Hope Beyond Our Sorrows in Conversation

For some of my previous books, I’ve been interviewed in print—with questions sent to me in advance and the opportunity to write out my answers and send them back. But with Hope Beyond Our Sorrows, I’ve been learning how to be a podcast guest, and it’s been a steep learning curve!

As a writer, I’d rather write out my answers first. But most podcast hosts prefer an unscripted conversation as it unfolds. That means no questions in advance. Often not even a list of topics.

“Just think of it as a conversation over coffee,” said one host. But hmmm, it’s a conversation with many others listening in! And with Hope Beyond Our Sorrows, a conversation coming from such a tender place. I feel shaky just thinking about being a podcast guest.

And yet, I’m grateful for each invitation, for the opportunity to share my journey of loss, grief, and hope, and to pass on to others the hope that I’ve received. I’m grateful for the kindness and encouragement of my hosts. Thank you for your thoughtful questions and for listening well. And thank you to everyone who listens. As Helen Keller has said, “We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world.” May God’s goodness and mercy be our comfort, and may the podcasts below speak hope to you.

Many podcasts are available on multiple platforms, but I’ve included just one link with each title below, along with descriptions supplied by the podcast. Beyond that, I leave it to you to find the podcasts on your preferred platforms. As you may already know, I have playlists of the music that I mention in Hope Beyond Our Sorrows. I plan to put together playlists for Hope Beyond Our Sorrows podcasts on Spotify and YouTube, but those are still to come. When they’re ready, I’ll return here to post those links, and if I do additional podcasts, I’ll add them to the list below. I appreciate your interest!

How to Intentionally Launch a Book
The Hyphen by the Redbud Writers Guild with president Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

We pray that April’s wisdom, vulnerability, and insights encourage you today as we discuss:

  • The lingering nature of grief
  • When waiting isn’t procrastination but preparation
  • Publishing twists and turns
  • April’s journey as a spiritual formation mentor, and what to look for when seeking a mentor

Hope Beyond Our Sorrows: An Interview with April Yamasaki
Weave & Cleave podcast by The Faithful City, with founder Sanghoon Yoo and Michelle Stiffler

Join us for this episode about grief, soul care, hope, gratitude, and post-traumatic growth. April shares openly and thoughtfully about the loss of her husband, the mystery of faith and time, and the ways writing can move you through the disorganization of grief.

Sacred Ground: Finding Hope Beyond Our Sorrows with April Yamasaki
Diamonds in Dumpster Fires with Melie Williams

A conversation about grief, faith, and the quiet glimmers of grace that can sustain us in life’s hardest seasons, including:

  • Why sorrow isn’t a problem to “fix” but a journey to be honoured
  • How to support someone in mourning (even if you’re unsure what to say)
  • The surprising ways joy and purpose can re-emerge after loss

The Bite-Sized Book Club with April Yamasaki – Hope Beyond Our Sorrows
hosted by CommonWord and Canadian Mennonite

A one-time, one-hour conversation with author April Yamasaki. Those who registered received the first chapter of Hope Beyond Our Sorrows compliments of the publisher, Herald Press. Their conversation with April was not recorded, but the interview portion of the bite-sized book club is posted on YouTube.

Interview with April Yamasaki – Part 1
Next Step Leadership with Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds

In a world that rarely slows down, this episode invites leaders to rediscover the spiritual power of pause. Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds welcome pastor and author April Yamasaki for a reflective conversation about writing, stillness, and spiritual formation.

Interview with April Yamasaki – Part 2
Next Step Leadership with Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds

April Yamasaki returns to discuss her book, Hope Beyond Our Sorrows. She reflects on loss, her pastoral experience walking with those who grieve, and the kind of hope that grows slowly and honestly in the midst of pain. This conversation offers compassion, depth, and encouragement for anyone navigating sorrow—or supporting others through it.

Pastor April Yamasaki – Hope Beyond Our Sorrows
Better Than Not podcast with Doug Gardham

A long-form podcast with April sharing her journey from her childhood dreams of writing to her calling in pastoral ministry, the importance of faith and community, and her new book, Hope Beyond Our Sorrows. If you’re in Abbotsford, be sure to drop by her author signing at Coles Books in Sevenoaks mall on Saturday, April 18th, noon to 3:00 p.m.

April Yamasaki and Hope Beyond Our Sorrows
Liturgical Rebels with Christine Sine

In this insightful interview, April Yamasaki shares her insights into grief, her biblical reflections on loss, and spiritual practices for healing and hope. April and Christine discuss her books, including Hope Beyond Our Sorrows and Sacred Pauses, which offer valuable tools for navigating life’s challenges. April explains how the human journey through grief is similar whether it is the traumatic loss of a spouse, loss of a job, or even loss of a dream.


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2 responses

  1. schroedereh Avatar
    schroedereh

    I listened to your podcast and so much of what you said resonated with me as we both lost our husbands around the same time. I know the grieving brought me closer to God. I know this, in part, because my own blog posts and Rejoice devotionals never received more comments than during and shortly after my grieving.

    1. Thank you, Elfrieda. Psychologist Carl Rogers once said that what is most personal is most universal, and I think that bears out in our experiences of loss. While each person and each experience is unique, in loss and grief, we also share a deep connection. I’m grateful for the way you share that in your writing.

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Faith and Hope with April Yamasaki

I write, edit, teach, preach, and mentor in a variety of venues, platforms, and publications. The common thread? To encourage and inspire people of all ages to live with faith and hope. I’d love for you to join me!

In all the challenges, joys, and ordinary moments of daily life, God’s mercies never fail. They are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).