Have You Ever Read...?: Recent Episodes
Jean Kabasomi
Have You Ever Read...? is a podcast about books. Not just any books but Christian books. Once a month, Jean Kabasomi interviews an ordinary Christian about a book that has had a huge impact on their life or ministry.
It’s one of the most influential books in Christian history — but here’s the twist: Augustine wasn’t European. He was African. ✨ Born in what is now Algeria, Augustine shaped theology, philosophy, and Western thought more than almost anyone (except Jesus and Paul)… yet most Africans (and honestly, most Christians) have no idea he’s part of our heritage.
In this episode, I’m diving into Part 1 (Books 1–5) of City of God — where Augustine begins unpacking his massive response to the fall of Rome and what it means for faith, empire, and where our ultimate loyalty lies. 🏛️🔥
If you’ve ever overlooked how deeply an African mind shaped the very foundations of Christian theology, this episode might surprise you. 🌍💭 Maybe it’s time we return to Augustine — not just as a historical figure, but as a voice the modern Church has forgotten to listen to. 🕊️ What if in rediscovering his words, we also rediscover something we’ve been missing? 🎙️
Links mentioned in this episode
City of God by St Augustine of Hippo
The Ninety-Five Theses and Other Writings by Martin Luther
Confessions by St Augustine of Hippo
Jesus Spoke Their Language - Do We? Devotional
Grieving a Suicide by Albert Y Hsu
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
In this solo episode, I’m diving into his big idea: that calling isn’t just one moment of destiny 💡—it’s something that unfolds across six different seasons of life.
From 👶 childhood (bonding) to 🧠 adolescence (learning), 💼 early career (serving), 🛠️ mid-career (creating), 🎁 late career (giving), and 🕊 transition (leaving)… each stage has its own beauty, challenges, and invitations.
I’ll share my takeaways on why this framework hit me, what it means for anyone wrestling with purpose right now, and how it might help you see your season differently. 🌱
So—are you living in your season of calling? Let’s talk. 🎙️
Links mentioned in this episode
The 6 Seasons of Calling: Discovering Your Purpose in Each Stage of Life - Brian Sanders
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey and Sean Covey
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
It’s short, but wow… it hurts (in the best way). This little allegory walks us through the messy, dramatic, and heartbreakingly human lives of Saul, David, and Absalom — and asks the question: How do you respond… when you’ve been hurt? 💔➡️💪
In this episode, we unpack the book’s raw lessons on humility, betrayal, and spiritual authority 🙏, why it still hits hard for anyone navigating church hurt or toxic leadership 🚩, and how sometimes the most powerful move… is dropping the spear instead of throwing it.
Links mentioned in this episode
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
Five Wealth Secrets 96% of Us Don't Know by Craig Hill
Like a Mighty Wind by Mel Tari
The Path by Rick Joyner
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
📱 Think memorizing Bible verses is just for Sunday school kids or your super-spiritual aunt? Think again. In this episode, we’re breaking down the book How to Memorize the Bible: Fast & Easy—and trust us, it’s a game changer.
We’re talking:
🔥 Simple hacks to memorize Scripture (even if you’re “bad at memorizing”)
🧠 Why your brain can do this—yes, even yours
📅 How to fit it into real life (hello, busy schedule)
If you’ve ever wanted to know more Bible off the top of your head—or just be that person who actually remembers verses in conversation—this episode is for you.
👀 Listen now and start hiding God’s Word in your heart (without it feeling like homework).
Links mentioned in this episode:
How to Memorize the Bible: Fast & Easy by Adam Houge
Berea app - Duolingo but Bible
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
A tribute to an influential Old Testament scholar who has returned to the Lord.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Bruggemann
Theology of the Old Testament by Walter Bruggemann
Alphabet of Faith: Prophetic Prayers for a Chaotic World by Walter Bruggemann
Lausanne Congress 2024
Fourth Younger Leaders Gathering 2027 (Lausanne Young Leaders Congress)
The Bible Society's Quiet Revival Report
Grit by Angela Duckworth
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
How God Became King by Tom Wright
Mirror to the Church: Resurrecting Faith after Genocide in Rwanda by Emmanuel Katangole
Christ among the Classes: The Rich, the Poor, and the Mission of the Church by Al Tizon
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
Unpacking the art of preaching with a Christ centred message to a broken culture in the power of the Spirit
Links Mentioned
Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticism by Timothy Keller
The Paradoxes of Preaching - John Stott Sermon
The Anointing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by R.T. Kendall
Have you Ever Read The Anointing by RT Kendall? Podcast Episode 1
Have you Ever Read The Anointing by RT Kendall? Podcast Episode 2
Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges
Have you Ever Read Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges? Podcast Episode
Overcoming Laziness Pt.1 - YouVersion Devotional
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
A conversation about what it means to fully apply grace 'post salvation', the issues facing the Church, a framework for disagreement and a testimony about taking small steps of faith with God.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges
Holy Trinity Clapham (HTC)
Alpha
Focus
Times Article - Gen Z half as likely as their parents to be atheists
Total Forgiveness by R.T Kendall
Forgive by Tim Keller
Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Have You Ever Read...? Podcast Episode - Hiding Place
Reason for God by Tim Keller
The Prodigal Prophet by Tim Keller
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin
The Cross of Christ by John Stott
A War of Loves by David Bennett
Working without Wilting by Jago Wynne
100% Christianity by Jago Wynne
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
Leadership hacks woven with a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God, thorough the eyes of a female founder of a billion dollar L'Oreal brand.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Lent Podcast Episode: 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole with Denise Chaney
Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima
Worthy: How to Believe You are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Craig Groeschel Jamie Kern Lima Episode: Q&A with Jamie Kern Lima: Leading with Authenticity
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
The perfect guide to simplifying your prayer life.
Links mentioned in this episode
How to Pray by Pete Grieg
Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor
Redeeming Your Time - Podcast Episode
The Bible in One Year - Podcast Episode
Called by Jonny Gumbel
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Prepping for 2025 - Devotional
How to Pray - Prayer Toolkit (I called it a toolkit in the podcast but it's actually a toolshed)
The Practice of the Presence - Podcast Episode
The Hiding Place - Podcast Episode
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
Have you ever wanted to read the Bible in a year or three? This is the perfect book for you.
Links mentioned in this episode
The Bible in One Year - A Commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - Hardback Book
The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - NIV Bible and Commentary Hardback Book
The Bible in One Year - A Commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - App
The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - Bible.com Bible Reading Plan
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
Two friends chatting about true conversion and carnal Christianity.
Links mentioned in the episode:
The Gospel Call and True Conversion by Paul Washer
The Gospel’s Power and Message by Paul Washer
Gospel Assurance and Warnings by Paul Washer
Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
State of the Great Commission - Lausanne Report
Lausanne Congress Sessions
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Contact Jean - jean@jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Connect with Jean on LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok
Two friends chatting about understanding 'life after life after death' in the New Jerusalem aka heaven.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
Being Fully Human - Dr Chris' Tedx Talk
Evangelical Upspring Will Replace Fading Anglicanism - Dr Chris' article in The Times (subscription required)
Heaven by Randy Alcorn
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
Connect with Chris - www. wadibia.co.uk
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two new friends chatting about a theology of work, rest and heaven!
Links mentioned in this episode
Garden City by John Mark Comer
Believers in Business Conference
Praxis Labs
Practicing the Way (there is a Rule of Life builder here)
Practicing the Way Podcast
Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Rule of Life
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Every Good Endeavour by Tim Keller
Gently and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Connect with Tammano on LinkedIn
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two friends talking about the importance of fasting through the lens of Lent
Links mentioned in this episode:
40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole
Redeeming Your Time By Jordan Raynor - Book
Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.1) - Podcast Episode
Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.2)- Podcast Episode
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer- Book
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer with Rachel Van Pelt - Podcast Episode
The Bereavement Journey - A course for anyone who has been bereaved at any time in any way
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence - Book
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence with Jeremy Sackey - Podcast Episode
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge
Resilient by John Eldredge
The Final Quest by Rick Joyner
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Unlikely Grace by Denise Chaney
Denise's website - https://www.narratuscreative.com/
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two friends talking about the importance of fasting through the lens of Lent
Links mentioned in this episode:
40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chloe
Redeeming Your Time By Jordan Raynor - Book
Have You Ever Read Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.1)? - Podcast Episode
Have You Ever Read Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.2)- Podcast Episode
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer- Book
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer with Rachel Van Pelt - Podcast Episode
The Bereavement Journey - A course for anyone who has been bereaved at any time in any way
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence with Jeremy Sackey - Podcast Episode
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge
Resilient by John Eldredge
The Final Quest by Rick Joyner
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Unlikely Grace by Denise Chaney
Denise's website - https://www.narratuscreative.com/
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
A property entrepreneur chats about the importance of emulating Christ in our friendships and the South Asian Church in the United Kingdom.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Best of Friends by Phil Knox
Evangelical Alliance
Faith Driven Entrepreneur
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Story Bearer: How to Share Your Faith with Your Friends by Phil Knox
God on Mute by Pete Greig
How to Pray by Pete Greig
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
https://www.dmkw.co.uk/
Dayalan Mahesan - LinkedIn
Dayalan Mahesan - Instagram
Dayalan Mahesan - Facebook
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two Oxford MBAs chatting about trusting in God in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
Believers in Business Conference 2024
Garden City by John Mark Comer
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two Christians talking a bit about 'politics'.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Issues Facing Christians Today by John Stott
When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs
Click here for more information about The Centre for Cultural Witness
Seen and Unseen Online Magazine
Podcasts by Seen & Unseen
Dealing with Death at Christmas by Jean Kabasomi (Article published in Seen and Unseen in December 2023)
London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC)
Thank God it's Monday by Mark Greene
Thank God it's Monday - Podcast
What's so Amazing about Grace by Philip Yancy
Young Men and the Fire by Norman Maclean
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two friends chatting about a series of personal Holy Spirit encounters on campus.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Good Morning, Holy Spirit - Benny Hinn
The Cheerful Business Club
Have You Ever Read Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer?
The Seven Spirits of God - Chris Reed
Open my Eyes Lord - Gary Oates
Have You Ever Read The Practice of the Presence of the Lord by Brother Lawrence
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts - Gary Chapman
He Gave Gifts Unto Men - Kenneth Hagin
This Present Darkness - Frank Peretetti
Connect with Jo:
Click Here to Book a Complementary Clarifying Strategy Call
YouTube: Josephine Owusu Strategist
Website: https://www.theowusucollective.com/
LinkedIn: Josephine Owusu
Instagram:
- Iamjosephineowusu
- Grace Stationary
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
A missionary still reflecting on the importance of the anointing.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Anointing - R. T. Kendall
There Were Two Trees in the Garden - Rick Joyner
The Vision - Rick Joyner
The Harvest - Rick Joyner
The Journey Begins - Rick Joyner
Overcoming Evil in the Last Days - Rick Joyner
Connect with Pastor Margaret:
Facebook - Margaret Chinda Pierre
Instagram - margaretstanleypierre
TikTok - margaretstanpierre
Facebook - Quivers Foundation
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
A missionary reflects on the importance of the anointing.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Anointing - R. T. Kendall
Discerning the Voice of God - Priscilla Shirer
Have You Ever Read Discerning the Voice of God? - Podcast Episode
Connect with Pastor Margaret:
Facebook - Margaret Chinda Pierre
Instagram - margaretstanleypierre
TikTok - margaretstanpierre
Facebook - Quivers Foundation
To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com
Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional
Two friends still talking about productivity and redeeming their time.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Hannah-rose's blog - Inspire Truth
Redeeming Your Time - Jordan Raynor
Called to Create - Jordan Raynor
Messy Grace - Caleb Kaltenbach
The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Bloom
Out of Egypt Trilogy - Connilyn Cossette
When the Day Comes - Gabrielle Meyer
First Date - Krista McGee
Two friends talking about productivity and redeeming their time.
Links to the books mentioned in this episode:
Redeeming Your Time - Jordan Raynor
What's Best Next - Matt Perman
At Your Best - Carey Nieuwhof
Two friends musing over the simplicity of entering the presence of God.
Links to the books mentioned in the podcast:
The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence
A Short and Easy Method of Prayer - Madame Guyon
My All for Him - Basilea Schilnk
To find out more about the links mentioned in today's episode, please click below:
Weekly Devotional Sign-Up
Lessons from Leviticus Podcast
Lessons from Leviticus vol.1
Lessons from Leviticus vol.2
www.jeankabasomi.com
Two school friends unpacking what some consider to be the first English novel ever written!
Two friends chatting about the great Wesleyan revival through the eyes of an Anglican theologian