Lisa Colón DeLay

Tamara Lunardo has only been blogging for a couple of years, but thanks to her openness on some touchy (and important) topics, her audience has grown rapidly. Sometimes Tamara uses salty language or speaks about the realities of life…and sex, and it turns out Christians have a huge fascination with that sort of thing. Go figure!

Enjoy a snapshot of our time together, were we discuss her community project through Civitas Press called What a Woman is Worth. Through a collection of essays, this book (due out in a few months) confronts disparaging views of women and affirms the female gender to do whatever God has uniquely gifted them to do. You go, girl! Be assured this video is all very PG, honest.

16 other videos interviews are at the YouTube channel (you can subscribe to the channel and never miss out on the latest enlightening chat).

I had a great chat with Alise Wright and we talked about her upcoming book project Not Afraid. Plus, we talk a bit about a few other things like marriage equality and Mark Driscoll’s new polemic book “Real Marriage” (and I may need to offer some bonus video material on that insightful stuff); can men and women be friends (best of friends, even when they are married to other people); and Alise’s upcoming personal work in keeping with her calling.

editing video...joy?

This December I started interviewing people for this little, fun project (for me) which I call, “Ninja Interviews”.

This was really quite odd actually, because I dislike watching myself on the screen, be it little or big. I bristle at hearing my voice being played back too. See, unlike plenty of the American population I have no desire to be famous. We live in times were people will settle even for infamy to get noticed…but me? Not so much. Celebrity, of any stripe, is fool’s gold, and I am dead panning. I’d prefer it that way.

Nevertheless, I’ve really enjoyed this little project, because I’ve gotten to meet and talk to some wonderful people. Their insights have added a joy to my life. Also, I’ve quickly learned 5 things. Well, actually, 6.

1. I have broken nose.

I broke my nose (what professionals like to call incurring a “deviated septum” thus making it sound almost natural, or at least not ghastly). The first incident happened when I was 10, and got an operation on it. Apparently, it’s not okay—STILL. I must have messed it up again. I can think of quiet a few reasons actually–antics I may reveal at some later time. I sound nasalized, and it’s unappealing in its imperfection. ugh.

2. The camera adds 10-15 pounds…Maybe. I’m overweight, and that’s the other reason.

3. People don’t or won’t “get me”. I’m odd. I know this. Some people will hate. End of Story.

4. I had Bells Palsy in 11th grade. It paralyzed half of my face (Including my muscles and taste buds on the right side of my tongue, my right eyelid, and my lips on the right side too) for 6 weeks. On video, I can tell I didn’t recover 100%. It’s humbling.

5. I nod, blink, and respond…a lot. When I’m in the editing stage it’s a bit freaky and underwhelming in general.

6. I don’t care about any of the above, not for too long anyway. That feels nice. Maybe I’m becoming a grown up.

What have you learned about yourself, lately? Have you been too critical of yourself?

Share your tips for growing out of it.

Rolf Potts, travel writer

Rolf Potts is arguably one of the best travel writers in a generation. (According to media outlets and what Rick Steves says anyway.)

Rolf Pott’s newest book “Marco Polo Didn’t Go there” explores more than decade of his extensive travel to 5 continents.

Last year, Rolf went on a No Baggage trip challenge, traveling 30,000 + miles with no luggage, and it got me to thinking how this type of perspective can be applied to everyday life.

His feat begs the question:
What do we really need to have to live well? It turns out, not much.

Fascinated with his pure and simple approach, I contacted him to do a Ninja Interview. He responded positively within minutes to my request. So, stay tuned for what looks to be one of the most interesting people the Ninja Interviews has “attacked”. I get the feeling Adventure is Rolf’s middle name. Visit his site, and see if you don’t agree.

By the way, how many of you know that I went backpacking around Europe? Yep. 11 countries in 28 days, with just $500 and a Eurail pass. In Prague my diet was 85% ice cream cones (because they were ¢15 a piece). Crazy, but true. Hum. Maybe I should share some of those crazy tales sometime soon.

What’s the furthest you’ve been from home?

Kristin Tennant (blogger at halfway to normal) a.k.a. kt_writes gets a NiNJA Interview. Great stuff (If the interviewee spits out coffee while watching it, I think I’ve done my job.)

Tell me what you think…
about SURPRISE.

NiNJA What?
A series of 5-6 min. interviews.

Who?
Creatives, writers, bloggers, humorous types, thought leaders, & fav ppl.

When?
Within 1 week (and then continuing)

Who’s in them?
So far this is by invitation only. They are surprises, hence the NiNJA theme. Featured interviewee are allowed to Nominate new interviewees.

Can I get a “NiNJA interview”…I’m super cool?

The coveted Nominee Badge

Maybe. If you wish to be considered…contact a featured interviewee and seek a nomination from them. If they agree to sponsor you, they can even send you a Nominee Badge for your website.

Send me a link your website, and/or pitch to me (under 100 words) and tell me what you have to say in a “NiNJA interview”. (Such as a creative idea, a useful tip, a book/film/project/album/art work, or something else that falls into the awesomeness category.) These pitch ideas won’t have the sway that a Nomination has, and I cannot accommodate every request, (NiNJAs are an elite bunch after all). However, I’ll be in touch within 72 hours, if I’m interested, because you have wowed me.

Thank you. That is all.