On this episode, we have New York State Gubernatorial candidate, Paul Nichols. We talk about what it's like to come from South Jamaica Queens, to running for governor of the State of New York, him walking away from a high six figure corporate lawyer job to go work in the public sector and in his local church. We also discuss why he is running for Governor and some of his plans for office. One of the key takeaways from this episode is that what we think to be unachievable, may just be "very hard" but it takes courage, belief and hope, to do the impossible.

In Search of Hope Podcast

Ep 31: Attempting The "Impossible" (w/ Paul Nichols)

Part 2 1:00 What does it mean to "buy into empire" and who suffers from it 4:00 Race and empire 6:22 American vs Biblical Christianity and more empire 14:30 The benefits reading the Bible with an Eastern perspective  16:00 Our desire to be "Owners of the Bible" and how each scripture is interpreted so we can use it for our own purposes  18:30 God's word, danger of power dynamics and an organized church structure  19:40 Could the church have grown and spread if not for an organized power structure? 26:45 How can someone lead in church and not get caught in empire 31:00 Listening to the most marginalized and most hurt people in your church community

Ep 30: A Beautiful Hope P2 (w/ Marty Solomon)

On this episode, Biblical scholar, Marty Solomon stops by to share some beautiful truths about understanding the biblical narrative and how it applies to us. This two part episode has the potential to change how you view your faith and relationship with God all together! Marty Solomon is the President & Director of Discipleship of Impact Campus Ministries and creator of the critically acclaimed "The Bema Podcast".  3:20  How the Bible speaks to and addresses our deepest insecurities  6:40 The Bible dares us to see the world in a new way 9:35 How being essentially bad creations, has been a western Christian construct  11:00 Are we beasts or are we made in the image of God  14:00 An Eastern text being read with a western mindset can cause misunderstanding  18:45 Why choose the Bible and not other ancient religious texts  22:20 The biblical story is a story of hope 24:45 What was the Ecumenical Council 30:00 Explaining theology vs getting the word of God inside of you 33:35 How Marty rediscovered and embraced his Jewish heritage  43:30 As a Jewish man, saying yes to Jesus

Ep 29: A Beautiful Hope P1 (w/ Marty Solomon)

Christian Contemporary singer, Naomi Raine, of Maverick City Music virtually stops by the show to kick it, share laughs and tell some great stories! And if you haven't, go listen to Maverick City Music x Elevation Worship's joint album "Old Church Basement"! It's straight fire...but holy fire! Find her on IG @naomiraine Episode Time Stamps 2:30 Traveling during the pandemic to record with Maverick City. 5:15 Being challenged about being fearful versus being faithful. 9:00 Naomi's personal battle with covid and overcoming the fear of getting it again. 12:50 Fear not getting in the way of starting and growing in her music career. 14:30 Learning and creating boundaries for better self care. 18:20 Discussing her first appearance of the first Maverick City Music album 20:00 Mav City's song recording process and what goes on an album 21:30 How Maverick City Music was formed 27:45 A moving story behind the recording of "Promises" 33:00 What a Mav City writing camp looks like 

Ep 28: Hope Raines (w/ Naomi Raine)

Part 2 to episode 26.  Coming home the same way you left is never guaranteed. This concept comes to life as Tim Austin tells the story of his horrific injury that left the bones in his face in pieces but his spirit remained UNBROKEN. (Recorded in 2019)

Ep 27: UNBROKEN P2 (w/ Tim Austin)

Coming home the same way you left is never guaranteed. This concept comes to life as Tim Austin tells the story of a horrific injury that left the bones in his face in pieces but his spirit remained Unbroken. (Recorded in Nov 2019)

Ep 26: UNBROKEN P1 (w/ Tim Austin)

If you've ever been through a break up or experienced heartbreak, this episode is for you. 

Ep 25: The Break Up Pep Talk

Are you ready to grow? Are you ready for God to answer your prayers!? Well, before all that happens, you may want to listen to this 5 minute episode. 

Ep 24: Are You Willing to Change?

Sometimes your best efforts will yield you some pretty awful results. And if you are anything like Ugo, you have been in that position many times. However, progress is not linear! Listen in as Ugo tells you about his most recent screw up and what he has learned from it. And trust, he is laughing at himself along the way!

Ep 23: Progress is Not Linear

If you are wondering what the In Search of Hope podcast is about, look no further. This short trailer was made specifically with you in mind. We hope you stick around and join our community! Keep hoping and spreading that good energy!

In Search of Hope Trailer

What happens when a great man, that touched the lives of thousands of people worldwide, passes on? What happens when that person is your role model and very own father? Listen in as Stephen Oguagha shares the story of the passing of his father Onyechi Emeka Oguagha and the hope he now holds on to. This is the long awaited, Part 2 to this episode. Enjoy!

Ep 22: Spirit of a Giant - Part 2 (w/ Stephen Oguagha)

Comedian Justyn Ashe crashes the show to have a great catch up conversation and also share his story of overcoming a recent illness that landed him in the hospital several times. But don't let that mislead you. This episode is nothing but constant jokes. Follow him @justyn_thegreat on IG

Ep 21: Progress, Growth & Jokes (w Justyn Ashe)

This episodes explores the concept of building wealth not only for yourself but for your family and the next generation. Maybe that concept doesn't work for everyone but if its something you're interested in, then this episode is a must listen!

Ep 20: Thinking Bigger (w/ Sochima Eze & CJ)

You ever thought about getting into the real estate game but you thought you were too broke? Well before you walk away and toss out that dream, listen to this podcast! And even if you’ve never thought about it, listen to this podcast! Sochima Eze is back on the podcast and is dropping gems! This episode is a game changer!

Ep 19: How to Get Started In Real Estate (w/ Sochima Eze & CJ)

 In the face of racism and systemic oppression, financial literacy is a strong form of resistance. In this episode and the several subsequent ones, we will begin to address some of the historical, psychological and present issues, facing America's black community and share tips on how to create a personal financial infastructure that will help begin to reverse generational struggles.

Ep 18: Financial Literacy is Resistance

After the tragic loss of his father to cancer, oncology nurse, Ugo Eze set out to understand how we as people, find hope in the darkest of times. There will be laughs, tears, and even unanswerable questions. But most of all, there will be hope. (Connect with him on IG @mrugoeze)