This is my Story with Tara Johnson: Recent Episodes
Tara Johnson
Whether it's a tale crafted by an author, or the stories of how God has transformed lives, we want to learn, laugh and grow together.
Welcome to a moving, powerful conversation with my friend Tina Akridge! Tina has journeyed through impossible circumstances (a health crisis, the loss of her husband, children who have battled addiction and wandering) to discover that God remained and sustained her through it all.
Tina and I chat about what it's like to be painfully shy, the perpetual new girl, and what she thought the first time she met her husband (not exactly love at first sight lol). Our conversation shifted to Tina's journey through Mark's cancer diagnosis and all the angst and mercy that chased her afterward--from watching her children battle through pain to discover healing and redemption--to grasping God's best plan, even when we don't understand it.
Also in this episode...
Who decides life and death, the ripple effects of cancer no one considers, playing the cancer card, worshiping through pain, overcoming addiction, glorified emotions, what not to say to someone in grief, and how to live a life out of balance for what matters most.
Links:
https://www.tinaakridge.com/
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Another episode of This is My Story is zooming your way! Today, I sit down with the uber-talented, mom, wife, and author extraordinaire Paula Scott!
Paula and I chat about the setting of her beautiful novel River of Mercy, and Paula delves deep into the inspiration behind it, as well as her process of writing to heal. We discuss how art often imitates life, and how her first inspirations were John Wayne and Where the Red Fern Grows. While reminiscing, Paula recalls the very first story she penned at age 10: The Puppy Without a Tail.
Also in this episode...
Pantsers versus plotters, revivals, rejection, forgiveness, book boyfriends, the Oxford comma, and the crazy misunderstanding that made Paula the most popular girl in school.
Links:
Home - (paulascott.com)
River of Mercy - Kindle edition by Scott, Paula. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Amazon.com: Farming Grace: A Memoir of Life, Love, and a Harvest of Faith eBook : Scott, Paula: Kindle Store
Amazon.com: The Mother Keeper eBook : Scott, Paula: Kindle Store
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Welcome to This Is My Story! Today, I sit down with my brand-new friend, the brilliant Emma Fulenwider! Emma and I met at the Vision Christian Writers Conference and I was immediately intrigued by her insight and thoughts on motherhood.
Emma and I dive into conversation about re-childing, toy purges, and moms versus martyrdom. Emma shares about her transformation from stressed out do-it-all mom to becoming the person she wants to be while raising her kids.
Also in this episode...
Mindset shifts, parenting yourself, stories from lava rock, postpartum, memoir writing and how I screamed at my kids while studying fruit of the Spirit.
Links:
Emma's website: https://thelifestorian.com/
Free Guide to Family Interviews: https://www.subscribepage.com/savethestory
Find a GAB (Guided Autobiography) group: https://guidedautobiography.com/gab-network
Tara's Website: www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Come meet my talented friend Rachel Dodge! Rachel and I chat about Southern hospitality and colloquialisms, as well as all things Jane Austen. (Rachel is a Jane Austen expert and prefers the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. I knew there was a good reason why we clicked!) We chat about our earliest story inspirations--Little House, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women and Jane Eyre--and how God led Rachel into writing devotionals based on these beautiful classics.
Also in this episode...
Regency etiquette, time travel, how writing is like surgery, life lessons from The Secret Garden, being loved into faith, chaos versus peace, and the Vision Christian Writers Conference.
Connect with Rachel
Website: www.racheldodge.com
Instagram: @kindredspiritbooks
Today, I sit down with my sister from another mister...the multi-talented, multi-genre driven Sarah Bennett! (aka S.E. Clancy)
Sarah and I reminisce about the first time we met in a comedy writing class...and boy, did the instructor's words make us snicker! We chat about how a sarcastic momma survives raising teens, the lack of quality stories for young people, reader expectations, and the power of failure. Sarah shares the authors that first thrilled her heart (Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery) and what it was like parenting a child with dyslexia.
Also in this episode...
Overcoming perfectionism, Rahab, Ruth, Abigail, suicide in the church, and Victoria Grace the Jerkface.
Links:
www.seclancy.com
@authorseclancy
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Another episode of This is my Story is rolling your way!
Today, I chat with writing buddy and award-winning author Sarah Sundin, who has penned dozens of heart-stirring stories set during World War 2. (And she's a mean line dancer as well.)
We start by chatting about Sarah's recent Christy award win for Until Leaves Fall in Paris, as well as her upcoming release The Sound of Light, which is available for pre-order on Amazon: The Sound of Light: A Novel: Sundin, Sarah: 9780800736385: Amazon.com: Book. Sarah shares some of her most fascinating research, like the Olympic rowing champion who rowed Jews to freedom in Denmark during World War 2.
Also in this episode...
Killing our characters, how flaws give hope to readers, evoking conflict for a higher purpose, and what to do when an author's child hates to read.
Quotable: "My identity is not what I do." ~Sarah Sundin
Links:
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
www.SarahSundin.com
Join me for some quick thoughts on what it means to truly be thankful with special help from one of my heroes...Corrie Ten Boom!
Links:
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Twitter: @TaraMinistry
Facebook: (5) Tara Johnson | Facebook
Instagram: @TaraJohnsonMinistry
Welcome to Tara's favorite episode ever!
Today, Tara sits down with mother, grandmother, author, baker, all-around-creative, and drone flyer...the incomparable Marci Seither!
The ladies start by talking about recipes and Marci's love of preservation, which quickly flows into a conversation about hospitality, showing love through meals, and being present in the everyday tasks of raising a family. Marci shares what first inspired her love of stories (her grandparents) and the power of curiosity. The women discuss how families grow by creating in the kitchen together and how God's fingerprints are all around us.
Also in this episode...
Drone flying over Little House, Lakeside Retreat, holding stories with respect, Pearly Monroe, fear of failure, and the importance of never exchanging cheap entertainment for authentic adventure.
Links:
www.marciseither.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Buy Lakeside Retreat and more of Marci's books here!
Lakeside Retreat: Life-Giving Devotions from a Restful Shore: Seither, Marci: 0031809025550: Amazon.com: Books
Stay tuned for Marci's upcoming podcast: Preserving More than Jam!
Tara sits down to laugh and chat with her writing friend extraordinaire Robin Pearson!
This show is all about family--from homeschooling and watching kids fly away into independence--to walking out faith, especially during the hard times. Robin shares about her transition for 'doing things for God' to having a relationship with God, and her earliest influences in Christian fiction (Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers), along with her least favorites (We're looking at you Moby Dick). She tells Tara about how her transformation from writing great books to writing stories that ministers. The ladies delve into the torment of imposter syndrome, family secrets, and recovering people pleasers.
Also in this episode...
The different forms of fear, The Grumpy Christian podcast, and roasts gone wrong.
Links:
www.RobinPearson.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Today Tara chats with her sweet friend Jean Shepard who is a speaker, pastor's wife, and first-time author of Worthy to be Loved!
The ladies talk about the dangers of comparison, women's conferences, and what's it like to feel like you never measure up. They discuss bullying, knowing our worth in Christ, and the enemy's lies.
Also in this episode...
Failure, inadequacy, Washington D.C. traffic, losing children, The Grand Ole Opry, and hope for the hurting.
Buy Jean's book here:
WORTHY TO BE LOVED: BY MYSELF AND OTHERS: Shepard, Jean Branson: 9798813901874: Amazon.com: Books
Today, Tara chats with a phenomenal author and woman of God, Erica Vetsch!
Erica talks about her passions--history, teaching, and museums--and has discovered the greatest stories of local lore come from small county museums. Tara tells Erica about the Ganster Museum near her town in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Erica shares that St. Paul, Minnesota is the gangster capital of the world. Who knew?
Erica shares about her transition from writing stories based in cowboys and westward expansion to Regencies, and how Julie Klassen and Mary Connealy encouraged her to delve into something new. Tara and Erica come up with a new genre: Regency cowboys, and Erica shares her earliest story inspirations: Marguerite Henry, Anne of Green Gables, and Essie Summers. Things get vulnerable and deep when Erica shares about her husband's battle with cancer and what God taught her through the journey.
Also in this episode:
The St. James hotel, Jane Austen versus Jane Eyre, The O'Connor System, Dillinger Slept Here, freedom and joy in creating with God, and the problem with being comfortable.
Links:
www.ericavetsch.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Tara can't wait to introduce you to her talented friend, writing partner, and cup of sunshine Ane Mulligan!
The ladies start off talking coffee and how Ane got her start in writing. Tara and Ane talk drama in church, the stretch between writing for stage versus novels, theatre roots, and drama for kids. Ane shares her passion for theatre and how it allows people to let down their guard to receive the message of the gospel.
Also in this episode:
Planting seeds, criticism, what readers see, Diann Hunt, finding the humor in life, socially inappropriateness, shocking Broca, hilarious life moments, improv, and the night Jesus fell off the cross.
"Drama brings Jesus' stories to our eyes...and then, when they least expect it, it reaches hearts and changes lives. And Christian novels are the same...they change lives without even trying." ~Ane Mulligan
Links:
www.anemulligan.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Today, Tara chats with her critique partner, award-winning author, and dear friend Michelle Griep!
The ladies discuss Michelle's love of story, even back when all she used was Crayolas. Michelle shares that she started writing to escape her kids (lol) and the women discuss all things England and their passion for the quirks and beauty of the land beyond the sea. Michelle inspires Tara with a story about Iron Bridge and they brainstorm ways to be called into ministry in the U.K.
Michelle discussed her earliest inspiration--Little House, Jane Eyre, and Michael Crichton--and the best advice she's ever received.
Also in this episode...
Nate flashes a seminary class, Undercurrent, broody heroes, Bethany's distrust of Almanzo Wilder, failure, one-star reviews, being too Christian, Bible reviews, and Michelle's upcoming stories.
Links:
www.MichelleGriep.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Today I'm hanging out with my fun-loving, ever-talented friend Amy Earls!
Amy is surprised to learn Tara was born in her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon. The girls talk about all things Corvallis and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Tara talks about how her husband doesn't listen to female Siri and Amy shares how her tagline was inspired by youth adult fantasy blended with faith. The ladies talk about the supernatural and how story can show us much about God through parallel worlds.
Tara learns Amy's earliest inspiration came from C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia and The Magician's Nephew), Janette Oake, and Louisa May Alcott, and that Amy wrote her first story at age 8, and her first novel at age 11. Amy shares that her first serious attempt to write was actually a prayerful intercession on behalf of a dear friend which led to amazing results.
Also in this episode...
Being tested on what we write, Elijah, Sabbath rest, standardized tests, imposter syndrome, laughing inappropriately, and the fish that won't die.
"We are part of God's big story...God is the hero. God is the One who rescues us. And He's the One who includes us as part of His story." ~Amy Earls
Links:
www.amyearls.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Today, Tara sits down to visit with her buddy, Kathleen Denly--wife, mom, and author of beautiful historical romances!
The ladies swap weird research stories, misnomers about California, Mr. Math Man, and early childhood reading influences. Kathleen tells Tara about her writing process (developing characters) and midnight inspiration.
Also in this episode...
Fingerprints of light, control issues, barking dogs, NOOM, and the difference between knowing Jesus is Lord and making Him Lord of your life.
Links:
www.kathleendenly.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Buy Kathleen's books here!
Waltz in the Wilderness (Chaparral Hearts Book 1) - Kindle edition by Denly, Kathleen. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Today, the enemy really wants to stop my chat with the lovely Alisha Bozarth...the first fifteen minutes of our chat disappeared, but we managed to save the rest! Alisha is a writer, mom, and grief survivor since losing her precious husband Kyle several years ago.
Alisha and I talk through the emotions of grief, how to accept our weaknesses, Alisha's writing inspiration, and what God teaches us while writing through the pain.
Also in this episode...
What not to say, Job, and getting comfortable with darkness. And Alisha has a new devotional coming soon!
Faith Unraveled: A Grief Devotional. Pre-order now!
Order Link: Faith Unraveled: Bozarth, Alisha: 9781955838269: Amazon.com: Books
Alisha's website: www.alishabozarth.com
Tara's website: www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Today I sit down with one of my favorite people on the planet...the talented and inspiring Vice President of Incubator Creative Group Tami Rowbotham.
Tami and I talk about the ten years I was a recording artist with Incubator Creative Group and the crazy amount of stuff I learned...stage performance, songwriting, building a small business, and the hard stuff...letting God heal my heart. Tami talks about how her own ministry (singing 150 concerts a year) changed into what it is now...guiding creatives into building successful, God-focused ministries.
Also in this episode...
Living in fear, horror stories from life on the road, the masks we wear, God cards, divine appointments, ministry versus therapy, and the current state of Christian music.
Learn more about Incubator here:
Free help for Christian musicians from Incubator... the ministry label (incubatoronline.com)
In honor of National Dandelion Day, I've recorded the first chapter of Where Dandelions Bloom so you can enjoy it on audio!
I pray you enjoy being introduced to Gabe and Cassie. Let me know if you'd like to hear more. :)
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Buy link:
Where Dandelions Bloom: Johnson, Tara: 9781496428356: Amazon.com: Books
This week, Tara sits down with the people who know her best...her family! Todd, Tara, Callie and Nate gather to ponder the great mysteries of life. The grew chats about their dream vacation destination while Callie works to power through her homework. The crew discusses their family traditions, like Christmas Eve scavenger hunts and Jubilee, while digging through an old chat pack.
Also in this show...
Great leaders, what really sunk the Titanic, science facts with Callie, is water wet, fancy restaurants, what scared us as kids, teen lingo, and what we would un-invent.
And Nate asks a burning question...what is a Winnie-the-Pooh?
On today's show, I sit down with two awesome people...Randal and Tracy Dowdy!
The Dowdys tell me about the quiet peace of living in Mexico, and I confess I'm a bit jealous! We chat about how seeking rest is a practice to be learned and sought after, and discuss the pitfalls of consumerism, the world's definition of success, and idolatry. Randal shares about his own struggle with addiction, seeking solace in strip clubs, and both Randal and Tracy delve deep into the pain of divorce and how they reunited before Randal experienced a 10-Day supernatural encounter with God that changed their marriage...and their lives.
Also in this episode...
Moving beyond shame, the healthy way to approach conflict, and the futility of fitting God into our boxes.
Links:
www.randalandtracy.com
www.tarajohnsonstories.com
Buy Beyond Impossible here: Beyond Impossible: How a Divine Visitation Brought New Life to a Marriage: Dowdy, Randal, Dowdy, Tracy, Kolbaba, Ginger: 9781955546102: Amazon.com: Books
Today I chat with chaplain, speaker, singer and all-around awesome guy Brian Spahr!
Brian and I talk about the most frustrating, and funny, stories about church ministry and Brian gives the low-down on being a hospital chaplain. We delve deep into 'stepping into the sacred' in ministry, as well as 'listening for the sacred' in music and art. Brian talks about creating safe spaces in grief and he gives me the low-down on his brand-new book Don't You Care That We Are Drowning?...which is a look at the not-so pretty prayers we cry out during times when life hits hard.
Also in this episode...
And...not buts, knowing God in our pain, the brilliance of The Accidentals and David Wilcox, and all things Star Wars.
Quote:
"Musts, shoulds, and have-tos have no place in grace." ~Brian Spahr
Links:
www.BrianSpahrCreative.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Buy link for Don't You Care That We Are Drowning?:
Don't You Care That We Are Drowning? (And Other Unexpected Prayers): Spahr, Brian B: 9798799428877: Amazon.com: Books
Today I sit down with one of my very favorite people...my buddy Joy K. Massenburge!
Joy and I bonded years ago at the National American Christian Fiction Writers Meeting when we discovered we are both PKs. (Preacher's kids, for the laymen out there.) Today, Joy and I talk about life behind the scenes of ministry, being a Gigi, and the astounding story of how her future husband loved her to Christ. (Get the tissues ready.) We discuss how to memorize God's Word...ideas like implementing ABC memory verses and how Joy memorized ALL of Psalm 119.
Also in this episode...
Learn what kills fear in writing, writing through rejection, The Authors Mindset Coach, and psychedelic bluebirds.
Quoteable: "The mission is greater than my feelings." ~Joy
Links:
www.JoyKMassenburge.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Buy Joy's books here: Amazon.com: A Cry for Independence: 9781985277885: Massenburge, Joy K: Books
Today, Tara is chatting with her lovely, sweet friend Janet McHenry!
Janet is the author of 50 Life Lessons for Grads, Prayer Walk, The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus, Prayer Streaming, Girlfriend Gatherings and many more. The ladies chat about the three distinct callings Janet has explored with God, along with their current story ideas, and how God once told Janet to "Pursue Me". They also discuss how prayer walking changed the lives of those in Janet's community, and how a nightmare led her into teaching.
Also in this episode....
Nancy Drew, whisperings from God, and praying on rocks.
Quotable: "You can be a good writer if you are a good thinker."
Links:
www.janetmchenry.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Buy link: PrayerWalk: Becoming a Woman of Prayer, Strength, and Discipline: McHenry, Janet Holm: 9781578563760: Amazon.com: Books
Welcome to This is my Story! Today, we get to chat with one of the most talented and uplifting ladies I know...and she has the cutest giggle ever. Say hi to Pepper Basham!
On today's show, Pepper and I talk about raising cool kids, learning to listen, and the pros and cons of traditional versus independent publishing. We chat about Appalachia, and Pepper's early story inspiration: The Secret Garden, The Little Princess, Jane Eyre and all things British.
Also on the show...
Writing through grief, God speaking in story, being tested on what we write, snotting through sad scenes, and legalistic kids.
Links:
www.pepperdbasham.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Find Pepper's books on Amazon!
Amazon.com : pepper basham
On today's show, Tara visits with her friend Janet Joanou Weiner, an author and missionary to France! Janet and Tara talk about culture shocks, the theology of niceness and the beauty of living in a 600-year-old chateau. Janet tells us all about her new book Though Darkness Descend, and the amazing history of the Hugenots that inspired it.
Also in this show....
Where God is in suffering, happiness versus joy, and how story forms our view of the world. And the big question...what would Laura Ingalls think of our world today?
Links:
Home | Fig & Vine La vie est belle | Fig & Vine | Occitanie (janetjoanouweiner.com)
Buy Though Darkness Descend
Though Darkness Descend: The Huguenot Resistance Series, Book 1 - Kindle edition by Joanou Weiner, Janet. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
On today's show, Tara chats with her buddy, Miss Virginia Senior and Miss Senior America, Patsy Hockaday!
Patsy talks about the beauty pageant circuit and the ladies discuss the recent I-95 disaster...as well as a heart-warming story that resulted in the midst of the chaos. Tara knows the secret that turns a good meal into a great meal and the ladies discuss wounds, people pleasing, and alcoholism.
Also in this show...
Masterpieces, searching for ways to fill the void, and witnessing in bars. Also, catch a listen of Patsy and The Country Classics cover of "The Promise".
Links:
www.patsycountryclassics.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
In today's show, Tara welcomes Kristen Demery, Kenra Roehl, and Julie Fisk of The Ruth Experience. The ladies discuss Christmas light shows, family traditions and just how these three awesome women found the name The Ruth Experience. They chat about early story inspiration (Little House, Anne of Green Gables, Nancy Drew, and Mary McCracken), along with what it's like to collaborate on writing projects.
Also in this show...
Raising kids to be kind, vulnerability, understanding grace, and words of the year.
Links:
www.theruthexperience.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
The Ruth Experience Books:
Daily Acts of Kindness
Daily Acts of Friendship
Friendship for Girls
One Good Word a Day
Buy now: One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen, and Refine Your Faith: Demery, Kristin, Roehl, Kendra, Fisk, Julie: 9781496452610: Amazon.com: Books
Today, I'm chatting with Bible teacher and speaker Shadia Hrichi!
Shadia and I talk about being raised with conflicting beliefs, witnessing truth faith, and worshiping with inmates. We discuss freedom from lies and messy stories from the Bible, like Hagar, the demon-possessed man, and Tamar.
Also in this episode...
Answers to big questions like "What can God redeem?" and "Who is God?", I share about the day when my daughter learned about "the deacon-possessed man", and we discuss what happens when we try to make God in our own images.
Links:
www.shadiahrichi.com
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
Hagar #Tamar #Legion #BehindtheSeen
A very special episode is rolling your way from This is my Story...Tara is delighted to be talking with one of her writing mentors Allen Arnold!
In today's show, Allen and Tara discuss the problem with personality tests, fighting for a calm Christmas, story deaths, and interruptions. Allen talks about the orphan realm versus walking with God, and how he learned the hard way not to take advice from a fortune cookie.
Also in this show, Ransomed Hearts, the problem with doing more, what to do when your heart is exhausted, and the best way to drink salsa.
Links:
www.withallen.com
TheStoryofWith
ChaosCan't
WavesofCreativity
www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
The riveting story behind "O Holy Night". You don't want to miss the amazing journey this song has taken!
The Fascinating Story of "O Holy Night" - Tara Johnson (tarajohnsonstories.com)
Christmas #OHolyNight #ThePowerofStory
On today's show, Tara and Crystal chat about messy families, the power of not being perfect, plastic Christianity and balking heroes of faith. Crystal shares how escaping PE class led her to Christ. The ladies talk about classics, Christian fiction, wild research, and Crystal's new release Counterfeit Love.
Also on this show...
Silver strands, Bearing Precious Seed and what God teaches us when we say "even if".
Links:
www.crystalcaudill.com
Bearing Precious Seed- www.bpsmilford.org
Pre-order Crystal's upcoming novel here: Counterfeit Love: Caudill, Crystal: 9780825447402: Amazon.com: Books
A behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite Christmas songs. The beauty found by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during one of the darkest seasons of his life.
Writer, editor, mom, wife and friend Janyre Tromp sits down with me to talk about the messy stuff, and the fun stuff, in life.
We talked about growing up in church and how Jesus doesn't make things easy once you're saved. From a hard home life to watching her daughter struggle to live, Janyre has walked through some dark valleys. We explore the idea of beauty in the mess and what it means to lose control.
Also in this show, walking miracles, writer inspiration, God's will, C.S. Lewis, weird research facts, Janyre's upcoming releases, and the annoying pat answers that drive us crazy. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Also, be sure to explore Janyre's website for a free novella when you sign up for her newsletter! www.JanyreTromp.com
More Links:
https://www.facebook.com/JanyreTromp/
instagram.com/janyretromp/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/janyre-tromp
Check out: Bible Search and Study Tools - Blue Letter Bible
TheBehaviorPanel - YouTube
"Story is the safe place to talk about tough issues." -Janyre Tromp