Bookish Talks with Lia

Lia Ross Reads

Welcome to "Bookish Talks with Lia," your cozy corner for all things Christian books. I’m Lia Ross, the voice behind the bookstagram, Lia Ross Reads.

Join me as we dive into the latest Christian reads, chat with the authors behind these inspiring books, and have real conversations about living out our faith. Whether you're looking for your next great read or just want some uplifting and relatable talks, you’ll find it all right here.

So grab your favorite tea or coffee, get comfy, and join me for some bookish talks!

Play

Open in

21 episodes
Avg 42 min
English

Episodes 21

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S5 · E73
August 24 · 47 min
Finding True Rest in a World That Never Stops with Aimee Joseph
Do you ever feel like you're constantly running from one thing to the next, yet still feel restless and exhausted? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I'm joined by author and ministry leader Aimee Joseph to talk about her newest book, Made to Rest: True Peace in a World That Never Stops. We talk about why it's so difficult for us to truly rest, the ways control, striving, and our desire for satisfaction can leave us restless, and what it looks like to receive rest as a gift from God rather than simply taking a break from our busy lives. Aimee also shares about Sabbath, finding peace in Christ, and cultivating rhythms of rest even when life doesn't slow down. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you simply can't turn your brain off, I think this conversation will be a timely encouragement. I hope you're encouraged and challenged to consider what it looks like to truly rest in Christ. Books mentioned in this episode: Made to Rest: True Peace in a World That Never Stops by Aimee Joseph Look, Listen, Live: Cultivating Attention in a Distracted Culture by Aimee Joseph Connect with Aimee: Website: ⁠⁠https://aimeejoseph.blog Instagram: ⁠⁠@aimeejosephwrites Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S5 · E72
August 17 · 53 min
Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World with Jen Wilkin
In this episode, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Jen Wilkin to discuss her newest book, Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World. In Dust to Dust, Jen challenges the cultural narrative that aging is something to fear or resist. Instead, she invites us to see aging through a biblical lens and recognize the dignity, wisdom, and value found in every season of life. In this episode, we talk about the arc of life, caregiving, honoring our aging parents, intergenerational discipleship, the graying of America, and how the church can better embrace and serve people across generations. You can order Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World by Jen Wilkin from: Amazon Westminster Books 10ofThose Connect with Jen Wilkin: Instagram: @jenwilkin Website: https://www.jenwilkin.net Other Books Mentioned: Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin The Knowledge of Holy by A.W. Tozer Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E71
July 6 · 44 min
Finding Mercy for Yourself and Others with Shannon Popkin
In this episode, Shannon Popkin joins me to talk about her book Kinda Judgy and how Scripture reshapes the way we think about judgment, pride, and mercy. Through six biblical stories, Shannon helps us see how easily a critical spirit can take root and how Jesus leads us into something better by receiving mercy and extending it to others. If you have ever felt weighed down by comparison, criticism, or strained relationships, this episode will help you move toward a more merciful way of seeing others and yourself. Book Mentioned Kinda Judgy: Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible by Shannon Popkin Connect with Shannon Popkin Website: shannonpopkin.com Instagram: @shannonpopkin Podcast: Listen to Live Like It’s True Bible Podcast Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E70
June 30 · 30 min
Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God with Cheryl Marshall
In this episode, I am joined by author and Director of Women’s Ministries Cheryl Marshall to discuss her new book All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God. We talk about what it means to live wholeheartedly for God, how His mercy fuels our devotion, and how Romans 12:1–2 calls believers into whole-life worship. Cheryl shares biblical encouragement for women who want to grow in devotion, overcome distraction and discouragement, and live as “living sacrifices” in everyday life. Connect with Cheryl Marshall: Website:https://www.cherylmarshall.com Podcast: Whole-Life Worship Podcast Books Mentioned: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love by Caroline Newheiser and Cheryl Marshall Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E69
June 11 · 49 min
Becoming a Gospel-Shaped Woman with Sarah Rice
I’m so excited to welcome Sarah Rice back to Bookish Talks with Lia! Sarah previously joined me to talk about her book Gospel-Shaped Womanhood, and in this bonus episode released as we are all gathered at The Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference, we’re looking ahead to her upcoming Bible study, Becoming a Gospel-Shaped Woman. This study walks through Ephesians over ten weeks and is designed to help women understand their identity in Christ and apply Scripture in everyday life. Sarah and I talk about the heart behind the study, why Ephesians is so rich for identity and growth, and how to approach Bible study with clarity and confidence. You can preorder Becoming a Gospel-Shaped Woman in the conference bookstore or online at 10ofThose, using code LIA10. In this episode, we cover: • The message of Gospel-Shaped Womanhood • Why Sarah created this companion study • How Ephesians shapes our identity in Christ • What to look for in a faithful Bible study resource • Encouragement for growing in God’s Word
S4 · E68
June 9 · 52 min
Growing Through Seasons of Friendship with Bailey T. Hurley
Friendship can be one of God's greatest gifts, but building and maintaining meaningful relationships isn't always easy. In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest Bailey T. Hurley to discuss her new book, The Friendship Devotional: 40 Days to Move Past Loneliness and Find Your Community. Bailey shares why so many women struggle with loneliness, what it looks like to cultivate deeper friendships as adults, and how Scripture can guide us through every season of friendship. We also discuss the four stages of friendship growth—Planting, Tending, Pruning, and Blooming—and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional relationships. In this episode: The four seasons of friendship growth Making new friends as an adult Navigating friendship challenges and conflict Becoming a better friend through spiritual growth Practical ways to deepen relationships Finding community in every season of life Connect with Bailey: Website: https://baileythurley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileythurley Grab the book: The Friendship Devotional: 40 Days to Move Past Loneliness and Find Your Community
S4 · E67
June 1 · 28 min
Seeing God in Wilderness Seasons with Dustin Crowe
In this episode, author Dustin Crowe joins me to discuss his book Your Wilderness Is Not a Waste. We talk about how seasons of suffering, waiting, spiritual dryness, and uncertainty can become places where we more clearly see God’s presence and work in our lives. Dustin unpacks key wilderness stories in Scripture including Hagar, Moses, David, Elijah, and Jesus, helping us understand how God is faithful and purposeful even in difficult and disorienting seasons. We also discuss his journey into writing and publishing, his pastoral ministry, and how believers can grow in trust when life feels unclear. If you are in a season of struggle or transition, this conversation will encourage you that your wilderness is not wasted and God is still at work. Connect with Dustin Crowe Website: https://indycrowe.com Books: Your Wilderness Is Not a Waste and The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E66
May 19 · 25 min
Pursuing Sabbath Rest with Megan Hill
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I am joined by Megan Hill, author and managing editor for The Gospel Coalition. We’re discussing her booklet Sabbath Rest, part of the Disciplines of Devotion series from Crossway. In this episode, we talk about what Sabbath rest is, why God gave it to us as a gift, and how to practically implement it in everyday life. Megan shares wisdom on slowing down in a culture of constant busyness, creating rhythms of rest, and learning to view Sabbath not as a burden, but as an opportunity to delight in God and commune with Him more deeply. Disciplines of Devotion Series ⁠Sabbath Rest⁠ - Megan Hill & Winfree Brisley Bible Study - Glenna Marshall & Winfree Brisley Evangelism - Sharonda Cooper & Winfree Brisley Fasting - Cassie Achermann & Winfree Brisley Prayer - Courtney Reissig & Winfree Brisley Worship - Emily Jensen & Winfree Brisley Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E65
May 19 · 41 min
Worshiping Beyond Sunday Morning with Emily Jensen
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I am joined by author and Bible teacher Emily Jensen, co-founder of Risen Motherhood, to discuss her booklet Worship from The Gospel Coalition’s Disciplines of Devotion series. We talk about what it looks like to move beyond a limited view of worship as something reserved for Sunday mornings and see it instead as a daily, whole-life response to who God is and what He has done. Emily shares how worship can be practiced in everyday rhythms through our words, our works, and even our “why,” offering practical encouragement for women living in a distracted, do-it-all culture. We also talk about how worship shapes ordinary moments, why small and mundane faithfulness matters, and how women can grow in devotion to God when life feels full and scattered. Disciplines of Devotion Series Worship⁠ - Emily Jensen & Winfree Brisley Bible Study - Glenna Marshall & Winfree Brisley Evangelism - Sharonda Cooper & Winfree Brisley Fasting - Cassie Achermann & Winfree Brisley Prayer - Courtney Reissig & Winfree Brisley Sabbath Rest - Megan Hill & Winfree Brisley Connect with Emily Instagram: @emilyajensen Website: emilyajensen.com Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E64
May 18 · 41 min
Studying Your Bible with Joy with Glenna Marshall
In this episode, I am joined by author and Bible teacher Glenna Marshall to discuss her booklet in Crossway’s Disciplines of Devotion series, Bible Study. Together, we talk about what it looks like to build simple, sustainable rhythms for studying Scripture, especially in the middle of a distracted and busy culture. Glenna shares practical encouragement for women who want to grow in consistency, move past overwhelm, and find real joy in God’s Word. Disciplines of Devotion Series ⁠Bible Study⁠ - Glenna Marshall & Winfree Brisley ⁠Evangelism⁠ - Sharonda Cooper & Winfree Brisley ⁠Fasting⁠ - Cassie Achermann & Winfree Brisley ⁠Prayer⁠ - Courtney Reissig & Winfree Brisley ⁠Sabbath Rest⁠ - Megan Hill & Winfree Brisley ⁠Worship⁠ - Emily Jensen & Winfree Brisley Connect with Glenna Marshall: Website: glennamarshall.com Instagram: ⁠@glennadmarshall Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E63
May 5 · 36 min
Navigating Postpartum with Gospel Hope with Annie Vanderheiden
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Annie VanderHeiden, author of Cradled: Christ's Care for Postpartum Moms. We’re talking about the realities of new motherhood—the identity shifts, the physical exhaustion, and the quiet moments where you might wonder who you even are anymore. Annie shares from her own postpartum journey and reminds us that Christ meets us right in the middle of it all. Through the ordinary, repetitive tasks of caring for a baby, we can begin to see the extraordinary care of Christ for us. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why Annie felt led to write Cradled The emotional and spiritual challenges of postpartum Identity struggles in new motherhood How everyday tasks like feeding and soothing can point us to Christ What it really looks like to “look to Jesus” in exhausting moments Practical ways the church and community can support postpartum moms About Annie: Annie VanderHeiden is the former editor of Risen Motherhood and now spends her days freelance writing and editing, serving in her local church, and caring for her two little ones. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys long walks, drizzly days, and a good mug of matcha. Annie is passionate about encouraging moms with the truth of the gospel in everyday motherhood. Connect with Annie: Get a copy of Cradled: Christ’s Care for Postpartum Moms by Annie VanderHeiden Instagram: @anniekvanderheiden Website: https://www.annievanderheiden.com Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠@liarossreads⁠ Instagram: ⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠ Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode: Big Bible Stories for Little Hearts Yoto Cards
S4 · E62
May 4 · 48 min
Parenting with Wisdom with Sharonda Cooper
In this episode, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Sharonda Cooper. We spend time getting to know her and hearing more about her parenting journey as a mom who has launched two kids. Sharonda shares from her own experiences in motherhood, offering both encouragement and perspective for whatever season you may be in. We also talk about her 5-week devotional, Wisdom for Parenting, and how it helps moms apply biblical wisdom to the everyday challenges of motherhood while rooting their identity in Christ. This conversation includes practical moments as we walk through real questions of parenting, while keeping our focus on the deeper work God is doing in us as mothers. In this episode, we cover: Sharonda’s motherhood journey and what it looked like raising and launching her children The heart behind Wisdom for Parenting Applying biblical wisdom in everyday parenting moments Encouragement for moms in different seasons Rooting your identity in Christ in the midst of motherhood About Sharonda: Sharonda Cooper is an author and Bible teacher who serves as a content coordinator for women’s initiatives at The Gospel Coalition. She is also a fitness trainer and holds two engineering degrees from MIT. Sharonda is currently pursuing her MDiv in apologetics and philosophy from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She lives in Texas with her husband and has two adult children. Connect with Sharonda: Instagram: @sharondaecooper Get the book: Wisdom for Parenting Evangelism Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠@liarossreads⁠ Instagram: ⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E61
April 27 · 43 min
Trusting Christ in the Fight Against Sin with Amy DiMarcangelo
In this episode, I’m joined by Amy DiMarcangelo, author of the 5-week devotional, Wisdom for Fighting Sin. This resource dives into what it looks like to trust Christ in the ongoing fight against sin and how the gospel gives us real hope in the middle of it. We talk about how to bring our struggles to God honestly without shame, and what it means to rely on Christ instead of ourselves in the fight for obedience. Amy shares how gospel truth reshapes the way we think about temptation, confession, and growth in holiness, and encourages us to keep turning back to Christ again and again. In this episode, we cover: How to respond to sin without falling into shame or self-effort The importance of confession and honesty before God How the gospel gives both hope and help for daily obedience Why we shouldn't minimize our sin Books mentioned in this episode: Wisdom for Fighting Sin by Amy DiMarcangelo The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges Connect with Amy: Instagram:@amydimarcangelo Grab the book Wisdom for Fighting Sin Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠@liarossreads⁠ Instagram: ⁠@bookishtalkspodcast
S4 · E60
April 27 · 35 min
Fighting Sin and Finding Freedom in Christ with Brad Wetherell
In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Wetherell, senior pastor at a church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, to talk about his book Saved to Sin No More: How Union with Christ Empowers a Life of Holiness. We spend time unpacking what it really means to be united with Christ and how that truth speaks directly into our everyday experience of sin, guilt, and fear. Brad walks us through how Scripture frames the Christian life—not as striving in isolation, but as living out the reality of what has already been made true in Christ. We also talk about why so many believers feel worn down in their fight against sin, where misunderstandings about sanctification often show up, and how union with Christ reshapes the way we think about growth, struggle, and obedience. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure of what real spiritual growth looks like, this conversation points you back to the hope and freedom we have in Jesus. In this epsiode: The story behind Saved to Sin No More Why union with Christ matters for everyday Christian life Why believers still struggle with sin How Scripture reframes guilt, fear, and spiritual discouragement What real growth in holiness actually looks like Practical encouragement for weary Christians Buy the book: Saved to Sin No More: How Union with Christ Empowers a Life of Holiness Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreads Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
S4 · E59
April 20 · 45 min
Resting in Christ as Imperfect Moms with Abbey Wedgeworth
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Abbey Wedgeworth. We’re talking about her new book, Help! I’m Ruining My Kids. In this conversation, we talk about the weight of our shortcomings in everyday parenting moments and how easy it is to feel like we are not measuring up. Abbey helps us think biblically about motherhood, pointing us back to Christ instead of self-reliance. We talk about: The pressure moms feel in everyday parenting What to do with our sense of failure and shortcomings Resting in Christ instead of ourselves How grace meets us in weakness, not after we fix ourselves If you are a mom who feels the gap between the mother you want to be and the mother you feel like you are, this conversation will encourage you. Connect with Abbey: Website: https://www.abbeywedgeworth.com Instagram: @abbeywedgeworth Books by Abbey Wedgeworth: Help! I’m Ruining My Kids Held Training Young Hearts series Connect with Lia: Bookstagram: ⁠@liarossreads⁠ Instagram: ⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠
S4 · E58
April 13 · 47 min
Finding the Courage to Grieve with Brittany Lee Allen
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Brittany Allen, author, wife, and mother, to talk about her book Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals. The last time Brittany was on the show, we talked about her book Lost Gifts. In this conversation, we turn to the topic of grief more broadly and what it looks like to walk through suffering honestly. We talk about the messages many of us hear in hard seasons like “suffering is good” or “at least it could be worse,” and why those can leave us feeling confused or alone. Brittany helps us name the common lies we tend to believe about suffering and gently points us back to the truth of who God is. Together, we discuss what it means to grieve well, how to hold both sorrow and truth at the same time, and the comfort of knowing that God is near to the brokenhearted. If you are walking through grief or want to better support someone who is, this episode offers thoughtful, biblical encouragement. In this episode, we cover: Common misconceptions about suffering What it means to “suffer well” How God meets us in our grief Supporting others in hard seasons Creating safe spaces for honesty in the local church and friendships Resources mentioned: Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals by Brittany Allen Lost Gifts by Brittany Allen Connect with Brittany: Follow Brittany and learn more about her work at brittleeallen.com and subscribe to her Treasuring Christ newsletter on Substack. Listen to Brittany’s previous episode: Walking Through Miscarriage with Brittany Lee Allen
S4 · E57
April 13 · 42 min
Healing After Church Hurt with Timothy St. John
In this episode, I’m joined by Timothy St. John, a counseling pastor and author of After Church Hurt: Healing in the Care of the Good Shepherd. We’re talking about church hurt and healing, what it is, how to recognize it, and what it looks like to begin healing in a healthy, biblical way. Timothy shares practical wisdom and Scripture-based guidance for processing pain, rebuilding trust, and discerning what a healthy church community can look like after hurt. In this episode, we cover: What church hurt is and how to recognize it How to begin healing after church hurt What it looks like to rebuild trust after church hurt Biblical wisdom for navigating church community after pain Get the book: After Church Hurt by Timothy St. John
S4 · E56
April 6 · 36 min
Finding Satisfaction in God Alone with Joanna Kimbrel
In this episode, I am joined by Joanna Kimbrel to talk about her devotional, You Are Satisfied: Devotions for Your Longing Heart (Gospel Truth for Women). We’re diving into how we can find true contentment and satisfaction in God—even when life feels messy, disappointing, or uncertain. Joanna shares practical ways to turn to Scripture, trust God’s provision, and focus on the Giver rather than the gift. We also talk about finding hope in God’s promises, His plan, and His presence, and what it looks like to grow in satisfaction that lasts. If you’ve ever felt restless, longing, or like your heart won’t be satisfied, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: You Are Satisfied: Devotions for Your Longing Heart (Gospel Truth for Women) The Gospel Truth for Women series
S4 · E55
March 30 · 44 min
Living as a Woman in God’s Design with Jen Oshman
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Jen Oshman, author, Bible teacher, and women’s ministry leader, to talk about her newest study, Very Good: What the Bible Says About Being a Woman. There are so many messages coming at women about who we are and what our lives should look like. It can feel overwhelming trying to sort through what’s true and what’s just noise. In this conversation, we slow down and look at what Scripture actually says about being a woman and how that shapes the way we live today. Jen shares the heart behind Very Good, a 7-session Bible study that walks through the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. We talk about identity, purpose, and what it looks like to understand our place in God’s design. We also touch on how to approach difficult passages, think through cultural messages, and live faithfully in today’s world. This conversation is both grounding and encouraging, especially if you’ve ever felt the tension between what culture says and what God’s Word teaches. My hope is that it points you back to Scripture with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we cover: Navigating cultural messages about womanhood Understanding identity and purpose through Scripture Approaching difficult or confusing passages in the Bible The role of women in God’s redemptive story Living faithfully as a woman in today’s culture Featured Book: Very Good: What the Bible Says About Being a Woman More from Jen Oshman: Enough About Me Cultural Counterfeits Welcome It's Good to Be a Girl
S4 · E54
March 23 · 57 min
Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce with Vaneetha Risner
This is a tender but deeply important conversation. I’m joined by Vaneetha Risner to talk about her new book, This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce, and to walk through the deep heartache of divorce, grief, and what it looks like to keep trusting God in a story you never would have chosen. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Vaneetha’s honest reflections on shame, lament, and forgiveness The slow, often painful work of healing after loss How to trust God in the middle of unexpected heartache Wisdom for loving a friend walking through similar struggles Plus: Learn about Vaneetha’s podcast for more conversations about grief, hope, and God’s faithfulness Check out my past episode with Vaneetha Grab the book: This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes