Best Lima Reads Podcasts (2025)

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Let's Deconstruct a Story featuring Susan Shepherd 34:40

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15d ago34:40

34:40

Hi Everyone, I hope you enjoy this episode, which features Susan Shepherd discussing her Best American Short Story, “Baboons, “ first published in The Kenyon Review. Paid subscribers and Conscious Writers Collective members are welcome to join us for interviews, and I want to thank Paul Delong, in particular, for his question, which is included in …

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Katherine Damm discusses her Best American Short Story: "The Happiest Day of Your Life." 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

Katherine Damm talks about her story, "The Happiest Day of Your Life." First, be sure to read the story from The Iowa Review. There will be spoilers! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsdeconstructastory.substack.com/subscribe…

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City of God (Part 1 - Books I-V) by St Augustine of Hippo 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

It’s one of the most influential books in Christian history — but here’s the twist: Augustine wasn’t European. He was African. ✨ Born in what is now Algeria, Augustine shaped theology, philosophy, and Western thought more than almost anyone (except Jesus and Paul)… yet most Africans (and honestly, most Christians) have no idea he’s part of our heri…

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Let's Deconstruct a Story with Deb Olin Unferth 43:47

3M ago43:47

43:47

Deb Olin Unferth discusses her short story, "Wait Till You See Me Dance" with Kelly Fordon This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsdeconstructastory.substack.com/subscribeBy Kelly Fordon and Deb Olin Unferth

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The 6 Seasons of Calling by Brian Sanders 34:28

3M ago34:28

34:28

In this solo episode, I’m diving into his big idea: that calling isn’t just one moment of destiny 💡—it’s something that unfolds across six different seasons of life. From 👶 childhood (bonding) to 🧠 adolescence (learning), 💼 early career (serving), 🛠️ mid-career (creating), 🎁 late career (giving), and 🕊 transition (leaving)… each stage has its own b…

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A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards with Gaius Nyarko 1:21:34

4M ago1:21:34

1:21:34

It’s short, but wow… it hurts (in the best way). This little allegory walks us through the messy, dramatic, and heartbreakingly human lives of Saul, David, and Absalom — and asks the question: How do you respond… when you’ve been hurt? 💔➡️💪 In this episode, we unpack the book’s raw lessons on humility, betrayal, and spiritual authority 🙏, why it st…

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Let's Deconstruct a Story with Ananda Lima 53:56

5M ago53:56

53:56

I spoke with Ananda Lima about her story, Antropófaga! Make sure you read it before you listen. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and happy listening! Kelly Ananda Lima is the author of Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil (Tor Books, 2024) and Mother/land (Black Lawrence Press, 2021), winner of the Hudson Prize. Her work has appeared in American Poet…

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How to Memorize the Bible: Fast & Easy by Adam Houge 15:22

5M ago15:22

15:22

📱 Think memorizing Bible verses is just for Sunday school kids or your super-spiritual aunt? Think again. In this episode, we’re breaking down the book How to Memorize the Bible: Fast & Easy—and trust us, it’s a game changer. We’re talking: 🔥 Simple hacks to memorize Scripture (even if you’re “bad at memorizing”) 🧠 Why your brain can do this—yes, e…

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Eli Sparkman talks FLASH! 55:39

6M ago55:39

55:39

* Here is Eli in a half-trench coat Sheila Heti gave him :) Hi Everyone, Well, the world might be a s%$# show, but at least we still have our stories. Today, I’m featuring the work of the brilliant Eli Sparkman, one of the member-owners of Book Suey in Hamtramck, Michigan. We had so much fun discussing his stories. I hope you enjoy this deep dive a…

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The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Bruggemann with Peace Ashenafi 54:02

6M ago54:02

54:02

A tribute to an influential Old Testament scholar who has returned to the Lord. Links mentioned in this episode: The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Bruggemann Theology of the Old Testament by Walter Bruggemann Alphabet of Faith: Prophetic Prayers for a Chaotic World by Walter Bruggemann Lausanne Congress 2024 Fourth Younger Leaders Gathering 2027 …

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Erika Krouse, Caitlin Horrocks and Kelly Fordon discuss two stories... 1:07:45

6M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Hi Everyone! In this episode of the podcast, Caitlin Horrocks and I interview Erika Krouse about “Jude” from her new collection, Save Me, Stranger. AND THEN…Erika and I interview Caitlin about her story “Better Not Tell You Now.” We had so much fun! And I learned so much about the craft of writing. You will too. Links to both stories are below. Ple…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Christie Hodgen 32:54

7M ago32:54

32:54

Before listening to my interview with Christie Hodgen, please read her story, “Rich Strike,” because the interview is full of spoilers! The story is available for free here on the Story website, thanks to Michael Nye. Please consider subscribing to Story and supporting great literature here. Congratulations to Christie for winning a Pushcart Prize …

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Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticism by Timothy Keller 42:51

7M ago42:51

42:51

Unpacking the art of preaching with a Christ centred message to a broken culture in the power of the Spirit Links Mentioned Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticism by Timothy Keller The Paradoxes of Preaching - John Stott Sermon The Anointing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by R.T. Kendall Have you Ever Read The Anointing by RT Kendal…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Desiree Cooper 1:10:26

9M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

My guest today is Desiree Cooper, the 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow. Cooper is a former attorney. She is also a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist and much-beloved community activist. Originally from Virginia, she currently lives in Virginia. BUT she lived in Detroit for decades and will always be an honorary Detroiter! She is much beloved here, and I…

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Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges with Jago Wynne 1:28:21

9M ago1:28:21

1:28:21

A conversation about what it means to fully apply grace 'post salvation', the issues facing the Church, a framework for disagreement and a testimony about taking small steps of faith with God. Links mentioned in this episode: Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges Holy Trinity Clapham (HTC) Alpha Focus Times Article - Gen Z half as likely as their par…

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Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima 20:09

10M ago20:09

20:09

Leadership hacks woven with a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God, thorough the eyes of a female founder of a billion dollar L'Oreal brand. Links mentioned in this episode: Lent Podcast Episode: 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole with Denise Chaney Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima Wort…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Cleo Qian 44:17

10M ago44:17

44:17

Hi Everyone, I had so much fun discussing “Monitor World” with Cleo Qian. In case you missed my earlier posts, “Monitor World” was first published in Shenandoah in 2021, and is available ⁠here.⁠ Please read the story before listening to our discussion! Here’s a link to Lucia Berlin, another writer discussed during our interview. Next up on Let’s De…

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How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Grieg 31:14

11M ago31:14

31:14

The perfect guide to simplifying your prayer life. Links mentioned in this episode How to Pray by Pete Grieg Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor Redeeming Your Time - Podcast Episode The Bible in One Year - Podcast Episode Called by Jonny Gumbel The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Prepping for 2025 - Devotional How to Pray - Prayer Toolkit (I called …

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring David Means 33:19

11M ago33:19

33:19

Hi Everyone, “The Depletion Prompts” was first published in The New Yorker on October 25, 2021, and is available ⁠here.⁠ Here’s a link to two other stories discussed during our interview: Vladimir Nabokov's “Signs and Symbols.” Virginia Woolf’s “The Mark on the Wall.” Next month, I’ll be talking to Cleo Qian about her story, “Monitor World” first p…

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The Bible in One Year - A Commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel 20:51

12M ago20:51

20:51

Have you ever wanted to read the Bible in a year or three? This is the perfect book for you. Links mentioned in this episode The Bible in One Year - A Commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - Hardback Book The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - NIV Bible and Commentary Hardback Book The Bible in One Year - A Commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel - Ap…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Brad Felver 35:53

1y ago35:53

35:53

Kelly Fordon talks to Brad Felver about his story "Orphans" which was first published in Subtropics and later chosen for The Best Short Stories 2024: The O. Henry Prize Winners by Amor Towles. For more information, and to access a PDF of the story, please visit Let's Deconstruct a Story on Substack. Brad Felver is a fiction writer, essayist, and te…

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The Gospel Call and True Conversion by Paul Washer with Anna-Tamar Opoku 1:00:44

1y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Two friends chatting about true conversion and carnal Christianity. Links mentioned in the episode: The Gospel Call and True Conversion by Paul Washer The Gospel’s Power and Message by Paul Washer Gospel Assurance and Warnings by Paul Washer Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones State of the Great Commission - Lausanne Report Lausanne Congress…

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Let's Talk about Brad Felver's story "Orphans." 33:29

1y ago33:29

33:29

Hi Everyone, This post is a video recording of my preparation for the interview with Brad next Wednesday. If you enjoy deconstructing stories, please feel free to join me for one of these prep sessions. I’ll be recording again on November 8th as I deconstruct David Means' story, “The Depletion Prompts.” Paid subscribers will have access to the Zoom…

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Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright with Dr Christopher Wadibia 54:53

1+ y ago54:53

54:53

Two friends chatting about understanding 'life after life after death' in the New Jerusalem aka heaven. Links mentioned in the episode: Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright Being Fully Human - Dr Chris' Tedx Talk Evangelical Upspring Will Replace Fading Anglicanism - Dr Chris' article in The Times (subscription required) Heaven by Randy Alcorn The Scre…

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Garden City by John Mark Comer with Tamanno Hodjihanova 42:28

1+ y ago42:28

42:28

Two new friends chatting about a theology of work, rest and heaven! Links mentioned in this episode Garden City by John Mark Comer Believers in Business Conference Praxis Labs Practicing the Way (there is a Rule of Life builder here) Practicing the Way Podcast Heaven by Randy Alcorn Rule of Life The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer …

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40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole with Denise Chaney 1:02:03

1+ y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Two friends talking about the importance of fasting through the lens of Lent Links mentioned in this episode: 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole Redeeming Your Time By Jordan Raynor - Book Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.1) - Podcast Episode Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.2…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Sheila Kohler 39:41

1+ y ago39:41

39:41

Hi Everyone, We're a little late with this episode and it's all my fault! As I mentioned in my May 1st blog post (sign up here for updates), for the first time in four years, I conducted an amazing interview with Sheila Kohler and forgot to hit record on Zoom. Sheila--the most gracious person on Earth--forgave me for wasting 45 minutes of her time …

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The Best of Friends by Phil Knox with Dayalan Mahesan 41:49

1+ y ago41:49

41:49

A property entrepreneur chats about the importance of emulating Christ in our friendships and the South Asian Church in the United Kingdom. Links mentioned in this episode: The Best of Friends by Phil Knox Evangelical Alliance Faith Driven Entrepreneur The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren Story Bearer: How to Share Your Faith with Your Friends by…

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The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with Kin Seong 47:33

1+ y ago47:33

47:33

Two Oxford MBAs chatting about trusting in God in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty. Links mentioned in this episode: The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom Believers in Business Conference 2024 Garden City by John Mark Comer Crazy Love by Francis Chan The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeanka…

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Issues Facing Christians Today by John Stott with Nick Jones 44:35

2y ago44:35

44:35

Two Christians talking a bit about 'politics'. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Issues Facing Christians Today by John Stott When the Wind Blows by Raymond Briggs Click here for more information about The Centre for Cultural Witness Seen and Unseen Online Magazine Podcasts by Seen & Unseen Dealing with Death at Christmas by Jean Kabasomi (Article p…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Cara Blue Adams 44:07

2y ago44:07

44:07

Hi Everyone, I'm thrilled to host Cara Blue Adams today on the podcast. We talked about her stellar short story, "Vision," available from Joyland Magazine. I met Cara years ago at the Kenyon Writers Workshop (which I highly recommend by the way...) so it was great fun to reconnect on the podcast. Cara's work was recommended by Vincent Perrone, who …

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Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn with Josephine Owusu 59:46

2y ago59:46

59:46

Two friends chatting about a series of personal Holy Spirit encounters on campus. Links mentioned in the episode: Good Morning, Holy Spirit - Benny Hinn The Cheerful Business Club Have You Ever Read Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer? The Seven Spirits of God - Chris Reed Open my Eyes Lord - Gary Oates Have You Ever Read The Practice o…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Leigh Newman 1:02:39

2y ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Hi Everyone, We had so much fun discussing Leigh Newman's short story, "An Extravaganza in Two Acts," available here from Electric Literature. You are going to learn so much about writing historical fiction. Leigh is a hoot! The conversation moved at a clip, so I have some discussion notes for you below. Also, check out the bonus question one of my…

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The Anointing by R. T. Kendall with Pastor Margaret Pierre (pt.2) 29:47

2y ago29:47

29:47

A missionary still reflecting on the importance of the anointing. Links mentioned in this episode: The Anointing - R. T. Kendall There Were Two Trees in the Garden - Rick Joyner The Vision - Rick Joyner The Harvest - Rick Joyner The Journey Begins - Rick Joyner Overcoming Evil in the Last Days - Rick Joyner Connect with Pastor Margaret: Facebook - …

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The Anointing by R. T. Kendall with Pastor Margaret Pierre (pt.1) 49:28

2y ago49:28

49:28

A missionary reflects on the importance of the anointing. Links mentioned in this episode: The Anointing - R. T. Kendall Discerning the Voice of God - Priscilla Shirer Have You Ever Read Discerning the Voice of God? - Podcast Episode Connect with Pastor Margaret: Facebook - Margaret Chinda Pierre Instagram - margaretstanleypierre TikTok - margarets…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Jai Chakrabarti 36:22

2y ago36:22

36:22

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Let's Deconstruct a Story! This month I'm talking to Jai Chakrabarti about his wonderful story, "A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness." Please find the link to the story at www.kellyfordon.com, It's best to read it before tuning into the podcast. Next month, I'll be talking to Leigh Newman about her story, "An Extrava…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Katherine Vaz 47:46

2y ago47:46

47:46

Hi Everyone! Welcome to Let's Deconstruct a Story! This month I'm talking to Katherine Vaz about her wonderful story, "Our Lady of the Artichokes." Please read the story (available at www.kellyfordon.com/blog) before tuning into the podcast. Also, please check out the link to her fantastic new novel Above the Salt which I read and adored. Sometimes…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Bonnie Jo Campbell 55:43

2y ago55:43

55:43

Hi Everyone, I had the best conversation with Bonnie Jo Campbell. Can't wait to share it with you! Please read "Boar Taint" in The Kenyon Review before you listen, or our discussion won't make a lick of sense. This episode is available on Apple, Spotify, Audible or anywhere you get your podcasts. If you would like a transcript, please get in touch …

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring George Singleton 26:59

2y ago26:59

26:59

Hi! I am so happy to share my podcast interview with the esteemed Southern writer George Singleton. We delved into some serious subjects: the legacy of racism in the South, gun control, and substance abuse, but despite all of that, we managed to laugh every now and then because he is hilarious! (And I said the word "interesting" about a gazillion t…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Chad B. Anderson 46:33

2+ y ago46:33

46:33

Chad B. Anderson's story "The Kelley Street Disappearances" has been lodged in my brain for almost a decade, so I decided to track him down, and I was so grateful when he agreed to be on the podcast. I'm sure if you are an avid reader like me, you know how rare it is to have a story resonate for that long. I hope you feel the same way I do about th…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Jason Ockert 43:36

2+ y ago43:36

43:36

Hi Everyone, I'm happy to welcome Jason Ockert to show! We discussed his story, "The Peoplemachines" in StorySouth Spring 2023. It blew me away! Who reminds me of a modern-day ⁠Agathocles⁠??...hmmmm....I can't imagine. Please read the story (available below) before listening to our discussion. Thank you SO MUCH to storySouth for publishing this tho…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Caroline Kim 38:14

2+ y ago38:14

38:14

Hi Everyone! I'm thrilled to welcome Caroline Kim on the podcast today! We will be reviewing her story "Motherhood" which is available for free from August 1st-31st on the Story Magazine website. Thank you, Michael Nye! Please see my website to access the story: https://kellyfordon.com/lets-deconstruct-a-story/ CAROLINE KIM is the author of a colle…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Anna Caritj 35:01

2+ y ago35:01

35:01

Hi Everyone, I'm thrilled to host fiction writer, Anna Caritj this month on "Let's Deconstruct a Story." The Sewanee Review has graciously taken down the paywall for Anna's story for the month of June so you can read the story all month for free! They have also offered readers/listeners of LDAS 10% off a subscription to The Sewanee Review with the …

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Robin Luce Martin 33:18

2+ y ago33:18

33:18

Hi Everyone, Robin and I have been good friends and writing buddies since we met at a writer's conference in 2008. Since then, she has won numerous awards for her work and I am so thrilled to feature her brilliant writing here. We did something a little different for this episode. We are taking a look at two of Robin's stories: 1969 is available at…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Meghan Louise Wagner 32:38

3y ago32:38

32:38

Hi Everyone, This month I'm thrilled to welcome Meghan Louise Wagner to the podcast! First, because I love the story. Secondly, because I am from NE Ohio and she lives there! Yay! So happy to be promoting fellow Midwesterners. Her story, "Elephant Seals" is available in these two places: Agni Online here or in Best American Short Stories 2022. Plea…

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Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.2) 30:30

3y ago30:30

30:30

Two friends still talking about productivity and redeeming their time. Links mentioned in this episode: Hannah-rose's blog - Inspire Truth Redeeming Your Time - Jordan Raynor Called to Create - Jordan Raynor Messy Grace - Caleb Kaltenbach The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Bloom Out of Egypt Trilogy - Connilyn Cossette When the Day Comes - Gabrielle Mey…

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"Let's Deconstruct a Story" featuring Julie Ann Stewart 37:20

3y ago37:20

37:20

Hi Everyone, So glad to be back after a short hiatus! I’m grateful to the Grosse Pointe Public Library for allowing me to use their recording studio for these next few episodes. It was fantastic; however, there was a little learning curve…I apologize for a couple of staticky moments during this podcast. Luckily, it only happened when I was talking!…

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Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor with Hannah-rose Russell (pt.1) 32:36

3y ago32:36

32:36

Two friends talking about productivity and redeeming their time. Links mentioned in this episode: Hannah-rose's blog - Inspire Truth Redeeming Your Time - Jordan Raynor What's Best Next - Matt Perman At Your Best - Carey Nieuwhof Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com Click here to…

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The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence with Jeremy Sackey 48:48

3y ago48:48

48:48

Two friends musing over the simplicity of entering the presence of God. Links to the books mentioned in the podcast: The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence A Short and Easy Method of Prayer - Madame Guyon My All for Him - Basilea Schilnk To find out more about Jean visit - www.jeankabasomi.com Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly …

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New Podcast Announcement and Update 2:05

3y ago2:05

2:05

To find out more about the links mentioned in today's episode, please click below: Click here to sign-up to Jean's Weekly Devotional Lessons from Leviticus Podcast Lessons from Leviticus vol.1 Lessons from Leviticus vol.2 www.jeankabasomi.comBy Jean Kabasomi