The Writing Room with Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart: Recent Episodes
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Authors Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart have helped hundreds of writers push their words from the crazy-dream stage to holding books with actual bar codes. After a bunch of years in publishing and bunch of books launched, Bob and Kim have found that, like most things, writing works best when tackled with good friends. The Writing Room is a place where authors talk shop, stoke their curiosity, and get the nudge we all need to finish our work.
In this week’s episode from the archives, we brought back a conversation with our dear friend, Stephen Miller. Stephen is a creator and entrepreneur who you may know from, The Miller Fam, a channel that displays the beauty of diversity and adoption featuring his large, diverse, adoptive family of nine. With over fifteen years of ministry in some of the nation’s largest churches, Stephen has recorded six studio albums and is the author of Liberating King, Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars, and most recently The Art of Getting it Wrong.
Connect with Stephen: @stephenmiller
Check out The Miller Fam on YouTube
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
In this episode, Kimberly Stuart and I are joined by our dear friend, Megan Fate Marshman, who is determined to use her life to spread hope, share truth, and celebrate others. We discuss the concept of finding relaxation and confidence in God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Megan shares her personal journey of grief and how she learned to rely on God's strength and guidance. We hope this conversation encourages you to embrace a lifestyle of relaxation and trust in God.
Connect with Megan: @meganfate
Grab a copy of her new book, “Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Does Not Worry About a Thing”: https://www.meganfate.com/shop/p/relaxed-book
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
In this episode of The Writing Room, Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart welcome Davey Blackburn, author of "Nothing is Wasted." Davey shares his story of loss, grief, and redemption, providing valuable insights for anyone considering writing their own story. They discuss the process of transforming personal pain into a narrative that can help others, the importance of journaling, and the challenges of writing about deeply personal experiences.
Davey's Book: "Nothing is Wasted" - https://www.nothingiswasted.com/book
Davey's Ministry: Nothing is Wasted Ministries - https://www.nothingiswasted.com/
Instagram: @daveyblackburn
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Tune in to this super fun segment from a recent live podcast recording. Bob and Kim tackle a wide range of questions presented by audience members, exploring everything from where the writing process begins to what role grace has recently played in their lives. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Bob and Kim sit down with Jessica Patay, who recently published 'Becoming Brave Together’. In this episode, Jessica opens up about her journey as a first-time author, sharing the heartfelt stories of caregiving moms. She shares her personal story of raising a child with Prader-Willi syndrome and the inspiration to compile an anthology from 22 writers, all caregiving moms, sharing stories about extreme and extraordinary caregiving of their children. Explore the challenges she faced, the lessons learned, and the profound impact her book aims to make.
Connect with Jessica: @wearebravetogether
Check out Jessica’s book: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/book
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Bob and Kim are joined by their friend, Wm. Paul Young, author of 'The Shack.' Paul shares his journey as a writer and offers some personal insights on the writing process. He emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and not attaching one's identity to the outcome of their writing. He encourages writers to trust the ripples and participate in the moment, rather than being driven by fear or expectations.
Connect with Paul: @wmpaulyoung
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Today Kim and I get to talk shop with my good friend and musician, Crowder. Listen in as we learn about his process of creating and releasing music, the challenge of being misunderstood, and the importance of finding fresh language to communicate familiar ideas. The conversation highlights the need for curiosity, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace new perspectives in creative endeavors.
Be sure to check out Crowder’s latest release, The EXILE: https://crowder.lnk.to/theexile
Connect with Crowder: @crowder
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
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Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
Kimberly Stuart and I were delighted to have Sweet Maria join us for an episode of the Writing Room podcast. We talk about our motivations for writing, the importance of capturing personal stories, and the impact of writing on future generations. They also provide tips on capturing ideas, organizing thoughts, and finding the right voice for your writing.
Connect with Maria: @sweetmariagoff
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim.
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop Sept 16-18. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps!
In this episode, Bob and Kim discuss practical tips for spreading the word about your book, including speaking engagements, social media, and podcasting. They also explore the balance between being inspired by other writers and ensuring your writing is authentic. You can also expect to gain insights on developing your writing voice, using outlines and wireframes, and finding fresh perspectives on familiar themes. Other topics of discussion include the use of humor and landing important ideas in your writing.
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim.
Today, Bob and Kim are chatting with their incredibly inspiring friend, Katherine Wolf, who navigates life’s storm with grace better than anyone we know. Katherine shares personal insights to the power of empathy, the beauty of community, and the value of reflecting on our experiences. Let's listen together as she shares her personal experiences and speaks to the redeeming power of hope.
Be sure to grab a copy of Katherine's newest release, "Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections on Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting".
Connect with Katherine: @hopeheals, @hopeheals.camp, @mendcoffee
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim
In today's episode, Bob and Kim are joined by their friend Jess Connolly. Join us as we unpack a bit of the writing process and discuss the role of feedback and crowdsourcing in writing, as well as the balance between input and maintaining one's own writing style.
Jess's new book, “Tired of Being Tired: Receive God's Realistic Rest for Your Soul-Deep Exhaustion”, released this week. I hope you'll pick up a copy wherever you buy books.
Connect with Jess: @jessaconnolly
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim
In this episode of the Writing Room podcast, Bob and Kim are joined by John Inazu, a law professor and author of an upcoming release, "Learning to Disagree". Join this trio of storytellers as they explore the intersection of law, life, and writing, inviting listeners into a space where understanding triumphs over division. If you're seeking inspiration to infuse empathy into your narratives, this episode promises a wealth of insights and practical wisdom.
John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. Inazu is also the author of Liberty's Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly and Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference. He is co-editor (with Tim Keller) of Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference. Inazu is also the founder of The Carver Project and the Legal Vocation Fellowship and a Senior Fellow with Interfaith America, where he co-directs (with Eboo Patel) the Newbigin Fellows.
Connect with John: @johninazu
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Join Bob and Kim for the next Writer’s Workshop at The Oaks: April 22-24
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim
In this episode, Bob and Kim answer some your of questions about the many aspects of the writing process. They cover topics including finding a literary agent, self-publishing, writing for a specific audience, organizing chapters, setting aside time for writing, and the feeling of finishing a book. Their fun-filled conversation provides practical tips and encouragement for aspiring authors.
Connect with Bob: @BobGoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop April 22-24.
Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps!
Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart welcome Lee Strobel to the Writing Room. As they delve into Lee's latest book, "Is God Real?", they explore the art of crafting persuasive arguments and engaging storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, you'll find inspiration and practical advice for tackling big questions and engaging your audience.
Connect with Lee: @Lee_Strobel
Connect with Bob: @BobGoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer’s Workshop:
April 22-24
Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps!
In this conversation, Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart interview Amanda Held Opelt, author of her latest release “Holy Unhappiness”. They discuss the myth of a blessed life and the pressure to always be happy. Amanda shares her personal journey of vocational angst and the struggle to find happiness in her work.
They explore the importance of curiosity and permission to feel, challenging expectations, and embracing hard feelings. The conversation also touches on the role of humility and authenticity in writing, dealing with misunderstandings, and knowing when a writing project is finished.
Connect with Amanda: @amandaheldopelt
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Join Bob and Kim for a Writer’s Workshop at The Oaks:
February 26-28
April 22-24
Today Bob and Kim are joined by the wonderful, Shauna Niequist. We focus on the authenticity of voice in writing, with Shauna emphasizing the value of humility and humor. You’ll also learn about Shauna’s writing journey and discover the art of being a friend through the written word. We hope you walk away from this conversation with a heartfelt reminder to embrace your true selves, connect with readers, and create a space for growth and change.
Connect with Shauna: @sniequist
Join Shauna on Substack
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Join Bob and Kim for a Writer’s Workshop at The Oaks:
February 26-28
April 22-24
Kim joins Bob in the studio again this week! Listen in as they highlight the importance of relatability and vulnerability in writing, stressing the significance of fostering hope and positivity. Bob and Kim encourage writers to prioritize readers and draw inspiration from everyday experiences. Let’s learn to connect with readers through authenticity and discover strategies to fuel creativity.
Join Bob and Kim for a Writer’s Workshop at The Oaks:
February 26-28
April 22-24
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
In this episode of The Writing Room, Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart are in the studio discussing the journey of getting started with writing. Listen in as they share personal stories about their writing beginnings, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and breaking down the writing process into manageable steps.
We all have one or two books in us and Bob wants to help you tackle your writing goals in 2024. Here are a few workshops and courses that can help you take actionable steps in your writing journey:
Writer’s Workshops with Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart at the Oaks
February 26-28
April 22-24
Writing Coaching with Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart
Interactive Facebook Writing Course starting January 11th
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberlystuart.writes
Bob and Kim are delighted to welcome Paula Faris to the Writing Room today. Paula is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, podcaster, speaker, and best-selling author. She spent nine years at ABC News, where she was a co-anchor of Good Morning America’s weekend edition, cohost of The View, and host of the Journeys of Faith podcast. Paula is the founder of CARRY Media, a multimedia platform that advocates for working moms. And perhaps most importantly, she is the mother of three and is passionate about encouraging her children to be good humans and to become all they were uniquely created to be.
Check out her latest book, “Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”.
Follow Paula: @paulafaris
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberley.stuart.writes
Philip Yancey is an award-winning author, renowned theologian, and influential speaker who has touched the hearts and minds of millions with his profound insights and captivating storytelling. He has written thirteen Gold Medallion Award–winning books and won two ECPA Book of the Year awards, for What’s So Amazing About Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew. Four of his books have sold over one million copies. With the revised and updated edition of his classic book, What’s So Amazing About Grace? Yancey continues to inspire readers with his deep understanding of grace and its transformative power. He lives with his wife in Colorado.
Philip’s Books
Connect with Philip on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
This week in the Writing Room, we welcome the wonderful Jennifer Dukes Lee. As an award-winning journalist with experience in long-form fiction and currently serving as an acquisitions editor at a major publishing house, Jennifer shares insights into her history in the writing world with us today. Jennifer shares insights into genre-shifting journey, the pivotal role of support in the creative process, and her unique method of writing the ending before the beginning of her books. Join hosts Bob and Kim, with guest Jennifer, as they share valuable insights into the publishing world and the art of storytelling.
Jennifer’s Recent Book
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Jennifer: @jenniferdukeslee
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Sissy Goff joins us in the Writing Room today. First things first, we get to the bottom of the age-old question: "Are Bob and Sissy related?". Sissy Goff is a seasoned counselor with over 30 years of experience in working with children and families through her work at DayStar Counseling. She's written her thirteenth book, "The Worry-Free Parent: Living in Confidence So Your Kids Can Too", and we are talking about it today. In this episode, Bob, Kim, and Sissy explore the intricate process of turning emotions into writing and the intersection of anxiety and creativity for authors. Sissy shares wisdom on helping authors and people overcome their own barriers, offers advice for authors interested in addressing mental health issues, and gives some tips on how to write amidst life's other commitments.
Sissy's book
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Sissy: @sissygoff
Bob and Kim are delighted to welcome 4x bestselling author, Alli Worthington to the Writing Room today. In this episode, they are exploring the world of writing, creativity, and finding your unique voice. Tune in for conversations around staying true to yourself in writing, the power of collaboration and the benefits it reaps for authors, and the significance of listening to your community and incorporating their feedback into your work.
Her latest book, “Remaining You While Raising Them: The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood”, is out now. Grab your copy at alliworthington.com.
Follow Alli: @alliworthington
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Jason VanRuler is a licensed therapist who is known for his ability to relate and connect with his clients and offer hope to those who have felt hopeless. He has an engaged and rapidly growing online audience that he uses in his best interest to reach the world around him. In today's bonus episode, we discuss strategies to captivate and engage your audience and how to foster a community around your work.
In his new book, "Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection", Jason invites readers to address past pain and hurt as the first step to finding healing and authentic connection. Grab your copy: jasonvr.com/book
Follow Jason: @jason.vanruler
We welcome Levi to the Writing Room today. Levi Lusko is an author, Founder and Lead Pastor of Fresh Life Church, and dear friend of ours. He is a kicker when it comes to jumping between genres and writing to different age groups. In today’s episode, he is sharing all about his newest book: Marvel at the Moon, a 90-day Devotional for Kids. In addition, we take off on exploring the topics of collaboration between illustrators and authors, the art of turning everyday things into creative written expressions, and core writing ideas. Tune in!
Grab a copy of Levi's new book
It’s just Bob and Kim on the mic today! As we bid farewell to summer, they are wrapping up a time full of adventures and valuable lessons - probably like most of you. Tune in to get an update on their summer writing experiences, a glimpse into their individual writing styles, and receive practical advice on where to begin if you’re considering tackling a new book or two after the summer break.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
As we approach the tail end of summer, both Bob and Kim are spending these last few moments alongside friends, family, and wrapping up those adventures they always find themselves on. In this weeks episode from the archives, we brought back a conversation with our great friend, Kate Bowler. Kate is an incredible writer who draws from her own remarkable journeys and fosters an atmosphere of authenticity and vulnerability that invite readers in so well.
Make the most of the final days of summer! Eat a popsicle when you think of us. Tune in and we'll see you soon.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
As we approach the tail end of summer, both Bob and Kim are spending these last few moments alongside friends, family, and wrapping up those adventures they always find themselves on. In this weeks episode from the archives, we brought back a conversation with our dear friend, Sean Dietirch. Sean is an amazing storyteller and really knows how to captivate the hearts of readers.
Make the most of the final days of summer! Eat a popsicle when you think of us. Tune in and we'll see you soon.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
We’re thrilled to have Bianca, a long-time friend, full of faith, and great wit on the podcast today. She’s a best-selling author, co-lead pastor at The Father's House in Orange County and has a deep passion for people. In today’s episode, we discuss Bianca's overall motivations for writing and explore why the idea of not quitting is crucial for authors. In addition, we dive into how to respond when faced with book proposal rejections or setbacks, and explore what it means for authors to write with purpose and how it affects their work.
We chat about the message of hope behind her latest book, “Grit Don’t Quit” which is available for pre-order now and hits the shelves August 29th! Grab one: biancaolthoff.com/gd
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Bianca: @biancaolthoff
A special friend joins Bob and Kim on this episode! Grace is an author, speaker and pillar in empowering leadership and spiritual growth. Today we are talking the specifics on how to get your ambitions started, how to show up in big ways and the progression of getting your drafts done.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Grace: @gracewabukeklein
Order Grace’s new book!
Our good friend, Bryan Norman, hops on the Writing Room today. If you enjoy any of Bob’s books, Bryan’s fingerprints have been on them. Bryan is a sought after literary agent who plays numerous roles in the world of writing. Today he shares great insights on crafting a compelling book, capturing the attention of editors, building your author platform and achieving your spot on bookstore shelves.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
More about Bryan
A long-time friend, who I like to call Brickell, is on the podcast today! Scott is the Founder and President of Brickhouse Entertainment and has been the manager for numerous artists over the course of his career. He took loads of wisdom from his past three decades of artist management and compiled it all into his new book, The Business Behind the Song: Navigating a Career in the Music Industry. Brickell does a great job of reminding us how everyone has a book inside of them, even when they don’t think they’re capable. Grab your pen and tune in!
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Scott: @scott_brickell
Grab Scott’s Book: a.co/d/gvRws0w
Jenny Nuccio is the Founder and CEO of Imani Collective - a social enterprise and holistic women's empowerment program in Mombasa, Kenya, committed to breaking generational poverty. Having grown up in Texas, Jenny and her family now call Kenya home. As an integral part of her Kenyan community for 10 years, her life's mission is to unleash greatness in women, locally and globally, through collaboration and equitable opportunities.
Her newest book, "Let It Be Wild", is inspried by the roots of Imani Collective and shares her journey of discovering and nurturing her wild soul that led to starting the business - inviting the reader along for the ride and challenging them to awaken their own wild soul.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Folllow Jenny: @jennynuccio
Grab her new book: jennynuccio.com
Laura McKowen is the author of the bestselling memoir, "We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life". In 2020, she founded The Luckiest Club, a global sobriety support community. She lives with her daughter and partner in Boston.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Laura: @laura_mckowen
Learn more about Laura and purchase her latest book "Push Off From Here" at lauramckowen.com
Crystal Paine is wife to Jesse, mom of six, the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, New York Times bestselling author of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and author of Love-Centered Parenting. Today we get to chatting about her newest book, "The Time-Saving Mom".
Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy, purpose, and intention in their everyday lives. She lives with her husband and kids in the Nashville, Tennessee area, where she is actively involved in her local church. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the Gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time!
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Crystal: @themoneysavingmom
Purchase her latest book, "The Time Saving Mom": MoneySavingMom.com
Ruth is a mother of five and has been a constant host to thousands of people over the years. Her and her husband Bob own a charming historic home just outside of Philadelphia. Hillside Farms is a lovely property with giant trees, rolling hills, an enourmous barn, a chicken coup and a constant stream of friends and family. For one year, they documented their life at the farm through words and photographs in hopes to encourage others to make their house a home for others as well
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Ruth: @hungryforhome
Learn more about Hungry for Home and purchase her book at hungry4home.com
Katie Davis Majors is the bestselling author of Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope. She is the founder of Amazima Ministries, an organization that desires to empower people in Uganda through authentic relationships, education, community strengthening, vocational training, and spiritual discipleship. Now living in Tennessee with her husband, Benji, and parenting their large crew together, Katie spends her average day folding laundry in her living room with little ones underfoot, chopping pounds of carrots for soup for her hungry crew, and whispering prayers to Jesus, who is still her very best friend.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Katie: @katieinuganda_
Learn more about Katie and purchase her latest book: katiedavismajors.com
Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 25 book with more than 6 million books in print. Her most recent books include Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can't Forget, and It's Not Supposed to Be This Way. She is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and has a social media reach of more than 8 million followers. Lysa writes from her family’s farm table in North Carolina.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Lysa: @lysaterkeurst
Learn more about Lysa and purchase her latest books: lysaterkeurst.com
Kate Bowler, PhD is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and an Associate Professor of American Religious History at Duke University. She studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we’re capable of change. She is the author of Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel and The Preacher’s Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities. After being unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, she penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved), No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear) and her latest written with her co-producer, Jessica Richie, Good Enough: 40ish devotionals for a Life of Imperfection. Kate hosts the Everything Happens podcast where, in warm, insightful, often funny conversations, she talks with people like Malcolm Gladwell and Anne Lamott about what they’ve learned in difficult times. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her family and continues to teach do-gooders at Duke Divinity School.
Follow Bob: @bobgoff
Follow Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
Follow Kate: @katecbowler
Learn more about Kate and purchase her latest book: katebowler.com/
Carlos Whittaker is a speaker, worship leader, social media personality, and self-professed “hope dealer” who appears at some of the largest churches in the country including Fresh Life Church, Embrace Church, and North Point Community Church, among others. In addition, he's been on stage at the Orange Conference, Catalyst, MomCon, Experience Conference, and many other key events. A People's Choice Award winner, Carlos is the author of four books including Enter Wild and his latest, How to Human. He hosts the podcast Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker (1M downloads) and has appeared on many outlets including the “Today Show,” ABC News, NPR, and CBS Early Show. Carlos lives in Nashville with his wife, Heather, and their three children. To learn more about Carlos and purchase his newest book, visit www.carloswhittaker.com.
Holding a Business Degree with an emphasis in marketing I worked in the corporate world for the first 15 years after graduating. It was at the end of those 15 years that I had the clear call of God on my life to enter vocational ministry and plant a church. So I quit my six-figure business career, the Senior Leadership Team of a $200M national healthcare company, and gave up my corner office. I burned the ships! I enrolled in Talbot Theological Seminary and graduated two years later. After graduating I planted a non-denominational Bible teaching church in 2006. I have watched it grow from 25 people in a backyard to celebrate Easter each year with over 5000 people, a permanent campus, and a multi-staff of over 70. My wife, Stacey, and I have been married for 34 years, have 3 married kids, and 2 grandkids. We still love each other and we love our church. My life story is the story of God’s grace. Now I want to share some of the grace with other Lead Pastors.
Jessye Wilden lives with her husband, Ryan, and their children in Mount Shasta, California, where bears rattle the garbage cans and deer occasionally pose dramatically in the backyard. As a family they are passionate about snow skiing, adventuring in their camping trailer, and dancing in the kitchen. Jessye continues to write and speak to groups using her unique perspective and exciting storytelling to help others hold onto goodness when life hurts most; when she has some spare time, she enjoys date nights with her husband or reading a book in the sunshine with a giant cup of coffee.
Jason spent the first decade and a half of his career traveling widely as a speaker. In 2015, Jason and his wife, Andrea, moved to Fishers, IN to launch Parkside Church with an amazing group of people. Today, he continues to lead at the church and has recently written his first book, From Your Biggest Fan, about his passion to help others discover their God-given potential. He and Andrea live in the Indianapolis area with their three young children.
Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming and When Strivings Cease, as well as the TruthFilled Bible study. She is an artist, entrepreneur and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the word of God into people’s hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.
Dominic Done is founder of Pursuing Faith and author of When Faith Fails. With a master’s in theology from the University of Oxford, he has
served as a pastor in Portland, Oregon; North Carolina; and Hawaii.Dominic has also taught English for companies in Europe, lectured in
theology and history at various Christian colleges, worked as a radio DJ, and lived as a missionary in Vanuatu and Mexico. He and his wife, Elyssa, have a daughter, Amelia, and a fuzzy Goldendoodle, Bella.
Toni Collier is a Hope Coach, author of Brave Enough to Be Broken and the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, an international women’s ministry that helps women process their brokenness and reclaim hope. She is a popular speaker and consultant who helps organizations with creative marketing, leadership, student ministry, and strategic planning. It’s her passion to show women that they can be both broken and beautiful as they work out their healing at the feet of Jesus. Toni also teaches regularly at Story Church Atlanta, founded by her husband, Sam Collier. Toni and Sam live in Atlanta with their daughter, Dylan, and new baby boy, Sam Jr.
Sean “of the South” Dietrich is a columnist, novelist, and podcast host known for his commentary on life in the American South. He has authored thirteen books and his work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Good Grit, South Magazine, and more. Subscribe to his daily newsletter and learn more about his new book, YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE.
Dr. Josh and Christi Straub are speakers, authors, and marriage and leadership coaches. Together they lead Famous at Home, an organization devoted to equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. They host the weekly Famous at Home podcast, lead a yearlong coaching cohort called The Leader’s Heart, and have written children’s books on emotional intelligence titled What Am I Feeling? and What Do I Do with Worry? and on family discipleship titled Homegrown and 25 Days of the Christmas Story. Josh is also the author of Safe House: How Emotional Safety Is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well. Josh and Christi love spending time on the lake with their three sweet kids and their feisty goldendoodle, Copper.
Stephen Miller is a creator and entrepreneur who has grown his platform to nearly one million followers in just two years through his show The Miller Fam, a channel that displays the beauty of diversity and adoption featuring his large, diverse, adoptive family of nine. With over fifteen years of ministry in some of the nation’s largest churches, Stephen has recorded six studio albums and is the author of Liberating King and Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars.
Tori Hope Petersen is a former foster youth letting her Abba Father be known through her stories. Tori is a wife, biological mom and adoptive mom. She is a national speaker, writer, and advocate. She founded Beloved Initiative, a nonprofit where in community people learn how to become professional lovers of people. You can pre-order Tori’s best selling debut memoir “Fostered” now, which will be released October 15!
Authors Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart have helped hundreds of writers push their words from the crazy-dream stage to holding books with actual bar codes. After a bunch of years in publishing and a bunch of books launched, Bob and Kim have found that, like most things, writing works best when tackled with good friends. The Writing Room is a place where authors talk shop, stoke their curiosity, and get the nudge we all need to finish our work.