Melina Luna Smith
Host of The StoryMakers Podcast
Melina Luna Smith has hosted 27 Episodes.
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Episode 28: Writing for the Weary: Gospel-Centered Fiction with Amy Mantravadi
November 5th, 2025 | 35 mins 13 secs
Join Mel for an interesting conversation with author and mother, Amy Mantravadi. They get into the details of bringing God’s story to life through a creative and grace-forward approach. Amy shares her experience as a mother, trusting that God’s story is a long story. This conversation is theological and encouraging for parents!
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Episode 27: "Tell Your Kids They’re Loved by God" — Christian Poet on the Power of Words
October 26th, 2025 | 29 mins 38 secs
Do you have questions for God? Join Mel and author Tanner Olson as they dive into the topic of God, kids, and poetry. Tanner recently wrote a children’s book that invites parents and kids to talk to God through all the big and small questions. Join the conversation and pick up Tanner’s latest drop!
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Episode 26: Christian Artist and Author Roger Hutchison on How Creativity Opens the Door to Healing
October 8th, 2025 | 24 mins 32 secs
Join Mel for a chat about art and the promises of God. In this episode Mel interviews author and Family Minister, Roger Hutchinson. He shares his creative insight and approach to the BIG moments of the Christian life. Through art and storytelling – Roger has made a pathway for kids to know God is for them now and always.
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Episode 25: Creation and Connection: How God Meets Humanity in Genesis 1–3
September 24th, 2025 | 37 mins 28 secs
Join Mel as she talks with Old Testament professor Sarah Salzberg about Genesis 1–3, the opening chapters of the Bible that reveal how God interacts with humanity. In this conversation, Mel and Sarah explore how God brings order out of chaos, invites humanity into His creative work, and sets the stage for redemption.
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Episode 24: Setting Rhythms with Grace
August 20th, 2025 | 51 mins 36 secs
Join Mel and Jennifer as they dive into the topic of family rhythms. If we are honest, sparking healthy habits feels nearly impossible – discover how Jennifer has integrated faith at home through all the ups and downs that life brings. You won’t want to miss this conversation!
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Episode 23: Kicking off the Fall With Ease!
August 6th, 2025 | 28 mins 21 secs
Wallace Benton, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning at VTS (and youth ministry pro!), joins the pod to share tips for easing into the back-to-shcool season with flexibility, fun, and faith!
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Episode 22: Talking to Teens About Theology, Death, and the Questions Adults Avoid
July 25th, 2025 | 46 mins 32 secs
Join Mel and Sarah as they discuss The Old Story. Sarah Salzberg is a speaker, writer, and high school theology teacher. In this episode, she offers wisdom when it comes to engaging God's story with Gen Z and Alpha.
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Episode 21: This Christian Creator Is Capturing Faith the Way Gen Z Actually Talks About It
July 9th, 2025 | 35 mins 41 secs
Are you afraid of teens? Tune into this episode to discover how you can engage faith with the teens in your life. Michael Yelland-Brown, Founder of The Way Studios, shares his learnings as a content creator for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. If you love teens, you won't want to miss this episode.
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Episode 20: Sparking a Healthy Faith
June 25th, 2025 | 47 mins
Join Mel for a conversation with Meredith Miller, a mother, pastor, author, and forerunner in how to spark healthy faith connections. She is the author of Woven, a must-read for anyone who works with children or is a parent. Meredith beautifully illustrates what it means to be anchored to Jesus and scripture – plus she is full of wit and wisdom. Tune into this next episode!
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Episode 19: Bible Scholar Says the Book of Daniel Is Actually Full of Hope for Kids
June 11th, 2025 | 33 mins 27 secs
Join Mel on a deep dive through the Book of Daniel with Dr. Brennan Breed. This episode explores the deep landscape of the Bible with sparks of curiosity and insight. Daniel is full of hope and there are easy ways to share this story with your kids.
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Episode 18: Singing the Same Old Song
May 28th, 2025 | 22 mins 8 secs
Join Mel and Elisa for a candid chat about “Mama Sing My Song". This episode explores God’s nature of surprise and wonder as we grow into our creativity. Elisa is a musician, mama, and business owner to Mama Sing My Song – you may know them from Shark Tank. Tune in for an episode full of laughs and curiosities.
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Episode 17: Sparking Curiousity for the Next Generation
May 14th, 2025 | 28 mins 21 secs
Sparking curiosity for teens is easy when you TUNE IN with curiosity. In this episode, Myra Garnes shares wisdom and hope for teens. There are many ways to connect, if "grownups" tune in with ease.
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Episode 16: The Power of Art and Storytelling
April 30th, 2025 | 50 mins 1 sec
Tom Cozen is a film Director and Founder of Owl in Space. He shares his wisdom, faith, and visual language with StoryMakers. Mel and Tom share their heartbeat when it comes to faith formation through the art of storytelling. You won’t want to miss this episode!
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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.