Why We’re Here: Stories, Faith, and the Kindness Gap

What happens when two people from different generations sit down—not to debate, but to understand?

In the very first episode of the Peaceful Hugs Podcast, hosts Mark Zahringer and Lorelei Cromer introduce the heart behind the show: real conversations, real stories, and a commitment to kindness in a world that feels increasingly divided. From Detroit to Cañon City, from seminary to the Middle East, they share formative experiences that shaped how they see people, faith, and community—and why they believe intergenerational conversations matter now more than ever.

This episode is an honest beginning: a conversation about spirituality, learning how to disagree well, and the reality that people’s needs—safety, dignity, support—don’t change just because their zip code does.

In This Episode:
How the Peaceful Hugs Podcast came to life from a “by happenstance” conversation in Cañon City
Why intergenerational conversations are essential in a world of “camps” and echo chambers
The impact of faith, spirituality, and lived experience on how we view culture, politics, and one another
Mark’s story: growing up in Detroit, becoming a latchkey kid, being kicked out at 15, and finding a lifeline through school support
Lorelei’s story: shifting from musical theater to journalism/international affairs, and the unexpected call to serve in the Middle East
The difference between “agreeing” with someone and choosing to truly love them
How Peaceful Hugs and Unbridled Acts connect—purpose-driven work, community support, and sustainable impact
Why kindness is simple to define… and hard to practice
A light-hearted Hallmark-movie moment (because yes, joy belongs here too)

Key Takeaways:
Listening across generations expands empathy—and breaks the “us vs. them” mindset.
Faith conversations don’t have to be weaponized. They can be honest, human, and rooted in love.
People are more than a label, lifestyle, belief, or political identity. Stories reveal the humanity we miss in headlines.
The needs of communities aren’t as different as we think. The scale may change, but the pain points often don’t.
Kindness is a leadership skill—and a daily choice.


About the Peaceful Hugs Podcast

The Peaceful Hugs Podcast is a space for thoughtful, real conversations about faith, culture, purpose, and the stories that shape us. Hosted by Mark Zahringer and Lorelei Cromer, the show brings together voices from different backgrounds and generations to explore what it means to live with empathy—especially when the world feels loud, polarized, and quick to judge.

At the center of it all is a simple idea: kindness matters, and we can’t afford to lose it.


Join the Conversation

What part of this first episode resonated most with you—Mark’s story, Lorelei’s story, or the theme of learning to disagree without dehumanizing?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation.


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Sending you peaceful hugs—see you next episode.