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Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith
Author/Professor Leanne W. Smith sits down with key individuals to mine the magic of their vocational stories. Inspired by Frederick Buechner who said the key to a career satisfying to both soul and pocketbook was to find “where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet," this podcast is geared to writers, students, story lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration for their own vocational journey.
As a fiction writer and business professor at Lipscomb University with a heart to teach students how to build sustainable careers that actually feed their soul, Smith's deep gladness is in sharing messages of hope and inspiration like these.
Gladness & Hunger with Leanne W. Smith
Selene Covarrubias: From Carson & Leno to Simon & Schuster—Embracing Change & Finding Your Path
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Isn’t it fascinating to consider all that shapes a person’s vocation?
Think of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll begin to glimpse the world Selene Covarrubias was born into. While she now works in publishing with Simon & Schuster, her journey began in television, working behind the scenes on both The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno.
Media has been a constant thread throughout Selene’s life, but her story is anything but linear. With seasons spent living in Mexico, the United States, Rome, Paris, and Spain, her journey reflects a deep love for travel, culture, and storytelling—along with a willingness to embrace change when life takes unexpected turns.
In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, we explore Selene’s fascinating background, the early influences that shaped her path, and how she found her way from television into the world of books. Along the way, she shares what it looks like to adapt, to take risks, and to remain open to opportunities you never planned for.
This conversation is a reminder that calling is often formed over time—through experiences, relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
If you’re navigating change, considering a new direction, or simply wondering how your story is unfolding, Selene’s journey offers both perspective and encouragement.
0:00 Intro
1:02 Meet Selene Covarrubias
4:14 Between Two Worlds: Growing Up Across Cultures
6:39 Backstage: Lessons from Early Hollywood
8:33 Creativity, Motherhood, and Meaningful Work
11:55 Midroll on Mentorship
12:41 Leaps of Faith: Moving Countries & Reinventing Yourself
20:43 Critical Skills: Adaptability & Self-Kindness
22:26 Habits that Ground You & Staying Open to Change
24:39 Final Thoughts and Advice: Take Risks & Reach Out
Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/
Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/
Contact Leanne's team @ info@leannewsmith.com
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