Writing for Your Life podcast: Recent Episodes
Brian Allain
If you write, or read, books that matter – books with substance and soul – then this is the place for you. We are here to help you gain inspiration and knowledge to empower your writing. Join us weekly for interviews and presentations, from our author partners and industry professionals.
In this episode, we discuss Casey Tygrett's newest book, The Gift of Restlessness: A Spirituality for Unsettled Seasons
In this episode, we discuss Sophfronia Scott's newest book, the novel Wild, Beautiful, and Free
In this episode, we talk with author and consultant Mark Schaefer about his new book, "Belonging to the Brand."
Book interview with Mark Yaconelli – “Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us”
Book interview with Amy Kenny – “My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church”
Book interview with Kate Meyer – “Faith Doesn’t Erase Grief: Embracing the Experience and Finding Hope”
Book interview with Sharei Green, Beckah Selnick, and Nikki Faison – “God’s Holy Darkness”
Book interview with Michael Granzen – “Breaking Through the Plate-Glass Window—Prophetic Fragments: On Doing Justice and Loving Kindness in a Time of Reckoning”
Book interview with Brianne Edwards – “A Thousand Pounds: Finding the Strength to Live and Love under the Weight of Unbearable Loss”
Book interview with Brianne Edwards – “A Thousand Pounds: Finding the Strength to Live and Love under the Weight of Unbearable Loss”
Book interview with Susanna Snyder and Ellen Ott Marshall – “Parenting for a Better World: Justice Practices for Your Family and the Planet”
Book interview with Susanna Snyder and Ellen Ott Marshall – “Parenting for a Better World: Justice Practices for Your Family and the Planet”
Book interview with Eric Minton for “It’s Not You, It’s Everything: What Our Pain Reveals about the Anxious Pursuit of the Good Life”
Book interview with Eric Minton for “It’s Not You, It’s Everything: What Our Pain Reveals about the Anxious Pursuit of the Good Life”
Book interview with Deborah Nelson Linck for “Pauli Murray: Shouting for the Rights of All People”
Book interview with Deborah Nelson Linck for “Pauli Murray: Shouting for the Rights of All People”
Book interview with Brian McLaren for “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned”
Book interview with Brian McLaren for “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned”
Book interview with John Roberto for “Lifelong Faith: Formation for All Ages and Generations”
Book interview with John Roberto for “Lifelong Faith: Formation for All Ages and Generations”
Book interview with Glenys Nellist –for “Baptized in the Water: Becoming a member of God’s family”
Book interview with Glenys Nellist –for “Baptized in the Water: Becoming a member of God’s family”
Book interview with Hannarich Asiedu for “Decoding the In-Law Code: Master Your Mind for Peaceful Relationships”
Book interview with Hannarich Asiedu for “Decoding the In-Law Code: Master Your Mind for Peaceful Relationships”
Book interview with Marilyn McEntyre and Shirley Showalter for “The Mindful Grandparent: The Art of Loving Our Children’s Children”
Book interview with Marilyn McEntyre and Shirley Showalter for “The Mindful Grandparent: The Art of Loving Our Children’s Children”
Book interview with Caryn Rivadeneira for “Saints of Feather and Fang: How the Animals We Love and Fear Connect Us to God”
Book interview with Celine O’Donovan for “Gifts from the Devastation: What Cancer Taught Me About Life“
Book interview with Terry Catasús Jennings and Rosita Stevens-Holsey for “Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist and Civil Rights Activist”
Book interview with Laura Alary for “Sun in my Tummy” and “The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything”
Book interview with David Morris for “Lost Faith and Wandering Souls: A Psychology of Disillusionment, Mourning, and the Return of Hope”
Book interview with Patrick Henry for “Flashes of Grace: 33 Encounters with God” and “Benedictine Options: Learning to Live from the Sons and Daughters of Saints Benedict and Scholastica”
Book interview with Amy Julia Becker for “To Be Made Well: An Invitation to Wholeness, Healing, and Hope”
Book interview with Ashley Abercrombie for “Love is the Resistance: Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You’ve Been Avoiding and Create Real Change”
Book interview with Tonya May Avent for “Grieving, Loss, and Healing” from Chicken Soup for the Soul
Book interview with Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and Amy-Jill Levine for “The Good for Nothing Tree”
Book interview with Brittini Palmer – “Small Group Workbook: The Bible in 52 Weeks for Women”
Book interview with Brandan Robertson – “Filled to Be Emptied: The Path to Liberation for Privileged People”
“An Inside Look at an Acquisition Editor’s Job” by Jenny Baumgartner (HarperCollins / Thomas Nelson Books)
Amy Hoppock, Michael Kroth, and Davin Carr-Chellman – “Framing the Moment: Haiku Conversations”
“Writers Conference Prep 101: Preparing a Killer Pitch and Steps to Meeting with Editors and Agents” by Edwina Perkins (Harambee Press)
Book interview with Dr. Lisa Miller for “The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and our Quest for an Inspired Life” and “The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving”
“The 3 Big Roadblocks to Getting a Publisher to Say ‘Yes’ (And 1 Bonus Roadblock!): Writing an Excellent Book Proposal” – by Margot Starbuck
Book interview with Ann Kansfield – “Be the Brave One: Living Your Spiritual Values Out Loud and Other Life Lessons”
Book interview with Lauren Hunter for “Write Your Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write Your Life Story Fast”
Book interview with Marva Smith for “Time to Thrive: A Busy Woman’s Devotional Journal”
Book interview Jennie McLaurin for “Designed to Heal: What the Body Shows Us about Healing Wounds, Repairing Relationships, and Restoring Community”
Jennifer Grant - “Developing a Small Business Mindset: Clear Roadblocks such as Procrastination, Perfectionism, and Disorganization in Your Writing Career”
The late Rachel Held Evans: "Who Do You Think You Are? - Writing a Meaningful Memoir in an Overshare Age"
Father James Martin: "A Discussion on Spiritual Writing"
The Rev. James Martin is a Jesuit priest, best-selling author, and editor at large at America, the national Catholic magazine. He is arguably the leading Catholic author. This extended interview includes topics such as how he approaches writing, how he selects book themes, how to think of your audience, his writing schedule, social media, view of the publishing landscape, working with editors and agents, his author role models, and more. 62 minutes including Q&A
Book interview with Jennifer Grant for “Dimming the Day: Evening Meditations for Quiet Wonder”
Book interview with Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis for “Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World”
Book interview with John Pavlovitz for “If God Is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk: Finding a Faith That Makes Us Better Humans”
Book interview with Glenys Nellist for “’Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and Stories for the Christmas Season”
Book interview with Frank Schaeffer for “Fall in Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy”
Book interview with Dominique DuBois Gilliard for “Subversive Witness: Scripture’s Call to Leverage Privilege”
Book interview with Adam Russell Taylor for “A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community”
Book interview with Glenys Nellist for “I Wonder: Exploring God’s Grand Story: an Illustrated Bible”
Book interview with Kirsten Powers for “Saving Grace: Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive You Nuts”
Book interview with Duke Kwon for “Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair”
Book interview with Kate Rademacher for “Reclaiming Rest: The Promise of Sabbath, Solitude, and Stillness in a Restless World”
Book interview with Justin R. Phillips for “Know Your Place: Helping White, Southern Evangelicals Cope with the End of The(ir) World”
An interview with Quantrilla Ard for the new Chicken Soup for the Soul title “I’m Speaking Now: Black Women Share Truth in 101 Stories of Love, Courage, and Hope”
Michelle Reyes – “Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead To Lasting Connections Across Cultures”
Michelle Layer Rahal – “Straining Forward: One woman’s journey from oppression to redemption in the wake of the Vietnam War”
Book interview with Troy Brand, Nicole Parker, and Gena Thomas – The LEAD Anti-Racism Challenge: A 40-Day Journey
Book interview with Laura Mariko Cheifetz – “Race in America: Christians Respond to the Crisis”
Book interview with Diana Butler Bass – “Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence”
Book interview with Pádraig Ó Tuama – “In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World” and “Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A story for our times”
Interview with Rev. Justin Hancock - “The Julian Way: A Theology of Fullness for All of God’s People”
Book interview with Mark Schaefer - “Cumulative Advantage: How to Build Momentum for your Ideas, Business and Life Against All Odds”
Book interview with Sophfronia Scott - “The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton”
Book interview with Steven Charleston – “Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage”
Book launch interview with Sarah Bessey for “A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal”
Book launch interview with Bruce Reyes-Chow for “In Defense of Kindness: Why It Matters, How It Changes Our Lives, and How It Can Save the World”
Book launch interview Sarah Griffith Lund for “Blessed Union: breaking the silence about mental illness and marriage”
Book launch interview with Kerry Connelly for “Good White Racist? Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice”
Author, preacher, activist and Sojourners leader Jim Wallis offers suggestions for dealing with the pandemic crisis.
Book launch interview with Father James Martin for his new book "Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone"
Book launch interview with Lindsey Krinks for her new book "Praying with Our Feet: Pursuing Justice & Healing on the Streets" - Brazos Press
Author, editor, and literary agent Jevon Bolden offers her thoughts on dealing with the coronavirus epidemic. Originally recorded in April 2020.
Children's book author Glenys Nellist discusses helping children cope with trying times. Originally recorded in April 2020.
Book launch interview with Michael Waters for his new book "Something in the Water: A 21st Century Civil Rights Odyssey" - Chalice Press
Author and journalist Jonathan Merritt offers his thoughts on the pandemic crisis and suggestions for these times. Originally recorded in April 2020.
Book launch interview with Susan K. Williams Smith for her book "With Liberty and Justice for Some: The Bible, the Constitution, and Racism in America"
Leighton Ford shares several stories about how God helped him through challenging times in his life, and how God can be with us now.
In this interview we discuss Wes's new book "Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage"
In this interview with Otis Moss we discuss the impact of the pandemic, various ways in which the Chicago community is helping each other, and several of Otis' pandemic reading and listening suggestions:
John Coltrane
John O'Donohue
Howard Thurman
Parneshia Jones
Mary Oliver
Kevin Coval
Christian Wiman
Nate Marshall
Eve Ewing
In this discussion Dr. Brenda discusses the crisis as an opportunity to accelerate reconciliation.
Here are books she suggests:
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Donna Barber: Bread for the Resistance
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Renita Weems: Listening for God
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Shane Claiborne et al: Common Prayer
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Brenda Salter McNeil: Becoming Brave
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Patricia Raybon: My First White Friend
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Frank A. Thomas: How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon
In this interview we discuss Mark's fantastic new book: "A House Divided: Engaging the Issues through the Politics of Compassion" from Chalice Press.
In this interview Brian discusses his new book "Faith After Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It"
Book launch interview with Barbara Brown Taylor for her book "Always a Guest: Speaking of Faith Far From Home"
Book launch interview with Luci Shaw
Luci's recently released book "The Generosity" is now available from Paraclete Press
Book launch interview with Glenys Nellist for her new book "Little Mole's Christmas Gift”
Book launch interview with Kathleen Long Bostrom about Kathy's two latest books:
"The Worst Christmas Ever" and "Will You Be Friends with Me?"
Carrie discusses how she is dealing with our current times, and performs two of her songs that deal with hope.
Author and "Spiritual Traveler" Lori Erickson describes how spiritual travels can help us cope with trying times.
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis discusses the impact of the pandemic and things that she and Middle Church have been doing to help people. She also offers several book suggestions:
Barbara Brown Taylor: Leaving Church
Linda Sansour: We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders
Valarie Kaur: See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
Howard Thurman: Jesus and the Disinherited
Jonathan discusses coping with our current health crisis and offers suggestions for some helpful books.
In this interview we discuss data from Robert's excellent book "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity" clearly demonstrating that white Christians tend to be more racist that white Americans in general. We discuss this and political polarization, and potential steps toward resolving these issues.
In this video interview Guthrie speaks about his hopes and priorities for the upcoming election and how we can speak about it in a civil manner.
Guthrie's new book is "Just Faith: Reclaiming Progressive Christianity"
Faith Hope and Love During an Election - with Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes, Dean of the Vanderbilt Divinity School
In this interview with Mark Feldmeir we discuss ways that we can find common ground with people with whom we differ, based on his new book "A House Divided: Engaging the Issues through the Politics of Compassion" from Chalice Press.
In this interview we discuss ways of talking across religious divides, and how that may be a role model for talking across political divides.
In this interview we discuss bridging divides in faith-filled ways.
Check out Amanda's new book: "Holy Chaos: Creating Connections in Divisive Times" recently released by Chalice Press
In this interview with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III we discuss the state of our country and highest priorities of issues to be dealt with.
Also discussed: - Robert Smalls, Recent sermonic film, New Life Church in Chicago
In this interview we discuss many aspects of discussing the upcoming election with love and compassion, as well as Parker's priorities and hopes for the election.
Here is a book Parker mentions: Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit
"WOW Writing" presented by Joyce Dinkins from Our Daily Bread Ministries as part of the 2020 Christian Publishing Online Summit
Rev. Brandan Robertson shares his thoughts on the pandemic health crisis and suggestions for getting us through it. A couple of things he has been reading:
How to Be An Epicurean by Catherine Wilson
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Kathleen shares her thoughts on the cornonavirus crisis and discusses her ways of dealing with adversity.
A conversation with children's book author / adult book author / journalist / photographer Matthew Paul Turner about our trying times, including a discussion of the importance of reading to children.
Author Lisa Crayton describes getting through the coronavirus health crisis and writing children's books.
Activist, author, and speaker Shane Claiborne shares his thoughts on Christianity in the coronavirus era.
New York Times best-selling author Barbara Brown Taylor shares her thoughts on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, differences between in-person and online experiences, and a couple of her books.
Please enjoy this amazing conversation with artist and author Mako Fujimura where he speaks about how writing, reading, and Culture Care can help us through trying times.
In this podcast, Jenny Baumgartner from HarperCollins Christian Publishing presents “An Acquisitions Editor’s Expectations”
Brian McLaren discusses dealing with challenging times, and shares thoughts on a couple of his books.
Author Patricia Raybon shares some experiences where God has given her hope in challenging times.
In this interview Diana discusses how gratitude can be helpful during this coronavirus pandemic.
Philip Yancey shares his thoughts on surviving trying times, and how that has influenced his writing.