The “Reader’s Digest Condensed” show notes

Katie opens by exploring how the gospel shows up in The Dark Knight Rises, then welcomes Alan Noble to discuss his new book To Live Well: Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times. Together, they unpack what it means to pursue virtue in everyday life — not as self-improvement, but as a way of glorifying God in a confusing world.

Unabridged show notes

In the cold open, Katie reflects on how resurrection and gospel narratives show up in Christopher Nolan's film The Dark Knight Rises.

Katie then sits down with Alan Noble, author of To Live Well, to talk about what it looks like to live faithfully in a chaotic, confusing culture.

Alan shares how this book grew out of two groups of people: readers asking for practical application of his previous work, and college students who desire wisdom but are overwhelmed by conflicting messages.

Alan and Katie discuss the 7 virtues explored in the book and why these ancient concepts are still relevant.

Along the way, the conversation explores:

•  Why belonging to God reshapes our daily life 
•  How to pursue virtue without fear, guilt, or perfectionism 
•  What “telos” means and how understanding it changes everything 

Katie and Alan also dive into literature. Referencing works like Dante's Inferno and The Catcher in the Rye, they explore the importance of reading with humility and discernment. Alan also shares about some of his favorite influential reads.

In this episode:

•  How modern culture creates anxiety and pressure 
•  Self help vs. glorifying God 
•  Identity and belonging
•  Understanding our ultimate purpose 
•  How purpose shapes our definition of the good 
•  Virtue in everyday life
•  How literature can shape your soul — for better or worse 
•  The importance of discernment when reading 

Books mentioned

• To Live Well — Alan Noble 
• Inferno — Dante Alighieri
• The Catcher in the Rye — J. D. Salinger
• The Great Gatsby — F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Blood Meridian and The Road — Cormac McCarthy
• The Power and the Glory and The End of the Affair — Graham Greene

Who this episode is for

•  Christians wanting practical guidance for daily faith 
•  Readers interested in virtue, purpose, and spiritual formation 
•  Anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern culture’s conflicting messages 
•  Book lovers who want to think more deeply about what they read 

Connect with Alan Noble

• Substack: newsletter.oalannoble.com
• Facebook: @alannoble
• Instagram: @oalannoble

Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie?

• Consider leaving a rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover the show.
• Share this episode with a friend who’s trying to live faithfully in a confusing world.
• Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for more bookish content!

A question to reflect on: What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you were created to glorify God and not yourself?