The Echoes Podcast

What does it mean to create something beautiful—not despite our limitations, but because of them? We talk with bestselling author and artist Austin Kleon about creativity as resistance, the tension between process and product, and the courage to show our work. From crushed oyster shells to pink conchas, from ancient nun rhythms to the modern grind, this episode reminds us that creativity is not about abundance—it’s about a...

Do “kids these days” have you scratching your head? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Crystal Kirgiss joins Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear to explore the ancient roots of adolescence, the unchanging traits of teenagers across time, and why understanding young adults has more to do with showing up than keeping up with trends. Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or just someone who wants to support the next gene...

Sister Pearl Ceasar has a remarkable journey from classroom teacher to nonpartisan community organizer. Guided by her deep faith and commitment to justice, Sister Pearl spent decades building coalitions for change in San Antonio and across Texas. She explains how personal relationships, listening, and persistence can transform neighborhoods—and entire cities. Co-hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega join Sister Pea...

Grammy-winning musical artist and author Ashley Cleveland joins The Echoes Podcast to talk about grit. Through addiction and recovery, heartbreak and healing, Ashley invites us into a story where surrender becomes strength, vulnerability becomes vision, and brokenness gives way to beauty. This is a conversation about faith forged in fire, and the quiet, astonishing power of telling the whole, unvarnished truth. 

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Theoretically, we are more connected than ever, yet loneliness is a growing crisis. Research shows that social isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. What’s behind this epidemic of disconnection, and what can we do about it?

In this episode, psychiatrist and theologian Dr. Warren Kinghorn joins hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega to explore the medical and theological roots of lo...

“Your zip code shouldn’t determine your life expectancy—but in many American cities, it does.” In this eye-opening conversation, San Antonio vascular surgeon Dr. Lyssa Ochoa talks with us, your hosts Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear, about the stark health disparities in our communities. She highlights a 20-year gap in life expectancy between San Antonio neighborhoods just miles apart. This issue has complicated roo...

“We live in a world designed to distract us. Quiet isn’t passivity—it’s an active resistance, a space to reconnect with God and ourselves,” says celebrated singer-songwriter Jon Guerra in this episode. He joins hosts Camille Hall-Ortega and Marcus Goodyear to explore the profound relationship between worship, silence, and beauty. Known for his devotional music and work on the critically acclaimed film A Hidden Life, Jon sh...

When the city condemns your house and schedules it for demolition, what can you do? On this episode of The Echoes Podcast, we talk about the crisis of affordable housing in San Antonio. Our guest, Elizabeth Cruz, a licensed clinical social worker and project manager at San Antonio Affordable Housing, sheds light on "Operation Rebuild," an initiative focused on saving homes from demolition and restoring hope to families. Jo...

Church attendance is declining, and people often wonder: Why should we still go?

To answer this question, The Echoes Podcast welcomes Corey Widmer, lead pastor of Third Church in Richmond, Virginia, and a member of the Theological Advisory Council for the H. E. Butt Foundation. Corey shares his insights on the meaning of life, the importance of community, and how the church can better embody Jesus's teachings in a world oft...

Words are powerful. They shape our relationships, influence how we see ourselves, and impact how we experience the world.

In this episode of The Echoes Podcast, poet, author, and educator Olga Samples Davis shares her reflections on the significance of words—whether spoken in kindness, passed down through generations, or rooted in faith. Olga reflects on her mother’s wisdom, her journey as an educator, and her faith in the ...

Our culture often equates leadership with tall, confident men. But history and scripture show us that true leadership comes from those willing to listen, collaborate, and empower others," says guest Tod Bolsinger in this episode. Join hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega as they explore with Bolsinger the intricate process of transformation. Drawing from his books Canoeing the Mountains and Invest in Transformatio...

How do we find true belonging in our communities, and what responsibility do we have to help others do the same? On this episode of The Echoes Podcast, hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega welcome Reverend Ben McBride, faith leader, activist, CEO of the Empower Initiative, and author of Troubling the Water. Ben shares his powerful story of moving his family to East Oakland’s “Kill Zone” to live alongside the youth...

The Echoes Podcast launches on January 7th, 2025. Join us as we dive into real-world questions about community, faith, and human connection. Guided by hosts Marcus Goodyear and Camille Hall-Ortega, each episode explores personal journeys and societal challenges with inspiring guests—from faith leaders and poets to social advocates—whose stories shape our shared experiences.

From the creators of Echoes Magazine by the H. E. ...