Simply Stories Podcast
Emily Humphries
1 Listener
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Simply Stories Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Simply Stories Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Simply Stories Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Simply Stories Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Episode 44 :: Bethany Turner :: For the Love of Jesus, Stories and the 90's
Simply Stories Podcast
07/16/20 • 75 min
Today on the podcast I have the fabulous Bethany Turner back for round 2!!! Bethany was one of my very first guests early in the season (episode 7, to be exact) and we got to talk about how she writes books that provide a space for pop culture and hard topics and faith to intersect with a lot of humor and heart. Bethany and I have bonded in a friendship solidified by a love for the Lord, stories and 90’s pop culture. So today, you get a little bit of all those things!
In the first half of this episode, we talk about what it's been like to be creative with how we enjoy movies and books and what not, and how we engage our creativity differently. You’ll also hear us talk about her latest book Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish, and actually we had this conversation on Hadley’s book birthday which was fun to celebrate that with her. Then, thanks to some of her readers’ question submissions, I also got a chance to get to put Bethany in the “Renowned” hot seat (for all those #hadbeck readers out there!) to hear more of Bethany’s story as an author as well as her miraculous survival story of ovarian cancer.
Then, in the second half of the episode, Bethany and I lay out our love for all things 90’s movies and television. I laughed SO HARD during this episode and it was just the kind of levity that I need during such a crazy season of time and we hope you get to enjoy that as well and maybe even pad your movie and tv viewing list as the Pandemic stretches on. There’s a lot of heart, there’s a lot of fun, and it's a good day to hang out with BT and me on Simply Stories. Thanks in advance for hanging out and laughing with us!
For the record, you can find everything we mention in this episode (all the books, all the movie references, all of it) in the show notes as well as how to keep connected with Bethany! This will definitely go down as the longest set of show notes in the history of the podcast, but WORTH. IT. I may have also snuck in some additional content in there, so happy hunting!
---
Resources:
-Original episode with Bethany (episode #7!)
-The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, Wooing Cadie McCaffrey, Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish
-article on straight to streaming because of Trolls, AMC won’t do Paramount movies
-Lori Beth of Elevating Motherhood’s post
-Nashville, TN - Howdy, y’all ;)
-Vanderbilt announcement about funding vaccine research, thanks, Dolly
-Robin Leach - Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous clip to hear his voice
-Susie Finkbeiner -- stay tuned to hear her episode here next week! :) We love ya, Susie!
-”Save the Last Dance” Keri Washington (yes THAT Keri Washington)
-Blockbuster (MAY IT RIP!!!!)
-Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Game
Our Crazy Pants 90’s Movie and TV List of References:
1 Listener
Episode 05: Davis Bunn: Author + Film Writer
Simply Stories Podcast
10/17/19 • 38 min
My conversation on this episode of the Simply Stories Podcast is with international best-selling and award winning author, film writer, and all around renaissance man, Davis Bunn.
Davis shares his life story of seeing the world and reaping its successes, only to encounter the Lord later in his life and deciding following Him was worth pursuing a whole other life and career.
Now with twenty-five years worth of publishing fiction novels that span multiple genres, Davis crafts stories that move readers to look for the good in the world around them and in the One who made them. He also has moved into the film writing world, which he discusses some of that journey with me, but his latest novel Unscripted carries incredible details and an inside look into the world of film making as well. It’s an incredible story, with a wild ride of unpredictable turns that leave you turning page after page, and so engrossed in the story that you find yourself invited into the room where it happens alongside his fantastic band of misfits longing for second chances.
Davis also shares such good wisdom and insight for those of us have creative capabilities in how we approach new things and new possibilities. Davis challenges us to be willing to pursue humility and know that we are never truly done learning, nor should we limit what God can do with His story and His people when they submit their story to Him.
There is so much possibility when we submit our creativity to our Creator. Davis’ life and career is a powerful testimony of this truth, and I hope it encourages you to remember that the same is true for you, friend.
Scripture:
Resources:
Unscripted by Davis Bunn (affiliate link)
The amazing Isabella Bunn (Davis’ fabulous wife)
The Chronicles of Narnia- The whole series in one book! (affiliate link)
Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling
Episode 06: Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers of Pantsuit Politics : Questions Askers + Nuance Seekers
Simply Stories Podcast
10/24/19 • 70 min
Today I am honored to share my conversation with two incredible women, Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland. Sarah and Beth are the co-hosts of the bi-partisan political podcast Pantsuit Politics and the co-authors of the book I Think You’re Wrong, but I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations. Sarah and Beth are committed to creating a space to talk through the hard things that are surrounding us in grace-filled and nuanced ways.
You may be someone who has always struggled with this topic (and listen, friend, I’m right there with you) and you are thinking “Em, that’s great, but why do I need to care about politics? Why should I be informed at all?” As my friend Stephanie and I discussed this summer, there is so much happening in the world and in our country that really impacts people and if we don’t know what’s going on, how we can listen to their story with deeper empathy and how can we speak the Gospel into their pain if we don’t have context for it?
I know this is hard stuff, you guys. Believe me. But people matter, it isn’t about the politics per say, its about being willing to walk in the hard with our neighbors.
Additionally, I would HIGHLY recommend their book. It is not about politics and specific agendas at all, it is literally what it says: a guide to grace filled conversation about hard things. As you head into the holiday season with this insane political upheaval happening around us, an election year in the making, and you approach the various tables in your sphere of influence, couldn’t we all use some reminding about the people behind the stories and experiences that surround us? We have to got to remember that we may not always agree, and we won’t, that’s not how humanity works, but we can be better humans to one another. You matter, friend. And so does your neighbor.
Resources:
Pedro and AIDS and “The Real World”
OJ Simpson // You also can see “The People vs. OJ Simpson”
I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace Filled Political Conversations (affiliate link)
“A League of Their Own”- “Of course its hard. That’s what makes it so great.”
One and two of many articles in reference to families being shifted by certain news outlets.
My original #metoo post from instagram
Brown Vs. The Board of Education Topeka
Ash Abercrombie // Our episode on Simply Stories Podcast
Pantsuit Politics Live from Evolving Faith Conference
Scripture References:
Episode 45 :: Susie Finkbeiner :: Stories of Hope and Heart
Simply Stories Podcast
07/23/20 • 67 min
Today I’m chatting with the wonderful Susie Finkbeiner. Susie is an incredible Christian Fiction Author, and a woman who just radiates joy, love and hope. I actually got to talk to Susie when we were all in the thick of quarantine, and it feels so timely as many cities go back to that sort of a model, but everyone I know is processing the immediate future. Whether that is school decisions, community decisions, election oriented decisions, there is a lot of tension, a struggle with holding on to hope, and how to be present for one another with feelings and fears running rampant. Friends, this episode is for you. Susie shares really beautiful insight about trusting the Lord, especially when everything feels like it's falling apart. God’s trustworthiness and His goodness is bigger than the certainty of encountering the brokenness of the world, and that is something, as we wrestle with what’s around us, that we can put our hope in. It's the only thing that won’t change.
During our chat you also get to hear more about the heart and the history of her newest book, The Stories That Bind Us. Susie shares how personal and even painful this story was for her to write, but when God asked her to write something very confronting for her, no matter how hard it felt, He met her in the Refiner’s fire. We also discuss the beauty and the mess of what it's like to be in the trenches with someone with a calling from the Lord, as well as when someone who is walking through a deep valley through hard seasons or struggling with mental health. The Lord will provide encouragement, and support. When we are going through the deep valleys of life He delights in us, and draws us closer to the body of Christ, but we also have to be willing to receive it. Even though there is wrestling, the hope we have in Jesus is kept in a place no broken person or thing can ever touch. Sharing our stories, engaging one another’s lives, praying for and bearing with one another, these are some of the life-giving ways the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
I hope that you’ll pick up a copy of The Stories That Bind Us and check out Susie online and engage her other work too! In a space that can feel like a sea of chaos, she’s such a fun light. Hang in there, friends. Just like Susie says: “our heritage is shared through our stories.” Yours matters, friends. You matter.
Resources:
Detroit theme park being restored, aquarium around from the early 1900’s:: Belle Isle Aquarium (in this article, you can actually see the jade ceiling Susie mentions in our conversation)
Laura Frantz // Laura’s posts // (and our conversation!)
My conversation with Jennifer Greenberg, and the allorgorical conversation about suicide
Sarah Sundin (and our conversation!)
Christian Fiction Readers’ Summit
Beth White (hear her episode, and here’s the book I was reading! That series in my top 5 fave 2020 reads)
Susie’s upcoming book, features the end of the Vietnam War, 3,000 orphans were airlifted from Saigon to the U.S., Aus...
1 Listener
Episode 07: Bethany Turner: Fiction Author + Faith Meets Pop Culture
Simply Stories Podcast
10/31/19 • 63 min
Today’s conversation with award winning author Bethany Turner is just another picture about why I love getting the perspective of Christian fiction authors because they bring such a creative view of the world around us, the church and how popular culture and faith meet head on. Bethany is a master of processing real life issues with wit and grace, mixed with a healthy dose rom-com and the result is truly delightful. In our conversation, we discuss her new newest book Wooing Cadie McCaffery (affectionately known as #WooCaM), but we also take a DEEP dive into a fascinating discussion that ended up being more timely than we could have ever known.
Her debut Christian Fiction novel is called The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck and first of all, and while it is a fantastic read, and snort out loud hilarious, it is a story of a mainstream author, known for salacious work, becoming a Christian and her journey to figure out life with Jesus, while still wearing the same skin made famous for feeding empty hearts with worldly yuck. Within the last few months we have seen huge Hollywood names making proclamations of faith and one of them in particular, released work that demonstrates his declaration of faith and there is a significant conversation in the church about whether or not we believe Kanye or anyone else’s conversion. Ironically enough, it is a very similar tale for Sarah Hollenbeck. Isn’t. That. Interesting. Now, I know fiction isn’t Gospel, but it can absolutely, if we are willing, allow us to ask ourselves some hard questions. Would we believe the testimony of a Sarah Hollenbeck? Will we believe Kanye West? Or Brad Pitt or Justin Beiber and etc.? And if you’ll allow me, would we have believed Rahab, Ruth, Mary Magdalene, the adulterous woman, Saul who became Paul or anyone else who lived a sin wrecked and saturated life before they encountered their Savior? God is trustworthy with their story and if it brings Him glory and draws others to Himself, then Lord, use it. The end.
PS: Both The Secret Life of Ssrah Hollenbeck and Wooing Cadie McCaffrey are on MEGA sale on amazon right now. You can find links to those and to ways to listen in my bio. :) If you enjoy this conversation, I’d be honored if you shared it, and be sure you go and follow Bethany! Her social media presence always brightens my week.
References:
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck (affiliate link) I don’t know how long this sale will go on but Y’ALL the Kindle version of this book is on sale for less than $5 right now!!!!! Treat. Yo. Self.
Wooing Cadie McCaffrey (affiliate link) And this Kindle version is on sale for less than $2. That’s insane. Get it while you can!
Redeeming Love - (affiliate link)
Let me just stop here and say, I a...
1 Listener
1 Comment
1
Episode 25 :: Purim and the Story of Esther
Simply Stories Podcast
03/10/20 • 41 min
Today is such a fun and unique day on the calendar as well as on the podcast.
Across the world today, Jewish communities are celebrating a holiday known as Purim. So, I thought it would be fun to celebrate Purim with you. Happy Purim!!
What is Purim you ask? I honestly had never heard of it until about 10 years ago, when I was able to participate in Beth Moore’s study of the book of Esther. I’ll give you the spoiler first: Purim is the celebration that honors the victory for the Jews found at the end of the book of Esther. The Jews in Esther’s story were on the edge of absolute destruction. What happens to the Jewish people in the account of Esther is no less the recording of a miracle through the events and actions of brave people placed by God exactly where they were for such a time as this.
Growing up in church, I had heard the story of Esther, but I was drawn to the idea of getting to know more about one of the only two women who had books of the Bible named after them. And ever since then, God has used this unique book over and over and over again in my life to make Himself known in the most unlikely of places.
One of, if not the most, unique thing about the book of Esther is this: God’s name is NEVER mentioned within its pages. Not once. But as Beth often says “His Name is all over it.” If anything, the way that the events in this book played out are the ultimate picture of what kind of storyteller God really is. It is full of “it just so happened” moments. So many people are at the right place at the right time.
The celebration of Purim is actually created during the book of Esther, (in chapters 9, 10) and it derives its name from the lots, or the “pur” which were the dice type items, that were thrown to decide what day the destruction of the Jews would take place. The date, by the way, just so happened to be the day before Passover. Another moment in time where the Jews were miraculously rescued in a foreign land from pending destruction by the Lord.
(I sort of went off on a historical bunny trail during the episode here, and honestly, I may not have said everything correctly as I humbly admit I am not a Biblical scholar, but you can read more and do you own research about the things I mention like the Diaspora, the captivity of the Jews and their carrying off by King Nebuchadnezzar, their time in exile, and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and the Temple. These are all hard, beautiful, important and fascinating parts of Israel’s story, but like the events that unfolded in the story of Esther, God is faithful to restore His people, and keep His promises no matter how grim it may appear to be or how grim it may appear to become again.)
Now, you may be asking yourself, “How do people celebrate Purim, Em?” Well. First of all, they have a ton of fun with it. There are traditional desserts that are tied to Haman, the enemy of the Jews, called hamantaschen, and other amazing food items to create a feast.
The most fun part, to me anyway, is that they gather together for a reading of what i called “the whole Megillah” Heard that term before? Megillah ...
Episode 26 :: Kevin Downes :: I Still Believe
Simply Stories Podcast
03/19/20 • 39 min
Today’s conversation is with actor, writer, director and producer Kevin Downes. Kevin has been part of the film industry in these various roles over the last 20 years and has most recently been a part of movies like “Woodlawn,” “Mom’s Night Out,” and “I Can Only Imagine.” His most recent project in partnership with the Erwin Brothers, is called “I Still Believe,” starring: KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise. This beautiful movie tells the story of Christian artist Jeremy Camp’s life and faith journey as he faced incredible heart ache, and also incredible hope.
Who would have thought that when Kevin and I had this conversation just a couple of weeks ago, what the world would look like today. Kevin and I talk all about following God in your calling, and the value of stewarding stories that highlight the truth that we don’t know what will happen, but His hope and his love are big enough to take our questions. Right now, we are in the throws around the world of a time that feels incredibly uncertain and unknown. Many of us feel completely out of control, are struggling to see how this is all going to pan out and feel trapped in a sea of uncertainty. Dear ones, look around and press in to the stories around you. Take this opportunity to ask God to show you how to weather this wilderness we are ALL walking in, and support and spur one another on. Even as we take a steps back, that doesn’t mean we have to live totally isolated. We can press in from a far. We can look more fully into the faces of the ones in our homes. And together, we will cling to His promises. One of my current favorites is this: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 Take care of yourselves, take care of each other. You matter. We all matter.
Since the recording of this episode, almost all the theaters across the U.S. have decided to close in order to protect people in light of the covid-19 pandemic. BUT, this conversation still couldn’t be more timely. AND praise the Lord, when the movie came out, it had an incredible opening weekend at the box office! If you have a way to go see it, GO! You will not regret it. If not, hang out with us here on the podcast today, and pray for all of the industries affected by the pandemic. We are all walking in ways we have not known before, but we are not walking alone.
Find ways to connect with Kevin, the movie, references from the podcast below.
----
References:
Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA
“I Still Believe” (the song)
Shari Rigby’s episode of the Simply Stories Podcast
“I Still Believe” (the movie)
Check your local theaters on whether or not they are open due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Scripture References:
John 17:16- In the world not of it
Episode 169 :: Nikki Anders :: Stories of The Journey to Bethlehem
Simply Stories Podcast
11/10/23 • 69 min
I am so excited to share with you a really special conversation with the incredibly talented Renaissance woman Nikki Anders. Nikki is an award-winning musician, songwriter, and music producer in the TV and film industry. She shares some of her experiences in the music industry as a solo artist and member of the music group Avalon, her and her husband Adam’s time working on “Glee” as well as many other films, and now are the creative team behind the new movie musical “The Journey to Bethlehem.”
Nikki shares how the Lord closed and opened so many doors over the last seventeen years from an idea about a Christmas movie the whole family could enjoy and focus on the true story of Christmas, all the way to bringing the music, script, and spectacular vision on their hearts to fruition. Placing themselves in the shoes of the real people who lived the days of Jesus’ coming into the world was a practice of holy imagination and allowing themselves to wonder how God wove this story together. The Christmas story is sometimes too familiar to those who have grown up hearing it. This movie and its music breathes so much life into the incredible true story of the God who loved us so much, He sent His Son as a baby, to a very real family, who faced very real risks, because we needed a Savior.
Ever since I had this conversation with Nikki, the music has brought up some really amazing conversation opportunities and questions from my two kids, and I already can tell our experience of Christmas and Advent this year will be different because of this movie, the music, and the way it has ignited the curiosity and imagination of my children.
This world is weary and longs and groans to be restored. A Savior has come and made redemption and salvation available to all who call on Him. And I hope that wherever you are, I can whisper some hope to your heart today. You matter, friend. And your story matters.
Connecting with Nikki:
“Journey to Bethlehem”’s Instagram
“Journey to Bethlehem” soundtrack
Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty
Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 4:1- Following the call of God
Matthew 13:1-9- Scattering seed living as God wants you to live
1 Corinthians 10:31- Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God
Daniel 1- Daniel and the exile in the Palace of Babylon
Daniel 3- Shadrach, Meshach and Abendengo’s God
Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2- Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas story that is in the pages of scripture
Luke 1:26-56 - Mary and an angel appeared to her
Episode 22 :: Britney Thompson :: Living God-Minded
Simply Stories Podcast
02/20/20 • 59 min
Today’s conversation is with new author, Britney Thompson. Britney has released her first book called God Minded-Living God Focused in a Me Focused world, and in it she shares her story of being delivered from an abusive relationship, fighting for freedom from an eating disorder and the journey God has had her on to find out what He says is true in His Word and how He wired our minds to be transformed by it. We talked at length about what it is like to experience a toxic relationship, and how easily you can be ensnared by it no matter what you believe about the Lord because we can be deceived by lies we believe about ourselves.
Britney’s research about how the brain is wired and how it coincides with what God says is true in His word about how to process his truth is FASCINATING and I think this episode carries a powerful word about the freedom and healing that is possible in Christ Jesus from pursuing what Romans 12:2 says of being transformed by the renewing of your mind.
I am so honored that Britney was willing to share her story in her book, but also to come on and share what God has done in her life. Her book is an inspirational and also educational read in what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37). I love that she is telling of God’s faithfulness with such passion.
To find ways to hear this episode, purchase her book, connect with Britney, and to get resources or references we mentioned in this episode, find all those links below.
References:
Britney’s Book: God Minded: Living God Focused in a Me Focused World
Episode with Ann Swindell -“Turn around and look at Jesus”
Writing with Grace classes by Ann
Scripture:
John 10:10- Came that we may have life and life to the full
Psalm 119:105- A lamp to my feet a light to my path
Romans 12:2- Being transformed by the renewal of your mind
Matthew 22:37- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind
Psalm 107:2 - Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story
Romans 10:15/Isaiah 52:7- How beautiful are the feet that bring the Good News
Deuteronomy 31:6- God will never leave us or forsake us
Episode 27 :: Chelsea Bastoky :: Enneagram Guide
Simply Stories Podcast
03/26/20 • 79 min
Today is the day we get to talk all things enneagram over on the podcast with my friend and enneagram coach, Chelsea Bastoky! If you’re unsure of what the enneagram is, the enneagram is a self- awareness tool that helps us understand how God wired us and where parts of our personalities can trip us up, or help us grow. This episode will give a quick look of what it is and how it is (and is NOT) helpful, but instead of an overview of the nine types and how they each work, this is a deeper look into parts of the enneagram that are often misunderstood such as wings, triads, and what it means to act out of stress and growth.
If might be helpful if you’re not as familiar with the enneagram to pause, and seek out one of the resources in the show notes to get you caught up on what it is. OR pull up a chair and take a deep dive with us and learn along the way. Chelsea does such a fantastic job breaking down big concepts and portraying them in tangible pictures of application. I love her heart for the Gospel and to encourage others to grow in to who God has made you to be.
During this time where many of us feel overwhelmed and isolated, this could be the perfect time to unpack how God made you and what habits you have developed to respond to the world around you. Chelsea has created an incredible resource where she breaks down what she discusses with us in this episode as a free download! (Thank you, Chelsea!) You can find ways to download that here. Since most of us are having to move our conversations to video and phone chatting as it is, let me also suggest that Chelsea offers her coaching services via those same resources and it would be a worthwhile and timely investment.
My ultimate prayer is that today someone walks away from this knowing that God made them to be who they are on purpose. We all have room to grow, and these kinds of tools can help us find ways to do just that. You are worth the work, friend.
Resources:
-The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile
-The Voice of the Heart- Chip Dodd
-Parenting with Heart- Chip Dodd and Stephen James
*Scripture References:
-John 16:33 -in this world you will have trouble
-2 Samuel 11-David is supposed to be at war, then he sees Bathsheeba
-John 15:12- love one another
-Psalm 139:14- You are uniquely and wonderfully made
-
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Simply Stories Podcast have?
Simply Stories Podcast currently has 174 episodes available.
What topics does Simply Stories Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Christianity, Spirituality, Story, Religion & Spirituality, Storytelling and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on Simply Stories Podcast?
The episode title 'Episode 06: Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers of Pantsuit Politics : Questions Askers + Nuance Seekers' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Simply Stories Podcast?
The average episode length on Simply Stories Podcast is 62 minutes.
How often are episodes of Simply Stories Podcast released?
Episodes of Simply Stories Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Simply Stories Podcast?
The first episode of Simply Stories Podcast was released on Aug 19, 2019.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ