Bookish Talks with Lia

Latest Episodes:

Writing, Reading, and Laughing with Holly Mackle Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Holly Mackle—author, classical school librarian, and host of the Unseriously podcast. Holly wears many hats, and today, we’re diving into how she balances writing, podcasting, and working in a school library while creating meaningful content.

Whether you’re a fan of her books, interested in classical education, or curious about her new podcast, this conversation is for you. Holly shares her journey into writing, her passion for helping kids engage with literature, and the joys and challenges of launching a podcast.

We got a good laugh along the way, so grab your coffee or tea and join us for an insightful and fun conversation!

Connect with Holly Mackle:

Unseriously Podcast
Instagram: @hollymacklebooks

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

Surrendering Your Motherhood to God with Hallie Dye Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Hallie Dye, a wife, mom of three, podcaster, speaker, and author of the debut book You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have). Hallie opens up about the messy yet beautiful journey of motherhood and how surrendering to God’s grace can bring peace amidst the chaos.

Whether you’re a mom feeling the pressures of the perfect motherhood narrative or someone looking for encouragement in the midst of imperfection, this conversation is for you. Hallie shares her faith journey, how she got into writing and podcasting, and practical advice on navigating the high expectations of motherhood with grace.

Grab your coffee or tea and join us for a conversation filled with authenticity, wisdom, and hope.

We discuss:

Hallie’s personal journey of faith and how it has shaped her motherhood.
The heart behind her book You’re Still a Good Mom and the inspiration for writing it.
How to surrender expectations and embrace God’s grace in the mess of motherhood.
Practical advice for moms feeling overwhelmed by the highlight reel of social media.
Hallie’s favorite moments from her book and the truths she hopes readers take away.
Books Mentioned:
You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have) by Hallie Dye Grab your copy
Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy by Tim Keller
Connect with Hallie Dye:
Instagram: @halliedye
Podcast: The Saltworks Podcast

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

Balancing Books Through Each Season of Motherhood with Kara Ballinger Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Motherhood brings many changes, and our reading lives are no exception. In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Kara Ballinger (@thewell.read.collective), a homeschooling mom, avid reader, and the creator behind The Well Read Collective. Kara is passionate about helping women know and love God through the study of His Word, and today, she’s sharing how her reading habits have shifted through different seasons of motherhood.

We discuss:

Kara’s bookstagram journey and how she built The Well Read Collective
How motherhood and homeschooling have shaped her reading life
Encouragement for moms who feel like they don’t have time to read
The Christian books that have impacted her faith

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep a thriving reading life as a busy mom, this episode is for you.

Books Mentioned:

Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn
Mandie Series by Lois Gladys Leppard

Connect with Kara:
Website: wellversedcollective.com
Instagram: @thewell.read.collective

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

Overcoming Reading Slumps & Bookstagram Burnout with Brandi Davis Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brandi Davis opens up about the struggles of reading slumps and Bookstagram burnout, offering insights and advice on how to get to the root of your reading slump and lean into finding balance. Whether you’re a book lover, a content creator, or just looking to rediscover your passion for reading, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get back on track.

Listen to Brandi's previous epsiode Reading Widely and Growing Deeply with Brandi Davis

Connect with Brandi:

Instagram: @becomingbookbybook

Connect with Lia:

Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

Ask Me Anything: Favorite Books, How I Find Time to Read, & a Surprise! Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering your questions. We're covering it all from my favorite books and how I find time to read to a surprise you might not expect. I’m also sharing a few past episodes you might love and must-read books that have shaped my faith and reading life. Grab your coffee or tea, and let’s dive in.

Past Episodes Mentioned:

Crafting Christian Content with a Purpose with Oghosa Iyamu
Breaking Free from Bad Theology: How Books Helped Shape My Faith

Books Mentioned:

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
American Queen by Vanessa Miller
Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight
Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn
The Promises of God Series by Kim Cash Tate
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

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.

Becoming Trauma Aware: Providing Gospel-Centered Care with Eliza Huie Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Eliza Huie, a biblical counselor, speaker, and author of Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care. Eliza shares her journey into biblical counseling and offers wisdom on how Christians can provide compassionate, gospel-centered support to those affected by trauma. We explore the importance of understanding trauma from a biblical perspective, how churches can become more trauma-aware, and practical ways to care for others while staying rooted in Scripture.

Episode Highlights:

Eliza shares about her life, counseling journey, and passion for holistic, gospel-centered care.
What inspired Eliza to write Trauma Aware and who will benefit most from it.
Defining trauma and addressing common misconceptions.
How churches can create trauma-aware environments and support their congregations effectively.
Balancing empathy with biblical faithfulness when walking alongside someone experiencing trauma.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care by Eliza Huie
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp
Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Order your copy of Trauma Aware:

Amazon

Harvest House Publishers

Christianbook.com

Connect with Eliza:

Website: elizahuie.com
Instagram: @elizajanehuie

Learning to Love God’s Word with Maggie Brown of Warmly Welcomed Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Maggie Brown, the founder of Warmly Welcomed. Maggie has built a vibrant online community dedicated to helping women get OUT of their heads and INTO their Bibles. Her mission is simple yet profound: to teach women to love God’s Word and live out their faith in everyday life.

Maggie shares her personal journey from working on church staff to starting Warmly Welcomed, discussing her passion for deepening women’s Bible study experiences. We dive into some of the common hurdles people face when studying Scripture and explore practical tips and resources to help you stay motivated and consistent in your time with God.

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, Maggie’s insights are sure to encourage and equip you in your journey.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Maggie’s journey to starting Warmly Welcomed and her passion for women’s ministry
Tips for overcoming common challenges in Bible study
Maggie’s go-to Bible study tools and favorite resources

The importance of staying connected to the local church

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
The Reformation Study Bible edited by R.C. Sproul

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Connect with Maggie Brown:

Instagram: @wearewarmlywelcomed
Website: warmlywelcomed.co
Check out Maggie's digital Bible study resources: warmlywelcomed.co/shop

Connect with Lia:

Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

Pursuing Gospel-Shaped Womanhood with Sarah Rice Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rice, author of Gospel-Shaped Womanhood: How Losing Yourself and Finding Your Identity in Christ Changes Everything. Sarah shares her journey of faith and how understanding our identity in Christ transforms our lives as women. We discuss the biblical truths that inspired her writing, the significance of a Jesus-centered identity in today’s culture, and the practical ways women can live out their faith daily. If you're seeking encouragement to embrace your identity in Christ and live out your calling as a woman of faith, this episode is filled with wisdom and practical insights grounded in Scripture.

Episode Highlights:

Sarah shares her personal background and testimony.
The inspiration behind Gospel-Shaped Womanhood and its central themes.
Insights from her writing process and challenges faced along the way.
The significance of a Jesus-centered identity in today’s world.
Practical steps for pursuing gospel-shaped womanhood in daily life.

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram: @gospelshapedwomanhood

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Gospel-Shaped Womanhood: How Losing Yourself and Finding Your Identity in Christ Changes Everything by Sarah Rice

Connect with Lia:

Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

 Reforming Your Shelves with Pastor Adam Powers Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Adam Powers, the pastor behind @ReformedShelves on Instagram, to talk about how he came to know Christ, his love for Reformed theology, and the intentionality behind curating his personal library.

If you're curious about curating a meaningful library of Christian books or diving deeper into Reformed theology, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement.

Episode Highlights

His journey to becoming a follower of Christ and its impact on his love for theology and books.
The story behind @ReformedShelves and what it means to “reform” your bookshelves.
How he selects and curates a quality library with theological depth.
The top three books that have most influenced his life and ministry.
Recommendations for newcomers to Reformed theology.
Balancing his reading life with pastoring and family responsibilities.

Connect with Adam

Instagram: @reformedshelves

Books Mentioned in This Episode

Desiring God by John Piper
Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in the Christian Life by R.C. Sproul
What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics by R.C. Sproul
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
The Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkien
Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The Life and Diary of David Brainerd

Connect with Lia:

Bookstagram: ⁠⁠@liarossreads⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookishtalkspodcast⁠

Reading Widely and Growing Deeply with Brandi Davis Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Brandi Davis, the bookworm behind @becomingbookbybook, about her journey into Christian bookstagram and how reading widely has helped her grow deeply in her walk with Christ. Brandi shares the rewards of curating her platform, how she selects books for her community and the challenges of balancing life and content creation. If you're looking for inspiration to dive deeper into solid Christian books, this episode is full of encouragement and practical insights.

Episode Highlights:

Brandi shares a bit about her life and current season.
Her bookstagram journey and the inspiration behind @becomingbookbybook.
The most rewarding experiences and challenges she’s faced as a bookstagrammer.
How Christian books have influenced her faith journey.
Tips on building a thriving bookstagram community.

Connect with Brandi:

Instagram: @becomingbookbybook

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Just Be Honest: How to Worship through Tears and Pray without Pretending by Clint Watkins
Waiting Isn't a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life by Mark Vroegop
How to Tell the Truth: The Story of How God Saved Me to Win Hearts—Not Just Arguments by Preston Perry
The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh
The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese

Connect with Lia: