The StoryMakers Podcast

Where curiosity and play meet to spark faith

About the show

The StoryMakers Podcast is a place where curiosity and play meet to spark faith through the imagination. In each episode host Melina Luna Smith introduces you to a new friend who will share hope for the kids and teens in your life, with a dose of encouragement for the grown-ups, too.

Brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries (www.mbird.com), in partnership with StoryMakers NYC (www.storymakersnyc.com). Audio production by TJ Hester.

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Episodes

  • Episode 15: The Gospel is for Moms Too

    April 16th, 2025  |  34 mins 10 secs

    Join Mel and the founders of Mom Life Ministries: Melanie and Christy. Moms – you won't want to miss this episode of encouragement. Melanie and Christy are moms, best friends, and faith leaders who are shepherding mothers across the country. They are offering community and Gospel hope.

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    Episode 14: Stories in the Widowed Places

    April 2nd, 2025  |  27 mins 47 secs

    Mel sits with Robbie Gaines, co-founder of HopeWords. Together they explore what it means to experience story through “The Widowed Place.” Robbie is a pastor, father, and gatherer to HopeWords. His insight and wisdom are a gift. Don’t miss this dose of encouragement.

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    Episode 13: Are the Stories Enough? with Rev. Aaron Zimmerman

    March 19th, 2025  |  28 mins 48 secs

    Have you ever wondered, "Is God's story enough?" If you or your kids have ever asked this question, you’ll want to tune into our latest drop for some helpful perspective and encouragement.

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    Episode 12: Stories Are Upside Down

    March 5th, 2025  |  33 mins 36 secs

    God's story is FULL of exciting plot twists. Join us for an exciting episode with Fr. Jon Jameson, musician turned priest.

  • Episode 11: The Old Story

    February 19th, 2025  |  33 mins 31 secs

    Is the Bible an exciting adventure? Tune in for an interesting and fun chat on the Old Story. Join Mel and Chad Bird, Biblical Scholar, to discover how to engage the Bible's text with ease.

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    Episode 10: Grace in Parenting: Daughters

    February 3rd, 2025  |  30 mins 32 secs

    Join us for a conversation with the Rev. Matthew Hoskinson, director of an innovative, interdenominational urban ministry institute. If you are a dad wondering what it means to shepherd your kids through faith, this is the episode for you.

  • Episode 9: Parenting with Certainty

    January 21st, 2025  |  33 mins 8 secs

    Tune into the pod to hear what it means to parent with confidence. Will and Courtney, founders of Crew and Co., share God's story and what it means to experience faith at home.

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    Episode 8: Grownups Need Grace, Too! Emotional Well-being of Grown-ups with Rebekah Hannah

    January 7th, 2025  |  31 mins 57 secs

    Author, Therapist, and Youth Director Rebekah Hannah shares her wisdom. She is a mother and theological leader, shepherding the grownups raising the next generation. Tune in and meet Rebekah Hannah.

  • Episode 7: God Sparks Faith

    December 16th, 2024  |  38 mins 35 secs

    Tune into the episode "God Sparks Faith" with Esau McCaulley, PhD, author, and New Testament professor at Wheaton College.

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    Episode 6: Set The Table: Quality vs. Quantity with Sarah Copeland

    December 2nd, 2024  |  45 mins 32 secs

    Get cozy and tune in to hear from hospitality extraordinaire, Sarah Copeland. She joins Mel to share her favorite tricks of the trade when it comes to connection and beauty. Sarah is an author, chef, and incredible writer. You won’t want to miss this episode.

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    Episode 5: Easing Into December with Rhythms: Advent House Feature with Courtney Tracy

    November 16th, 2024  |  24 mins 3 secs

    Tune in to hear from mother, author, former elementary teacher, and current homeschooler Courtney Tracy.

  • Episode 4: Staying Anchored to God's Story with Kathleen Wadkins from The Pour Over

    November 1st, 2024  |  24 mins 17 secs

    Are you feeling the buzz of anxiety? Join me for an episode with Kathleen from The Pour Over.

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    Episode 3: Mamas Are Storied, Too! ... Amber O'Neal Johnston, aka Heritage Mom

    October 23rd, 2024  |  35 mins 20 secs

    "I plucked my soul out of its secret place." Join me for a conversation with Amber O'Neal Johnston—an extraordinary mother, educator, and author.

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    Episode 2: Remaining Nimble and True... Lisa Kimball, Ph.D., VP for Lifelong Learning

    October 9th, 2024  |  27 mins 54 secs

    Tune in to hear our episode with Dr. Lisa Kimball, founder and Vice President of Life Long Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. Lisa Kimball is based in Alexandria, VA and is passionate about lay leadership and training those who form the next generation. Lisa beautifully intersects faith relating to baptism and formation. Listen in to discover what it means to show up, listen, and tell the truth, and how it can impact your approach to formation. Welcome to Episode Two... Remaining Nimble and True.

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    Episode 1: God's Story Is a LONG Story... David Zahl, Founder & Executive Director of Mockingbird

    September 20th, 2024  |  29 mins 13 secs

    Tune in to hear our FIRST episode with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries, author, and father of three boys. Listen in to discover how a message of grace, play, and fun can carry you through the bumps of our faith journey. Welcome to Episode One!