Christian Book Blurb

By Matt McChlery

Encouraging you in your discipleship one book at a time as we chat with some amazing Christian authors about their books, their lives, and their faith on this twice-monthly podcast.... more

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FAQs about Christian Book Blurb:

How many episodes does Christian Book Blurb have?

The podcast currently has 90 episodes available.

Christian Book Blurb episodes:

September 01, 2025ep90 - Myth Busting the Devil: A Conversation with Jared Brock
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery speaks with author Jared Brock about his book 'A Devil Named Lucifer.' They explore the misconceptions surrounding the devil, the nature of evil, and the importance of free will in understanding sin. Brock emphasizes the need to strip away cultural assumptions about the devil and focus on biblical truths. The conversation also delves into the concept of hell, Satan's strategies, and the author's future projects, including a focus on Christian economics.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Jared Brock's website jaredabrock.com
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'The Garlic Queen' by Wendy Lord
Takeaways
The book aims to myth bust the common misconceptions about the devil.
The devil is a minor character in the grand narrative of God's story.
Evil is a result of human free will, not solely the devil's influence.
Cultural images of the devil are largely post-biblical and not scripturally based.
The lake of fire was created for the devil, not for humans.
Satan's appearances in the Bible are infrequent and often misinterpreted.
Free will is essential for genuine love and obedience to God.
Temptation can be seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Avoiding temptation is a practical strategy for Christians.
Brock's future work focuses on Christian economics and its implications for society.
Sound Bites
"The devil is a tiny part of God's big story."
"The devil cannot make you do anything."
"Avoid temptation as much as possible."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christian Book Blurb
00:26 Exploring the Book: A Devil Named Lucifer
02:44 Myth Busting the Devil
05:41 Cultural Assumptions and Images of the Devil
08:25 The Nature of Evil and Free Will
10:50 Understanding Hell and Its Concepts
18:46 Satan's Strategies and Temptations
27:08 Getting to Know the Author: Jared Brock
36:06 Future Projects and Christian Economics
...more
43min
August 15, 2025ep89 - The Myths of Motherhood Explored with Chine McDonald
In this episode of the Christian Book Club podcast, host Matt McChlery speaks with author Chine McDonald about her book 'Unmaking Mary', which explores the complexities of motherhood through the lens of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They discuss the cultural myths surrounding motherhood, personal experiences, and the unrealistic ideals often portrayed in society. Chinny shares insights on how these narratives affect mothers today and offers advice on embracing imperfection and grace in the journey of motherhood.
Links
Buy a copy of Chine McDonald's book 'Unmaking Mary' from St Andrews Bookshop
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Chine McDonald's website chinemcdonald.com
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'Gods Eye View' by Trevor Lurman PhD
Takeaways
Motherhood transformed my understanding of God.
Cultural narratives often misrepresent motherhood.
Mary's representation in art is one-dimensional.
The myths surrounding Mary add layers to her story.
Personal experiences of motherhood can be challenging.
Social media creates unrealistic motherhood ideals.
The portrayal of pregnancy in media is often absurd.
Embodiment is a crucial aspect of motherhood.
Grace is essential in the journey of motherhood.
We must strive to understand and listen to each other.
Sound Bites
"Motherhood changed me as a person."
"We put extra layers on a person."
"We're not just souls, we're embodied."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:56 Exploring the Book 'Unmaking Mary'
04:24 The Myths Surrounding Mary
08:54 Personal Experiences of Motherhood
11:24 Cultural Reflections of Motherhood
17:41 Challenging the Ideal of Perfect Motherhood
19:56 Advice for Mothers and Conclusion
...more
35min
August 01, 2025ep88 - Healing from Bulimia: A Journey of Faith and Recovery with Nikki Nhyira
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery sits down with author Nikki Nhyira to discuss her powerful memoir, "Healing from Bulimia and the Truth Shall Set You Free." Nikki shares her personal journey of overcoming bulimia, the role of faith in her recovery, and the importance of surrendering control to find true freedom. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about healing, faith, and the transformative power of God and storytelling.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Nikki Nhyira's website
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
Nikki Nhyira emphasizes addressing the mental aspects of eating disorders.
Faith and surrendering control were pivotal in Nikki's healing journey.
Honesty and open conversations are crucial for breaking stigma and building support.
Sound Bites
"Healing is possible, and it starts with addressing the mental aspects of eating disorders, not just the physical symptoms."

"Faith taught me to surrender control, and in doing so, I found true freedom and healing."
"Honesty and authenticity are key to breaking the stigma around mental health and building supportive communities."
Chapters
Introduction and Welcome - 00:00
Understanding Bulimia - 02:15
The Role of Faith in Recovery - 10:30
Breaking the Stigma - 18:45
Finding Freedom Through Surrender - 25:00
Life After Recovery - 32:10
Conclusion and Farewell - 40:00
...more
40min
July 15, 2025ep87 - Embracing God's Greater Story with Leon Evans
Join host Matt McChlery on the Christian Book Blurb podcast as he delves into a conversation with author Leon Evans about his new book, "No Greater Story." Discover how Leon uses the book of Isaiah to explore God's redemptive narrative and how our personal stories fit into this grand design. From overcoming fears to finding purpose in life's messes, Leon shares insights that inspire faith and transformation.
Links
Buy a copy of Leon's book 'No Greater Story' from St Andrews bookshop online
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Leon Evan's website thethingsofleon.co.uk
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
Embrace Your Story: Accept the story God has given you, even if it's not what you expected, to find meaning and purpose.
God in the Middle: God is present in the midst of our messes and pain, capable of transforming them into messages of hope.
Dealing with Fear and Doubt: Fear and doubt are natural but should lead us to trust in God's greatness, potentially strengthening our faith.
Sharing Your Story: Personal stories are powerful and can serve as a form of evangelism, as they are difficult to dispute.
Transformation through Information, Inspiration, and Application: The book's structure aims to facilitate transformation by providing information, inspiration, and practical application.
Sound Bites
"If God is as great as he is, scriptures says he is, He's greater than those things that are against us and those things that are, you know, before us." - Leon Evans

"When we're in a mess, that's where God is. He's in the middle of our mess. When we're in pain, he's in the middle of our pain. When we're in doubt, he's in the middle of our doubt." - Leon Evans

"We might not get the story we want, but when God is in our story, he's writing something that's well worth talking about and sharing with others as well." - Leon Evans

Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction to Christian Book Blurb
[00:01:30] Meet Leon Evans: Author of 'No Greater Story'
[00:03:00] The Theme of 'No Greater Story'
[00:06:15] God is Greater Than Our Fears
[00:09:45] Mess and Pain: Finding God in Our Stories
[00:14:00] Doubt and Faith: Navigating Uncertainty
[00:18:30] The Structure of 'No Greater Story'
[00:22:00] Accessibility in Publishing
[00:24:30] Embracing Our Stories in a Hurting World
[00:28:00] Getting to Know Leon Evans
[00:33:00] The Holy Spirit's Work Today
[00:37:00] Future Projects and Resources
[00:41:00] Conclusion and Farewell
...more
33min
July 01, 2025ep86 - Lifting the Darkness: a Journey of Faith with Arthur White and Jude Simpson
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery interviews authors Arthur White and Jude Simpson about their book 'Lifting the Darkness,' which reflects on 30 years of the ministry of Tough Talk. The conversation explores the unique approach of Tough Talk in sharing the gospel through weightlifting, the challenges faced in modern ministry, and personal anecdotes from their experiences. The authors emphasize the importance of using one's talents to share faith and encourage listeners to engage in their own discipleship journeys.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit the Tough Talk website tough-talk.com
Visit Jude Simpson's website judesimpson.co.uk
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
Tough Talk has been sharing the gospel for over 30 years.
The book reflects on the authors' experiences and lessons learned.
Weightlifting serves as a unique hook for ministry.
The authors encourage ordinary Christians to share their faith.
Aggression towards faith-sharing has increased in recent years.
Personal testimonies are powerful tools for evangelism.
Community and fellowship are vital in ministry work.
The book aims to demystify faith-sharing for readers.
The authors have faced various challenges in their ministry.
Future projects may include more online engagement and resources.
Sound Bites
"This is Christian Book Blurb"
"We want to boast in Christ"
"We want people to do something"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christian Book Blurb
01:12 Meet the Authors of Lifting the Darkness
04:33 Understanding Tough Talk's Mission
09:24 The Book's Purpose and Themes
12:19 The Evolution of Tough Talk
16:01 Challenges in Modern Ministry
19:20 Memorable Experiences in Ministry
22:10 Advice for Sharing Faith
24:49 Personal Lives of the Authors
30:21 Future Plans and Projects
...more
41min
June 15, 2025ep85 - What to do When the Kids Leave Home with Kate Battistelli
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery speaks with author Kate Battistelli about her book, 'The After Party of the Empty Nest.' They explore the emotional journey of empty nesting, the different types of mothers experiencing this transition, and the importance of planning for the future. Kate shares her personal experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice for coping with the challenges of an empty nest. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support, spiritual growth, and finding new purpose in life after children leave home.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Natasha Woodcraft's website natashawoodcraft.com
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
The empty nest is a time of reflection and identity change.
Mothers experience the empty nest differently, often categorized into three types: Swallow, Morning Dove, and Robin.
Planning for the empty nest should start early, even while children are still at home.
It's important to find new activities and community involvement after children leave.
Prayer and seeking God's guidance are crucial during the transition.
The loneliness of an empty nest can be mitigated by volunteering and connecting with others.
Women should focus on their identity beyond motherhood.
God has a specific purpose for each individual after their children grow up.
The importance of gratitude in every season of life.
The book includes discussion questions and prayers to help readers process their experiences.
Sound Bites
"It's a celebration, not a party."
"What do I do now?"
"I felt like a Mack truck had hit me."
"Get out and do something."
"Start planning now for then."
"He wants to be our friend."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Empty Nest Journey
02:51 Understanding the Empty Nest Phenomenon
05:53 Personal Experiences of Empty Nesting
09:07 Lessons Learned During the Transition
12:05 Coping Strategies for Empty Nest Parents
14:57 Planning for the Future
18:08 The Role of Community and Support
21:13 Exploring the Author's Background
24:01 Fun and Hobbies
26:48 The Importance of Spiritual Growth
29:54 Conclusion and Resources
...more
31min
June 01, 2025ep84 - The Power of Historical Fiction with Natasha Woodcraft
In this episode of The Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery interviews author Natasha Woodcraft about her historical fiction novel, The Wanderer's Legacy. The conversation delves into the themes of humanity, sin, and hope, exploring how historical fiction can illuminate biblical narratives. Natasha shares her research process, the psychological depth of her characters, and the challenges of writing sensitive topics. The discussion also touches on the importance of discipleship, the role of the Holy Spirit in her writing journey, and her future projects aimed at equipping young readers.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Natasha Woodcraft's website natashawoodcraft.com
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
The Wanderer's Legacy is a standalone book set in ancient history.
Natasha aims to humanize biblical characters through her writing.
Historical fiction can help readers engage with scripture.
The heart of humanity remains unchanged across time.
Patriarchy's origins are explored in the context of the story.
Hope is essential in Christian fiction, even amidst darkness.
Writing about sin requires sensitivity and care.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in Natasha's writing process.
Natasha is working on a series aimed at teenage boys.
Community feedback is vital in the editing process.
Sound Bites
"There is power in stories."
"The heart of humanity is the same."
"It's essential to acknowledge the darkness."
"God never leaves us alone."
"Hope needs to be there."
"I refuse to accept that there's no hope."
"There is a way to find peace."
"I want to equip teenagers to live in purity."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Wanderer's Legacy
02:57 Exploring Historical Context and Research
05:52 Themes of Humanity and Sin
08:49 Character Development and Psychological Depth
11:47 Discipleship and Influence in the Narrative
15:04 Hope Amidst Darkness
17:49 Writing Challenges and Sensitivity
20:51 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Writing
24:08 Future Projects and Aspirations
...more
41min
May 15, 2025ep83 - Navigating Mental Health in Parenting with Katharine Hill
In this episode of the Christian Book Blurb podcast, host Matt McChlery speaks with author Katharine Hill about her book 'A Mind of Their Own,' which focuses on building emotional well-being in children. The conversation touches on the importance of mental health awareness, the pressures children face to be extraordinary, the significance of allowing failure, and the impact of social media on youth. Katharine emphasizes the need for parents to understand and manage their children's emotions, including sadness, and provides practical strategies for fostering resilience and emotional health. The episode also explores Katharine's personal journey and future writing projects.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Katharine Hill's books from St Andrews Bookshop online
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Care for the Family's Website
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
Building emotional well-being is crucial for children.
It's important to normalize being ordinary in a world that pressures excellence.
Failure is a necessary part of growth and resilience.
Social media can have a significant negative impact on mental health.
Sadness is a natural emotion that should be acknowledged.
Parents should help children manage their emotional responses.
Practical strategies can make a difference in family life.
Understanding children's emotional needs is key to effective parenting.
Encouraging children to express their feelings fosters resilience.
The role of faith in understanding emotional well-being.
Sound Bites
"It's okay to be ordinary."
"We want our children to do well."
"Failure is actually quite important."
"We are bringing up adults, not just children."
"Social media is affecting their health."
"It's okay to feel sad."
"We can make a difference to families."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Awareness and the Book
02:00 Building Emotional Well-Being in Children
07:09 The Pressure to Be Extraordinary
10:47 The Importance of Allowing Failure
15:53 Navigating Social Media's Impact on Mental Health
20:05 Understanding Sadness as a Normal Emotion
24:02 Practical Strategies for Parents
27:58 Getting to Know Katharine Hill
34:54 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts
...more
40min
May 01, 2025ep82 - A Short Guide to the Bible with Katy Morgan
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery interviews author Katy Morgan about her book 'A Short Guide to the Bible.' They discuss the importance of making the Bible accessible to children, tips for reading the Bible, and the different writing styles found within it. Katie shares her insights on engaging young readers and the significance of understanding the Bible's structure. The conversation also touches on Katie's life outside of writing and her passion for youth engagement in faith.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Katy Morgan's books from St Andrews Bookshop online
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Katy Morgan's Facebook Page
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
Kay Morgan wrote 'A Short Guide to the Bible' to make the Bible accessible for children.
The book is designed for ages 8-12 and is only 30 pages long.
Children often have basic questions about the Bible that need addressing.
Transitioning from story Bibles to adult Bibles can be confusing for kids.
The Bible is a library of 66 books with various writing styles.
Starting with the Gospel of Mark is a good way to begin reading the Bible.
Chapters and verses were added to help navigate the Bible.
Understanding the type of writing in the Bible is crucial for interpretation.
Katy emphasizes the importance of engaging young people in faith.
She is passionate about equipping youth to share the gospel.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christian Book Blurb
01:05 Exploring 'A Short Guide to the Bible'
10:02 Navigating the Bible: Tips for Beginners
17:55 Understanding Different Writing Styles in the Bible
23:55 Katie Morgan: Life Beyond Writing
30:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Works
...more
37min
April 15, 2025ep81 - Navigating the Landscape of Spiritual Formation with Mary and Charles Hippsley
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery engages with authors Mary and Charles Hippsley about their book, 'Reimagining the Landscape of Faith.' They explore the concept of spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of intentional strategies in growing one's faith. The conversation delves into the metaphor of maps to illustrate personal faith journeys, the significance of self-understanding in spiritual growth, and the challenges of maturing in faith. The authors also discuss navigating spiritual plateaus and the role of spiritual practices in fostering deeper connections with God. Personal anecdotes and insights into their lives add a relatable touch to the discussion.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Adam Mabry's website adammabry.org
With thanks to this episode's sponsors 'God Whispers are Life Changers' by Michael and Delane Salkheld
Takeaways
Most Christians desire to love God more and be like Christ.
Spiritual formation requires intentional strategies for change.
Maps serve as a metaphor for understanding our faith journeys.
Self-understanding is crucial for spiritual growth.
Maturing in faith involves growing in self-awareness.
Spiritual plateaus can lead to deeper engagement with God.
Spiritual practices help recognize unconscious desires.
Silence is a challenging yet rewarding spiritual practice.
The authors feel a moral obligation to live out their teachings.
Enjoying nature and simple pleasures can enhance spiritual life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Formation
03:32 The Map of Faith: Understanding Spiritual Landscapes
10:03 Self-Understanding in Spiritual Growth
17:20 Maturing in Faith: The Journey of Growth
19:41 Navigating Spiritual Plateaus
22:10 Spiritual Practices for Formation
30:08 Personal Insights and Fun with the Authors
...more
40min

FAQs about Christian Book Blurb:

How many episodes does Christian Book Blurb have?

The podcast currently has 90 episodes available.