Explore every episode of the podcast Bookish Talks with Lia
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| Welcome to Bookish Talks with Lia | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:13:28 | |
Welcome to Bookish Talks with Lia! 🎙️ I'm your host, Lia Ross Reads. This is the very first episode of a podcast that's been in the works for over a year, and I’m thrilled (and a little nervous) to finally be here with you. In this episode, I’m taking you on a journey through my personal story—how I came to know Christ, how my bookstagram community Lia Ross Reads began, and the heart behind starting this podcast. Thanks for joining me on this adventure—don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and stay tuned for more! Disclaimer: This is our first episode, so thanks for bearing with us as we iron out the sound quality and other details. We appreciate your patience and support as we get started! Connect with Lia Ross Reads:
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| Trailer | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:00:30 | |
| Ladies Love Theology Too: Empowering Women in Faith and Doctrine with Dr. Natalie Brand | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:48:29 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Dr. Natalie Brand, theologian, Bible teacher, and author of The Scuttlebutt Letters. Together, we explore why theology is crucial for every Christian woman, how understanding doctrine strengthens our faith, and how Natalie makes theology accessible, especially for women who feel intimidated by it. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Natalie Brand: Instagram: @nataliebrandauthor Books Mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Lia:
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| Crafting Christian Content with a Purpose with Oghosa Iyamu | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:29:09 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, we sit down with Oghosa Iyamu, the founder of Un.Scrambled—an online community dedicated to bringing clarity to life’s confusion through Scripture. Oghosa shares her journey as a Christian content creator and writer, providing valuable insights on living out your faith in practical ways, the challenges of creating content, and how to deepen your connection with God's Word. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Oghosa:
Books Mentioned in this Episode: -Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry by Paul David Tripp Connect with Lia:
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| Cultivating Godly Friendships with Bailey T. Hurley | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:41:28 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I sit down with Bailey T. Hurley, friendship coach and author of Together Is a Beautiful Place. We explore the beauty and challenge of building and maintaining godly friendships as Christian women. Bailey shares her insights on navigating friendship breakups, healing from past hurts, and how to foster deep, Christ-centered relationships even in the midst of busy seasons like motherhood. Whether you're looking to cultivate new friendships or strengthen existing ones, Bailey offers practical wisdom to help you live out godly friendships in a meaningful way. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Bailey:
Books Mentioned in this Episode: -The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship by Jonathan Holmes -The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming by Sally and Sarah Clarkson -Girls' Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World by Sally, Sarah & Joy Clarkson *Disclaimer: We Should Get Together by Kat Vellos and Friendfluence by Carlin Flora are not Christian books. While they offer valuable insights on the topic of friendships, there may be ideas or language in these works that do not fully align with the values and beliefs upheld by Lia Ross Reads. As always, we encourage readers to approach these resources with discernment and hold them up to the truth of Scripture. Connect with Lia:
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| Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ with Jonathan Holmes | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:40:17 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, Lia Ross sits down with Jonathan Holmes, Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling, to discuss how parents can help their children build a Christ-centered identity. Drawing from his experience in biblical counseling and insights from his new book, Grounded in Grace, Jonathan offers practical guidance on navigating the pressures teens face today. Even if you don’t have children, this episode is still relevant, as Jonathan addresses the extremes of mental health within Christian culture and the importance of a balanced, biblical approach.
Connect with Jonathan: Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @akjonathanholmes Order your copy of Jonathan’ Holmes’ new book Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ *affiliate links Books Mentioned in this Episode: -The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship by Jonathan Holmes -Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age by Melissa Kruger -Holiness by Grace: Delighting in the Joy That Is Our Strength by Bryan Chapell -Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change, Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp -Confessions by St. Augustine -Together Is a Beautiful Place: Finding, Keeping, and Loving Our Friends by Bailey T. Hurley Looking for virtual biblical counseling? Check out Fieldstone Counseling: https://fieldstonecounseling.org | |||
| Embracing God’s Strength in Our Weakness with Christine Hoover | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:33:37 | |
What if your weakness wasn’t something to hide, but the very place God wants to show His strength? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Bible teacher and author Christine Hoover to talk about her new Bible study, More Than Enough: God’s Strength in Our Weakness in 2 Corinthians. Christine shares how 2 Corinthians speaks directly to our struggles with inadequacy, and how God's power meets us right where we are. We talk about ministry life, cultural messages of self-sufficiency, and how spiritual maturity often begins with surrender. This conversation is full of encouragement, truth, and hope for anyone who has ever felt not enough. So grab your coffee or tea and let’s get started! In This Episode:
Resources and Links: Connect with Lia:
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| Reimagining Storytelling with S. D. Smith | 19 May 2025 | 00:45:30 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by S. D. Smith, author of The Green Ember Series—an adventure saga that’s captivated over a million readers. We talk about the heart behind his storytelling, the enduring impact of rabbits with swords, and his exciting new project: Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—a novel releasing alongside its very own video game! Sam shares what makes this new story special, what it's like writing a beloved prequel, and how this project blends timeless themes with a fresh format. If you love meaningful stories that stir up courage, virtue, and imagination, this conversation is for you. Mentioned in this episode:
Support the Kickstarter campaign through this link Explore S. D. Smith’s books: Connect with Sam
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| Building a Life of Discipleship with Alicia Hamilton | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:38:35 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Hamilton—an author and passionate college ministry leader with a heart for discipleship. Alicia’s work focuses on helping young adults deepen their faith in a pivotal season of life. We’ll dive into her journey of writing, ministry, and discipleship, exploring how she balances creativity with spiritual growth. You’ll also hear about her devotional, Eternity in Our Hearts, and the incredible lessons she’s learned along the way. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Alicia: Book link: Eternity in Our Hearts with Hosanna Revival Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreadsInstagram: @bookishtalkspodcast | |||
| Writing, Reading, and Laughing with Holly Mackle | 10 Mar 2025 | 00:36:39 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Holly Mackle—author, classical school librarian, and host of the Unseriously podcast. Holly wears many hats, and today, we’re diving into how she balances writing, podcasting, and working in a school library while creating meaningful content. Whether you’re a fan of her books, interested in classical education, or curious about her new podcast, this conversation is for you. Holly shares her journey into writing, her passion for helping kids engage with literature, and the joys and challenges of launching a podcast. We got a good laugh along the way, so grab your coffee or tea and join us for an insightful and fun conversation! Connect with Holly Mackle:
Connect with Lia: | |||
| Surrendering Your Motherhood to God with Hallie Dye | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:42:35 | |
In this heartfelt episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Hallie Dye, a wife, mom of three, podcaster, speaker, and author of the debut book You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have). Hallie opens up about the messy yet beautiful journey of motherhood and how surrendering to God’s grace can bring peace amidst the chaos. Whether you’re a mom feeling the pressures of the perfect motherhood narrative or someone looking for encouragement in the midst of imperfection, this conversation is for you. Hallie shares her faith journey, how she got into writing and podcasting, and practical advice on navigating the high expectations of motherhood with grace. Grab your coffee or tea and join us for a conversation filled with authenticity, wisdom, and hope. We discuss:
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| Balancing Books Through Each Season of Motherhood with Kara Ballinger | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:28:39 | |
Motherhood brings many changes, and our reading lives are no exception. In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Kara Ballinger (@thewell.read.collective), a homeschooling mom, avid reader, and the creator behind The Well Read Collective. Kara is passionate about helping women know and love God through the study of His Word, and today, she’s sharing how her reading habits have shifted through different seasons of motherhood. We discuss:
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep a thriving reading life as a busy mom, this episode is for you. Books Mentioned:
Connect with Kara: Connect with Lia: | |||
| Overcoming Reading Slumps & Bookstagram Burnout with Brandi Davis | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:27:42 | |
In this episode, Brandi Davis opens up about the struggles of reading slumps and Bookstagram burnout, offering insights and advice on how to get to the root of your reading slump and lean into finding balance. Whether you’re a book lover, a content creator, or just looking to rediscover your passion for reading, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get back on track. Listen to Brandi's previous epsiode Reading Widely and Growing Deeply with Brandi Davis Connect with Brandi:
Connect with Lia:
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| Ask Me Anything: Favorite Books, How I Find Time to Read, & a Surprise! | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:25:58 | |
In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering your questions. We're covering it all from my favorite books and how I find time to read to a surprise you might not expect. I’m also sharing a few past episodes you might love and must-read books that have shaped my faith and reading life. Grab your coffee or tea, and let’s dive in. Past Episodes Mentioned:
Books Mentioned:
Connect with Lia:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. | |||
| Becoming Trauma Aware: Providing Gospel-Centered Care with Eliza Huie | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:38:52 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Eliza Huie, a biblical counselor, speaker, and author of Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza shares her journey into biblical counseling and offers wisdom on how Christians can provide compassionate, gospel-centered support to those affected by trauma. We explore the importance of understanding trauma from a biblical perspective, how churches can become more trauma-aware, and practical ways to care for others while staying rooted in Scripture. Episode Highlights:
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Order your copy of Trauma Aware: Connect with Eliza:
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| Learning to Love God’s Word with Maggie Brown of Warmly Welcomed | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:32:09 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Maggie Brown, the founder of Warmly Welcomed. Maggie has built a vibrant online community dedicated to helping women get OUT of their heads and INTO their Bibles. Her mission is simple yet profound: to teach women to love God’s Word and live out their faith in everyday life. Maggie shares her personal journey from working on church staff to starting Warmly Welcomed, discussing her passion for deepening women’s Bible study experiences. We dive into some of the common hurdles people face when studying Scripture and explore practical tips and resources to help you stay motivated and consistent in your time with God. Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, Maggie’s insights are sure to encourage and equip you in your journey. In This Episode, We Discuss:
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Maggie Brown:
Connect with Lia:
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| Pursuing Gospel-Shaped Womanhood with Sarah Rice | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:42:04 | |
In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rice, author of Gospel-Shaped Womanhood: How Losing Yourself and Finding Your Identity in Christ Changes Everything. Sarah shares her journey of faith and how understanding our identity in Christ transforms our lives as women. We discuss the biblical truths that inspired her writing, the significance of a Jesus-centered identity in today’s culture, and the practical ways women can live out their faith daily. If you're seeking encouragement to embrace your identity in Christ and live out your calling as a woman of faith, this episode is filled with wisdom and practical insights grounded in Scripture. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @gospelshapedwomanhood Books Mentioned in This Episode: Gospel-Shaped Womanhood: How Losing Yourself and Finding Your Identity in Christ Changes Everything by Sarah Rice Connect with Lia:
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| Reforming Your Shelves with Pastor Adam Powers | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:51:03 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Adam Powers, the pastor behind @ReformedShelves on Instagram, to talk about how he came to know Christ, his love for Reformed theology, and the intentionality behind curating his personal library. If you're curious about curating a meaningful library of Christian books or diving deeper into Reformed theology, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. Episode Highlights
Connect with Adam
Books Mentioned in This Episode
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| Becoming What You Behold with Kyle Worley | 12 May 2025 | 00:51:04 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Kyle Worley—pastor, author, and co-host of the Knowing Faith Podcast. Kyle and I talk about what it really means to be at home with God through union with Christ, and how we’re all being spiritually formed every day—often without realizing it. We dive into his books, Home with God and Formed for Fellowship, and explore how beholding God changes everything. If you’ve ever wondered how theology fits into your everyday life or what spiritual formation really looks like, this conversation will leave you encouraged and grounded in truth. Purchase Kyle's Books: Connect with Kyle:
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| Reading Widely and Growing Deeply with Brandi Davis | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:44:52 | |
In this episode, I chat with Brandi Davis, the bookworm behind @becomingbookbybook, about her journey into Christian bookstagram and how reading widely has helped her grow deeply in her walk with Christ. Brandi shares the rewards of curating her platform, how she selects books for her community and the challenges of balancing life and content creation. If you're looking for inspiration to dive deeper into solid Christian books, this episode is full of encouragement and practical insights. Episode Highlights:
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Lia:
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| Building a Theological Library for God’s Glory with Walter Shaw | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:39:20 | |
In this episode, we chat with Walter Shaw, the Christian book reviewer behind @wtsreads. Walter dives into his journey with Christian books, sharing his testimony, the mission of WTS Reads, and practical advice for building a theological library that strengthens your faith. Whether you're new to theological books or looking to deepen your reading, this episode is packed with insights on curating a collection that glorifies God. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Walter:
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Tim Challie’s Daily Kindle Deals: https://www.challies.com/kindle-deals-for-christians/ Connect with Lia:
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| Breaking Free from Bad Theology: How Books Helped Shape My Faith | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:20:59 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I open up about my experience of breaking free from bad theology, especially after a close friend walked away from their faith. Though this season was difficult, the Lord led me to a high view of Scripture, which became my anchor through the challenges. I'll discuss the books that played a crucial role in helping me rediscover biblical truth and how they shaped my understanding of God. Tune in for an honest conversation about how God used both Scripture and these books to transform my thinking and deepen my love for sound doctrine. Episode Highlights:
Books Mentioned In This Episode:
Connect with Lia:
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| Nurturing Your Kids into Faithful Followers of Jesus with Chris Ammen of Kaleidoscope | 05 May 2025 | 00:42:50 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, we’re discussing how to disciple your children without the pressure. If the idea of discipling your kids feels overwhelming or if you’ve ever wondered if you’re qualified, you’re not alone. Chris Ammen, a children’s pastor and father of four, has been there. Chris shares insights from his debut book, Raising Disciples at Home: Nurturing Your Kids into Faithful Followers of Jesus. He explains how parents can embrace their weaknesses and depend on God in the process of discipling their kids. We’ll discuss key truths about discipleship, including how God is the one ultimately guiding your child’s faith journey and how discipleship is about God shaping us as parents as well. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or unqualified in the area of discipling your kids, this conversation will encourage and equip you. Episode Highlights:
Resources Mentioned: Dwell Differently Connect with Chris Ammen:
Connect with Lia: If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation. | |||
| Living the Christian Life in College and Beyond | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:19:11 | |
In this episode, I'm sharing a more personal conversation in light of graduation season. Whether you're heading to college, graduating, a parent cheering someone on, or just curious about my story, this episode is for you. I’m taking you back to my early days as a new believer in college — the struggles, the joys, and the simple habits that kept me grounded in my faith through college and into post-grad life. I hope it encourages you (or someone you love) to walk closely with Jesus through every new season. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Lia: | |||
| Taking the Ultimate Bookstore Road Trip with Meagan Robertson | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:36:10 | |
What’s better than visiting one bookstore? Visiting five—in a single day! In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Meagan Robertson, host of the Faith and Fables podcast, to chat all about her epic 12-hour road trip from North Carolina to Tennessee for McKay’s 50th anniversary celebration. Meagan, along with her friends (and her baby!), hit the road to explore multiple McKay’s locations, and she’s sharing all the details of this unforgettable adventure. We talk about what it’s like to plan a book-lover’s dream trip, how to make it work with a little one in tow, and why McKay’s holds such a special place in our hearts. If you’ve ever dreamed of a bookstore crawl or love the thrill of secondhand book finds, this episode is for you. Note: We had some audio issues during recording due to internet connection, so the sound quality may not be perfect. We apologize for any distractions, but we hope you still enjoy this fun conversation! Episode Highlights
Connect with Meagan: Bookstagram: @robertson.reads Podcast: @faithandfables Connect with Lia: | |||
| Bringing a Bookstore to Life with Deidre Lail | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:38:10 | |
Have you ever dreamed of turning your love for books into a real-life bookstore? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Deidre Lail—bookstagrammer, book lover, and now bookshop owner of My Chapter House in downtown Hickory, NC. Deidre shares her journey of bringing a bookstore to life—from the first sparks of the dream to the decision to buy a shop and make it her own. We chat about what it’s really like to run a bookshop with her family, how she curates titles with her community in mind, and what she's learned along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a space where stories and people meet, this one’s for you. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Deidre: @libraryaroundthecorner - Bookstagram @mychapterhouse - Bookshop Connect with Lia: | |||
| Celebrating Christian Book Month with Korrie Johnson of Good Book Mom | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:39:00 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Korrie Johnson, the founder of Good Book Mom—a go-to resource for Christian families seeking quality, God-honoring reads. Korrie and I talk all things Christian Book Month—what it is, why it matters, and how you can get involved in supporting Christian authors and diving into gospel-centered books. From her faith journey and book curation process to practical recommendations for families, this conversation is full of encouragement and bookish goodness! Episode Highlights:
Connect with Korrie:
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| Slowing Down and Embracing Rest with Samantha Decker | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:43:45 | |
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Samantha Decker, author of Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the constant hustle or are craving more space to rest in God’s peace, this conversation is for you. Episode Highlights:
Connect with Samantha Decker: Instagram: @samanthadeckerwrites Substack: samanthadecker.substack.com Website: samanthadeckerwrites.com Buy Unhurried: Book Link Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Lia: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs encouragement in slowing down and finding rest in God. | |||
| Healing from the Pain of Friendship Breakups with Tabitha Panariso | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:50:58 | |
Friendship breakups can be just as painful as any other form of rejection, leaving us feeling lost and hurt. In this episode, I sit down with Tabitha Panariso, Christian counselor and author of Loyal in His Love, to talk about navigating the grief of losing a close friendship. We discuss why friendship breakups can be so painful, how to process the emotions that come with them, and how Christ’s faithfulness offers healing and hope. Tabitha also answers listener questions on knowing when to let go, dealing with guilt, and whether every friendship needs closure. Episode Highlights
Listen to Episode #3 of Bookihs Talks with Lia, Cultivating Godly Friendships with Bailey T. Hurley (Apple or Spotify) Scriptures mentioned: Psalms 136, Romans 8:37-39 Disclaimer: Sozo is mentioned in this episode in reference to the Greek word σῴζω, meaning to save, deliver, heal, or make whole (e.g., Acts 16:31, Mark 5:34, Matthew 8:25). This reference is simply to the biblical meaning. Connect with Tabitha Loyal in His Love - Buy the book Substack: tabithapanariso.substack.com Instagram: @tabithapanariso Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreadsInstagram: @bookishtalkspodcast | |||