We each process grief differently. I've seen it time and time again. A situation that would have me curled up in the fetal position for days is only a slight hiccup for a friend or family member. I'm a "Pray. Take it to therapy. Journal about it" griever. One of my best friends does far better … [Read more...] about The Starling
Blog
Dear Evan Hansen
I walk into any film that examines the topic of suicide with great care. Such was the case when I sat to screen Dear Evan Hansen, which opens in theaters on September 24. I have not seen the source material, that wildly popular Broadway musical, so I had zero preconceived notions. But as frequent … [Read more...] about Dear Evan Hansen
The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers: In Conversation with Heidi Hess Saxton
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by my dear friend Heidi Hess Saxton, editor of the beautiful new resource The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers. In this resource, Heidi has compiled and synthesized the work of scores of gifted … [Read more...] about The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers: In Conversation with Heidi Hess Saxton
The Handy Little Guide to Prayer: In Conversation with Barb Szyszkiewicz
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by Barb Szyszkiewicz, author of three beautiful new prayer resources from Our Sunday Visitor. I'm blessed to call Barb a friend "in real life". When moments happen where I need an immediate prayer warrior on my … [Read more...] about The Handy Little Guide to Prayer: In Conversation with Barb Szyszkiewicz
Holy Hot Mess: In Conversation with Mary Katherine Backstrom
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by Mary Katherine (MK) Backstrom, the animated and inspirational author of Holy Hot Mess: Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life. From a viral video to a book that helps all of us find God … [Read more...] about Holy Hot Mess: In Conversation with Mary Katherine Backstrom
Tilma: 3 Minutes with Jason Jensen
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with awesome storytellers creating fantastic projects as I’m joined by Jason Jensen, the innovative CEO and co-founder of Glass Canvas, the creators of Tilma. In their work to aid churches and ministries in unlocking their full potential, Jason … [Read more...] about Tilma: 3 Minutes with Jason Jensen
Respect
Twice in the space of just a few years, I had the memorable experience of seeing Aretha Franklin perform live. On May 29, 2014, the Queen of Soul gifted my son Eric and his fellow Harvard graduates with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem as she received an honorary Doctorate of Arts in 2014 … [Read more...] about Respect
Vivo
When you combine a musically-gifted kinkajou, a purple-haired tween who marches to the beat of her own drum, and original music by Lin Manuel Miranda, can you really go wrong? If singing, animated creatures make you smile, you'll likely love VIVO, now available for streaming on … [Read more...] about Vivo
Whisper: In Conversation with Danielle Bean
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by my dear friend Danielle Bean, author of the beautiful new book Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday. An inspirational addition to her body of work, Whisper is classic Danielle - encouraging, honest, … [Read more...] about Whisper: In Conversation with Danielle Bean
Fireboys
As a California resident, I'm acutely aware that "fire season" is no longer a small, hot sliver of the year out here. With the combined impact of climate change and drought, Californians pay attention to fire risk all year long. Our firefighters are deservedly considered heroes. But sadly too few of … [Read more...] about Fireboys
The Harwood Mysteries: In Conversation with Antony Barone Kolenc
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by gifted novelist Antony Barone Kolenc, creator of The Harwood Mysteries series from Loyola Press. While these engaging books are aimed at a middle-school audience, I guarantee that if you love a good story … [Read more...] about The Harwood Mysteries: In Conversation with Antony Barone Kolenc
Nine Days
Note: Nine Days contains elements related to the theme of suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone in a … [Read more...] about Nine Days
12 Mighty Orphans
Sometimes football movies are just about football. But often, there are deeper messages embedded and the pain of players crunching into each other with devastating blows comes to symbolize profound internal pain at play. Our heroes battle obstacles on the playing field but must also do battle with … [Read more...] about 12 Mighty Orphans
The Unspoken Rules: In Conversation with Gorick Ng
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as I’m joined by Gorick Ng, author of the new book The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right. Newly available from Harvard Business Review Press, Gorick's Wall Street Journal Bestseller is the perfect … [Read more...] about The Unspoken Rules: In Conversation with Gorick Ng
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s tick, tick…BOOM! – Coming to Netlix Fall 2021
As we celebrate today's launch of In the Heights, I'm super excited to share the trailer for director Lin-Manuel Miranda's upcoming Netflix film tick, tick…BOOM! This project combines a few things I absolutely love: musical theater, a hero who is a struggling storyteller, and anything Lin-Manuel … [Read more...] about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s tick, tick…BOOM! – Coming to Netlix Fall 2021
Field of Honor® at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Yesterday, I had the distinct honor of attending the opening of the 2021 Field of Honor® at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Having grown up in Orange County, I fondly remember family visits to the Mission. But it's been years since I've been back to the historic site founded by Father Junipero Serra … [Read more...] about Field of Honor® at Mission San Juan Capistrano
