In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I sit down with Whitney K. Pipkin, wife, mom of three, and author of We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Whitney wrote this deeply personal and honest book after walking with her mom through the final season of a long cancer journey. Named the 2024 TGC Book Award winner in the First-Time Author category, her story points readers to truth, hope, and the presence of God even in grief.
We talk about the heart behind her writing, the surprises she encountered in the process, and the hope she wants readers to carry away. Whether you’re walking through grief, caring for a loved one, or simply wanting to approach conversations about death with courage and faith, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and hope.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by author and speaker Marissa Henley to talk about what it looks like to truly thrive after cancer and how we can love others well through that journey.
Marissa was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer in her 30s, and she shares how God met her in that season and how it transformed her view of faith, suffering, and community. We also discuss what inspired her to write After Cancer: Thriving with Hope and Loving Your Friend Through Cancer, and the lessons she’s learned about walking alongside those who are hurting.
If you’ve ever wondered how to support a friend facing illness—or you’re in a hard season yourself—this conversation offers both compassion and practical guidance.
Grab your coffee or tea, and let’s get started.
How Marissa came to faith and began writing
What her cancer journey taught her about God’s character
Encouragement for survivors learning to live beyond treatment
Practical ways to love a friend walking through cancer
How the body of Christ can better support one another in suffering
What to avoid saying when you want to help
Marissa Henley is a writer, speaker, and the author of After Cancer: Thriving with Hope and Loving Your Friend Through Cancer. She holds a graduate certificate in systematic theology from Reformed Theological Seminary and serves the body of Christ through her local church and ministry efforts. Marissa lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband, where she loves annoying her teenage daughter with Gen Z slang and trying to lure her two sons home from college with offers of food and laundry.
After Cancer: Thriving with Hope by Marissa Henley
Loving Your Friend Through Cancer by Marissa Henley
Today, I am joined by Alyson Punzi, author of the new picture book He Always Hears, published by Crossway. Her book helps children understand grief and sadness through biblical lament, teaching them that God hears their prayers and meets them in their emotions.
In this episode, we talk about what biblical lament really means, why it matters for children, and practical ways caregivers can have honest, faith-filled conversations about sadness, hope, and God’s promises. This conversation is full of encouragement and practical insights for anyone helping kids navigate big emotions, and you will walk away inspired and equipped.
Alyson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville University and is passionate about discipleship and theology. After the sudden loss of her husband, who died of leukemia and was a pastor, she began writing about grief, lament, single motherhood, and guiding children through difficult emotions. Alyson and her daughter live in small-town Ohio.
Connect with Alyson Punzi:
Substack: substack.com/@alysonpunzi
Instagram: @alysonpunzi
Use my code ROSSREADS for 5% off any resource on Westminster Books website. Link to shop
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, we sit down with Darby Strickland, author of When It's Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers. Darby shares her expertise on trauma from a Christian perspective and offers practical insights on how we can support those who have experienced trauma. Whether you’re a counselor, a friend, or someone who simply wants to understand trauma better, Darby’s wisdom will help you walk faithfully alongside those who are hurting.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
Buy Darby’s Book:
When It's Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers
Use my code ROSSREADS for 5% off any resource on Westminster Books website. Link to shop
Counseling Resources:
Christian Counseling Education Foundation
Counseling Books - Access the full list here
Today I’m joined by author Hunter Beless, wife and mother of four, who is passionate about helping women and children know and love God—especially through His Word. You probably know her best as the founder and host of the Journeywomen Podcast, and she actively serves in her local church.
In today’s episode, we talk about her newest children’s book, Jesus Loves You More, and explore practical rhythms you can create at home and in everyday life to help your children know, understand, and love God’s Word. This conversation is full of encouragement and ideas parents can start using today.
Resources Mentioned:
For Kids & Families:
For Parents & Adults:
Connect with Hunter Beless:
Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
In this episode, Julie shares her story of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and grief—and how learning to lament became the pathway from sorrow to hope. Through Scripture and her personal journey, she reminds us that it’s okay to bring our pain before God and that healing often begins when we do.
We talk about:
How childhood experiences shape the way we relate to God and others
What emotional neglect looks like and how it impacts faith
Practical steps to face past pain, build hope, and break unhealthy patterns
How the church can support those who have experienced childhood wounds
Listener questions on trusting God when earthly love has failed and how to grieve without shame
Julie also shares about the inspiration behind her book, the hardest chapters to write, and what she hopes readers walk away with.
Resources & Links
Today I’m chatting with Laura Wifler, a wife, mother, and founder of The KidLit Lab, where she helps authors create true, beautiful, and helpful picture books that children will return to again and again. Many of you know her from her previous ministry, Risen Motherhood, and today we’re talking about her newest picture book, Your Worth Never Wavers: Discover True Beauty as a Girl Made by God.
In this episode, Laura and I dive into how we can help the girls in our lives grow up with a secure sense of worth and identity—not chasing cultural standards of beauty, but resting in the truth that they are made in God’s image.
She shares insights from her book, practical ways parents can start conversations with daughters about identity and worth.
If you’re looking for guidance on talking with girls about body image, identity, and confidence rooted in how God created us, this episode is for you.
Purchase your copy of Your Worth Never Waivers
Connect with Laura:
Wesbite: laurawifler.com
Instagram: @laurawifler
Substack: Laura Wifler
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting—but it doesn’t have to keep us from experiencing God’s peace. In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Blair Linne—Bible teacher, author, spoken word artist, and co-leader of the Family Worship Micro Conference with her husband, Shai. Blair’s new book, Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith (Sept 2025), shares her journey through crippling anxiety and panic attacks, and how God met her in the middle of fear.
Blair opens up about the challenges and lessons of walking through anxiety, the Scriptures that anchored her, and how her faith deepened in unexpected ways. We also talk about her upcoming children’s book, Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry, and the importance of teaching kids how to navigate fear with God’s help.
Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insight, and a reminder that God is present—even in the midst of trembling.
In this episode, you’ll hear Blair share:
How anxiety became part of her story and faith journey
What a panic attack actually feels like—and what helped her through them
The Scriptures and practices that brought peace in the middle of fear
Why she wrote a children’s book about anxiety and what she hopes kids take away
Books that have shaped her faith and theology
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I sit down with Courtney Reissig, author of Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes. Courtney shares her journey of faith through seasons of doubt, burnout, and disappointment—and how she learned to trust the unchanging nature of Jesus even when everything else in life feels uncertain.
We dive into:
Whether you’re facing doubt, navigating spiritual disappointment, or just need a reminder of God’s steadfast love, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom for every season of faith.
Book Mentioned: Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes by Courtney Reissig Buy here | Grab your copy
Connect with Courtney Reissig
Tune in and get encouraged to trust Jesus when everything else changes.
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Oghosa Iyamu, author of her first Bible study, Forever Welcomed: A Study on God’s Impartial Love for All. We dive into the heart of God’s impartial love, how it’s displayed in Scripture in passages like James 2, and what it means for us and how we live.
Oghosa shares what inspired her to write this study, how the Bible guided her message, and practical ways we can reflect God’s impartial love in our everyday lives. Whether you’re exploring this study on your own or with a group, there’s so much encouragement and insight in this conversation.
If you enjoyed our discussion today, be sure to check out our previous episode, Crafting Christian Content with Purpose, where we explore creating content that inspires and uplifts.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Order your copy of Forever Welcomed here
Connect with Oghosa:
Instagram: @oghosaiiyamu
For more about Oghosa’s work, visit her official website: oghosaiyamu.com
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
When life feels overwhelming, where do you turn for help? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Rebekah Hannah, a biblical counselor and the founder of Anchored Virtual, to talk about what biblical counseling really is, why it matters, and how God’s Word offers anchored hope for the struggles we all face.
Rebekah shares her own story of following Jesus and how the Lord led her into biblical counseling. We talk through common misconceptions Christians may have about counseling, how to know when it’s time to seek help, and why Scripture is sufficient and essential for navigating life’s hardest seasons.
You’ll also hear the heart behind Anchored Virtual, a ministry providing accessible, Christ-centered counseling, and Rebekah’s practical encouragement for anyone feeling unsure if counseling is the next step.
What We Talk About in This Episode:
Connect with Rebekah Hannah + Anchored Virtual:
Connect with Lia:
What do we do when hope feels out of reach? How do we cling to God in the long nights of suffering and waiting?
In this conversation, I’m joined by author and speaker Vaneetha Risner, who has walked through profound suffering—chronic illness, loss, and divorce—and yet continues to point us to Christ as the source of lasting hope. We talk about her newest book, Watching for the Morning: 90 Devotionals for When Hope Is Hard to Find, and the heart behind writing for those who feel weary, unseen, or stuck in the waiting.
Vaneetha shares honestly about lament, the importance of holding both grief and laughter, and how she has learned to be satisfied in God alone. She also offers encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God or unsure of how to bring their doubts and pain before Him.
Grab your coffee or tea and join us for this heartfelt and hope-filled episode.
Books by Vaneetha Risner
Connect with VaneethaWebsite: www.vaneetha.comInstagram: @vaneetharisner
Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by author Brittany Lee Allen to discuss her deeply personal and hopeful book, Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort. Brittany shares her story of losing three babies to miscarriage, the pain and confusion she faced, and how she found God’s comfort in the midst of her grief.
We explore what it means to grieve openly in a culture that often overlooks miscarriage, how the Church can better support families walking through loss, and practical ways you can care for someone who is grieving. Brittany also offers wisdom and encouragement for anyone impacted by miscarriage or wanting to learn how to journey alongside others in sorrow.
If you’ve experienced miscarriage or want to grow in compassion and understanding, this episode is for you.
A note: At one point in the episode, I misspoke in a way that might have suggested women who experience miscarriage are not mothers. I want to affirm clearly that even though their children are not here on earth, they are very much mothers, and their grief is real and valid.
Books Mentioned:
Connect with Brittany:
Follow Brittany and learn more about her work at brittleeallen.com and subscribe to her Treasuring Christ newsletter on Substack.
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Glenna Marshall to talk about her newest book, Known & Loved: Experiencing the Affection of God in Psalm 139. You’ve probably heard the verse “fearfully and wonderfully made,” but Glenna invites us to go deeper.
In this rich and honest conversation, we talk about what it means to be fully known and deeply loved by God. Glenna shares how Psalm 139 has shaped her faith, especially through seasons of suffering, and how Scripture helps anchor us in the truth of God’s affection.
If you’ve ever struggled to believe that God’s love is personal and present in your life, this episode will encourage your heart.
In This Episode:
Books by Glenna Marshall:
Books Mentioned In This Episode:
Connect with Glenna Marshall:
Website: glennamarshall.com
Instagram: @glennadmarshall
Connect with Lia Ross:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
What if your weakness wasn’t something to hide, but the very place God wants to show His strength? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Bible teacher and author Christine Hoover to talk about her new Bible study, More Than Enough: God’s Strength in Our Weakness in 2 Corinthians.
Christine shares how 2 Corinthians speaks directly to our struggles with inadequacy, and how God's power meets us right where we are. We talk about ministry life, cultural messages of self-sufficiency, and how spiritual maturity often begins with surrender. This conversation is full of encouragement, truth, and hope for anyone who has ever felt not enough.
So grab your coffee or tea and let’s get started!
In This Episode:
Resources and Links:
📖 More Than Enough Bible Study
To connect with Christine, visit christinehoover.net or follow her on Instagram @christinehoover98
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
Embracing God’s Strength in Our Weakness with Christine Hoover
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by S. D. Smith, author of The Green Ember Series—an adventure saga that’s captivated over a million readers. We talk about the heart behind his storytelling, the enduring impact of rabbits with swords, and his exciting new project: Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb—a novel releasing alongside its very own video game!
Sam shares what makes this new story special, what it's like writing a beloved prequel, and how this project blends timeless themes with a fresh format. If you love meaningful stories that stir up courage, virtue, and imagination, this conversation is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Support the Kickstarter campaign through this link
Explore S. D. Smith’s books:
https://sdsmith.com/books
Connect with Sam
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Kyle Worley—pastor, author, and co-host of the Knowing Faith Podcast. Kyle and I talk about what it really means to be at home with God through union with Christ, and how we’re all being spiritually formed every day—often without realizing it. We dive into his books, Home with God and Formed for Fellowship, and explore how beholding God changes everything. If you’ve ever wondered how theology fits into your everyday life or what spiritual formation really looks like, this conversation will leave you encouraged and grounded in truth.
Purchase Kyle's Books:
Connect with Kyle:
Website: kyleworley.net
Instagram: @kyleworley
Podcast: Knowing Faith
Church: Mosaic Church Richardson
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, we’re discussing how to disciple your children without the pressure. If the idea of discipling your kids feels overwhelming or if you’ve ever wondered if you’re qualified, you’re not alone. Chris Ammen, a children’s pastor and father of four, has been there.
Chris shares insights from his debut book, Raising Disciples at Home: Nurturing Your Kids into Faithful Followers of Jesus. He explains how parents can embrace their weaknesses and depend on God in the process of discipling their kids. We’ll discuss key truths about discipleship, including how God is the one ultimately guiding your child’s faith journey and how discipleship is about God shaping us as parents as well.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or unqualified in the area of discipling your kids, this conversation will encourage and equip you.
Episode Highlights:
Resources Mentioned:
Dwell Differently
Bible Infographics for Kids
Connect with Chris Ammen:
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.
In this episode, I'm sharing a more personal conversation in light of graduation season. Whether you're heading to college, graduating, a parent cheering someone on, or just curious about my story, this episode is for you. I’m taking you back to my early days as a new believer in college — the struggles, the joys, and the simple habits that kept me grounded in my faith through college and into post-grad life.
I hope it encourages you (or someone you love) to walk closely with Jesus through every new season.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
What’s better than visiting one bookstore? Visiting five—in a single day!
In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Meagan Robertson, host of the Faith and Fables podcast, to chat all about her epic 12-hour road trip from North Carolina to Tennessee for McKay’s 50th anniversary celebration. Meagan, along with her friends (and her baby!), hit the road to explore multiple McKay’s locations, and she’s sharing all the details of this unforgettable adventure.
We talk about what it’s like to plan a book-lover’s dream trip, how to make it work with a little one in tow, and why McKay’s holds such a special place in our hearts. If you’ve ever dreamed of a bookstore crawl or love the thrill of secondhand book finds, this episode is for you.
Note: We had some audio issues during recording due to internet connection, so the sound quality may not be perfect. We apologize for any distractions, but we hope you still enjoy this fun conversation!
Episode Highlights
How Meagan pulled off visiting five McKay’s bookstores in one day
What makes McKay’s a beloved destination for readers
Favorite finds and surprising treasures found at Mckay's
Connect with Meagan:
Bookstagram: @robertson.reads
Podcast: @faithandfables
Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast
