Live Like It's True {Bible Podcast}

What does it really mean to be a woman—and what does God’s design have to do with it? In part 2 of our conversation on the Live Like it's True podcast, Jen Oshman and I explore what the Bible has to say about being a woman. As we dig into Genesis's description of God’s hands-on craftsmanship, you'll see why the distinction between male and female matters and how these foundational t...

What does it really mean to be made in the image of God—and why are people more valuable than, say... puppies? In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Oshman to talk about her new Bible study on biblical womanhood. As we dig into Genesis and the beautiful truth that every human being is made in God’s image, we'll explore how this shapes our identity, our dignity, and the way we live out our faith....

When a child walks away, a mother’s heart doesn’t stop loving—it starts longing. 💔 This conversation with Erica Wiggenhorn reminded me that the “messy middle” isn’t wasted. God is still working, still waiting, still making a way back. If you’re carrying grief, shame, or righteous indignation, you’re not alone.  The Father of Luke 15 shows us what love looks like when the story is still unfinished...

 Shame says your sin is too great, but the cross reveals Jesus as the even greater savior. Lindsay Schott joins me on the Live Like It's True podcast for the final episode of the Judgy series. Come and take in the truth about your sin, displayed on a cross—and the more astonishing mercy of your loving Savior.  Luke 23, The Crucifixion Lindsay's upcoming book   Trained to Teach Free: Judg...

What actually happened when Jesus died on a cross? Why was it so brutal? What was astonishing about his prayer? And what's the significance of him dying between two criminals? Lindsay Schott is back for a two-part episode to close out our Judgy Series with a conversation about the cross and why it's both worse and better than you thought. Luke 23, The Crucifixion Lindsay's upcoming...

When you're tempted to judge your adult kids for their choices or behaviors, how should you respond? Michelle Nietert coaches us on how to lead with curiosity, not judgment. Get input for how to lean in with curiosity over that issue you're noticing with your young adult or teen. Ignoring truth or enabling harmful behavior isn't the answer. Instead, how can you make room for God to...

Leith Hoggard joins Shannon on the Live Like It's True podcast to talk about the difference between disgust for sin and a heart full of contempt—and how this relates to being "kinda judgy." Leith brings her wisdom as a Bible teacher, Bible study author, and one-on-one counselor and shares how we can identify the contempt in our own hearts and apply the mercy we've first receive...

 Leith Hoggard joins Shannon on the Live Like It's True podcast to talk about the difference between disgust for sin and a heart full of contempt—and how this relates to being "kinda judgy." Leith brings her wisdom as a Bible teacher, Bible study author and one on one counselor and shares how we can identify the contempt in our own hearts and apply the mercy we've first receive...

Do you want to be free of body-shape judging? In this episode of the Live Like It's True Podcast, Shannon Popkin and Susie Renzema examine why we judge bodies—our own and others'—and how God's mercy frees us from shame, comparison, and criticism. Susie shares her personal journey through body image struggles, disordered eating, and spiritual renewal, along with practical ways to ref...

Have you ever wondered whether the church is a safe place for people with messy stories? Do some sins seem more forgivable than others? Julie* joins Shannon to share the story behind the chapter featured in Kinda Judgy . She opens up about her unplanned pregnancy, the shame she experienced, the day she stood before her church to read a public confession, and how she eventually discovered that God&...

Is there a situation in your life that just isn't right? Are you frustrated by the injustice of it all? Do you feel like God must be plugging His ears to your prayers? Jesus told a story that shows how much our Judge loves our audacity—our chutzpah—our relentless asking. He doesn't just want polite prayers; He invites us to come boldly with our needs, doubts, and frustrations. Bible Pass...

Here's part six of a fictional story I wrote called The Two Doors and the Merciful Judge. It's an allegory that serves as a companion to Kinda Judgy : Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible —my new book releasing with Moody Publishers!! (Order your copy here .) Through the imaginative setting of the Grand Courtroom of the World, revisit the same six Bible stories...

Here's part five of a fictional story I wrote called The Two Doors and the Merciful Judge. It's an allegory that serves as a companion to Kinda Judgy : Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible —my new book releasing with Moody Publishers!! (Order your copy here .) Through the imaginative setting of the Grand Courtroom of the World, revisit the same six Bible storie...

Here's part four of a fictional story I wrote called The Two Doors and the Merciful Judge. It's an allegory that serves as a companion to Kinda Judgy : Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible —my new book releasing with Moody Publishers!! (Order your copy here .) Through the imaginative setting of the Grand Courtroom of the World, revisit the same six Bible storie...

Here's part three of a fictional story I wrote called The Two Doors and the Merciful Judge. It's an allegory that serves as a companion to Kinda Judgy : Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible —my new book releasing with Moody Publishers!! (Order your copy here .) Through the imaginative setting of the Grand Courtroom of the World, revisit the same six Bible stori...

Here's part two of a fictional story I wrote called The Two Doors and the Merciful Judge. It's an allegory that serves as a companion to Kinda Judgy : Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible —my new book releasing with Moody Publishers!! (Order your copy here .) Order Kinda Judgy Watch the Replay of our Girls' Night Celebration! The Two Doors & the Mercif...

What if the people most certain they see Jesus are the ones missing Him entirely? In this episode of the Live Like It's True podcast, Glenna Marshall and I dive into John 9, exploring the healing of the man born blind and the danger of rule-driven faith. Together, we unpack spiritual blindness, church power dynamics, and the freedom found in humility and grace. Purchase "Kinda Judgy&quot...

Tomorrow is launch day for Kinda Judgy: Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible —my new book releasing with Moody Publishers. I'm celebrating by sharing something special with you! Over the next six episodes, I'll be sharing The Two Doors and the Merciful Judge , an allegory I wrote as a companion to Kinda Judgy . Through the imaginative setting of the Grand Court...

Judgy people distance themselves and look down on others. But the surprise in the Bible is what actually makes someone righteous. In this episode of Live Like It's True, Felicity Carswell and I talk about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18 and share some of our own stories of being confronted with self-reliance. The truth is, none of us are righteous. We all need mercy. And when...

Going "no contact" is a trend today—the idea that adult kids must cut ties with their parents for the sake of healing and self-care. But how does that line up with Jesus’ command to "not judge" and "be merciful" (Luke 6:36)? In this episode, relationship experts Bill and Pam Farrel share biblical wisdom and real-life insight on how to honestly evaluate your parents wi...

You’ve heard of boundaries and canceling relationships because “I have to do what’s best for me.” But are these boundaries—or walls? Bill and Pam Farrel show us a new, cancel-free way to do boundaries as they tell the story of pursuing relationship with Pam’s alcoholic father and Bill’s very controlling mom. In a world of people going "no contact" and burning bridges between generations,...

At one point, Bill was so angry with his mom that he decided to go, "no contact." But here's the story of what stopped him and what happened when he and Pam chose to love (not cancel) parents who would have been considered "toxic" by many.  Listen as Bill and Pam share a beautiful multi-generational story of redemption, love, and hope.    Links to all three parts of this E...

Have you been secretly judging some other mom, your sister, a neighbor or friend? Are you stuck in a constant rule-keeping mindset? Are you a judgy Pharisee-type who'd like to break free?   My friend and pastor's wife Libby VanSolkema describes herself as a "Recovering Pharisee" and I can relate. In our conversation about Luke 6, we're exploring Jesus’ surprising response...

Ever been judged by church people? Jesus has, too. Today, my friend and pastor’s wife, Libby VanSolkema, is back to talk about how Jesus responded when legalism crept into the synagogue—the first-century version of church life. We’ll explore what judgment does to us—and how compassion restores us to the heart of God. Join us on Live Like It’s True. We titled part one of the conversation: The Truth...

Is your relationship with your mother-in-law or daughter-in-law difficult? Is she doing it all wrong? Are you fiercely tempted to judge? In this episode, Stacey Reaoch joins me for a heartfelt conversation about how expectations and backgrounds can threaten the tender relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.  Get some biblical wisdom on mending difficult relationships and cultivatin...