I read almost 30 books this fall, so I’m breaking this book roundup into two episodes - make sure to come back on Thursday for the second installment! There are some super good books (and some not so good duds), so get out your TBR list and let’s talk about it.
Christmas is upon us! And for some of us, we feel that very literally - it is UPON US. So in this episode, let’s discuss how we can enjoy the festive season in a calming and comfortable way. As Kathleen Kelly famously said, “It will all shake out. Meanwhile, I’m putting up more twinkle lights.” Also, Rooms to Go Christmas movies.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Let’s talk about all the fun (and maybe not so fun) traditions that make Thanksgiving really feel like Thanksgiving. Also, robotic dogs from 2001.
This week, we’re continuing our series Aging Like Fine Grape juice, and I got to talk to my friend, Layne Abbott. Layne is one of my favorite people, our first bona fide millennial, and she’s the Worship Coordinator at the Huntsville, AL campus of Church of the Highlands. I love this conversation. It’s a little bit of a longer episode, but I really want you to hear what she has to say. A lot of it is lighthearted and fun, just like Layne, but we had a frank discussion about what it is like to lo...
The holidays are here…but so is holiday anxiety. This week, we’re going to talk about practical ways to manage stress and maintain our sanity. Also, The Last of the Mohicans.
Today is Halloween! I know I said last week would be our last Halloween episode, but I just couldn’t help myself. Halloween in the 80s and early 90s was a completely different type of weird. Nicotine inspired candy? Check. Unsupervised minors wielding chainsaws (this actually happened!)? Check. Me dressing up as a gender conflicted samurai? Also, and I have no real explanation for this one, check. So, yes. It was weird. But it was a fun kind of weird and we need to discuss it.
We are wrapping up our month of Halloween themed episodes with a list of the spookiest books I’ve ever read. These stories are perfect for curling up in front of your fireplace (or your YouTube tv fireplace) during a stormy night, and giving yourself a good old fashioned scare. If you dare [insert ominous “bwah ha ha ha” laugh here].
Most kids’ movies are happy and joyful and just good, innocent fun - but if you were a kid in the 80s and 90s, a lot of them were also TERRIFYING. Do you still shudder when someone mentions The Wheelers? Did a cartoon about people turning into blocky puppets give you nightmares? Were you traumatized by Jim Henson creatures? Well, have we got a show for you! This episode also features a special guest appearance by my sister, Holly Jo Flora, another victim of spooky 80s children’s films. Let’s dis...
October is here! And it’s the month of all things spooky and I LOVE IT. Now, you know I only get scared by truly creepy movies - not gross ones or super violent zombie flicks - so this list is made up of only the most chilling pieces of cinema I’ve ever seen. That’s right. As Vincent Price so eloquently put it in the 80s, I have been “sent to terrorize y’all’s neighborhood.” So let’s talk about it (with all the lights on!).
Everyone I know (including me) is a little stressed right now. School is back in session, football teams are battling it out, and Taylor Swift might be dating Travis Kelce. We need a break! So let’s revisit one of my favorite topics: Glimmers. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers, and if we can find a few to focus on every day, it can help us find little moments of joy. So let’s talk about them! Also, confusing a supplement for a hallucinogen.
We’ve all heard the saying “The book was better,” and 9 times out of 10, I’d agree with you. But sometimes, you come across a movie that outshines its source material, and I want to talk all about it with you! Also, cinnamon stick crosses.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year - that’s right, fall is upon us (finally)! Let’s get cozy and talk about all the music, books, movies, and activities that make us feel like most everything in life can be solved by a nice walk in the crisp air and a latte with lots of cinnamon.
Our first Resting Church Face Book Club pick was Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, and we are going to DISCUSS it all - the good, the not-so-great, and the Danny Horst Rule-ness of it all (IYKYK)!
This is part 2 of our Summer Reading Roundup - make sure to check out Episode 34 for Part 1!
It’s that time of year again! Let’s talk about the books I read while I was inside, trying to avoid the Sun, who teamed up with his buddy Humidity, and attempted to murder me. I read more books than I realized this summer, so we’re splitting this one into two episodes. Look for Part 2 on Thursday!
I loved Barbie when I was a kid. My sister and I played with them a LOT, and we had some pretty intricate storylines. I was a little worried that the movie might fall short of the hype, but guys. The hype is justified. I have a lot of thoughts! Also, Ryan Gosling (because he’s RYAN GOSLING!).
This week, we’re going to revisit a topic from way back in episode 15 - people pleasing. We’ve talked about how people pleasing starts, but now that we’re working on recovery, how do we begin to advocate for ourselves, especially when we’re worried about disappointing other people? It’s hard, but it can be done. Let’s talk about it. Also, baby pictures.
We all have movies we watch over and over again, but what about books? They can be just as comforting and familiar, and in this episode, we’re talking about all the books we revisit throughout the years. Also, I think I use the word “fantastic” about 8 zillion times. My apologies. (But, in my defense, all these books ARE fantastic!)
This week’s episode is another installment of the new monthly series “Aging Like Fine Grape Juice,” and I got to sit down and chat with Kam Walker, who is one of my oldest friends (not age-wise - I mean, he is a year older than me and I will remind him of that until we’re in our nineties - but oldest in that we’ve known each other since 1999). He’s smart and funny and down-to-earth, and I know you’ll all love him as much as I do. Even though he wouldn’t sing part of a Ricky Skaggs song for me to...
I’ve been reading some good books, watching some fantastic tv and movies, and listening to some super music this month, and I want to share it with you! And also, as always, Steve Martin and Martin Short - my GOAT(s), as the youths say.
I went to see The Holiday eight times in the theater. That’s right. Eight times, and I feel no shame. But what is it about Nancy Meyers movies that draw us in? Is it the cozy aesthetics? The plots? The characters? Is it the meet-cutes? Of course it is! But there’s so much more. Let’s talk about it!
I shared a poem I wrote in 9th grade on social media this past Sunday - what I originally intended to be a funny memory turned into something that really affected me and reminded me that life is short and it is precious. I want to tell you about it and I want you to know just how much you matter. You really, really do.
According to USA Today, the opposite of triggers (things that spark anxiety) are “glimmers” — little moments throughout our day that give us a sense of calm and happiness. What do our own unique glimmers look like? Let’s talk about them! And DMB (if you know, you know).
I love podcasts (and it’s why I started one!)! This week, let’s talk about all the different fantastic podcasts out there - from true crime to comedy and everything in between. Also, Templeton from Charlotte’s Web.
This week, we’re starting a new monthly series centered on a quote by Madeleine L’Engle: “I am still every age that I have been.” As we age, what changes and what stays the same? Do we really know the people we grew up with? Also - it’s my birthday! And we’re launching our very own Resting Church Face Book Club! Whew. This episode has ALL THE FUN!
I have two important announcements on this mini (mini) episode! One is a small tweak to the episode release dates (but don’t worry - there will still be a new episode every week!), and one is a super fun bit of info I’ve been dying to tell you!
It’s that time again! Let’s talk about all things books - this discussion has mysteries, memoirs, and family dramas. And sharks. So make some room on your bookshelves and let’s dive in!
Let’s talk about the tv shows that are just as good, if not better, on the second round of viewing. We’ll dive into dramas, sitcoms, action, and nostalgic small screen gems and figure just out what it is that makes them so rewatchable! Also, unexpected passion about Dawson’s Creek.
Luke Skywalker may have been my first crush, but Flight of the Navigator’s Joey Cramer was definitely my second! Let’s talk about the best 80s Disney sci fi movie ever, because it had EVERYTHING — flying saucers, The Beach Boys, and Sarah Jessica Parker with pink hair. Also, comebacks and second chances. And 80s fashion (duh!)!
Self care isn’t just about face masks and cucumber slices on our eyes (although that sounds pretty great) - it’s actually a whole bunch of disciplines and routines that add up to making us feel like the best versions of ourselves. So let’s talk about all of it! Also, Documentary Now! on Netflix.
