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Podcast Appearances

12 Minute Convos with Jesus Believers

Engel Jones, Podcast Host

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​Why We Are All "Translators" and Must Choose What We Repeat Wisely

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17 July 2026​​

In this episode of 12-Minute Convos with Jesus Believers, Engel Jones connects with Janet Gesme from Bend, Oregon. A lifelong linguist who raised her children bilingually and earned her master's in German, Janet also spent decades as a professional musician playing the viola and cello. However, she vulnerably shares how a severe car accident in 2015 tragically put an end to her bustling music career, leaving her unable to even sit and play for years.

 

Listen in as Janet discusses how God beautifully redirected her path on the exact day of her accident when a friend gave her a profound German book, leading to an incredible journey of translation. She also shares a deeply thought-provoking perspective on our words, pointing out that we are all "translators" simply repeating what we hear. If your life has taken a completely unexpected detour, Janet's beautiful encouragement to trust that God always has something shockingly better in store will deeply comfort your soul!

Elsplend Realities

ELO Oghenevwede Splendour, Podcast Host

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​What if the chapter we never planned could become the one that reveals a deeper purpose?

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1 September 2026​

In this episode of Elsplend Realities, Janet Gesme shares a powerful journey through loss, recovery, faith, and unexpected transformation after a devastating accident interrupted her professional music career. Through translation, music, and her connection to Martin Schleske’s work, Janet discovered that healing isn't always about returning to what was—it can also mean becoming open to what comes next.

 

A deeply moving conversation about faith, resilience, purpose, patience, and recognizing beauty in the unexpected turns of life.

Reading the World

Ali Alhajji, Podcast Host

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​The Hidden Decisions that Make a Translation Feel Natural

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22 September 2026​​

Among many topics, Ali and Janet wrestle with one of translation’s biggest questions: should the translator be invisible, or somewhere nearer the foregrounded as a co-maker of the final work? Along the way, they revisit Kafka, Venuti, Schleiermacher, and the challenge facing translators to render not just words and meaning, but tone, texture, and cultural feeling. 

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This episode is essential listening for translators, writers, readers of translated literature, and anyone who wants to understand how language shapes what we think we know. If you’ve ever wondered what gets lost in translation—and what can be gained—this conversation will leave you hearing books differently.

Trailers & Videos

Book trailer for Martin Schleske's The Sound of Life's Unspeakable Beauty

Concert Readings
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With the help of her husband, Michael, Janet offers concert readings (excerpts of texts with musical interludes and discussion time) based on a variety of topics drawn from the books she has translated. Contact us for details! 

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© 2026 Janet Gesme. All rights reserved. 

 

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