Bookish Talks with Lia

Latest Episodes:

Reimagining Storytelling with S. D. Smith May 19, 2025

Show notes

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:

The Green Ember Series by S. D. Smith
Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb (NEW prequel novel + game)
Kickstarter campaign for the book & video game

Support the Kickstarter campaign through this link

Explore S. D. Smith’s books:
https://sdsmith.com/books

Connect with Sam

Website: https://sdsmith.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sdsmithereens
Story Warren: https://storywarren.com

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

Becoming What You Behold with Kyle Worley May 12, 2025

Show notes

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:

Home with God

Formed For Fellowship

Connect with Kyle:

Website: kyleworley.net
Instagram: @kyleworley
Podcast: Knowing Faith
Church: Mosaic Church Richardson

Nurturing Your Kids into Faithful Followers of Jesus with Chris Ammen of Kaleidoscope May 05, 2025

Show notes

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:

Chris’s personal journey and passion for children’s discipleship
Why discipleship is more about faithfulness than perfection
The difference between behavior modification and heart transformation
Common challenges parents face in discipling their kids and how to overcome them
Practical tips for starting discipleship rhythms in the home
Encouragement for parents who feel like they’ve failed in this area
Scriptures to cling to in the parenting journey
What discipleship actually looks like in real life with kids

Resources Mentioned:

Tiny Theologians

Dwell Differently
Bible Infographics for Kids

Connect with Chris Ammen:

Website: www.readkaleidoscope.com
Instagram: @readkaleidoscope
Buy Chris’s debut book, Raising Disciples at Home here

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.

Living the Christian Life in College and Beyond Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

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:

A little of my story of coming to faith right before college
The biggest lessons I learned trying to live for Christ on campus
Practical tips for staying rooted in God's Word and Christian community

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

Taking the Ultimate Bookstore Road Trip with Meagan Robertson Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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

Bringing a Bookstore to Life with Deidre Lail Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever dreamed of turning your love for books into a real-life bookstore? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Deidre Lail—bookstagrammer, book lover, and now bookshop owner of My Chapter House in downtown Hickory, NC.

Deidre shares her journey of bringing a bookstore to life—from the first sparks of the dream to the decision to buy a shop and make it her own. We chat about what it’s really like to run a bookshop with her family, how she curates titles with her community in mind, and what she's learned along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a space where stories and people meet, this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

How bookstagram shaped Deidre’s bookstore journey
What it took to bring My Chapter House to life
The ups and downs of bookstore ownership
Favorite moments behind the counter
Dreams for the future and advice for aspiring bookshop owners

Connect with Deidre:

@libraryaroundthecorner - Bookstagram

@mychapterhouse - Bookshop

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

Celebrating Christian Book Month with Korrie Johnson of Good Book Mom Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Korrie Johnson, the founder of Good Book Mom—a go-to resource for Christian families seeking quality, God-honoring reads. Korrie and I talk all things Christian Book Month—what it is, why it matters, and how you can get involved in supporting Christian authors and diving into gospel-centered books. From her faith journey and book curation process to practical recommendations for families, this conversation is full of encouragement and bookish goodness!

Episode Highlights:

Korrie's journey to faith and the heart behind her platform
Why it’s crucial to intentionally choose Christian books for your family
What Christian Book Month is and how to join in
Practical ways to support Christian authors and enjoy gospel-rich reading
Book recs for moms, kids, and families
Ideas for books to request at your local public library
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
- God Made Me and You by Shai Linne
- Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor
- God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies by Justin Holcomb
- Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
- The Mansoul Chronicles by Lithos Kids
- The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

Connect with Korrie:

Visit Korrie’s website: goodbookmom.com
Connect with Korrie on Instagram: @goodbookmom

Connect with Lia:
- Bookstagram: @liarossreads
- Podcast Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

Slowing Down and Embracing Rest with Samantha Decker Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Samantha Decker, author of Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the constant hustle or are craving more space to rest in God’s peace, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights:

Samantha Decker’s Journey: From living a hurried life to embracing rest and trusting God’s timing.
Why We Struggle with Busyness: The reasons behind our constant striving and how to break free.
Biblical Rest & Surrender: How Jesus modeled rest and why surrendering control to God frees us from hurry.
Practical Steps to an Unhurried Life: Small but meaningful habits to create space for peace.

Connect with Samantha Decker:

Instagram: @samanthadeckerwrites

Substack: samanthadecker.substack.com

Website: samanthadeckerwrites.com

Buy Unhurried: Book Link

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God by Samantha Decker
None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
In His Image by Jen Wilkin
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads
Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs encouragement in slowing down and finding rest in God.

Healing from the Pain of Friendship Breakups with Tabitha Panariso Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Friendship breakups can be just as painful as any other form of rejection, leaving us feeling lost and hurt. In this episode, I sit down with Tabitha Panariso, Christian counselor and author of Loyal in His Love, to talk about navigating the grief of losing a close friendship. We discuss why friendship breakups can be so painful, how to process the emotions that come with them, and how Christ’s faithfulness offers healing and hope. Tabitha also answers listener questions on knowing when to let go, dealing with guilt, and whether every friendship needs closure.

Episode Highlights

Tabitha’s journey as a writer and Christian counselor
Why friendship breakups hurt so deeply
Common emotions after losing a close friend and how to navigate them
Biblical encouragement for seasons of rejection
Listener Q&A on friendship breakups
Rapid-fire questions, including Tabitha’s favorite chapter to write

Listen to Episode #3 of Bookihs Talks with Lia, Cultivating Godly Friendships with Bailey T. Hurley (Apple or Spotify)

Scriptures mentioned: Psalms 136, Romans 8:37-39

Disclaimer: Sozo is mentioned in this episode in reference to the Greek word σῴζω, meaning to save, deliver, heal, or make whole (e.g., Acts 16:31, Mark 5:34, Matthew 8:25). This reference is simply to the biblical meaning.

Connect with Tabitha

Loyal in His Love - Buy the book

Substack: tabithapanariso.substack.com

Instagram: @tabithapanariso

Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreadsInstagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

Building a Life of Discipleship with Alicia Hamilton Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Hamilton—an author and passionate college ministry leader with a heart for discipleship. Alicia’s work focuses on helping young adults deepen their faith in a pivotal season of life.

We’ll dive into her journey of writing, ministry, and discipleship, exploring how she balances creativity with spiritual growth. You’ll also hear about her devotional, Eternity in Our Hearts, and the incredible lessons she’s learned along the way.

Episode Highlights: