“Better than any argument is to rise at dawn and pick dew-wet red berries in a cup.” Wisdom like this from Wendell Berry seems to flow naturally from people who stay close to the dirt. Along the way, I’ve learned to pay attention for opportunities to share time with people like this. Recently, I had the honor of sitting down with Becky Savitz, a friend and acclaimed gardener, to hear how seeing time differently opened the door for her to fall in love with life outside. Join us for a wonderful...
Francis Howard is a member of the small, prestigious, global Q Grader community. Trained and certified after passing a rigorous battery of over 20 tests, Q Graders set the standard for coffee excellence around the world. Recently, we sent Francis a bag of Freedom Roast and I sat down with him for a special LAB episode to talk coffee and hear his expert review of our LAB Freedom Roast. Don’t miss the chance to hear how Francis went from sipping coffee from styrofoam cups in Akron, Ohio, to ser...
In this special episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Zach's favorite guest—and favorite person—Cammie Elliott, Director of Ministry for VU VI VO. Cammie is the heartbeat behind so much of V3’s work—from LAB the Podcast to the Immersive Experiences, Sehnsucht Symphony and all special projects. Together, Zach and Cammie explore what it means to trust God in every season, from cross-country moves and moments of loss to the daily rhythms of faith, prayer, and building a home that reflects...
Liza Thurmond joins LAB the Podcast to talk about the sacred work of teaching, seeing beauty through faith, and how one trip to Chicago’s Art Institute reshaped her classroom and church. A powerful conversation about V3's ON BEAUTY Immersive Experience at the Art Institute of Chicago and how it gave her fresh eyes. Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast. Register for On Bea...
Join us for an episode ON THE ROAD at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida — home to a stunning Chapel. Development Director Nick Suszynski takes us inside this architectural and spiritual centerpiece, where sacred art, intentional design, and Catholic formation converge to shape generations of young men. Built in 2018 under the leadership of Jesuit’s visionary team, the Chapel of the Holy Cross stands as a living expression of the school’s Jesuit identity — filled with commissioned wor...
Join us on LAB the Podcast for a special Poetry Corner episode with Poet and Author Wendy Kieffer (Alchemy of Praise). In this episode, Wendy shares a brand-new original poem that envisions walking with God in the cool of the morning — a powerful picture of hope, reunion, and new creation. We talk about the power of poetry to communicate before it’s understood, why reading aloud matters, and how classic poets like Mary Oliver, Yeats, and Rossetti can inspire us today. If you love poetry, fait...
Join us as LAB the Podcast goes ON THE ROAD to First Pres Tampa with Rev. Kathy Conner. Discover how this South Tampa church is leading with beauty through intentional architecture, art, and community. From their five-year journey of faith to building a new campus, to creating spaces where kids, families, and neighbors feel at home, First Pres Tampa is shaping a vibrant, multi-generational church where real relationships lead to real transformation. Thank you for joining the conversation and ...
In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Dave Traynor, Pastor at South Tampa Fellowship Channel District Campus and long-time leader at Smith & Associates Real Estate. For nearly two decades, Dave has been at the heart of Tampa Bay’s growth, shaping some of the city’s most renowned high-rise developments while also pastoring and serving the community with Life and Beauty. Dave is also on the board for the Heart Gallery, advocating for children in need of forever families. Than...
On this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin NeSmith—Pastor at Element Church in Brandon, Artist and owner of Fast Frames in Riverview. Benjamin’s journey weaves together the creativity of an artist and the calling of a pastor, offering a unique lens into how the Life and Beauty of the Gospel can be expressed in the everyday life. Join us as we explore his story, the intersections of faith and art, and how God is using Benjamin’s gifts to bring life and beauty to the communit...
On this episode of LAB the Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Maynor, Chair of 100 Shares Tampa Bay and an 8th-generation Floridian with a deep passion for empowering women to steward their time, talent, and treasure. Amanda shares her journey of faith, leadership, and service, as well as the impact she’s making in the Tampa Bay community. 100 Shares Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB the Podcast...
In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Clendenon — V3 Team member and Co-Host of the Wayfarer Podcast. Jonathan shares his journey as a Florida-based technologist, newly married husband, and servant leader who has been faithfully supporting the ministry of VU VI VO for years. Jonathan’s story is one of faith, technology, and calling — a reminder of how God weaves together our gifts and experiences to express the Life and Beauty of the Gospel. Thank you for joining the c...
Sarah Farra and Pamela Poisson—founders of Dream Team Shows and producers of the Christmas production Undercover Elves—join LAB the Podcast to share the inspiring story of how God brought them together. From their personal journeys of faith to discovering their shared passion for the performing arts, Sarah and Pamela reflect on friendship, calling, and the joy of creating shows that are beautiful and of Christian value. Get ready to meet the true “Dream Team” and be inspired by their creativi...
In this episode of LAB the Podcast, V3 Conservatory Poet Wendy Kieffer returns for another episode of Poetry Corner, bringing to life Anne Sexton’s striking poem, The Fury of Sunrises. Together, we explore Sexton’s vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and the complex themes woven into her work. Whether you’re a poetry lover, a student of literature, or simply curious about the life and beauty of poetry, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and see the world through a poet’s lens. T...
In this special On The Road edition of LAB the Podcast, we visit Redeemer City Church in Tampa, Florida—a modern church embodying an ancient faith. Planted by Pastor Mitch Kuhn, Redeemer is a growing community of believers currently gathering in the historic Zion Lutheran Church. Join us as we sit down with Pastor Mitch, explore the story behind Redeemer’s beautiful church home, and discover how a wonderful partnership with Zion is shaping the life of this modern congregation. Whether you’re ...
In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Lurlene Diaz, Executive Director of Created Tampa—a Christ-centered nonprofit serving women impacted by sex trafficking, prostitution, and sexual exploitation. Lurlene shares her personal journey of faith, leadership, and calling as we explore how she arrived in Tampa, Florida to lead Created’s mission of healing and restoration through the love of Jesus Christ. Created offers a safe place for women to reclaim their identity, find belonging...
Welcome to LAB the Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Artist Aislinn Nadeau, wife of former guest Josh Nadeau, and a creative force in her own right. We catch up with Aislinn after our last time together in Brno, Czech Republic during the Sehnsucht Symphony recording. Since then, Aislinn has welcomed her second child and continued creating deeply spiritual, thought-provoking art. 🌿 Aislinn also shares about her newest contribution to VU VI VO’s Art Loan Program—a beautiful piece depict...
In this episode of LAB the Podcast, we’re joined by Chalette Davis and Matt Davis from Love INC Tampa | Metro, a Christ-centered nonprofit ministry that mobilizes local churches to serve individuals and families in need across the Tampa Bay area. Learn how Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) is building bridges between churches, transforming communities, and empowering people to experience lasting hope and restoration. Chalette and Matt share their heart, their mission, and how Love INC is ...
Welcome to another Poetry Corner episode of LAB the Podcast with Wendy Kieffer. In this episode, Wendy shares the classic poem “Tears, Idle Tears” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Together, we explore the deep emotional layers of the poem, unpacking its timeless reflections on memory, longing, and the bittersweet nature of life. Wendy guides us through its meaning and invites us to reflect on what it evokes in each of us personally. Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and b...
In this powerful episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with artist, Gina White to explore her latest work, The In-Between Spaces. Created during a season of personal upheaval after hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced her and her family from their home in Tampa Bay, Gina shares how this profound moment shaped this piece and her perspective on this moment. Thank you for joining the conversation and embodying the life and beauty of the gospel. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow LAB...
He’s usually the one making others shine but today we flip the script. On this episode of LAB the Podcast, we sit down with Tampa native and Podcast Producer, Riley Cooper. Riley opens up about his hometown roots, his evolving walk with God, and the winding path that brought him to V3. We also talk about the deep impact the Wayfarer Podcast had on his life and how it became a turning point in his story. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of our own. Thank you for joinin...