The Grace and Joy of Hospitality with Anne McCune

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Allen Lycka speaks with Anne McCune, a Dartmouth College graduate, community leader, and author of Practicing Hospitality: The Grace and Joy of Loving Strangers. Anne shares her transformative experiences practicing true hospitality and fostering connections across cultures, from helping refugees to breaking bread with strangers. Learn how small acts of kindness can reshape lives and how you, too, can make a difference.

Key Topics Discussed:

Anne’s Early Experience of Hospitality

Anne recounts a pivotal moment during her time as a student in France when a kind stranger shared her limited meal, teaching her the true essence of hospitality. This act of generosity inspired Anne’s lifelong commitment to loving strangers as family.

The Power of Hospitality

• The origin of the word "hospitality" from the Greek philoxenia, meaning “loving strangers as family.”
• How small gestures—like buying someone lunch or simply being present—can create meaningful connections.

Opening Doors to Refugees

Anne shares her family's journey of hosting refugees, including a young cellist from Kyrgyzstan and a 15-year-old Afghan boy. These experiences taught her the power of compassion and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging.

The Role of Community in Welcoming Refugees

Dr. Lycka and Anne discuss efforts to support refugees from Ukraine and other nations, highlighting the impact of grassroots initiatives and the resilience of immigrants.

Living a Fantastic Life

Anne emphasizes gratitude, curiosity, and hard work as keys to a fulfilling life. She encourages listeners to recognize their own value and extend kindness to others.

Inspirational Highlights:

• “The most important space to make hospitable is that two feet of personal space around you.”
• “We’re all a little broken, but we’re all enough to be loved and to give love.”
• “Your perception shapes reality. If you see the world as welcoming, it will be.”

Practical Tips for Practicing Hospitality:

1. Start Small: Smile at a stranger, offer a helping hand, or ask someone about their story.
2. Be Curious: Notice the people around you and engage with them.
3. Invite Others In: Host a meal or extend an invitation to someone new in your community.
4. Volunteer: Support local efforts to help those in need, like food banks or refugee programs.

About the Guest: Anne McCune

Anne McCune is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author of Practicing Hospitality: The Grace and Joy of Loving Strangers. She is a connector and community leader passionate about bridging cultural divides and building relationships.

Connect with Anne McCune:

• Website: www.anniebooks.com
• LinkedIn: Anne McCune on LinkedIn
• Book: Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Closing Message from Dr. Allen Lycka

Dr. Lycka encourages listeners to practice kindness and see the world as a welcoming place. For more inspiration, visit www.drallenlycka.com and sign up for his weekly "Golden Pearls" newsletter for a chance to win exciting vacation prizes.

BIO:

Annie McCune is a Dartmouth college grad, a connector and community leader. She is a wife, mother, grandmother of 12, and Nonnie to dozens of others from Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Her first book "Practicing Hospitality: the Grace and Joy of Loving Strangers" has opened many doors including a recent TEDx talk. Originally from Buffalo NY, she and her husband now reside in Atlanta GA.

Social Media:

https://anniebooks.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-mccune-0017ab69/

https://www.facebook.com/anne.mccune/