In today’s episode, I’m joined by author and speaker Marissa Henley to talk about what it looks like to truly thrive after cancer and how we can love others well through that journey.

Marissa was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer in her 30s, and she shares how God met her in that season and how it transformed her view of faith, suffering, and community. We also discuss what inspired her to write After Cancer: Thriving with Hope and Loving Your Friend Through Cancer, and the lessons she’s learned about walking alongside those who are hurting.

If you’ve ever wondered how to support a friend facing illness—or you’re in a hard season yourself—this conversation offers both compassion and practical guidance.

Grab your coffee or tea, and let’s get started.

• How Marissa came to faith and began writing

• What her cancer journey taught her about God’s character

• Encouragement for survivors learning to live beyond treatment

• Practical ways to love a friend walking through cancer

• How the body of Christ can better support one another in suffering

• What to avoid saying when you want to help

Marissa Henley is a writer, speaker, and the author of After Cancer: Thriving with Hope and Loving Your Friend Through Cancer. She holds a graduate certificate in systematic theology from Reformed Theological Seminary and serves the body of Christ through her local church and ministry efforts. Marissa lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband, where she loves annoying her teenage daughter with Gen Z slang and trying to lure her two sons home from college with offers of food and laundry.

• After Cancer: Thriving with Hope by Marissa Henley

• Loving Your Friend Through Cancer by Marissa Henley

Today, I am joined by Alyson Punzi, author of the new picture book He Always Hears, published by Crossway. Her book helps children understand grief and sadness through biblical lament, teaching them that God hears their prayers and meets them in their emotions.

In this episode, we talk about what biblical lament really means, why it matters for children, and practical ways caregivers can have honest, faith-filled conversations about sadness, hope, and God’s promises. This conversation is full of encouragement and practical insights for anyone helping kids navigate big emotions, and you will walk away inspired and equipped.

Alyson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville University and is passionate about discipleship and theology. After the sudden loss of her husband, who died of leukemia and was a pastor, she began writing about grief, lament, single motherhood, and guiding children through difficult emotions. Alyson and her daughter live in small-town Ohio.

Connect with Alyson Punzi:

• Book: He Always Hears (Crossway)

• Substack: substack.com/@alysonpunzi

• Instagram: @alysonpunzi

  Use my code ROSSREADS for 5% off any resource on Westminster Books website. Link to shop

  
  

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, we sit down with Darby Strickland, author of When It's Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers. Darby shares her expertise on trauma from a Christian perspective and offers practical insights on how we can support those who have experienced trauma. Whether you’re a counselor, a friend, or someone who simply wants to understand trauma better, Darby’s wisdom will help you walk faithfully alongside those who are hurting.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• The biblical approach to understanding trauma and its effects.
• How to recognize the signs of trauma, even when they’re not obvious.
• Practical ways to support trauma sufferers with compassion and care.
• The importance of offering Christ-centered support in the midst of pain.
• How the local church can play a vital role in trauma recovery.
• How to navigate the balance of spiritual encouragement and practical support.

Buy Darby’s Book:

When It's Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers

Use my code ROSSREADS for 5% off any resource on Westminster Books website. Link to shop

Counseling Resources:

Christian Counseling Education Foundation

Anchored Virtual

Fieldstone Counseling 

Counseling Books - Access the full list here

Today I’m joined by author Hunter Beless, wife and mother of four, who is passionate about helping women and children know and love God—especially through His Word. You probably know her best as the founder and host of the Journeywomen Podcast, and she actively serves in her local church.

In today’s episode, we talk about her newest children’s book, Jesus Loves You More, and explore practical rhythms you can create at home and in everyday life to help your children know, understand, and love God’s Word. This conversation is full of encouragement and ideas parents can start using today.

Resources Mentioned:

For Kids & Families:

• Jesus Loves You More by Hunter Beless

• Johanna Musgraves – Lamplighters Songs

• Tiny Theologians

• Fighter Verses for Kids Cards

• Discovering the Bible by Mary Wiley

• The Christian Focus Story Bible by Carine Mackenzie

• 365 Great Bible Stories by Carine Mackenzie

• The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helms

• Training Young Hearts by Abbey Wedgeworth

• The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung

• Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It by Hunter Beless

• Lia Ross Reads’ Books for Your Children Amazon List

For Parents & Adults:

• Titus Bible Study by Hunter Beless and Courtney Doctor

• Humility by Andrew Murray

• The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller

• A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin

• Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

• The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

• Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study of Galatians by Portia Collins by Portia Collins
• Portia Collins – Unseriously Podcast Episode
  

Connect with Hunter Beless:

• Hunter’s Website

• Journeywomen Podcast

• Instagram

  
  

Connect with Lia:Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

In this episode, Julie shares her story of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and grief—and how learning to lament became the pathway from sorrow to hope. Through Scripture and her personal journey, she reminds us that it’s okay to bring our pain before God and that healing often begins when we do.

We talk about:

• How childhood experiences shape the way we relate to God and others

• What emotional neglect looks like and how it impacts faith

• Practical steps to face past pain, build hope, and break unhealthy patterns

• How the church can support those who have experienced childhood wounds

• Listener questions on trusting God when earthly love has failed and how to grieve without shame

Julie also shares about the inspiration behind her book, the hardest chapters to write, and what she hopes readers walk away with.

Resources & Links

• Julie Busler, Hopeful Sorrow: Turning to God in Hope When Childhood Wounds Have You Turning Away

Today I’m chatting with Laura Wifler, a wife, mother, and founder of The KidLit Lab, where she helps authors create true, beautiful, and helpful picture books that children will return to again and again. Many of you know her from her previous ministry, Risen Motherhood, and today we’re talking about her newest picture book, Your Worth Never Wavers: Discover True Beauty as a Girl Made by God.

In this episode, Laura and I dive into how we can help the girls in our lives grow up with a secure sense of worth and identity—not chasing cultural standards of beauty, but resting in the truth that they are made in God’s image.

She shares insights from her book, practical ways parents can start conversations with daughters about identity and worth.

If you’re looking for guidance on talking with girls about body image, identity, and confidence rooted in how God created us, this episode is for you.

Purchase your copy of Your Worth Never Waivers

Connect with Laura:

Wesbite: laurawifler.com

Instagram: @laurawifler

Substack: Laura Wifler

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting—but it doesn’t have to keep us from experiencing God’s peace. In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Blair Linne—Bible teacher, author, spoken word artist, and co-leader of the Family Worship Micro Conference with her husband, Shai. Blair’s new book, Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith (Sept 2025), shares her journey through crippling anxiety and panic attacks, and how God met her in the middle of fear.

Blair opens up about the challenges and lessons of walking through anxiety, the Scriptures that anchored her, and how her faith deepened in unexpected ways. We also talk about her upcoming children’s book, Yara the Brave and the Swirling Worry, and the importance of teaching kids how to navigate fear with God’s help.

Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insight, and a reminder that God is present—even in the midst of trembling.

In this episode, you’ll hear Blair share:

• How anxiety became part of her story and faith journey

• What a panic attack actually feels like—and what helped her through them

• The Scriptures and practices that brought peace in the middle of fear

• Why she wrote a children’s book about anxiety and what she hopes kids take away

• Books that have shaped her faith and theology

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I sit down with Courtney Reissig, author of Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes. Courtney shares her journey of faith through seasons of doubt, burnout, and disappointment—and how she learned to trust the unchanging nature of Jesus even when everything else in life feels uncertain.

We dive into:

• The story behind her book and what inspired her to write it
• How to navigate feelings of hurt when spiritual leaders let us down
• Encouragement for walking with Jesus when it feels easier to walk away
• Finding hope in the One who never changes

Whether you’re facing doubt, navigating spiritual disappointment, or just need a reminder of God’s steadfast love, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom for every season of faith.

Book Mentioned: Someone to Believe In: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes by Courtney Reissig Buy here | Grab your copy

Connect with Courtney Reissig

• Website: courtneyreissig.com
• Instagram: @courtneyreissig
• Twitter (X): @courtneyreissig
• Facebook: Courtney Reissig Author

Tune in and get encouraged to trust Jesus when everything else changes.

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Oghosa Iyamu, author of her first Bible study, Forever Welcomed: A Study on God’s Impartial Love for All. We dive into the heart of God’s impartial love, how it’s displayed in Scripture in passages like James 2, and what it means for us and how we live.

Oghosa shares what inspired her to write this study, how the Bible guided her message, and practical ways we can reflect God’s impartial love in our everyday lives. Whether you’re exploring this study on your own or with a group, there’s so much encouragement and insight in this conversation.

If you enjoyed our discussion today, be sure to check out our previous episode, Crafting Christian Content with Purpose, where we explore creating content that inspires and uplifts.

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts

Order your copy of  Forever Welcomed here

Connect with Oghosa:
Instagram: @oghosaiiyamu

Threads: @oghosaiiyamu

For more about Oghosa’s work, visit her official website: oghosaiyamu.com

Connect with Lia:
Bookstagram: @liarossreads

Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast

When life feels overwhelming, where do you turn for help? In this episode of Bookish Talks with Lia, I’m joined by Rebekah Hannah, a biblical counselor and the founder of Anchored Virtual, to talk about what biblical counseling really is, why it matters, and how God’s Word offers anchored hope for the struggles we all face.

Rebekah shares her own story of following Jesus and how the Lord led her into biblical counseling. We talk through common misconceptions Christians may have about counseling, how to know when it’s time to seek help, and why Scripture is sufficient and essential for navigating life’s hardest seasons.

You’ll also hear the heart behind Anchored Virtual, a ministry providing accessible, Christ-centered counseling, and Rebekah’s practical encouragement for anyone feeling unsure if counseling is the next step.

What We Talk About in This Episode:

• Rebekah’s testimony and how she became a biblical counselor
• What makes biblical counseling distinct from other approaches
• Misconceptions Christians often have about counseling
• How to know when it’s time to seek biblical counseling
• The importance of God’s Word in facing real struggles
• Navigating the extremes of “just pray about it” vs. fully secular therapy
• The vision and work of Anchored Virtual
• Book recommendations for Christian readers and those exploring counseling
• Encouragement for listeners who feel weary or unsure if counseling is for them
  

Connect with Rebekah Hannah + Anchored Virtual:

• Instagram: @anchoredvirtual
• Website: anchoredvirtual.com
  

Connect with Lia:

• Bookstagram: @liarossreads
• Instagram: @bookishtalkspodcast