In 2025, readers of Echoes have a chance to go deeper on your favorite articles and topics from the H. E. Butt Foundation. Episodes feature guests like Reverend Ben McBride on moving his family to the “kill zone,” Elizabeth Cruz on the crisis of affordable housing, and pastor Corey Widmer on the role of the church in modern life. We sat down with hosts Marcus and Camille to learn more.
Why does Echoes need a podcast?
Camille: So much about Echoes is trying to elevate the voices of people whose stories might not be told or celebrated. If we are telling the stories of transformation and wholeness that people are carrying back to their communities, we want to hear it in their voice. And that can mean, literally, in their voice.
Marcus: The conversational flow of a podcast gives the listener a little bit more of a Lodge retreat experience versus reading a magazine. We prep for the episodes, but when we press record, it really is just a conversation.
What is the tone of the podcast?
Camille: There are times we get into the nitty gritty and are asking deep questions but sprinkled in with other moments of lightness and fun.
Marcus: We want to give space to hear multiple perspectives. Camille and I try to bring our different perspectives to the conversation.
What is your favorite part of being a host?
Marcus: I love when we find a touchpoint that we can keep coming back to, almost like a running gag—like confetti canons or the meaning of life.
Camille: We can be ourselves and show the Foundation’s hospitality.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your guests?
Camille: Ben McBride talked about the act of the pause. You may be conversing or interacting with folks that have a different perspective than you. Just allowing a moment—in a very intentional way—can help when people are in situations that get heated.
Marcus: There was a moment when Camille and Elizabeth Cruz were talking about how you can’t rent somewhere unless you show your income is three times the rental amount. It’s been so long since I signed a rental agreement, and I hadn’t realized how ignorant I was about the details of the current housing market.
How do we find true belonging in our communities, and what responsibility do we have to help others do the same?
Words are powerful. They shape our relationships, influence how we see ourselves, and impact how we experience the world.
