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 or reach Dr. Falkowski directly at pfalkowski@naltcv.org

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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

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 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.

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.

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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

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 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.

In Episode 146, Lauren sits down with Jennifer Wenningkamp, a woman whose life has been profoundly shaped by divine encounters, courageous obedience, and a deep passion for loving people across cultures.

Jennifer shares how, at just ten years old, she heard the audible voice of God calling her into missions, a moment that set the trajectory for her entire life. That calling eventually led her to Mozambique, where she served with Iris Ministries for more than a decade, met her husband, raised her son, and discovered what it means to love both the poorest of the poor and the people right beside her.

In this powerful conversation, Lauren and Jennifer explore:

• The childhood encounter that launched a lifetime of mission
• Growing a heart for orphans, widows, and vulnerable communities
• Meeting her husband in Mozambique and building a cross-cultural family
• Raising a child on the mission field and discovering her identity as a mother
• The humility, challenges, and transformation of missionary life
• How oral histories, generational stories, and listening deeply shaped her worldview
• Returning to the U.S. with a new understanding of love, compassion, and God’s heart for people

Jennifer’s journey is rich with faith, wisdom, and authenticity. Her story invites listeners to trust God’s leading, recognize the divine appointments around them, and lean into the unexpected places where God writes the best stories.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 146 and be inspired by a life marked by mission, love, and extraordinary encounters with God.

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Continue the journey with Jennifer by picking up her book Mama & Papa Bear's International Toilet Tales by visiting https://a.co/d/aTb8gGG

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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

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 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.