Another Year in the Books

Welcome back to Part 3 and the final част of our interview with Kivi Yovchev, English teacher, culture and literature conversationalist, and comedy savant! Kivi finishes our in-depth conversation about Bulgarian literature, with some rapid fire questions about Bulgarians' hopes and struggles today. You won't want to miss it! As always, like, subscribe, and leave a comment~ We are want to hear from our listeners about your AYITB experience!

Welcome back to Part 2 of our interview with Kivi Yovchev, English teacher, culture and literature conversationalist, and comedy savant!~We sit down with Kivi, continuing our in-depth conversation about Bulgarian literature, in addition to discussing some of Bulgarians' hopes and struggles today. Stay tuned for Part 3!

We sit down with Bulgarian-English teacher, Kivi Yovchev, for an in-depth conversation about Bulgarian culture, literature, and Kivi's story as well.

We’ll just say it: we’re unapologetic Star Wars nerds. And we’re not even a little embarrassed. Well...maybe a little ; )So what do Star Wars, Mammon lurking in the background of our modern culture, and the art of great storytelling have to do with Another Year in the Books?Everything.In this episode of AYITB, we dive into the galaxy far, far away—not just for nostalgia—but to uncover what it reveals about power, worship, formation, and the stories that shape our souls. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we promise this: you’ll laugh with us, think deeply with us, and maybe even see the world a little differently as we look at it through the lens of the Word.Because Star Wars has a lot to teach us about storytelling… just not in the way you might expect.Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode! And keep your eyes on the horizon—our next drop features a special interview you absolutely won’t want to miss.As always~ Read slow. Watch well. Think deep.

What do E.T., Toy Story, and It's a Wonderful Life have in common? Eric Harvey—movie man, tax enthusiast, Netflix knower, and sound-system aficionado (not to mention dad, husband, and heir with Christ on High). That’s right, this is PART THREE of having this man on the podcast. Everyone who knows Eric loves Eric—and after hearing his charming voice, jovial laugh, and thoughtful insights from the last two weeks , we’re confident you already do too. Let's all give him a big hand for being on the podcast and bringing a smile to each of our faces : )Thanks, as always, for joining us on AYITB: Another Year in the Books. Be sure to stay tuned for our next baller ep—dropping next week—you won’t want to miss it.Don't forget to "like" and "subscribe" !Read slow. Watch well. Think deep.

Eric Harvey—movie guy, tax enthusiast, Netflix knower, and sound-system aficionado (not to mention dad, husband, and heir with Christ on High). That’s right, this is PART TWO of having this man on the podcast this week. Everyone who knows Eric loves Eric—and after hearing his charming voice, jovial laugh, and thoughtful insights from last week's episode, we’re confident you already do too.Thanks, as always, for joining us on AYITB: Another Year in the Books. Be sure to stay tuned for Part 3, dropping next week—you won’t want to miss it... and you know you are wanting to push that "like" and "subscribe" button!Read slow. Watch well. Think deep.

Eric Harvey—movie guy, tax enthusiast, Netflix knower, and sound-system aficionado (not to mention dad, husband, and heir with Christ on High). That’s right, we have the pleasure of welcoming this man on the podcast this week. Everyone who knows Eric loves Eric—and after hearing his charming voice, jovial laugh, and thoughtful insights, we’re confident you will too.Thanks, as always, for joining us on AYITB: Another Year in the Books. Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2, dropping next week—you won’t want to miss it.Read slow. Watch well. Think deep.

Thanks for listening to the first episode of AYITB in 2026! Like, subscribe, and drop below in the comments your favorite books from your reading list in 2025. Here are our recommendations (and links to find them online)! Best Fiction: The Yearling - Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: https://www.amazon.com/Yearling-Aladdin-Classics-Marjorie-Rawlings/dp/0689846231/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3qGAfVmhQ6JSs20oX1JPHxDV4Lh2RA_Blb5EAGOgcKLGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.VbMys29E5qxEQ8hVH9191sIZYjiZk3Wh02AldkIMYjM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+yearling+rawlings&qid=1768134842&s=books&sr=1-1Non-Fiction: Farmer Boy - Laura Ingalls Wilder: https://www.littlehousebooks.com/books/9780064400039/farmer-boyBest Sci-Fi: I, Robot - Isaac Asimov: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/5681/i-robot-by-isaac-asimov/Best Historical: Flags of our Fathers - James Bradley: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/242973/flags-of-our-fathers-by-james-bradley-with-ron-powers/Also from Historical: Turning Points - Mark Noll: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540964885_turning-pointsBest Christian Living: Mastering Life - Robert J. Morgan: https://www.robertjmorgan.com/shop/mastering-life-before-its-too-late-paperback-edition/Best Sports: The Perfect Pass - S.C. Gwynne: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Perfect-Pass/S-C-Gwynne/9781501116209Best Marriage: You and Me, Forever - Francis and Lisa Chan: https://crazy-love-store.myshopify.com/collections/you-and-me-forever-all/products/you-and-me-foreverBest Parenting: Whole Brain Child - Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/Best Family: Family Driven Faith - Voddie Baucham: https://www.voddiebaucham.org/books/Best Theology: Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/biblical-critical-theoryBest Missions: Grit to Stay, Grace to Go - Sue Eenigenburg: https://missionbooks.org/products/grit-to-stay-grace-to-go?srsltid=AfmBOopkwTM7NPvBkD23Jh_2vfK2VbNwWuNNTy3a2NN2otTb2oSiBGhS Brenton’s Book of the Year: Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/116232/anne-of-green-gables-by-lm-montgomery/Jacob’s Book of the Year: Mastering Life - Robert J. Morgan (see above)For Brenton's full reading list from the year, here is the link: <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapstick4life%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0344BNCUEJTAY5G7jB9oQxWGmfxoccvYq55Yh3DZMj9aNEzuM5fZyPTnBvLDVWpmgil&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="272" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>In our next episode, we sit down with movie fanatic and tax devotee, Eric Harvey, for a peek into the world of film, sound, and movie experience. You will not want to miss it! Until next time...Read slow. Think deep.

From Papa Panov, to the Toy that Saved Christmas, from Phil Spector to the Polar Express and more, the Christmas season is full of great books, music, and movies!Listen in for some of our holiday favorites, and share yours in the comments below! Spread the holiday cheer by sharing this episode with a friend and a family member : )We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the AYITB team!

Fifty years after its 1975 release, Jaws still hits hard—especially on the IMAX screen. Join us as we dive into our review of this iconic film.We’re grateful you joined us for this bonus episode. Like, subscribe, and tell a friend about AYITB—Another Year in the Books! 📚🎥🦈Read slow. Think deep.

Meet Anne Shirley—the bold and audacious girl—who turned a quiet community upside down and gave the world a story of wonder, grace, and second chances!This episode your favorite podcast hosts dive into L.M. Montgomerys classics, Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea. These two did not disappoint! You will want to grab your own copy of Anne of Green Gables and dive into this world of rich vibrancy, where carrots and freckles can mean beauty, too.Like, subscribe, and leave a review — we just passed 100 downloads (thank you!!). Share with a friend. Read slow. Think deep.

Remember, there are TWO of you!Thanks for listening to AYITB! Today, we finish up with the last chapter of Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Join us for lots of laughter as we discuss the Christian life with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As always, join us for encouragement and practical insights on AYITB!We encourage you to purchase a copy of Mastering Life, ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

🎬 Ever wondered what your favorite podcast hosts love about movies? Curious what our top five favorite films of all time are? BEHOLD—your episode has arrived!Drop a comment below with your hot takes, bold disagreements, and declarations of heresy! Tell us why our top five lists are the greatest (and obviously most accurate) in movie history.While we normally dive deep into the world of books, today’s bonus episode takes a delightful detour off the beaten path and straight into the land of the silver screen. 🍿We hope you enjoy this special episode of AYITB!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more exciting content—interviews with heralded guests, lively discussions, and plenty more from your favorite podcast!

Practice the Power of Plodding!Listen in to Another Year In The Books (AYITB), as we discuss chapter nine of Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Join us for lots of laughter and discussion, in terms of faithfully laboring in the tasks of life that take perseverance. As always, join us for encouragement and practical insights on AYITB!We encourage you to purchase a copy of Mastering Life, ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

Got JOY?Listen in to our tenth episode of Another Year In The Books (AYITB), as we discuss chapter eight of Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Join us for lots of laughter and discussion, as we think about joy and its role in Godly-living. As always, whether you’re an avid reader, a couch potato, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights on AYITB!We encourage you to purchase a copy of Mastering Life, ⁠here⁠. Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

Looking for the perfect book to speak into your current season of life? We've got you covered.In this week’s episode of AYITB, we’re diving into a powerful stack of book recommendations that will meet you right where you are—whether you're in a season of growth, married with kids, or just looking for a good book!We had the absolute joy of sitting down with Micah and Taryn Wilson—pastor, family, and dear friends—who opened up about the books that have truly transformed their lives. From timeless spiritual classics to fresh perspectives on parenting and marriage, there's something here for every heart and bookshelf. Lucky you, this is Part Number Two!So whether you're a voracious reader, a self-proclaimed couch potato, or simply someone on a journey to walk closer with Christ, this episode is packed with encouragement, insight, and inspiration.📚 Tap the links below to order the books mentioned and start building a library that fuels your soul.Subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned—because future episodes are bringing even more thought-provoking conversations, meaningful interviews, and life-giving truth.Read slow. Think deep.-----Parenting - Paul David Tripp: https://store.paultripp.com/collections/parentingFamily Driven Faith - Voddi Baucham: https://www.voddiebaucham.org/books/Purposeful and Persistent Parenting - John and Cindy Raquet: https://freegracepress.com/products/purposeful-and-persistent-parentingAnne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery: https://www.rhcbooks.com/books/226003/anne-of-green-gables-complete-8-book-box-set-by-l-m-montgomeryThe Marriage-Builder - Larry Crabb: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/the-marriage-builder/?srsltid=AfmBOoofWRPvjjx-oMCcYV5rL5hoqpoXfcW6Ia6Jt2L67UrbYJNuR0MnBiblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/biblical-critical-theory

Looking for the perfect book to speak into your current season of life? We've got you covered.In this week’s episode of AYITB, we’re diving into a powerful stack of book recommendations that will meet you right where you are—whether you're in a season of growth, rest, transition, or seeking deeper faith.We had the absolute joy of sitting down with Micah and Taryn Wilson—pastor, family, and dear friends—who opened up about the books that have truly transformed their lives. From timeless spiritual classics to fresh perspectives on leadership and faith, there's something here for every heart and bookshelf. And this is only "Part One"!💡 Bonus nugget of wisdom from this week’s conversation:“Leaders are readers.”So whether you're a voracious reader, a self-proclaimed couch potato, or simply someone on a journey to walk closer with Christ, this episode is packed with encouragement, insight, and inspiration.📚 Tap the links below to order the books mentioned and start building a library that fuels your soul.Subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned—because future episodes are bringing even more thought-provoking conversations, meaningful interviews, and life-giving truth.Read slow. Think deep.-----Reading the Bible Supernaturally - John Piper: https://www.desiringgod.org/books/reading-the-bible-supernaturallyFuture Grace - John Piper: https://www.desiringgod.org/books/future-graceThe Things of Earth - Joe Rigney: https://canonpress.com/products/the-things-of-earth-treasuring-god-by-enjoying-his-gifts-2nd-ed?srsltid=AfmBOoppus8r6WVPfocmdA82FCW8s1aIO69rcjA7LbitUD_ogk8K1Pe7The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien: https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0544003411The Gospel Comes with a House Key - Rosaria Butterfield: https://rosariabutterfield.com/the-gospel-comes-with-a-house-key

LIVE AS IF!Welcome to this week’s episode of AYITB – Another Year in the Books, where we dive into Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Join Jacob and Brent as they explore how to live life to the fullest before it’s too late! In Chapter Seven, we focus on the powerful idea of determination... and living as if. Whether you’re an avid reader, a couch potato, or someone seeking a deeper walk with Christ, AYITB offers encouragement and practical insights for everyone.Get your copy of Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late here:https://www.robertjmorgan.com/shop/mastering-life-before-its-too-late-paperback-edition/Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must-read!Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts. You won’t want to miss upcoming episodes filled with inspiring content, meaningful conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

Have You Ever Operated on Yourself?Welcome to this week’s episode of AYITB—Another Year in the Books, where we discuss Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Chapter Six explores what it means to “operate on yourself.” Through masterful storytelling and real-life application, this week’s chapter sets up another fantastic episode of AYITB. Sit down with Jacob and Brenton as they talk about how to master life—before it’s too late.As always, whether you’re an avid reader, a couch potato, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights on AYITB.Grab your copy of Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late:(https://www.robertjmorgan.com/shop/mastering-life-before-its-too-late-paperback-edition/)Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must-read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts—you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes filled with inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

Are You Exhausted? Pull Off at Rest Stops!Welcome to this week’s episode of AYITB—Another Year in the Books, as we discuss Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Pastor Rob Morgan writes in Chapter Five that, in order to live a purposeful, well-mastered life, one must rest well. Jacob and Brenton, through laughter and personal reflection, discuss the practice of pulling off at rest stops. Purposeful rest is a sign of strength, not weakness! As always, whether you’re an avid reader, a couch potato, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights on AYITB.Grab your copy of Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: (https://www.robertjmorgan.com/shop/mastering-life-before-its-too-late-paperback-edition/).Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must-read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts—you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes filled with inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

Do you have “a Standing Appointment with God”? “Maximize the Morning”!Welcome to this week’s episode of AYITB, Another Year In The Books, as we discuss Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. In Chapter Four, Pastor Rob writes that every believer seeking to live a “mastered life” before the LORD, must have an appointed time with Him and Him Word, daily. Jacob and Brenton discuss, through laughter and personal study, the art of having a ‘time in the chair’ and how starting the day with God’s Word is an crucial aspect of purposeful-Christian living. As always, whether you’re an avid reader, a couch potato, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights on AYITB!We encourage you to purchase a copy of Mastering Life : (https://www.robertjmorgan.com/shop/mastering-life-before-its-too-late-paperback-edition/). Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

CLEAR THE DECKS!Welcome to the third episode of Another Year In The Books (AYITB)! Chapter three of Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose is “Clear the Decks!”Join us for lots of laughter and discussion, as we think about cleanliness and its role in productivity and purposeful living. As always, whether you’re an avid reader, a couch potato, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights on AYITB!We encourage you to purchase a copy of Mastering Life, here. Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s book is a must read!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

What are Robert J. Morgan’s secrets to mastering life?Welcome to episode two of Another Year In The Books (AYITB)! This week, your hosts, Jacob and Brenton, get into chapter two of Dr. Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. As always, there is lots of laughter and reflection on what it means to live with purpose. Whether you’re an avid reader, book-averse, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights on AYITB!Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think deep.

Want to know the secret to mastering life?Welcome to the very first episode of Another Year In The Books (AYITB)! Hosts Jacob and Brenton dive into chapter one of Robert J. Morgan’s Mastering Life Before It’s Too Late: 10 Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose. Along the way, they laugh, share stories, and reflect on living with meaning in their unique contexts. Whether you’re an avid reader, book-averse, or someone seeking to walk more closely with Christ, you’ll find encouragement and practical insights here.Subscribe and leave a review with your thoughts — you won’t want to miss upcoming episodes full of inspiring content, deep conversations, and special interviews!Read slow. Think Deep