Do you long to belong? Do you still feel like the "outsider"? I'm talking with Katy Morgan, author of "The Outsider" about the beautiful story of a girl named Ruth—an outsider, who is brought to the very center of the story. How is this possible? It starts with her meeting a "kinsman redeemer" named Boaz. 

Free Resource: Pray the Promises

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE which features Katy's book and Control Girl by Shannon.

Katy Morgan

Katy Morgan is the award-winning author of Songs of a Warrior and a Senior Editor at The Good Book Company. She likes climbing hills and exploring new places—both in books and in real life! Before Katy joined TGBC, she used to work in a school, and now she teaches the Bible every week to children at her church. She also reads ancient Greek and has a master’s degree in Classics from Cambridge University.

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Ever been judged by church people? Jesus has, too. Today, my friend and pastor’s wife, Libby VanSolkema, is back to talk about how Jesus responded when legalism crept into the synagogue—the first-century version of church life.

We’ll explore what judgment does to us—and how compassion restores us to the heart of God. Join us on Live Like It’s True.

We titled part one of the conversation: The Truth About Pharisee-Types & How to Break Free

• Listen to part one on Apple
• Listen to part one on Spotify

Judgy Series

Guest: Libby VanSolkema

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Music: Cade Popkin

Libby VanSolkema

Libby VanSolkema is President of Ancient Paths Study Tours in addition to being the Research, Curriculum and Resource Director at Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. Libby is passionate about leading groups to Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Rome, inviting people to learn in community and to discover how the Bible's cultural context illuminates its timeless truth. Libby has an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and has done graduate work at Jerusalem University College, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and Calvin Seminary.

Mentioned Resources:

• Crossroads Bible Church
• The Locker Room Podcast
• The Locker Room Podcast – Shannon as a Guest
• Ancient Paths Study Tours

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Live Like it's True is part of the Round the Table network: serving the Church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. Gospel Threads traces the redemption story woven through Scripture and connects it to everyday life.

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Have you been secretly judging some other mom, your sister, a neighbor or friend? Are you stuck in a constant rule-keeping mindset? Are you a judgy Pharisee-type who'd like to break free?  

My friend and pastor's wife Libby VanSolkema describes herself as a "Recovering Pharisee" and I can relate. In our conversation about Luke 6, we're exploring Jesus’ surprising response to the Pharisees after the disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, Let's flip on the lights and expose our own legalism which is the first step to freedom and transformation. 

Judgy Series

Guest: Libby VanSolkema

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Music: Cade Popkin

Libby VanSolkema is President of Ancient Paths Study Tours in addition to being the Research, Curriculum and Resource Director at Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. 

Libby is passionate about leading groups to Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Rome, inviting people to learn in community and to discover how the Bible's cultural context illuminates its timeless truth. 

Libby has an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and has done graduate work at Jerusalem University College, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Calvin Seminary. 

Mentioned Resources:

• Crossroads Bible Church
• The Locker Room Podcast
• The Locker Room Podcast – Shannon as a Guest
• Ancient Paths Study Tours

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Live Like it's True is part of the Round the Table network: serving the Church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. Gospel Threads traces the redemption story woven through Scripture and connects it to everyday life.

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Do you assume that your mother-in-law / daughter-in-law relationship is doomed to fail?  Are you avoiding her and pulling away?

In this conversation, Stacey Reaoch joins me to explore the complex relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. 

Sharing thoughts from her book, Making Room for Her, Stacey and I talk about some breakthrough practices from the Bible to create connection and cultivate love.

Judgy Series

Guest: Stacy Reaoch

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Stacy's Bio

Stacy Reaoch is an author, mom of four and has been married to her pastor husband, Ben, for 25 years. Stacy is passionate about studying the Bible and helping women apply Gospel truths to daily life through Bible study, discipleship and writing. She and Ben enjoy serving together at Three Rivers Grace Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Stacy's writing has been featured on various websites including Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition and Revive Our Hearts. Stacy is the author of Beautiful Freedom- How the Bible Shapes Your View of Appearance, Food and Fitness and is the co-author (along with her mother-in-law, Barbara) of Making Room for Her: Biblical Wisdom for a Healthier Relationship with Your Mother-In-Law or Daughter-In-Law.

Connect with Stacy

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Is your relationship with your mother-in-law or daughter-in-law difficult? Is she doing it all wrong? Are you fiercely tempted to judge?

In this episode, Stacey Reaoch joins me for a heartfelt conversation about how expectations and backgrounds can threaten the tender relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. 

Get some biblical wisdom on mending difficult relationships and cultivating peace.

Judgy Series

Guest: Stacy Reaoch

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Stacy's Bio

Stacy Reaoch is an author, mom of four and has been married to her pastor husband, Ben, for 25 years. Stacy is passionate about studying the Bible and helping women apply Gospel truths to daily life through Bible study, discipleship and writing. She and Ben enjoy serving together at Three Rivers Grace Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Stacy's writing has been featured on various websites including Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition and Revive Our Hearts. Stacy is the author of Beautiful Freedom- How the Bible Shapes Your View of Appearance, Food and Fitness and is the co-author (along with her mother-in-law, Barbara) of Making Room for Her: Biblical Wisdom for a Healthier Relationship with Your Mother-In-Law or Daughter-In-Law.

Connect with Stacy:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Live Like it's True is part of the Round the Table network: serving the Church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. Gospel Threads traces the redemption story woven through Scripture and connects it to everyday life.

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Are there certain people who disgust you? Are there those you have a hard time showing compassion to? What if God lavishes those loathsome people with His mercy?

That's what happened to Jonah. Listen in on part two of my conversation with Erika VanHaitsma and learn from a prophet who was disgusted by God's mercy and blind to his own need for grace.

Judgy Series

Guest: Erika VanHaitsma

Bible Passage: Jonah's Prayer & Displeasure - Jonah 2-4 (NASB)

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Erika's new book, "Restoring Ancient Words" on Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE
• Jesus's Proof that We'll Get New Bodies in Heaven - Erika's Other Episode on Live Like It's True
• Astonishing Faith is Like a Puppy, Begging for a Crumb - Erika's Previous Episode on Live Like It's True
• The Context and Color of the Bible Podcast

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Erika VanHaitsma

Erika is married to Bryan and together they have five children, whom she homeschools. Erika attended Moody Bible Institute, as well as Jerusalem University College. She has a Master's Degree in Historical Archaeology and Geography. Erika enjoys hosting "The Context and Color of the Bible" podcast with her sister, Veronica, and also speaking at retreats.

Connect with Erika:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Podcast

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Live Like it's True is part of the Round the Table network: serving the Church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. Gospel Threads traces the redemption story woven through Scripture and connects it to everyday life.

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Why did Jonah run from God’s call—and what does that reveal about our own hearts?

In this episode of Live Like It’s True, Erika Van Haitsma joins me to unpack the irony and intensity of Jonah’s story, exposing his deep resentment toward the Ninevites and resistance to God’s mercy. Together, we explore how this familiar narrative challenges us to confront our own grudges and ask whether we truly want God to be gracious—to everyone.

Judgy Series

Guest: Erika Van Haitsma

Bible Passage: Jonah's Disobedience - Jonah 1 (NASB)

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Erika's book, "Faith Walk; 50 Daily Devotionals" on Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE
• Jesus's Proof that We'll Get New Bodies in Heaven - Erika's Other Episode on Live Like It's True
• Astonishing Faith is Like a Puppy, Begging for a Crumb - Erika's Previous Episode on Live Like It's True
• The Context and Color of the Bible Podcast

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Erika is married to Bryan and together they have five children, whom she homeschools. Erika attended Moody Bible Institute, as well as Jerusalem University College. She has a Master's Degree in Historical Archaeology and Geography. Erika enjoys hosting "The Context and Color of the Bible" podcast with her sister, Veronica, and also speaking at retreats.

 Connect with Erika:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Podcast

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

She thought the pain would end with her choice, but instead it lingered. And while she tried to push it aside, there came a time where she could do so no longer.

In this episode, Tammy De Armas opens up about her journey through abortion, the shame that followed, and the slow road to healing. Listen in and discover how mercy transforms even our most broken stories.

Judgy Series

Guest: Tammy De Armas

Bible Passage: Various

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Tammy De Armas

Tammy currently serves as the Director of Mission Advancement for PassionLife. It is here she mobilizes and engages PassionLife ministry partners, sharing about the opportunity to provide life-saving and life-changing help in the neediest places on earth. She has a deep compassion to speak the truth in love about abortion, while sharing the answer of forgiveness and grace that the gospel provides. Having fallen on this very battlefield, she understands the transforming love that is afforded to all. Tammy previously served as CEO of Alternatives Medical Clinic in Southern California for 10 years. She felt a call to look at abortion globally and use her gifts to share with others who have a desire to help rescue the most vulnerable where abortion is most concentrated. Tammy often has opportunities to speak to women’s groups about her story with a desire to encourage women to see Him in their stories. Our story doesn’t end with our pain and our sin, and her desire is to change their lens and focus on Jesus in their lives. Tammy has been married for 37 years to her college sweetheart. They have three grown children, 2 son in loves, and a daughter in love. Her biggest blessings are her 4 adorable grandchildren who call her Lovey. Tammy and Pete live in Escondido CA.

Connect with Tammy:

• PassionLife

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

She just wanted it to go away. She didn't want to be judged as one of "those" kind of girls. Yet in the parking lot of the abortion clinic, Tammy thought, "What have I done?" The new judgment and condemnation she felt didn't go away.  

In this episode, Tammy De Armas shares her personal journey through unplanned pregnancy, abortion, and the lasting impact on her life. Listen in and explore the weight of judgment and the healing of God's mercy.

Judgy Series

Guest: Tammy De Armas

Bible Passage: Various

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Tammy De Armas

Tammy currently serves as the Director of Mission Advancement for PassionLife. It is here she mobilizes and engages PassionLife ministry partners, sharing about the opportunity to provide life-saving and life-changing help in the neediest places on earth. She has a deep compassion to speak the truth in love about abortion, while sharing the answer of forgiveness and grace that the gospel provides. Having fallen on this very battlefield, she understands the transforming love that is afforded to all. Tammy previously served as CEO of Alternatives Medical Clinic in Southern California for 10 years. She felt a call to look at abortion globally and use her gifts to share with others who have a desire to help rescue the most vulnerable where abortion is most concentrated. Tammy often has opportunities to speak to women’s groups about her story with a desire to encourage women to see Him in their stories. Our story doesn’t end with our pain and our sin, and her desire is to change their lens and focus on Jesus in their lives. Tammy has been married for 37 years to her college sweetheart. They have three grown children, 2 son in loves, and a daughter in love. Her biggest blessings are her 4 adorable grandchildren who call her Lovey. Tammy and Pete live in Escondido CA.

Connect with Tammy:

• PassionLife

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.

Beth's one foster daughter was more work than her other eight kids combined. She had tried everything... but she hadn't tried this. Hear about Beth's breakthrough that began with trading judgy criticism for curiosity and compassion.

In this conversation, Beth Guckenberger reminds us that the gospel frees us to see people through God’s eyes, which shifts our hearts and our relationships and opens the door for influence.

Judgy Series

Guest: Beth Guckenberger

Get your Free Resource: 20 Page Workbook

Recommended Resources: 

• Check out Shannon's Amazon Storefront HERE

Resound Media Network: www.ResoundMedia.cc

Music: Cade Popkin

Beth Guckenberger

Beth and her husband, Todd, live with their family in Cincinnati, Ohio where they serve as Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries. After graduating from Indiana University, the Guckenberger’s moved to Monterrey, Mexico where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised eleven children. Beth is the author of sixteen books including adult and children’s titles. She travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings and church services about reckless faith. Her style is based in story-telling and she draws from her vast field experience as a missionary, Bible teacher and parent for illustrations of biblical concepts.

Connect with Beth:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Reckless Faith Website
• Back2Back Ministries 

--

Live Like It's True is part of the Round the Table network: Where Truth and Life Meet. Serving the church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. 

--

Live Like it's True is part of the Round the Table network: serving the Church through honest storytelling and biblical reflection. Gospel Threads traces the redemption story woven through Scripture and connects it to everyday life.

Learn more at ShannonPopkin.com.