Episode Details

In this episode of The Backstory, Kyle Oliver (Virginia Theological Seminary) and Nikki Collins (Future of Faith) discuss Hope Exchange, a collaborative storytelling initiative. They explain the project’s two audiences — spiritually curious people who are institutionally wary, and church leaders/seminary faculty — and outline plans for live storytelling events, filmed stories, a digital Library of Hope, podcasts, and toolkits.

The guests share progress so far: building the team, conducting a Denver shoot, forming an ecumenical advisory group, and refining processes like coaching storytellers to preserve authenticity. The episode highlights goals around formation, audience engagement, and how storytelling can deepen connection and reshape narratives about faith.