Strangers on The Way

Episode 151: Denvil Lee - From policeman to pastor, planting small seeds, and being found by God

In Episode 151, Lauren sits down with Denvil Lee, Campus Pastor at The Chapel Lake Zurich. Denvil shares his incredible journey from working at McDonald’s, to retail leadership, to serving as a police officer, investigator, and detective, before eventually stepping into church leadership and pastoral ministry. One of the most powerful themes throughout the conversation is how Denvil approaches each role with a heart to serve and invest in people - often spending only a short time at the top before returning to walk alongside others, mentor them, and help raise them up. Together, Lauren and Denvil explore why true leadership is more about faithfulness to the process than chasing outcomes, how God’s Kingdom often begins with small seeds, and why being entrusted with small things matters deeply. Denvil also opens up about his personal faith journey from atheism and agnosticism to encountering God while cleaning the back of a church. Through moving stories and honest reflection, he reminds listeners that it is a joy to be found by God and that God is more than we can dream or imagine. This episode is a powerful encouragement for anyone searching for purpose, learning to trust God in small beginnings, or wondering if they can still be found by Him. - The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113014/support] Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe. As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet [https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Way-Finding-Through-People-ebook/dp/B09PZFJFNS] and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series.  Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com [http://laurenhansencreative.com/].

Episode 150: Lynne Marian - Creation Care, Eliminating Poverty, and Empowering Communities Worldwide

In Episode 150, Lauren sits down with Lynne Marian, a leader who has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of faith, ministry, and mission-driven marketing. Throughout her career, Lynne has helped amplify the impact of some of the most influential Christian organizations in the world, including World Vision, Zondervan, World Concern, Our Daily Bread Ministries, and Outreach, Inc.. While at Outreach, she founded Outreach Magazine, known for publishing the influential Top 100 list of America’s largest and fastest-growing churches. Today, Lynne serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Plant With Purpose [https://plantwithpurpose.org], a global Christian organization that has planted more than 80 million trees across nine countries while helping vulnerable communities cut poverty in half. Lynne lives in Southern California, where she also serves as a life and executive coach, helping leaders discover their calling and maximize their impact. In this conversation, Lynne shares powerful stories of resilience from communities around the world including the remarkable story of Francine, a young woman in Burundi whose life was transformed through the work of Plant With Purpose. Lynne also reflects on how her work with Plant With Purpose has transformed her own spiritual journey, helping her see that creation care is deeply rooted in the Gospel itself. From the opening chapters of Book of Genesis, where God declares creation “very good,” humans are called to participate in stewarding and caring for the world God made.  Lynne also introduces a new church discipleship and outreach initiative called Tend, a program designed to help churches reconnect faith with creation care and discipleship. This episode is an inspiring reminder that when compassion and action come together, ordinary people can help restore both communities and creation. To learn more about Plant with Purpose, visit http://plantwithpurpose.org [http://plantwithpurpose.org/] and to learn about Tend, visit https://tendlife.org [https://tendlife.org].  - The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strang Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113014/support] Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe. As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet [https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Way-Finding-Through-People-ebook/dp/B09PZFJFNS] and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series.  Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com [http://laurenhansencreative.com/].

Episode 149: Marcy Bursac - Why adoption was her Plan A, navigating foster care adoption, and closing the gap for waiting children

In Episode 149, Lauren sits down with Marcy Bursac, adoptive mom, author, national advocate, and founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option, to talk about what happens when adoption isn’t Plan B…but Plan A. Marcy shares how a visit to Moldova changed the trajectory of her life and led her to the desire to adopt. But when she stepped into the U.S. foster care system to adopt a sibling pair, she encountered something she didn’t expect: confusion, delays, misdirection, and a lack of clear guidance. Like many prospective adoptive parents, she found that while adoption from foster care is publicly encouraged, the pathway toward actually adopting can feel unclear. Out of that frustration and deep love for children waiting for families The Forgotten Adoption Option was born. As a national 501(c)(3), the organization exists to close the gap between awareness and action. Marcy explains how thousands of adults raise their hands to adopt, only to be rerouted into foster licensing processes without clear communication about what adoption specifically requires. That disconnect leaves families discouraged and children, especially sibling groups, waiting longer for permanency. In our conversation, Marcy shares: * Why foster care adoption is often misunderstood * The biggest barriers prospective adoptive parents face * How culture change is needed * The emotional realities of adopting siblings * How clarity and education can reduce friction in the system Through books for adults and children, a free adoption planning app, a nationally distributed reading program, research, coaching, and her own podcast, Marcy has supported more than 12,000 prospective adoptive parents across the United States. If you’ve ever wondered whether adoption might be part of your story or you simply want to understand the reality behind foster care adoption, this conversation will move you from awareness to action. Because sometimes the stranger you’re meant to meet becomes family. Learn more: The Forgotten Adoption Option [https://forgottenadoptionoption.org] Get Marcy's books: https://forgottenadoptionoption.org/books [https://forgottenadoptionoption.org/books] Check out the podcast: https://pod.link/1542072701 [https://pod.link/1542072701]  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113014/support] Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe. As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet [https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Way-Finding-Through-People-ebook/dp/B09PZFJFNS] and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series.  Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com [http://laurenhansencreative.com/].

Episode 148: Dr. Paul Falkowski - Why visiting seniors matters, healing loneliness, and 1:1 care

In Episode 148, Lauren interviews Dr. Paul Falkowski, Founder and President of the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV) and explores the quiet, powerful impact of showing up for senior citizens — one visit at a time. Paul shares the remarkable origin story of his organization, which began not in a boardroom, but while serving as a choir director. After a visit to a local senior care facility, Paul quickly learned that there was a need for one-on-one visitors for the seniors. What started as simple, one-on-one conversations grew into a national movement equipping volunteers and care staff to bring authentic human connection into nursing homes and senior living communities. In the conversation, Paul addresses a common fear: “What do I say?” or “What if it’s awkward?” He gently dismantles those concerns, explaining that seniors are looking for authentic connection. He also highlights a sobering reality: nearly half of the 1.5 million people living in U.S. care communities receive no visitors at all. Yet, Paul believes this story can change when people step beyond their comfort zones and choose relationship over hesitation. As an Air Force veteran, Paul brings a unique depth to his work, sharing unforgettable stories of connection, wisdom, humor, and humanity from the senior generation — stories you only hear when you’re willing to step to the margins of society. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need perfect words or a grand plan to make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is a willing heart, a listening ear, and the courage to walk toward those who are too often forgotten. For more information about the National Association for Long-Term Care Volunteers, visit https://naltcv.org [https://naltcv.org/] or reach Dr. Falkowski directly at pfalkowski@naltcv.org  - The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113014/support] Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe. As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet [https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Way-Finding-Through-People-ebook/dp/B09PZFJFNS] and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series.  Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com [http://laurenhansencreative.com/].

Episode 147: Moriah Stewart - Loving teenagers well, how to be a mentor, and the joy of pickleball

In Episode 147, Lauren interviews Oklahoma-based mom, pickleball enthusiast, and ministry leader Moriah Stewart. Lauren spontaneously met Moriah at a conference in Chicago. In this episode, Moriah shares about her and her husband Kyle's love of teenagers, what she's learned through mentoring young adults, how to recognize God speaking to you, and wisdom she's gleaning through playing pickleball. This episode is a warm, faith-filled conversation about noticing God in daily life, loving young people well, and being open to divine appointments that begin with a simple hello. - The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113014/support] Lauren Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller and creative consultant who believes that love + words can set people free and transform relationships. As the founder of Lauren Hansen Consulting LLC, she specializes in creative consulting that guides individuals through every step of the book writing process, hosts inspiring workshops that guide people toward becoming the greatest versions of themselves, and pioneers meaningful projects with organizations that impact the globe. As an author, speaker, and podcaster, Lauren is passionate about helping people see themselves and others more clearly, fostering deeper connections through powerful communication. She’s the host of the Strangers on The Way Podcast, author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet [https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Way-Finding-Through-People-ebook/dp/B09PZFJFNS] and Behind the Waterfall: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Grief, and the creator of the Wholeness Journal series.  Lauren’s mission is to empower individuals to love boldly, communicate honestly, and thrive in every connection. In her free time, you’ll find her hosting spontaneous living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Learn more at laurenhansencreative.com [http://laurenhansencreative.com/].