Good Books Big Questions

Episode 6 Deborah Sáenz: The rocky, wonderful relationship between writers and editors

Do writers act like big babies when they work with editors? Do you worry about your grammar when you text a friend who is an editor? Deborah’s friends do. But they shouldn’t worry. This NavPress editor just wants to help make writing and books better, and usher important books into the world for all of our sakes. Deborah talks with Karen Stiller about how editors find, woo and work with Christian authors. She shares the story of how she developed a passion for sharing the stories of writers of colour, and why that is so crucial. 
We think this conversation is the perfect way to wrap up Season 1 of Good Books Big Questions. We’ll be back in the new year with Season 2.
Post talk from Deborah: Most of my work as a book editor is behind the scenes, so being on the podcast was a treat! I hope our conversation gives listeners a small glimpse behind the curtain. The business of Christian book publishing is full of beauty and meaning, but also tension and risk. As editors, authors, and readers, having a humble posture and an openness to learning keeps us all in check. 
Post talk from Karen: “I loved having the opportunity to have a conversation with my very own editor for my book Holiness Here. Deborah knows what she’s doing and she brings a respect and love for writers and the powerful role books play in our lives. That comes through really clear in this episode."
Who is Deborah Sáenz? Deborah Sáenz is an acquisitions and developmental editor for NavPress, specializing in Christian non-fiction. She has worked in book publishing for 15 years as a marketer, collaborator, and editor. She received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University and a certificate in manuscript editing from the University of Chicago. Deeply committed to elevating underrepresented voices, her passion lies in collaborating with authors of color and helping to increase BIPOC representation in traditional publishing. Originally from the U.S.-Mexico border town of Laredo, Texas, she currently resides in San Antonio.
Let us know what you think of the show. Our email address is goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show.
The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators.

Episode 5 Joyce Koo Dalrymple: Less striving, more grace

How do we stop striving for approval and rest in God’s grace? This is an ongoing question for many people of faith. Author, pastor and speaker Joyce Koo Dalrymple knows what striving feels like, and how tough it is to stop. In this honest conversation Joyce shares the roots of her striving, her wounds of failure, and her journey to believe God’s grace. 
Parables of Grace: A Bible Study on God's Heart for His Children is her latest book in the LifeChange Bible Study Series from NavPress. The prevalence of grace in these colorful stories from Jesus might surprise you. And if you’ve ever thought you were the “bad guy” in the stories, you won’t want to miss this episode. 
A post conversation quote from Joyce: “God’s grace flows out of His very nature and extends to every one of us who is open to receive it. As a recipient of such grace and forgiveness, may you cultivate an ever-deepening loving relationship with God, one that causes you to overflow with grace toward others and demonstrate justice and mercy in the world.”
After the talk with Karen: “Joyce is so accomplished, she’s a little bit intimidating to think about interviewing, but I didn’t need to worry. Joyce brought her warmth, authenticity and deep honesty about her own journey to this conversation that I think will be a relief to many listeners. It was to me!”
Find all Joyce's LifeChange Bible Studies at NavPress. 
Books Joyce mentions Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen and Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning.
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Who is Joyce Koo  Dalrymple? Joyce Koo Dalrymple is a ministry leader, author, and podcast host. She leads Refuge for Strength, a women’s ministry focused on spiritual formation and listening to God in community. She is also the Chief of Content and Engagement at Khora Collective. A former television journalist and attorney, she frequently guest preaches at local churches and speaks at women’s events and retreats. Her books include Women of the New Testament and Jesus' Passion Week. Joyce received a BA from Stanford University, a law degree from Boston College, and an MDiv from Metro Atlanta Seminary. She and her husband Tim have three daughters and live in Philadelphia. 
The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators

Episode 4 Norman Hubbard: Loving brothers and sisters who drive you nuts

Do we have to sit with Christians whose politics offend and trouble us? Actually, yes, we should, says author Norm Hubbard. Even if it’s really hard. Norm is the author of More than Christians: Practicing Gospel-Shaped Community with the Language of the Early Church. 
Norm didn’t intend to write a book that speaks to the current polarized political climate, but that’s what he did. His suggested solution to the challenges of the day is surprising in simplicity and potentially profound in impact. There’s lots of laughter in this conversation that tackles head on how we get along with fellow Christians whose opinions might alarm us, no matter which side of the political divide you find yourself on. 
A post conversation quote from Norm: "We use lots of words to describe the gospel: sin, salvation, grace, eternal life. It's time we add the word, 'family.'”
After the talk with Karen: “Clearly, I find Norm funny. An author who can bring a light touch to heavy topics just makes reading and talking about big things so much easier. This is one of those kinds of conversations.” 
Listen to Norm's book More Than Christians on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to audiobooks. You can also find his book at NavPress.
 
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Who is Norm Hubbard? Norman Hubbard has served on staff with The Navigators collegiate ministries for the past 25 years on seven campuses in the Midwest. He currently works with students in Minneapolis, oversees staff in Wisconsin, and speaks at conferences nationally. Norman has a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics from Auburn University, and he's currently working on a Masters of Divinity at Denver Seminary. He is the author of three Bible study workbooks. Norman and his wife have children ranging in ages from 25 to 10.
The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators

Episode 3 Dieula Previlon: You can ask God anything

Do you need to ask God some tough questions? Have you shaken your fist at God or cried out your most honest pain and heartbreak? For Dieula Previlon, the author of Does God See Me? speaking (or maybe even yelling) to God with complete earthy honesty is an important part of how we live with trauma and grief. 
Dieula set out to write a book as teacher and guide, pulling on her years of experience working with women in prisons and around the world. To her surprise, she found she was also writing as a fellow traveller through pain and healing. If you’re worried this episode is a downer, don’t be. Joy and laughter are part of the journey and also part of this very honest conversation. 
A post-conversation quote from Dieula: “I love books that cause us to wrestle even if we don't come up with answers from the wrestling. I believe asking questions while being curious is a part of the journey. I hope when you listen, you will feel seen and understood. You are not alone in your questions.”
After the talk with Karen: “I first met Dieula at a NavPress author retreat where we connected over recent and profound losses, and also an appreciation for the Netflix show Love is Blind. Which goes to prove Dieula’s important point that we can laugh at and with life, while still acknowledging the very real pain some of us go through. Dieula has so much to teach.” 
Listen to Dieula's book Does God See Me? on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to audiobooks. You can also find her book at NavPress.
 
Visit Dieula’s site and reach out to her with thoughts and questions about her work and this conversation.
Find out more about ElevateHerInternational.
Books Dieula mentions Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah
Email Good Books Big Questions at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com and give us your feedback.
Who is Dieula Previlon? Dieula Previlon is an author, visionary and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and executive director of the non-profit ElevateHer International Ministries and the for-profit business Elevate Life Coaching, Counseling and Consulting. Her vision is to empower women to heal from trauma, to find their purpose, and to flourish. She is also an ordained minister, a licensed counselor, a certified trauma-informed business coach, and leader. Her professional career in these areas spans over 20 years. In this season, she's celebrating her first book: Does God See Me? which is available at every major book store.
The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators.

Episode 2 Kat Armstrong: God is in life’s gardens and deserts

“No one wants to be in a desert. Bad things happen there,” says Kat Armstrong, the author of The Storyline Project Bible study series. But when she drilled down into the Bible’s desert stories, she found that God provides in the wilderness. Kat talks with Karen Stiller about changing her expectations of God, running up against sexism and resentment, and what it means to flourish. In this lively and challenging conversation, Kat, a Bible study author, preacher and teacher walks us through her own journey of coming to grips with the often untold and misunderstood power of women in the Bible narrative. 
Kat’s latest studies are called Deserts and Gardens and explore the storyline of both kinds of places that are also symbols in the Bible. Along with her confession that she once thought of Esther as a “Disney princess,” Kat helps us see nuances we might be missing. We also dip our toes into the hot sands of the deserts in the Bible and what they mean for we who still wander. 
A post-conversation note from Kat: “Curiosity might be the key we’re missing in our spiritual lives. In this conversation on Good Books Big Questions, I share why approaching Scripture as a literary masterpiece can transform the way we encounter God’s Word. I hope you’ll listen in.” 
After the talk with Karen: “Wow. This is a woman who has been through some stuff to reach this place of being a very impactful Bible teacher. And no, she doesn’t just write for women. I laughed. And shed a tear or two. This is a good one.” 
Find Kat’s books at NavPress.
Visit Kat’s website and reach out to her with thoughts and questions about her work and this conversation.
Visit The Storyline’s site.
Books Kat mentions Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible, edited by Sandra Glahn. 
Email Good Books Big Questions at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com and give us your feedback.
Who is Kat Armstrong?Kat Armstrong is a dynamic Bible teacher, innovative ministry leader, and author passionate about helping curious Christians engage with Scripture. Born in Houston, Texas, she studied at Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Houston Theological Seminary under Drs. Scot McKnight and Lynn Cohick. Her academic training, paired with her clear communication style, has made her a sought-after keynote speaker for churches, conferences, and nonprofits nationwide. She also hosts Holy Curiosity, a podcast produced by The Center for Women in Leadership.
She is the author of No More Holding Back and The In-Between Place, and creator of the eight-volume Storyline Project Bible study series. Kat has contributed to The Message Bible: Women’s Devotional and written for outlets like Christianity Today, Proverbs 31, and Peer Magazine. Her next book, Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesus (NavPress, October 2025), co-authored with Lyle Wells, offers a transformative vision for Christian leaders rooted in integrity and grace.
Kat currently serves as Senior Director of Marketing and Content Development at Integrus Leadership and previously co-founded the Polished Network, growing it from one local gathering to a nationwide nonprofit for women in the workplace. She has also served on the board of Pillar Seminary, as an ambassador for Seminary Now, and as a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Kat lives in Dallas with her husband Aaron, senior lead pastor at Christ Fellowship McKinney, and their son Caleb.
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The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators.

Episode 1 Jared Ayers: Trusting a God with Scars

Can we still find beauty in being a Christian? Or in Christian institutions? Author Jared Ayers was disappointed with the church’s reaction to the growing number of religiously unaffiliated and wrote a book for people in the borderlands of faith. 
In You can Trust a God With Scars, Ayers walks readers through a gentle examination of the Christian faith and what it can offer we who search. In this conversation with host Karen Stiller, Ayers shares his own times of doubt, what helps him draw closer to God and trust, and how being a new author is changing how he views the world. 
A post-conversation note from Jared: “We need places where we can have real conversations about faith, life, and God. I found this conversation with Karen on Good Books Big Questions one of those all-too-rare places, and I hope others experience that too.” 
After the talk with Karen: “I enjoyed this so much. I especially appreciated that Jared didn’t give pat, formulaic answers for why bad things happen and how tough life can be sometimes. I left with shows to watch and music to listen to because this guy is really plugged into popular culture.” 
Jared mentions The Undertaking: Life Studies From The Dismal Trade by Thomas Lynch.
Listen to Jared's book You Can Trust a God with Scars on Spotify, Apple, Audible or wherever you listen to audiobooks. You can also find his book at NavPress.
Visit Jared’s site and reach out to him with your own questions and thoughts about his book and this conversation.
Email Good Books Big Questions at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com and give us your feedback.
Who is Jared Ayers?Rev. Dr. Jared Ayers is a pastor, speaker, professor, and writer. He is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary and the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination. A pastor for more than two decades, he currently serves as senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, Florida, and as an adjunct faculty member at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Jared is married to his wife, Monica, and they’ve been graced with two sons and a daughter.
The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators. 

Welcome to Good Books Big Questions: Bold, Loving, and Sensible Conversations About Faith

No one ducks the tough questions about faith on this show. Not the host and not the guests. If you’re disillusioned, doubting, discovering faith, or if you simply want a safe space to dig into some big questions you’ve had for a while, you will find good company here. 
You’ll discover thoughtful, honest, and civil conversations about the issues that keep us up at night. Also, the occasional laugh, of course – and a level of honesty that helps us all keep our faith alive. 
Good Books Big Questions is a NavPress podcast where conversations about books open the door to bigger conversations about life and faith. Together with NavPress authors, we dive into questions like:
What does it mean to truly trust God?
How can we worship alongside people who think and vote differently than we do?
Where do we find joy in the midst of trauma and suffering?
How do we get past easy answers and formulas of faith and think about how to navigate some of the toughest stuff in life and still believe in Jesus? 
Hosted by Karen Stiller—author of Holiness Here: Finding God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life (NavPress, 2024) and The Minister’s Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Doubt, Friendship, Loneliness, Forgiveness and More (Tyndale House, 2020, and an author known for her transparency —this podcast invites you into bold, sensible and loving conversations. 
Each conversation blends thoughtful book discussion with big, timeless questions of Christian faith and spiritual growth.
About the Host
Karen Stiller is the author of Holiness Here, The Minister’s Wife, and co-author of Craft, Cost & Call: How to Build a Life as a Christian Writer. She is a writing coach, teacher, freelance editor, and longtime journalist whose work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Christianity Today, The Walrus, Ekstasis, and more.
For 22 years she served as an editor of Faith Today magazine and hosted the Faith Today podcast. Karen has traveled to South Sudan, Uganda, Senegal, Cambodia, and across North America reporting on stories of the Church around the world. She has moderated debates on faith and society at the University of Toronto and holds an MFA in Creative Non-Fiction from the University of King’s College. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in the Sacred Art of Writing at Western Seminary.
Living in Ottawa, Ontario, Karen brings curiosity, compassion, and candor to every conversation. 
Please follow, rate and review Good Books Big Questions wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us for bold, loving, and sensible conversations about faith.
We'd love to hear your feedback. 
Email us at goodbooksbigquestions@gmail.com
The views and opinions expressed in this recording do not necessarily reflect the positions of NavPress or The Navigators.