
Hope in Source
What are the parallels between faith and open source software? Join Henry Zhu for an off-the-cuff conversation between friends. Check out hopeinsource.com and nadiaeghbal.com/public-faith for the backstory!
Latest episodes

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 40min
An Ordinary Walk (Laurel Schwulst)
Something NEW to listen for: the birds, dogs, cars, shoe tying, and even a lady asking us to take a picture! Laurel and I take a stroll through Central park on Memorial day: chatting about the idea of a walking podcast, sauntering, voice notes, memory, the romance of distance, physicality, screenshots, printers, embodiment, energy, perception, ultralight, ordinary time. I certainly felt both the messiness and the surprise of being outside! Please check out the site https://sauntercast.henryzoo.com to follow our walking path!- (00:00) The Birth of a Walking Podcast- (03:01) Exploring the Concept of Footnote- (06:09) The Role of Voice Notes and Memory- (08:54) Capturing Ambience and Context- (12:00) The Challenge of Finding Notes- (15:04) Romanticizing Distance and Connection- (17:48) Art, Memory, and Public Spaces- (21:00) Desire Paths and Unplanned Journeys- (23:58) Screenshots as Time Capsules- (29:52) Exploring the Energy of Language- (32:20) The Meaning Behind Screenshots- (34:04) The Art of Printing Memories- (36:52) The Journey of Receipt Printers- (39:00) Layering Meaning in Screenshots- (40:40) Walking the Internet, A New Perspective- (47:40) Infrastructure and Awareness- (51:01) The Energy of Open Source- (58:50) The Evolution of Podcasting and Seasons- (59:56) Understanding Open Source Philosophy- (01:03:00) The Concept of Lightness and Ultralight- (01:06:02) Art, Design, and Limitations- (01:08:56) Games as a Medium for Creativity- (01:12:03) The Importance of Rest and Time- (01:14:59) Exploring Ordinary Time in Life- (01:18:00) Creating Meaningful Spaces and Memories

12 snips
May 9, 2025 • 46min
The Façade of Control (Melody Kim)
In this enlightening discussion, Melody Kim, who recently transitioned from San Francisco to New York, dives into the captivating intersection of faith, technology, and work. She explores how technology shapes our sense of control and the often-overlooked human labor behind it. The conversation critiques traditional life paths versus embracing uncertainty, and delves into how societal pressures impact relationships. Melody encourages a reevaluation of what truly constitutes value beyond monetary measures, advocating for genuine human connection and vulnerability.

6 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 44min
Unpacking Belief (Joseph Choi)
Joseph Choi, an insightful thinker on faith, shares his transformative journey of belief deconstruction and reconstruction. He dives into the anxieties of labeling faith and the balance between commitment and open perspectives. Choi contrasts scarcity and abundance mindsets, discussing how they shape creativity and generosity. He also examines the role of pastors in modern communities and the impact of technology on spiritual engagement. The conversation captures the tension between traditional rituals and contemporary expressions, making faith relatable in today's digital age.

Aug 28, 2024 • 34min
Sacred Charity (Austin Chen)
Austin Chen, who explores the balance between rationality and faith from a Catholic upbringing, dives deep into the nuances of effective altruism. He shares a personal car wash story tied to charitable giving and reflects on the challenges of separating utilons and fuzzies in philanthropy. The conversation highlights the significance of community in faith, the importance of tithing, and the quest for humility in a world driven by productivity. They also discuss the creative idea of secular liturgies like Taco Tuesdays, illustrating unique ways to connect tradition with modernity.

Aug 9, 2024 • 47min
Right Feeling (Sonya Mann)
In this engaging discussion, Sonya Mann, a returning guest with deep insights into biblical themes, explores the paradox of faith and God's generosity. They dive into the layered meanings of parables, focusing on concepts like obligation vs. grace and the transformative nature of community praise. Sonya connects ancient rituals with modern belief, humorously revealing how laughter can coexist with spirituality. The conversation culminates in the significance of weddings in Christian theology, highlighting faith's relational journey.

Aug 7, 2024 • 50min
Artificial Physicality (Drew Austin)
Drew Austin, a thought leader on the intersection of digital and physical environments, dives into how technology alters our lives. He shares insights on New York's unique culture and the pandemic's impact on urban perception. Discussion points include the concept of 'airport lounge-ification,' the role of fashion in public spaces, and the paradox of digital connections that alienate even as they unite. He also examines how coding aesthetics can strengthen community resilience and influence our collective identity in an increasingly digital world.

Sep 27, 2022 • 50min
Everyone is "Protestant" Online (L.M. Sacasas)
L.M. Sacasas, a thoughtful commentator on material and digital culture, returns to explore how we function as 'protestants' online. He delves into the frictionlessness of digital interactions and its impact on personal identity. Sacasas discusses our longing for tactile experiences, contrasting them with the convenience of tech. He also critiques the extraction of private life for public gain and emphasizes the importance of genuine community grounded in individual strengths. The conversation navigates both the challenges and the nuances of finding meaning in a digital world.

Sep 27, 2022 • 44min
Finding Hope Amid Burnout (Alex Kim)
Where can hope be found? Alex Kim joins again to open up questions of responsibility, and our place in relation to times of weariness. He speaks out his experiences growing up and also shepherding a local church body as a youth pastor. We speak amidst the burnout on notions of time, the work of Charles Taylor through Andrew Root, work/play, and living out in hope. Maybe it's what this podcast is attempting to work towards! (Recorded June 2022) Transcript: https://hopeinsource.com/hope

Aug 29, 2022 • 52min
Digital Communion (Nick Ripatrazone)
Can our digitally mediated environment be spiritual? Nick Ripatrazone takes us through the lens of the Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, focusing on his not well-known Catholic faith. McLuhan himself describes his testimony into the Church as, "I came in on my knees. That is the only way in." We discuss the topics around inter-textuality, the complexity of life, on form/function within mediums like poetry, concept/percept, ambiguity and paradox, and McLuhan's famous phrase "the medium is the message". (Recorded April 2022) Transcript: https://hopeinsource.com/communion

Aug 29, 2022 • 51min
History is Necromancy (David Cayley)
What is the place of history in our society? Who was Ivan Illich and how might he be a helpful voice, even in his passing? David Cayley shares about his new book, "Ivan Illich: An Intellectual Journey". It's not really a biography, and as Illich himself would say, "you can't capture me!" We talk about open source, big tech, and enclosure, history which gives you roots, how tradition and change are intertwined, the many myths/idols of society, on good vs. value, aestheticism, and much more. (Recorded in January 2022)