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American Hope

by Mike Moffitt

Documentary Places & Travel

Season 1

18. On the Road -- New York City, pt. 3

Today we’re hearing from three more people I met along the way: a man aspiring to be a stock trader, a graduate student thankful for his family, and Aida, who along with her brother is carrying on the legacy of their father and grandfather as they manage Ferdi, a not-to-be-missed, family Italian restaurant in the west village. And finally, a brief reflection from me on the nature of "wasting time" and value of seeing places in person. These are some of New York’s voices of Hope.

17. On the Road -- New York City, pt. 2

We're hearing from Carlo from Italy, a college student descended from Columbian immigrants, and Gordon from Croatia. The world comes to New York, and they're bringing their hope with them!

16. On the Road -- New York City

New York City: it is one of the world’s most famous plots of land, and I was blessed to be able to pretend I lived there for a few days. It’s impossible to sum up the sensory overload in one moment, and the mysterious calm in another. The strangeness and familiarity – visiting New York is like meeting a celebrity: someone you’ve seen a thousand times in the two-dimensions of magazines and screens, only to discover it actually exists in 3D. Here is the first round of a few voices reflecting on Hope in the city that never sleeps.

15. To Exist is To Be Loved (Philadelphia, PA with Dr. Ed Hastings)

Dr. Ed Hastings is a professor of theology and spirituality at Villanova University. He tells his story of growing up Catholic, entering the priesthood, and many years later feeling called away from the priesthood. His story is an inspiration in so many ways: choosing faithfulness, navigating midlife change, and finding hope by noticing and experiencing the love of God in ordinary life.

14. Yes, and...Hope (Philadelphia, PA with Andrew)

All too often, when someone throws out a new idea, someone responds "No." How would things change if our response was more like Andrew's? To say "Yes and..." or even "This could be even better if..." Andrew and I discuss hope in improv, Jewish American history, and being peacemakers in our local neighborhoods.

13. Seizing the Good, Every Day (Philadelphia, PA with Connor, Patrick and Ace)

Two more Villanova seniors, Patrick and Connor, reflect on Hope along with their buddy Ace, in their new season of post-college life. Connor and Patrick also offer unique perspective as members of ROTC, and their willingness to serve in the defense of the US as they start their careers in the Army and Navy. They give some advice to their younger selves, reflect on hope in the present, and encourage their elders to be optimistic about the future.

12. Cyclical Fears, Cyclical Hopes (Philadelphia, PA with Noah and Ace)

We’re back at Villanova University, just northwest of central Philly, with our friend Ace and a good friend, Noah. Noah and Ace come from very different parts of the country, are poised to begin careers in different fields, and at this transitional time of life, offer their insights on hope.

11. On the Road -- Philadelphia

We’re still in Philadelphia, with a brief glimpse into the hope of a few people I met along the way in Philly – a retired teacher and her husband at a Phillies game, tour guide Nick, bus driver Aaron, and my own recollection of a conversation with a man I met watching a Flyers playoff game in Chinatown.

10. "New Home" & New Hope (Philadelphia, PA with Alicia and Ace)

Tacoma, Phoenix, and Nashville wrap up as we move on to Philadelphia! We’re kicking things off in Philly at Villanova University with now-recent graduate, Ace Carr, and Senior Director of First Year Experience, Alicia Dunphy-Culp! We’re talking about hope from the unique point of view of the college experience as a sort of gateway into the future.

9. Grab Hold of Something True (Fairview, TN with Shane and Faith)

Shane and Faith Ecklund relocated to TN many years ago from Washington and have been working in Christian ministry. They share openly about their work, blessings, and challenges, for example Faith speaks openly about how her HOPE is a part of her experience of 29 years in a wheelchair. Many thanks to the Ecklunds and their church, One Church Home! https://onechurchhome.com/

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