Storyformed Podcast

In this episode, Holly Packiam and her husband, Glenn Packiam, talk about how we can help our kids develop habits of reading. You may remember in episode #11, Holly and Jaime discussed their quest as Christians to become lifelong learners and carriers of widsom. But today, they're focusing this message on our kids. 

Topics include:

• Why Psalm 1 addresses desires and habits

• How we can create rhythms-- patterns of practices-- in our lives

• How to incorporate reading into naptime and/or bedtime routines for all ages

• Practical ideas for making reading accessible

• Ideas for reading the Bible as a Story together

• How the Holy Spirit doesn't often override our habits but helps us form new ones

Episode #21: Helping Kids Develop Habits of Reading

Holly Packiam

In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker share some special family memories and traditions. They also talk about cultivating generosity in their homes as well as give Christmas book recommendations!

Topics include:

• A brief history on Saint Nicholaus Day

• How family traditions bring meaning during the Christmas season

• Christmas book recommendations

Episode #20: Christmas Books & the Art of Cultivating Generosity

In this episode, Holly Packiam and her husband, Glenn Packiam, talk about the meaning of Advent. As a dad, pastor, and theology doctoral student, Glenn shares his perspective on how to celebrate Advent with your family as well as in your church community. 

Topics include:

• How the Church Calendar can be an invitation into discipleship

• What Advent is really about

• How keeping Advent can help keep our focus on Jesus through the busy and commercialized holiday season

• How Advent gives voice to our longings and leads us to be the answer to someone else's longing

• Practical ideas for participating in Advent in your home

• Advent Resources

Episode #19: Following Jesus through Advent (A Conversation with Glenn Packiam)

Holly Packiam

In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker, talk about how to cultivate grateful hearts in their own lives and in their children. They also discuss ways of making God central amidst the activities, food preparation, and business of the approaching holiday season. 

Topics include:

• A brief history on how Thanksgiving became a holiday

• How gratefulness leads to faithfulness

• Practical ideas for cultivating gratitude in our kids

• Thanksgiving book recommendations

Episode #18: A Storyformed Thanksgiving

Holly Packiam

In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker talk with the popular children's book author, Sam Smith. Sam is a deep well and also quite the jokester as you will observe by how much we laughed throughout the entire podcast! 

Topics include:

• Sam's recent decision to quite his current job to become a full-time author

• How we can see ourselves as characters in God’s grand narrative, and see God as the ultimate hero of the story.

• How to be a creator or a curator versus a critic.

Episode #17: A Conversation with S.D. Smith, Author of The Green Ember Series

Holly Packiam

In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker discuss Sally Clarkson's new book, The Lifegiving Table, and share fall picture book recommendations.

Topics include:

• How to create an environment conducive to discipleship

• Ideas for discipling your kids at the table (with younger kids and older kids)

• Fall book recommendations

Episode #16: The Lifegiving Table & Fall Books

Holly Packiam

In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker have the special privilege of talking with Heidi Scovel. Heidi shares with Holly and Jaime about some of her favorite books for boys. We think your girls may like them just as much as your boys!

Topics include:

• Favorite books for boys

• Choosing books for boys at various ages and developmental stages

• Cultivating a reading culture in your home

• Ideas for encouraging reluctant readers

• Advice on how to start a book club for adults or kids

Episode #15: Favorite Books for Boys

Holly Packiam

In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker, discuss the struggle they feel as they seek to find new reading rhythms in their homes at the start of a new school year. If you're struggling to find consistent windows of time to read with your kids, listen and you'll hear some new ideas to make time for what matters most. 

Topics include:

• The importance of reading regularly

• Barriers to creating rhythms of reading

• How a daily practice of reading gives opportunity for discipleship around the table with our kids

• Practical ideas for creating space to read daily

Episode #14: Back to School - Cultivating Rhythms of Reading

In this episode, Holly Packiam and her daughter Sophia Packiam, discuss their favorite chapter books for 9-12 year olds. This is a perfect episode for parents and children to listen to together! The next time you're all in the car together, on maybe even during an evening at home, be inspired together.

Topics include:

• The characteristics of a good book

• Books that include characters worth emulating or ones that lead a child to explore the tensions and complexities lying in the human heart.

• Favorite Chapter Book Titles for 9-12 year olds

Episode #13: Favorite Chapter Books for 9-12 Year Olds

Holly Packiam

In this episode Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker encourage and inspire listeners to cultivate a love of art through stories. The ability to participate in God's presence through viewing beautiful works is a gift of being created in His image.

Episode #12: Encouraging a Love of Art Through Stories