The Englewood Review of Books Podcast

Jen is joined by three great guests for a live conversation (as well as an abundance of recorded contributions from other guests) for a wide-ranging and freewheeling conversation about our favorite books of 2020. C. Christopher Smith is the Founding Editor of The Englewood Review of Books and the author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks , published by Brazo...

Joel takes over the podcast for an episode all about speculative fiction! He is joined by two first-time guests for a wide-ranging and enthusiastic conversation about the importance of reading speculative fiction, and the crucial role such literature can play in our culture.  Christina Bieber Lake is the Clyde S Kilby professor of English at Wheaton College where she teaches courses in subjects li...

Jen is joined by repeat-podcast guest Amy Peterson and first-time guest Lee Camp, for a heartfelt discussion of political and ethical formation in the wake of the disorienting 2020 election in the U.S. Amy Peterson is a writer, teacher, and postulant living in North Carolina. Her first book, Dangerous Territory: My Misguided Quest to Save the World was published in 2017. Her second book, Where Goo...

Jen is joined by first-time podcast guest Laura Fabrycky and ERB editor Chris Smith for a rich and impassioned conversation about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, political theology, and the role of reading in a contentious political culture. Laura Fabrycky is an American writer, diplomatic spouse, and mother of three, currently residing in Brussels, Belgium. Her book, Keys to Bonhoeffer’s Haus: E...

Jen is joined by Tish Harrison Warren and Stina Kielsmeier-Cook for a deep and heartfelt conversation about reading through doubt, suffering and vulnerability. Stina Kielsmeier-Cook is a writer living in Minneapolis.  (You may remember her from Episode 3!) She has a graduate diploma in Forced Migration and Refugee Studies and loves to talk about public policy, parenting, and her neighborhood. She...

Jen is joined by prolific writers Lauren Winner and Marilyn McEntyre for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about the role of words, empathy and reading during such a disorienting season. Marilyn McEntyre has spent many years teaching American literature, Medical Humanities , and a variety of writing courses. She’s recently left full-time teaching to spend more time writing. She is the aut...

Jen is joined by two experienced and talented publishers to discuss topics like diversity of voices and writing in Christian publishing, the state of publishing in 2020, and what they are currently reading. Katelyn Beaty is a writer, editor, and speaker. She was the youngest and first female managing editor of Christianity Today, and she is also the author of A Woman’s Place . She currently works...

Jen is joined by ERB editors Chris Smith and John Wilson, as well as podcast producer and ERB contributor Joel Wentz, for a free-wheeling conversation about what we are all reading right now. We cover a wide span of genres, styles, and authors, so there's bound to be a recommendation in here for almost everyone! Books mentioned in this episode: Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullne...

Jen is joined by Marlena Graves and Tim Soerens for a great conversation about counter-cultural reading practices and listening to voices on the margins. Plus, we are excited to offer a book giveaway sponsored by InterVarsity Press! Check out the episode for details. Marlena Graves is a writer, deep thinker, and speaker passionate about the eternal implications of our life with God. She received h...

Jen is joined by David Swanson and Esau McCaulley to continue the conversation about the reading life and the current cultural moment. David W. Swanson is the founding pastor of New Community Covenant Church , a multiracial congregation on the South Side of Chicago. He also serves as the CEO of New Community Outreach , a non-profit organization working to reduce causes of trauma and raise opportun...

Cara Meredith is a writer, speaker, and activist. She is the author of The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Racial Justice , which released in 2019. As a white woman, Cara journeys toward understanding the racial realities of individual and systemic racism through falling in love with the son of a black icon and raising two mixed-raced sons. Cara, a former high school English teacher and o...

Jen is joined by Mitali Perkins and Erin Wasinger to discuss the reading life of children. They talk about the power of stories in the lives of kids, as well as the surprising tension and conflict in the discussion concerning what literature children should have access to, as well as how to encourage a love for reading as children grow. This is a fantastic conversation for those readers who have l...

Jen is joined by writers Alex Joyner and Karen Stiller to discuss reading in the life of ministry. They talk about how reading has shaped them as ministers, as well as the people they've led. They also talk about the perils of recommending books, and Karen coins the term "book bully." Fans of Annie Dillard will particularly appreciate this thoughtful episode. Books mentioned: The Mi...

After a special announcement about the future of the podcast, Jen continues the conversation about "reading under quarantine," with two very special guests: John Wilson and Karen Swallow Prior. They discuss what their reading experience is like right now in this disorienting time, and what types of books and authors they're gravitating towards. Books mentioned in this episode: How t...

In the first of a two-part conversation about reading under the Covid "quarantine," Chris and Jen have a lively discussion with writers Ashley Hales and Brandon O'Brien. They discuss what their reading experience is like right now, what types of books and authors they're gravitating to, and get pretty honest about the challenges of home life during this season. Books mentioned...

**Note: all 4 initial episodes of the ERB Podcast were recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. This is why this important event is not mentioned.** On this episode Chris and Jen welcome essayist and ERB contributor Meghan Florian to discuss more favorite books from 2019, their own reading habits, and what it's like to be a "professional reader." They also highlight the Redb...

**Note: all 4 initial episodes of the ERB Podcast were recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. This is why this important event is not mentioned.** On this episode Chris and Jen welcome back John Wilson, and are joined by ERB contributor Stina Kielsmeier-Cook to discuss Stina's upcoming book, their own reading habits, and readings in monastic spirituality. They also highlight the imp...

**Note: all 4 initial episodes of the ERB Podcast were recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. This is why this important event is not mentioned.** On this episode Chris and Jen are joined by ERB contributors Tim Hoiland and Amy Peterson to discuss their own reading habits, various media for reading, venues for reading well. The panelists have a lively discussion about Amy's new book...

**Note: all 4 initial episodes of the ERB Podcast were recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. This is why this important event is not mentioned.** We are excited to bring you the first episode of the Englewood Review of Books podcast! This podcast is going to be an ongoing panel discussion about books, culture and the reading life. Chris and Jen are joined by former Books and Culture edi...