Bookish Talks with Lia

What does the Bible have to say about what we wear?In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Saunders, author of But What Do I Wear?: The Biblical Story of Clothing, How It Helps Us Think About Getting Dressed, and Approximately Seventeen Stories I May Regret Telling. We talk about the biblical story of clothing, why getting dressed can carry so much emotional weight, and what it looks like to approach getting dressed as an act of worship.Caroline also shares about her faith and writing journey and what it means for us to ultimately be clothed in Christ.Books Mentioned:But What Do I Wear?: The Biblical Story of Clothing, How It Helps Us Think About Getting Dressed, and Approximately Seventeen Stories I May Regret Telling by Caroline SaundersConnect with CarolineAuthor Website: WriterCaroline.com Facebook: Caroline Saunders Instagram: @writercaroline Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode, author Ana Ávila joins me to discuss her new book, Life in Devotion:Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with God in the Everyday. We talk about what it looks like to move beyond a checklist or a “quiet time” routine and into a life of communion with the Lord.Ana shares her story of coming to know Christ, how she stepped into writing and ministry, and the heart behind this book. We also talk honestly about the discouragement many believers feel when spiritual disciplines feel inconsistent, and how Scripture and prayer can become places of joy rather than pressure.If you’ve ever struggled with consistency in your walk with God or felt like you’re always starting over, this conversation will encourage you.Connect with Ana ÁvilaBook: Life in Devotion: Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with God in the Everyday@anaavilaosunaConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

What does it look like to care for one another well in your local church?In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Helen Thorne-Allenson, author of A Church That Cares: A Biblical Guide to Loving One Another Well. We talk about what it means to build a culture of care in your local church and why caring for one another isn’t simply the responsibility of pastors or counselors. It’s something every Christian can participate in.Helen shares practical, biblical wisdom for caring for one another in the church, especially when we don’t feel equipped or know exactly what to say. We talk about what it looks like to listen well, come alongside someone in need, and trust God rather than feeling like we have to have all the answers.We also talk about the role church leaders play in creating a culture where people are encouraged and equipped to care for one another. Helen shares why vulnerability matters for leaders and why having healthy boundaries around confidentiality is so important when caring for others.Whether your church already has a strong culture of care or you see areas where there is room to grow, this conversation will encourage you to consider how you can love and care for the people God has placed around you.In this episode, we talk about:What it means to create a culture of care in your local churchDepending on God through prayerLearning to listen wellHow leaders can model honesty, weakness, and repentanceAccountability and healthy boundaries in pastoral carePractical ways you can contribute to a caring churchAbout Helen Thorne-AllensonHelen Thorne-Allenson is a biblical counselor and author who writes about applying biblical truth to the complexities of everyday life. In A Church That Cares, she offers practical and biblical guidance for developing a church culture where people genuinely love and care for one another.Books Mentioned In This Episode:A Church That Cares: A Biblical Guide to Loving One Another Well by Helen Thorne-AllensonCaring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships by Edward T. WelchBiblical Counseling Resources: Find articles, podcasts, books, and other resources from Biblical Counselling UK to help you care for others well. Explore Biblical Counselling UK ResourcesConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

Do you ever feel like you're constantly running from one thing to the next, yet still feel restless and exhausted?In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I'm joined by author and ministry leader Aimee Joseph to talk about her newest book, Made to Rest: True Peace in a World That Never Stops.We talk about why it's so difficult for us to truly rest, the ways control, striving, and our desire for satisfaction can leave us restless, and what it looks like to receive rest as a gift from God rather than simply taking a break from our busy lives.Aimee also shares about Sabbath, finding peace in Christ, and cultivating rhythms of rest even when life doesn't slow down.If you've been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you simply can't turn your brain off, I think this conversation will be a timely encouragement.I hope you're encouraged and challenged to consider what it looks like to truly rest in Christ.Books mentioned in this episode:Made to Rest: True Peace in a World That Never Stops by Aimee JosephLook, Listen, Live: Cultivating Attention in a Distracted Culture by Aimee JosephConnect with Aimee:Website: ⁠⁠https://aimeejoseph.blogInstagram: ⁠⁠@aimeejosephwritesConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin to discuss her newest book, Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World.In Dust to Dust, Jen challenges the cultural narrative that aging is something to fear or resist. Instead, she invites us to see aging through a biblical lens and recognize the dignity, wisdom, and value found in every season of life.In this episode, we talk about the arc of life, caregiving, honoring our aging parents, intergenerational discipleship, the graying of America, and how the church can better embrace and serve people across generations.You can order Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World by Jen Wilkin from:AmazonWestminster Books 10ofThose Connect with Jen Wilkin:Instagram: @jenwilkin Website: https://www.jenwilkin.netOther Books Mentioned:Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin The Knowledge of Holy by A.W. Tozer Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode, Shannon Popkin joins me to talk about her book Kinda Judgy and how Scripture reshapes the way we think about judgment, pride, and mercy.Through six biblical stories, Shannon helps us see how easily a critical spirit can take root and how Jesus leads us into something better by receiving mercy and extending it to others.If you have ever felt weighed down by comparison, criticism, or strained relationships, this episode will help you move toward a more merciful way of seeing others and yourself.Book MentionedKinda Judgy: Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible by Shannon PopkinConnect with Shannon PopkinWebsite: shannonpopkin.comInstagram: @shannonpopkinPodcast: Listen to Live Like It’s True Bible PodcastConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode, I am joined by author and Director of Women’s Ministries Cheryl Marshall to discuss her new book All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God.We talk about what it means to live wholeheartedly for God, how His mercy fuels our devotion, and how Romans 12:1–2 calls believers into whole-life worship.Cheryl shares biblical encouragement for women who want to grow in devotion, overcome distraction and discouragement, and live as “living sacrifices” in everyday life.Connect with Cheryl Marshall:Website:https://www.cherylmarshall.comPodcast: Whole-Life Worship PodcastBooks Mentioned:All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss WolgemuthWhen Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love by Caroline Newheiser and Cheryl MarshallConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

I’m so excited to welcome Sarah Rice back to Bookish Talks with Lia! Sarah previously joined me to talk about her book Gospel-Shaped Womanhood, and in this bonus episode released as we are all gathered at The Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference, we’re looking ahead to her upcoming Bible study, Becoming a Gospel-Shaped Woman.This study walks through Ephesians over ten weeks and is designed to help women understand their identity in Christ and apply Scripture in everyday life. Sarah and I talk about the heart behind the study, why Ephesians is so rich for identity and growth, and how to approach Bible study with clarity and confidence.You can preorder Becoming a Gospel-Shaped Woman in the conference bookstore or online at 10ofThose, using code LIA10.In this episode, we cover:• The message of Gospel-Shaped Womanhood• Why Sarah created this companion study• How Ephesians shapes our identity in Christ• What to look for in a faithful Bible study resource• Encouragement for growing in God’s Word

Friendship can be one of God's greatest gifts, but building and maintaining meaningful relationships isn't always easy. In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest Bailey T. Hurley to discuss her new book, The Friendship Devotional: 40 Days to Move Past Loneliness and Find Your Community.Bailey shares why so many women struggle with loneliness, what it looks like to cultivate deeper friendships as adults, and how Scripture can guide us through every season of friendship. We also discuss the four stages of friendship growth—Planting, Tending, Pruning, and Blooming—and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional relationships.In this episode:The four seasons of friendship growthMaking new friends as an adultNavigating friendship challenges and conflictBecoming a better friend through spiritual growthPractical ways to deepen relationshipsFinding community in every season of lifeConnect with Bailey:Website: https://baileythurley.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileythurleyGrab the book: The Friendship Devotional: 40 Days to Move Past Loneliness and Find Your Community

In this episode, author Dustin Crowe joins me to discuss his book Your Wilderness Is Not a Waste. We talk about how seasons of suffering, waiting, spiritual dryness, and uncertainty can become places where we more clearly see God’s presence and work in our lives.Dustin unpacks key wilderness stories in Scripture including Hagar, Moses, David, Elijah, and Jesus, helping us understand how God is faithful and purposeful even in difficult and disorienting seasons. We also discuss his journey into writing and publishing, his pastoral ministry, and how believers can grow in trust when life feels unclear.If you are in a season of struggle or transition, this conversation will encourage you that your wilderness is not wasted and God is still at work.Connect with Dustin CroweWebsite: https://indycrowe.comBooks: Your Wilderness Is Not a Waste and The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I am joined by Megan Hill, author and managing editor for The Gospel Coalition. We’re discussing her booklet Sabbath Rest, part of the Disciplines of Devotion series from Crossway.In this episode, we talk about what Sabbath rest is, why God gave it to us as a gift, and how to practically implement it in everyday life. Megan shares wisdom on slowing down in a culture of constant busyness, creating rhythms of rest, and learning to view Sabbath not as a burden, but as an opportunity to delight in God and commune with Him more deeply.Disciplines of Devotion Series⁠Sabbath Rest⁠ - Megan Hill & Winfree BrisleyBible Study - Glenna Marshall & Winfree BrisleyEvangelism -  Sharonda Cooper & Winfree BrisleyFasting -  Cassie Achermann & Winfree BrisleyPrayer - Courtney Reissig & Winfree BrisleyWorship - Emily Jensen & Winfree BrisleyConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I am joined by author and Bible teacher Emily Jensen, co-founder of Risen Motherhood, to discuss her booklet Worship from The Gospel Coalition’s Disciplines of Devotion series.We talk about what it looks like to move beyond a limited view of worship as something reserved for Sunday mornings and see it instead as a daily, whole-life response to who God is and what He has done. Emily shares how worship can be practiced in everyday rhythms through our words, our works, and even our “why,” offering practical encouragement for women living in a distracted, do-it-all culture.We also talk about how worship shapes ordinary moments, why small and mundane faithfulness matters, and how women can grow in devotion to God when life feels full and scattered.Disciplines of Devotion SeriesWorship⁠ - Emily Jensen & Winfree BrisleyBible Study - Glenna Marshall & Winfree BrisleyEvangelism -  Sharonda Cooper & Winfree BrisleyFasting -  Cassie Achermann & Winfree BrisleyPrayer - Courtney Reissig & Winfree BrisleySabbath Rest - Megan Hill & Winfree BrisleyConnect with EmilyInstagram: @emilyajensenWebsite: emilyajensen.comConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In this episode, I am joined by author and Bible teacher Glenna Marshall to discuss her booklet in Crossway’s Disciplines of Devotion series, Bible Study.Together, we talk about what it looks like to build simple, sustainable rhythms for studying Scripture, especially in the middle of a distracted and busy culture. Glenna shares practical encouragement for women who want to grow in consistency, move past overwhelm, and find real joy in God’s Word.Disciplines of Devotion Series⁠Bible Study⁠ - Glenna Marshall & Winfree Brisley⁠Evangelism⁠ -  Sharonda Cooper & Winfree Brisley⁠Fasting⁠ -  Cassie Achermann & Winfree Brisley⁠Prayer⁠ - Courtney Reissig & Winfree Brisley⁠Sabbath Rest⁠ - Megan Hill & Winfree Brisley⁠Worship⁠ - Emily Jensen & Winfree BrisleyConnect with Glenna Marshall: Website: glennamarshall.com Instagram: ⁠@glennadmarshallConnect with Lia:Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Annie VanderHeiden, author of Cradled: Christ's Care for Postpartum Moms. We’re talking about the realities of new motherhood—the identity shifts, the physical exhaustion, and the quiet moments where you might wonder who you even are anymore.Annie shares from her own postpartum journey and reminds us that Christ meets us right in the middle of it all. Through the ordinary, repetitive tasks of caring for a baby, we can begin to see the extraordinary care of Christ for us.In This Episode, We Talk About:Why Annie felt led to write CradledThe emotional and spiritual challenges of postpartumIdentity struggles in new motherhoodHow everyday tasks like feeding and soothing can point us to ChristWhat it really looks like to “look to Jesus” in exhausting momentsPractical ways the church and community can support postpartum momsAbout Annie:Annie VanderHeiden is the former editor of Risen Motherhood and now spends her days freelance writing and editing, serving in her local church, and caring for her two little ones. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys long walks, drizzly days, and a good mug of matcha. Annie is passionate about encouraging moms with the truth of the gospel in everyday motherhood.Connect with Annie:Get a copy of Cradled: Christ’s Care for Postpartum Moms by Annie VanderHeidenInstagram: @anniekvanderheidenWebsite: https://www.annievanderheiden.comConnect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠@liarossreads⁠Instagram: ⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:Big Bible Stories for Little Hearts Yoto Cards

In this episode, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Sharonda Cooper. We spend time getting to know her and hearing more about her parenting journey as a mom who has launched two kids. Sharonda shares from her own experiences in motherhood, offering both encouragement and perspective for whatever season you may be in.We also talk about her 5-week devotional, Wisdom for Parenting, and how it helps moms apply biblical wisdom to the everyday challenges of motherhood while rooting their identity in Christ. This conversation includes practical moments as we walk through real questions of parenting, while keeping our focus on the deeper work God is doing in us as mothers.In this episode, we cover:Sharonda’s motherhood journey and what it looked like raising and launching her childrenThe heart behind Wisdom for ParentingApplying biblical wisdom in everyday parenting momentsEncouragement for moms in different seasonsRooting your identity in Christ in the midst of motherhoodAbout Sharonda:Sharonda Cooper is an author and Bible teacher who serves as a content coordinator for women’s initiatives at The Gospel Coalition. She is also a fitness trainer and holds two engineering degrees from MIT. Sharonda is currently pursuing her MDiv in apologetics and philosophy from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She lives in Texas with her husband and has two adult children.Connect with Sharonda:Instagram: @sharondaecooperGet the book:Wisdom for ParentingEvangelism Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠@liarossreads⁠Instagram: ⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠