogue. We share personal...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Life throws darkness but Mending Lives ignites the light within. Listen to people willing to share their real-life stories of coping with significant loss. Through inspiring conversations and a touch of spirituality, we explore themes of resilience, adversity and grief.

HOSTED BY

Jane Houng

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Mending Lives have?

Mending Lives currently has 20 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Mending Lives about?

Life throws darkness but Mending Lives ignites the light within. Listen to people willing to share their real-life stories of coping with significant loss. Through inspiring conversations and a touch of spirituality, we explore themes of resilience, adversity and grief.

How often does Mending Lives release new episodes?

Mending Lives has 20 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Mending Lives?

You can listen to Mending Lives on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Mending Lives?

Mending Lives is created and hosted by Jane Houng.
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