Oh My Word with Katie

Katie Eubanks Ginn
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

"Oh My Word with Katie" is the show where we hear from Christian writers, chat about classics and new releases for your TBR list, and marvel at all the ways God shows up in words and stories. Join our email list: https://mschristianliving.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=339b6e33ab1f6a8ad0e44aa39&id=c6daf71a58 

  1. 6d ago

    Jonathan Rogers on 'The Charlatan's Boy' & the Gospel in a Complicated World | Part 1

    ‘Reader's Digest Condensed’ Show NotesIn this episode, I'm talking with author Jonathan Rogers about his novel The Charlatan's Boy — a hilarious, heartbreaking story about a boy named Grady who doesn't know where he came from and works as a sidekick to a con artist. Although The Charlatan's Boy is technically classified as middle-grade fiction, there's plenty here for adults. Jonathan and I talk about Southern storytelling, Mark Twain, identity, honesty, and much more. We also talk about why Grady is physically ugly — and why Jonathan doesn't give him the easy ending of discovering that he's actually handsome. Instead, Grady discovers something much more important: He doesn't have to be beautiful to be loved. Finally, Jonathan shares how Christian themes emerged naturally in the story and why he was interested in what the gospel looks like in a world where moral clarity isn't easy to find. PS: Mark your calendars for my LIVE book-club discussion of The Charlatan's Boy with Jonathan at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 29, on Instagram @kathleen139!  Unabridged Show NotesIn this episode, I'm talking with author Jonathan Rogers about The Charlatan's Boy, Jonathan's middle-grade novel about identity, honesty, belonging, and learning to live a new way. Jonathan is also the author of the Wilderking trilogy, a spiritual biography of Flannery O'Connor, and more. He's also the host of The Habit, a podcast and online community for writers. We talk about Jonathan's love of Southern vernacular storytelling and the influence of writers like Mark Twain and Flannery O'Connor. Jonathan explains why he wanted The Charlatan's Boy to sound more like the way people tell stories than the way people traditionally write them. At the heart of the novel is Grady, a boy who doesn't know where he came from. Floyd, the charlatan Grady travels with, has lied to him about his identity for years.   We also talk about Grady's physical ugliness — which Floyd takes advantage of as he dresses Grady up like a "feechie," a supposedly wild swamp person, for their traveling act. Jonathan chose not to make Grady secretly handsome. Instead, Grady learns that being "unattractive" doesn't make him unlovable — and that he doesn't have to become someone else in order to be worthy of love. Finally, we explore the Christian themes woven throughout the novel. Jonathan explains why he wasn't trying to write conventional "Christian fiction." We talk about forgiveness, repentance, honesty, spiritual metaphors, and the ways the gospel can emerge through a story. In This EpisodeThe Charlatan's Boy and Grady's Story Why Grady doesn't know where he came fromFloyd's lies about Grady's identityThe feechie showsThe collapse of the "feechie trade"Why identity is such a central theme in the novelSouthern Storytelling and Literary Influences Jonathan's love of Southern vernacular storytellingMark Twain's influenceHuckleberry Finn and Tom SawyerFlannery O'ConnorSouthwest humoristsLiterary vs. vernacular storytellingWriting in a character's authentic voiceMiddle-Grade Fiction for Adults Why Jonathan writes middle-grade fictionWhy adults can enjoy The Charlatan's BoyMorally complex children's fictionAddressing serious questions without talking down to young readersIdentity, Honesty, and Being Loved Grady's struggle to understand who he isWhat happens when someone lies to you about your identityLearning to be honest when you've never experienced honestyGrady's physical uglinessWhy Grady doesn't need to become handsomeThe difference between beautiful and lovableChristian Themes in The Charlatan's Boy Why the gospel doesn't always look like a conversion sceneChristian fiction and moral complexityFlannery O'Connor's influence on Jonathan's thinkingForgiveness and repentanceHonesty about who we areThe gospel in a broken worldSpiritual metaphors in fictionWriting and the Real World How the visible world can point toward invisible realities"Reading" the world as a writerHow literary influences shape our writingBooks & Authors MentionedThe Charlatan's Boy — Jonathan RogersThe Wilderking Trilogy — Jonathan RogersThe Hobbit — J.R.R. TolkienThe Outsiders — S.E. HintonPeter and Wendy — J.M. BarrieThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer — Mark TwainThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn — Mark TwainLonesome Dove — Larry McMurtryFlannery O'ConnorWho This Episode Is ForAdults who love excellent fiction written by ChristiansParents looking for thoughtful books to read with their kidsReaders interested in middle-grade and YA fictionFans of Jonathan Rogers and the Wilderking booksReaders who love Mark Twain and Southern storytellingWriters interested in voice, dialect, and storytellingChristians interested in how the gospel can emerge through fictionReaders interested in Flannery O'Connor and Christian literatureAnyone wrestling with questions of identity, honesty, forgiveness, or belongingAnyone who enjoys funny stories that turn out to have deeper things to sayEnjoying Oh My Word with Katie?Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, literary discussions, and book recommendations.A Question to Reflect OnWhat false stories have you believed about who you are, and what might it look like to become more honest about your identity?

    Jonathan Rogers on 'The Charlatan's Boy' & the Gospel in a Complicated World | Part 1

  2. Sep 17

    George MacDonald & the Christian Imagination: The Golden Key

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show NotesI'm back for Part 2 of my conversation with author and illustrator Jennifer Trafton, and this time we're diving into George MacDonald's beautiful short fairy tale The Golden Key.  C.S. Lewis called George MacDonald his "master" and said that reading MacDonald's Phantastes "baptized" his imagination. Jennifer has studied MacDonald for years, including writing both her undergraduate and master's theses about him. Together, Jennifer and I explore why The Golden Key is so rewarding to read and think about; why MacDonald resisted reducing fairy tales to simple allegories; and how the story's imagery can awaken deeper thoughts about faith, hope, and God's kingdom. We also talk about the idea that imagination and faith aren't enemies. In fact, Jennifer explains how MacDonald understood imagination as a kind of spiritual seeing that awakens our desire for the beautiful, good, and true. If you've ever wondered why stories, fairy tales, metaphors, and images matter to Christian faith, I think you'll love this conversation. PS: Be sure to catch Jennifer and me as we go LIVE from my personal Instagram (@kathleen139) Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. central, to talk with YOU about Jennifer's book If Only We Could See, which we discussed in Part 1.  Unabridged Show NotesIn Part 2 of my conversation with Jennifer Trafton, we're turning from Lilias Trotter to one of the writers who influenced her: Scottish author and minister George MacDonald. Jennifer's interest in MacDonald goes back to college, when she first encountered his work through C.S. Lewis. Lewis considered MacDonald his "master," featured him as a character in The Great Divorce, and famously said that reading MacDonald's Phantastes had "baptized" his imagination and played an important role in his journey toward faith. Jennifer eventually wrote her undergraduate thesis on MacDonald's theology of imagination and later studied the 19th-century context in which he lived and wrote — a fascinating period that included the beginnings of modern children's literature and overlapping worlds of science, art, and theology. Jennifer explains that The Golden Key is considered one of MacDonald's masterpieces — and that it is also a particularly pure example of what MacDonald meant by a fairy tale. Unlike a straightforward allegory, the story isn't designed to be reduced to one specific meaning. MacDonald believed fairy tales should be more like a wind chime: They stir resonances, memories, ideas, and possibilities in the reader. He wasn't trying to teach readers something, but rather awaken something in them. The story follows two children, Mossy and Tangle, as they journey toward the mysterious place where a golden key will fit. Along the way, they encounter strange characters, mysterious images, shadows that seem more substantial than normal, and a deep longing for the place those shadows come from. We explore how that shadow imagery resonates with the Bible, particularly the idea that earthly things can be "shadows" of what is to come. We discuss Hebrews, the hope of the new heavens and new earth, Plato's Allegory of the Cave, and the ways The Golden Key anticipates ideas that C.S. Lewis would later explore in The Great Divorce. Jennifer also shares how her understanding of The Golden Key has changed as she has gotten older. As a single woman, she was puzzled by Mossy and Tangle having such different journeys. Now that Jennifer is married, she sees the beauty of walking through difficult seasons hand in hand with another person — and the reality that sometimes we have to walk "alone" for a while. The biggest question of the episode is this: What is the golden key? Jennifer cautions against reducing it to one simple allegorical meaning (which I tried to do at first!), but she points to MacDonald's other writings for a clue. And that leads to one of my favorite parts of our conversation: the relationship between imagination and Christian faith. I think many Christians — especially those of us who tend to think analytically — can treat imagination and faith as opposites. But Jennifer and I discuss why that doesn't make sense. The Bible itself is full of stories, metaphors, images, and parables (Mark 4:34), because human beings need imaginative language to grasp truths that are bigger than our intellects. And as Jennifer points out, hope itself requires imagination. To hope is to look toward something we cannot yet see and imagine a reality that is not yet here (Hebrews 11:1). We close by talking about why George MacDonald's fairy tales have had such a lasting influence on Christian literature, including writers such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L'Engle — and why children's literature and fairy tales can speak profound truths to adults, too. In This EpisodeGeorge MacDonald and the Christian Imagination Why Jennifer Trafton has studied George MacDonald for decadesWhy C.S. Lewis called MacDonald his "master"MacDonald's influence on Christian writersUnderstanding The Golden Key Fairy tales vs. straightforward allegoryWhy MacDonald didn't want to give readers a single messageThe story's mysterious symbols and imagesMossy, Tangle, and their very different journeysShadows, Scripture, and the World to Come The mysterious "Shadowlands" in The Golden KeyBiblical images of shadows and things to comeHebrews and the new heavens and new earthPlato's Allegory of the CaveConnections to C.S. Lewis' The Great DivorceLonging for the coming realityThe Golden Key and Imagination What might the golden key represent?Imagination as a form of spiritual seeingHow imagination awakens desireLonging for what is beautiful, good, and trueHow stories can lead us toward GodWhy Imagination Matters to Faith Why imagination and faith aren't oppositesWhy scripture uses stories, metaphors, images, and parablesWhy hope requires imaginationHow fairy tales can awaken spiritual longingWhy Christian literature can shape our understanding of GodBooks MentionedThe Golden Key — George MacDonaldPhantastes — George MacDonaldThe Princess and the Goblin — George MacDonaldThe Princess and Curdie — George MacDonaldThe Light Princess — George MacDonaldA Seaboard Parish — George MacDonaldUnspoken Sermons — George MacDonaldThe Great Divorce — C.S. LewisSurprised by Joy — C.S. LewisAlice's Adventures in Wonderland — Lewis CarrollRecommended Edition of The Golden KeyJennifer recommends a graphic novel edition of The Golden Key published by Rabbit Room Press. This edition preserves the original story while adding illustrations by Stephen Hesselman, making it an especially appealing option for visual readers. Who This Episode Is ForReaders interested in George MacDonaldFans of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. TolkienChristians interested in faith and imaginationReaders interested in fantasy and fairy talesFans of classic literatureAdults who enjoy children's literature and fairy talesWriters and storytellersChristians who want to understand the role of imagination in faithAnyone wrestling with longing, hope, and things we cannot yet seeEnjoying Oh My Word with Katie?Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, literary discussions, and book recommendations.Be sure to catch Jennifer and me as we go LIVE from my personal Instagram (@kathleen139) Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. central, to talk with YOU about Jennifer's book If Only We Could See, which we discussed in Part 1. A Question to Reflect OnWhat story, image, or work of art has awakened a longing in you for something beautiful, good, and true — and where might that longing be pointing you?

    George MacDonald & the Christian Imagination: The Golden Key

  3. Sep 2

    Lilias Trotter, Calling, and Creativity with Jennifer Trafton

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes In this episode, I'm talking with author and illustrator Jennifer Trafton about her book If Only We Could See: Reimagining Creativity, Compassion, and Calling Through the Extraordinary Life of Lilias Trotter. I was fascinated by Lilias Trotter's story! Lilias, or Lily, was a brilliant Victorian-era artist who turned down a promising art career and eventually became a missionary in Algeria — but her story is about so much more than missions.  Jennifer and I talk about Christian calling, creative vocation (Lily never gave up art itself!), compassion, imagination, and following God when your life doesn't fit the world's expectations. We also explore Lily's unique way of "seeing" — how her artistic training taught her to look closely at the world and all its people with humility, curiosity, and love.  And Jennifer explains why Lily's example may have something to teach Christians in today's divided world. Unabridged Show Notes In this episode, I'm talking with author and illustrator Jennifer Trafton about her book If Only We Could See, a biography of the remarkable Lilias Trotter. Lilias, or Lily, was a gifted artist who lived in Victorian England and spent the latter half of her life as a missionary in Algeria. She was mentored by influential art critic John Ruskin, who believed she could become a successful professional artist. Yet Lily ultimately chose not to give herself wholly to an artistic career.  Years later, she would become a missionary — but her decision was never simply "art versus missions." Lily was always an artist, both literally and spiritually. Her artistic way of seeing remained central to the way she lived, served, and loved others.   Jennifer shares how she first discovered Lily, and why Lily's unconventional life immediately resonated with her. Lily became a kind of mentor to Jennifer as she wrestled with questions of vocation, creativity, and following God down unusual paths.  One of the central ideas in both Lily's life and Jennifer's book is seeing. Lily repeatedly wrote about wishing she could help other people see what she was seeing. Influenced by John Ruskin's teaching, she came to understand careful observation as something much deeper than an artistic skill. Seeing clearly could lead to love, spiritual growth, prayer, service, and action.  Jennifer explains how this artistic way of seeing shaped Lily's missionary work. Rather than approaching diverse Algerian communities with preconceived ideas about their cultures or needs, Lily learned to observe, listen, receive, and encounter the actual person in front of her.  We also talk about Lily's younger years in London, including her work with young working women through the YWCA and her efforts to meet practical needs in creative ways.  Finally, Jennifer shares the scripture that comes to mind when she thinks about Lily: Jesus' teaching about losing one's life in order to save it. Lily repeatedly laid things down without knowing what God would do with those sacrifices — and Jennifer finds encouragement in seeing how God ultimately brought fruit from them.  In This Episode Lilias Trotter's Extraordinary Life Who Lilias Trotter was  Her life as a Victorian-era artist and missionary  Why she turned down a promising artistic career  Her years serving working women in London  How she eventually followed God's call to Algeria Calling, Vocation, and Creativity What Lily teaches us about Christian calling  Why vocation doesn't always fit neatly into a box  The danger of feeling like we have to choose one path forever  Staying "nimble" and responsive to the Holy Spirit  How Lily continued to be an artist on the mission fieldLearning to See Why seeing clearly was so important to Lily What John Ruskin taught her about art and observation  How careful observation can become a form of worship  Seeing real people, not our preconceived ideas about them  How imagination can lead to love, prayer, and action Art, Compassion, and Christian Mission How Lily's artistic training shaped her missionary work  Encountering people with humility and receptiveness  Lily's love for the Muslim people   Her relational approach to sharing the gospel  What Christians today can learn from her example Lilias Trotter for Today's Divided World What Lily's life has to say about empathy  Why Christians need to learn to truly see one another  Moving beyond fear and preconceived ideas  Loving people before engaging in political arguments  What it might look like to show — not merely tell — people that Jesus loves them The Faithfulness of a Life Laid Down Lily's sacrifices  What she gave up without knowing what God would do  How God allowed her art to flourish in unexpected ways  How she became a spiritual mother to many  Trusting God with the things we lay down Books & Resources MentionedIf Only We Could See: Reimagining Creativity, Compassion, and Calling Through the Extraordinary Life of Lilias Trotter — Jennifer Trafton Many Beautiful Things: The Life and Vision of Lilias Trotter — documentary directed by Laura Waters Hinson A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter — Miriam Huffman Rockness Who This Episode Is ForChristians wrestling with questions of calling or vocation Artists and other creatives trying to follow God with their gifts Women whose lives don't fit traditional expectations Readers interested in Christian / missionary biographies Christians interested in missions and Christian-Muslim relationships Anyone who feels like they don't fit neatly into a box Readers interested in Lilias Trotter, Victorian history, art, faith, and creativity Anyone who wants to learn to see people with greater compassion Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie?Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us. Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, literary discussions, and book recommendations - including details on my LIVE book-club discussion of If Only We Could See, coming toward the end of September!A Question to Reflect OnWhere might God be inviting you to set aside your preconceived ideas — to really see the person, place, or calling in front of you?

    Lilias Trotter, Calling, and Creativity with Jennifer Trafton

  4. Aug 19

    Why Adults Should Reread 'Charlotte's Web' | With Dana VanderLugt

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes Katie welcomes Dana VanderLugt back for Part 2 of their conversation to discuss one of Dana's favorite classics: Charlotte's Web. Together they explore why E.B. White's timeless children's novel continues to speak to readers of every age; how its themes of friendship, sacrifice, grace, and the power of words point beyond themselves; and why rereading beloved childhood books can deepen both our faith and our imagination. Along the way, they discuss memorable characters, the beauty of the changing seasons, what makes great children's literature endure, and how God shows up in one small pig's remarkable story. Unabridged Show Notes In Part 2 of Katie's conversation with author Dana VanderLugt, the focus shifts from Dana's own novel to one of the books that has shaped her most deeply as both a reader and a writer: E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. Dana shares why she believes the greatest children's books are never just for children and explains how rereading Charlotte's Web throughout different stages of life has continually revealed new layers of meaning. She also discusses studying the novel during her MFA program and what aspiring writers can learn from White's craftsmanship. Together, Katie and Dana explore the novel's unforgettable characters, from Wilbur's vulnerability to Charlotte's quiet wisdom and Templeton's selfishness. They reflect on the remarkable way the story introduces children to grief, sacrifice, and hope without talking down to them. The conversation also highlights the power of words throughout the novel — how Charlotte's carefully chosen words literally save Wilbur's life — and the biblical connections to grace, salvation, friendship, and speaking life into others. Dana shares why the changing seasons form one of the novel's most beautiful images and explains how the story continues to point her toward God's faithfulness. The episode concludes with Dana encouraging adults to revisit the books they loved as children, explaining why those stories often become even richer with age and reminding readers that great children's literature has something to say to every generation. PS: If you want to go deeper with Dana, join her and Katie LIVE at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, on Katie's personal Instagram (@kathleen139) for a discussion of Dana's book Enemies in the Orchard. (Also check out the previous episode of the podcast for Katie's spoiler-free interview with Dana about the book.) In This Episode Why Charlotte's Web still matters  Why great children's books are written for adults too  Returning to beloved stories at different stages of life  What E.B. White teaches writers Friendship, sacrifice, and grace  Charlotte's extraordinary gift to Wilbur  Receiving grace we can't earn  Why Templeton remains such a memorable character The power of words  How words shape identity  Speaking life into others  Proverbs and "apples of gold" Seasons and storytelling  The beauty of life's changing seasons  Why children need stories that tell the truth  Finding hope without avoiding grief Why adults should reread children's classics  Discovering what you missed as a child  Reading with fresh eyes  Books that grow along with us Books Mentioned Charlotte's Web — E.B. White Enemies in the Orchard — Dana VanderLugt The Annotated Charlotte's WebWhy You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise — Katherine Rundell Impossible Creatures — Katherine Rundell Who This Episode Is For  Readers who loved Charlotte's Web as children  Parents and grandparents reading aloud with kids  Fans of classic children's literature  Writers and storytellers  Christians interested in how timeless stories reflect biblical truth Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie? Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, literary discussions, and book recommendations.Tune in LIVE at 7 p.m., August 27, for Katie's next book-club discussion, featuring Dana VanderLugt! They'll be talking about Dana's novel, Enemies in the Orchard, all on Katie's personal Instagram, @kathleen139.A Question to Reflect On Who has spoken words over your life that helped shape who you've become — and how might God be inviting you to offer that same kind of life-giving encouragement to someone else?

    Why Adults Should Reread 'Charlotte's Web' | With Dana VanderLugt

  5. Aug 6

    The Forgotten WWII Story Behind 'Enemies in the Orchard': Dana VanderLugt

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes Katie welcomes author Dana VanderLugt to discuss Enemies in the Orchard, her moving World War II novel in verse inspired by a little-known chapter of American history. Dana shares the true family story behind the novel, explains why she chose the unique novel-in-verse format, and explores how stories of history and faith can invite readers to wrestle with difficult questions instead of offering easy answers. Together, Katie and Dana discuss German prisoners of war on American farms, writing for readers of all ages, the complexity of forgiveness, and why novels in verse just hit different. PS: Dive even deeper into the book with Katie and Dana at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, as they go live on Instagram! Follow @kathleen139 on Instagram to watch. Unabridged Show Notes Katie sits down with author Dana VanderLugt to discuss Enemies in the Orchard, a World War II novel in verse inspired by the true story of German prisoners of war who worked on her grandfather's Michigan apple orchard. Dana explains how growing up in a family of storytellers shaped her love of narrative and why she immediately knew this hidden historical story belonged in the novel-in-verse format. She shares what makes verse fiction so emotionally powerful and why it often reaches readers who think they don't enjoy poetry. The conversation explores one of WWII's lesser-known chapters: thousands of German POWs who were brought to the United States to help relieve wartime labor shortages. Dana discusses the extensive research behind the novel, how much of her own family's story is factual, and the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction. Katie and Dana also examine the book's deeper themes of forgiveness, prejudice, doubt, and loving those we consider our enemies. They discuss writing honest characters whose faith includes questions and wrestling, and why meaningful stories don't always wrap everything up neatly. The episode concludes with Dana sharing the Bible passage that most connects with the novel, recommending one of her favorite contemporary books, offering a glimpse into her next writing project, and revealing the beloved classic that will be the focus of Part 2 (coming August 20). Don't forget to tune in LIVE at 7 p.m. August 27 as Katie and Dana lead a book-club discussion of Enemies in the Orchard on Instagram! Follow @kathleen139 on Instagram to watch. In This Episode The hidden history behind the novel  German POWs on American farms  Dana's grandfather's apple orchard  Researching a forgotten chapter of WWII Writing a novel in verse  Why verse tells emotional stories so effectively  Learning the craft of poetry  Writing for ages 9 to 99 Faith, history, and difficult questions  Loving your enemies  Writing characters who wrestle with doubt  Why stories don't need easy answers Reading and writing  Dana's favorite novels  Books she's reading now  A peek at her next project Looking ahead  Preview of the classic we'll discuss in Part 2Books Mentioned Enemies in the Orchard — Dana VanderLugt Home of the Brave — Katherine Applegate The One and Only Ivan — Katherine Applegate Plainsong — Kent Haruf The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion — Beth Brower Who This Episode Is For  Historical fiction readers  Fans of WWII stories  Parents and teachers looking for meaningful books  Readers interested in Christian storytelling  Anyone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about faith, literature, and history Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie? Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, book recommendations, and literary conversations.Tune in LIVE at 7 p.m. August 27 for Katie and Dana's book-club discussion of Enemies in the Orchard, on Instagram @kathleen139.A Question to Reflect On Whom might God be calling you to see differently — even someone you've been taught to think of as "the enemy"?

    The Forgotten WWII Story Behind 'Enemies in the Orchard': Dana VanderLugt

  6. Jul 15

    Doug McKelvey on 'Lord of the Rings,' Tolkien, & the Christian Imagination (Part 2 of 2)

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes Katie welcomes Doug McKelvey back for Part 2 of their conversation to discuss one of their favorite books of all time: The Lord of the Rings. Together they explore why Tolkien's masterpiece has endured for generations, how it shaped Doug's imagination long before he understood its spiritual significance, and why stories of beauty, courage, sacrifice, and home awaken longings that ultimately point us to Christ. Along the way, they discuss Tolkien's world-building, stewardship, the surprising importance of hobbits, Tolkien versus C.S. Lewis, and why Middle-earth continues to invite readers into something deeper than fantasy. Unabridged Show Notes In Part 2 of Katie's conversation with Doug McKelvey, the discussion shifts from Every Moment Holy to another work that has profoundly shaped Doug's life: J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Doug shares how he first encountered Middle-earth as a teenager and why Tolkien's painstaking craftsmanship continues to influence his own writing decades later. Together, he and Katie discuss Tolkien's extraordinary world-building, the importance of "loving a world into being," and what faithful stewardship looks like for writers and artists. The conversation explores the differences between Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, particularly Tolkien's rejection of straightforward allegory in favor of stories that awaken the imagination and invite readers to discover truth for themselves. Katie and Doug also reflect on the quiet heroism of the hobbits, the recurring biblical theme of God using the weak to accomplish great things, and why The Lord of the Rings resonates so deeply with Christians without functioning as a direct allegory. Near the end of the episode, Doug shares one of the most moving insights of the conversation: that great stories awaken longings which are ultimately fulfilled not by fantasy itself, but by Christ. Together Katie and Doug reflect on how Middle-earth points beyond itself to the beauty, wonder, and eternal joy found in God's coming Kingdom. In This Episode Discovering Middle-earth  Doug's first encounter with Tolkien  Why The Lord of the Rings captured his imagination  The richness of Tolkien's world-building Tolkien and the Christian Imagination  Why Tolkien rejected allegory  Comparing Tolkien and C.S. Lewis  Stories that awaken rather than explain Stewardship and Creativity  Loving a story into being  What Tolkien taught Doug about faithful craftsmanship  Measuring success by faithfulness instead of popularity The Hobbits and God's Kingdom  Why ordinary people become the heroes  The biblical theme of weakness overcoming strength  Frodo, Sam, and reluctant obedience Why The Lord of the Rings Still Matters  Stories that awaken eternal longing  Beauty, wonder, and imagination  How Tolkien points readers toward Christ Books & Podcasts Mentioned The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. Tolkien The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien The Silmarillion — J.R.R. Tolkien The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis Every Moment Holy — Doug McKelvey Theo of Golden — Allen Levi The Prancing Pony Podcast — Alan Sisto and Shawn MarcheseWho This Episode Is For  Readers who have always wanted to tackle Tolkien  Fans of fantasy literature  Christians interested in beauty and imagination  Writers, artists, and creatives  Anyone who has wondered why The Lord of the Rings continues to resonate across generations Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie? Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, literary discussions, and book reviews and recommendations.A Question to Reflect On Has a fictional story ever awakened a longing that ultimately pointed you toward something deeper — or Someone greater?

    Doug McKelvey on 'Lord of the Rings,' Tolkien, & the Christian Imagination (Part 2 of 2)

  7. Jul 1

    Doug McKelvey on Every Moment Holy, Prayer, & Finding God in Ordinary Life (Part 1 of 2)

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes Katie welcomes Every Moment Holy creator Doug McKelvey to discuss the surprising story behind one of the most beloved Christian book series of the past decade. Doug shares how a simple prayer written to help him focus on writing fiction eventually became Every Moment Holy, why Christians from many traditions have embraced written liturgies, and how ordinary moments — whether changing diapers or repairing a water heater — can become opportunities for worship. Together, Doug and Katie explore beauty, language, prayer, creativity, and what it means to believe that God is at work in every moment of everyday life. Unabridged Show Notes Katie sits down with author Doug McKelvey, creator of the bestselling Every Moment Holy series, to explore how written prayers can help Christians recognize God's presence in the ordinary moments of life. Doug shares his journey from a non-liturgical church background to discovering the beauty of historic prayers through The Book of Common Prayer. He explains why thoughtfully written prayers aren't a replacement for spontaneous prayer but a companion to it — often giving believers words when they don't know how to pray. The conversation traces the unexpected birth of Every Moment Holy, which began as a personal prayer during a season of creative frustration. Doug recounts how a simple conversation with Andrew Peterson quickly grew into a vision for a beautifully crafted book of liturgies covering everything from changing diapers to repairing a home. Along the way, Katie and Doug discuss creativity, storytelling, theology, and the importance of seeing every ordinary task within God's larger story of redemption. Doug also reflects on the overwhelming success of the series, why it has resonated across denominations, and how these prayers help reorient believers toward God's kingdom in everyday life. The episode concludes with Doug sharing the scripture that has sustained him throughout the writing process and a preview of Part 2, where he and Katie will discuss one of Doug's favorite classics. In This Episode Discovering liturgical prayer  Growing up in a non-liturgical church  Encountering The Book of Common Prayer Why written prayers can strengthen personal prayer The birth of Every Moment Holy  A prayer written for fiction writers  Andrew Peterson's unexpected encouragement  How one prayer became an international bestseller Finding God in ordinary life  Why changing diapers and doing laundry matter  Seeing everyday work through the lens of eternity  Reframing ordinary tasks as acts of worship Writing, creativity, and calling  Doug's unfinished science fiction novel  Why artistic constraints can increase creativity  Trusting God with the work He's given us Looking ahead  The new Every Moment Holy Prayer Songs Preview of Part 2 of our conversation, where we'll discuss one of Doug's favorite classicsBooks Mentioned Every Moment Holy — Doug McKelvey The Book of Common PrayerWho This Episode Is For  Christians seeking a richer prayer life  Readers who love thoughtful Christian books  Writers, artists, and other creatives  Anyone who feels overwhelmed by ordinary responsibilities  Fans of The Rabbit Room and Andrew Peterson Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie? Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, book recommendations, and literary conversations.A Question to Reflect On What ordinary part of your daily routine might look different if you truly believed God was present in it?

    Doug McKelvey on Every Moment Holy, Prayer, & Finding God in Ordinary Life (Part 1 of 2)

  8. Jun 18

    The Divided Soul: Heidi White on Duty, Desire, and the Prodigal Son

    'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes Katie welcomes author, teacher, and Close Reads co-host Heidi White to discuss her book The Divided Soul: Duty and Desire in Literature and in Life. Together they explore why the tension between what we "ought" to do and what we "want" to do lies at the heart of both great literature and everyday Christian life. Heidi shares how Anne of Green Gables shaped her moral imagination, why the parable of the prodigal son became the framework for her book, and how stories help us understand the fractured human condition after the Fall. They discuss older-brother and younger-brother tendencies, the healing of desire, the role of joy in the Christian life, and why characters like Odysseus continue to resonate across centuries. Unabridged Show Notes Katie sits down with author, classical educator, therapist, and Close Reads co-host Heidi White to discuss The Divided Soul: Duty and Desire in Literature and in Life. Heidi shares the childhood reading experience that changed her life when she discovered Anne of Green Gables during a difficult season of grief and loneliness. Together, she and Katie explore how stories shape our moral imagination and why literature often forms character more deeply than rules alone. They discuss the central premise of The Divided Soul: that since the Fall, human beings have lived with a fracture between duty and desire. Drawing from the parable of the prodigal son, Heidi explains how both the younger brother's disordered desires and the older brother's joyless duty reveal different aspects of the same divided heart. The conversation ranges from psychology and spiritual formation to Homer and The Odyssey, examining how great stories illuminate the struggles of real life. Heidi also shares practical signs that we may be slipping into older-brother self-righteousness, why joy matters in the Christian life, and what it means to pursue the healing of a unified soul. Along the way, they discuss Anne Shirley, Odysseus and Penelope, Lonesome Dove, Christopher Nolan, classical education, and the enduring power of stories to help us understand ourselves and the world. In This Episode Reading, imagination, and formation  How Anne of Green Gables changed Heidi's life  Literature as moral formation rather than mere entertainment  Why stories often shape us more deeply than rules The divided soul  The conflict between duty and desire after the Fall  The prodigal son as a framework for understanding human nature  Why both younger-brother and older-brother tendencies need healing Duty, desire, and everyday life  Recognizing self-righteousness and resentment  The danger of joyless duty  Recovering rightly ordered desire The Odyssey and the harmonious soul  Why Odysseus serves as a powerful literary example  Temptation, perseverance, and the longing for home  Thoughts on modern adaptations of classic stories Books, stories, and the Christian imagination  Why great literature remains relevant  Reading as a way of understanding ourselves  How stories reveal spiritual realities Books and Authors Mentioned The Divided Soul - Heidi White Anne of Green Gables - L.M. Montgomery Little House on the Prairie - Laura Ingalls Wilder The Odyssey - Homer Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry The Feast - Margaret Kennedy Who This Episode Is For  Readers who love classic literature  Fans of Close Reads and literary podcasts  Christians interested in spiritual formation  Teachers, homeschoolers, and classical educators  Anyone wrestling with duty, desire, burnout, temptation, or joy Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie? Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates and bookish content.A Question to Reflect On When have you felt the tension between what you "wanted" to do and what you knew you "ought" to do — and what helped bring those two desires back into alignment?

    The Divided Soul: Heidi White on Duty, Desire, and the Prodigal Son
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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

"Oh My Word with Katie" is the show where we hear from Christian writers, chat about classics and new releases for your TBR list, and marvel at all the ways God shows up in words and stories. Join our email list: https://mschristianliving.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=339b6e33ab1f6a8ad0e44aa39&id=c6daf71a58 

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Eubanks Ginn
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Oh My Word with Katie
  • Show Website
    Oh My Word with Katie