Today I'm talking with Alia Joy, author of Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack. We start out trading colonoscopy stories. Anytime I can exchange poop stories with someone I'm pretty much in heaven. You know. After that, we chat about how we need to lighten up about grammar, then Alia shares about living with bipolar disorder, how she was diagnosed, and the stigma of mental illness. I know I'm not supposed to have favorite episodes but this one is so good. It's my favorite balance of fun and serious. Mental illness can feel so isolating, and Alia's openness with hers sheds light and helps us understand, empathize, and feel less alone. Whether you've had a colonoscopy, struggle with mental illness, or love someone who does, listen in and lighten up.

Links from the show:

• Preorder Alia's new book, Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack
• Find Alia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Alia's website

Alia's essays:

• The Hospitality of Marriage
• The Fluency of Hope
• When I Am Bipolar
• Coming of Age in This American Life