Distance is a low hurdle when it comes to expressing appreciation. Caoimhe Farrell left Ireland to study communication and run track at Goshen College. She stays in contact with her longtime coach and mentor back home, Mary Barrett, who lives 3,615 miles away in Galway, Ireland. Through many years of training, competitions, wins, and losses, Mary has been a source of inspiration and motivation. For the first time, Caoimhe found the words to thank her coach – in a letter that reflects on their relationship, built on years of consistent support, encouragement, and a shared commitment to reaching one’s full potential.
Guest
Caoimhe Farrell and Mary Barrett
Credits
Executive Producer: Duane Stoltzfus
Host: Jen Shenk
Senior Producer & Sound Designer: Yebu Ji
Sound Engineering: Alex Dugger
Original Music: Hannis Brown
Marketing Manager: Melissa Troyer
Production Assistant: Hannah Smith
Audience Engagement Manager: Courtney Dobrzykowski
Music
Bitter Roll (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403607) from Blue Dot Sessions
Gelano (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403608) from Blue Dot Sessions
The Coil Winds (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403609) from Blue Dot Sessions
The Idle Eyes (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403610) from Blue Dot Sessions
Interludium (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403611) from Blue Dot Sessions
Mint Martini (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403612) from Blue Dot Sessions
Enter the Room (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=403613) from Blue Dot Sessions
Gratitude Project_Bounce Hannis Brown
Gratitude Project_Theme Hannis Brown
Gratitude Project_Uplift Hannis Brown
The Gratitude Letters is created in partnership with the Communication Department at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, and is part of the More Than Just Stories project, with funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc.
15 Oct 2026
"I don't want to be a pastor. . . I want to be a spy"
How do we say thank you to someone who is no longer with us? It started with a childhood conversation about wanting to be a spy, which developed into a lifelong friendship of advice-giving, support, and answers. This is a story of a pastor, Joe Richards, influencing another pastor, Ryan Ahlgrim. Through decades of countless conversations and guidance, Joe showed Ryan the true essence of ministry. Years later, long after Joe’s passing, Ryan reflects and shares his gratitude to the mentor who helped him become the pastor he is today.
Access more episodes: thegratitudeletters.org (http://thegratitudeletters.org)
Guest
Ryan Ahlgrim
Credits
Executive Producer: Duane Stoltzfus
Host: Jen Shenk
Senior Producer & Sound Designer: Yebu Ji
Sound Engineering: Alex Dugger
Original Music: Hannis Brown
Marketing Manager: Melissa Troyer
Production Assistant: Hannah Smith
Audience Engagement Manager: Courtney Dobrzykowski
Music
Gratitude Project_Theme By Hannis Brown
Gratitude Project_Bounce By Hannis Brown
Gratitude Project_ConstellationTwo By Hannis Brown
Gratitude_HarmonicLong By Hannis Brown
GratitudeProject_Uplift By Hannis Brown
Levin and Harper (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=400024) from Blue Dot Sessions
Slow Strutt (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=400025) from Blue Dot Sessions
Felt Lining (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=400026) from Blue Dot Sessions
The Town And Country Square Dance By Zip Wilson
Und Galaxe (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=400027) by Blue Dot Sessions
The Gratitude Letters is created by the Communications Department at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, part of the More Than Just Stories project, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
1 Oct 2026
Gratitude begins in Kindergarten
Some teachers you remember for a year. Some you remember for a lifetime.
Sixty-two years after kindergarten, James Gunden reads a letter of gratitude to Kathryn Aschliman.
In this Episode
“You’ll always be Miss Kathryn Aschliman to me.” The story of an extraordinary kindergarten teacher who went above and beyond for her students. 62 years later, James Gunden returns to thank his teacher for all the continuous love and support over a lifetime. They reflected on a long relationship of joyful giving. From learning to take care of pets to singing songs about chickens, little did Kathryn know of her impact on young James Gunden and so many others.
Guest
Kathryn Aschliman
James Gunden
Credits
Executive Producer: Duane Stoltzfus
Host: Jen Shenk
Senior Producer & Sound Designer: Yebu Ji
Sound Engineering: Grant Bachman & Alex Dugger
Original Music: Hannis Brown
Marketing Manager: Melissa Troyer
Production Assistant: Hannah Smith
Audience Engagement Manager: Courtney Dobrzykowski
Music
Gratitude Harmonic Long Hannis Brown
Gratitude Project Theme Hannis Brown
Gratitude Project Uplift Hannis Brown
Simple Melody (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=390828) from Blue Dot Sessions
Child's Play (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=390835) from Blue Dot Sessions
Glass Beads (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=390836) from Blue Dot Sessions
Dune Lullaby (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=390829) from Blue Dot Sessions
Evening White (https://app.sessions.blue/browse?trackId=390831) from Blue Dot Sessions
The Gratitude Letters is created by the Communication Department at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, part of More Than Just Stories project, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Social media
Website: thegratitudeletters.org (http://thegratitudeletters.org)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegratitudeletters (https://www.instagram.com/thegratitudeletters/)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGratitudeLetters (https://www.facebook.com/TheGratitudeLetters)
29 Sept 2026
The Gratitude Letters Season 1 Trailer
The Gratitude Letters is a podcast built on a simple premise: to honor the people who shaped us and inspire others to do the same, one letter at a time. Season 1 launches October 1st, with new episodes every other Thursday. Follow now so you don't miss the first one.
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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