The best podcasts, books, and more.

These past few months have been strange, to say the least. I’m ready to get back to more normalcy. But at the same time, I’m thankful for an opportunity to slow down. I’m thankful for more time to read, bake, take walks, and be with family—even if that means staying in our apartment or within a small radius around it.

I’m thinking through another blog post about this season because, trust me, God is teaching me a lot. He’s refining me and revealing the dirt within my heart. Phew, it’s hard, but it is good.

For now, I’m keeping things a bit lighter and sharing a few of my favorite ways to pass the time. (You know, in all the free time I have with a toddler running around 😄.)

Podcasts

“Office Ladies" - Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) take us through a behind-the-scenes look at each episode of The Office. The two friends are hilarious and insightful, and they’ll have you wanting to binge this classic show all over again.

“Risen Motherhood" - Always my go-to. As the hosts say in the intro, we need the refreshing truth of the gospel poured over us daily. Risen Motherhood helps me focus on Christ and find joy in even the most mundane parts of motherhood.

“The Dropout" - This 6-episode series reports on Elizabeth Holmes, the youngest self-made female billionaire, through her quick rise and subsequent fall as she currently faces up to 20 years in jail.

Books

Open Book - I devoured this book. Jessica Simpson tells all in her newly released memoir. I was intrigued by her personal take on all the things that happened in the public eye, and I commend her for sharing her story of sobriety.

The Alice Network - This fiction book is based on the true story of a female spy network during World War I and II. It took me much longer to read but was definitely worth it.

Afraid of All the Things - I’m currently reading this for a Zoom book club. (Three months ago, I didn’t even know what Zoom was and look where we are today!) Scarlet Hiltibidal is funny and frank. She speaks God’s Word directly into her fears and anxieties—and my own.

Finding I Am - I did Lysa TerKeurst’s Bible study on the book of John after my local women’s study ended. The study centers on the seven “I Am” statements Jesus makes in scripture. Look for a blog post on “I am the vine” coming soon.

Exalting Jesus in Revelation (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) - I’ve had this commentary on my bookshelf for about three years, and this month, I finally decided to go through it. So far, I’ve been blown away as I slowly read through Revelation and connect the dots to the Gospel with this remarkable book.

Fitness

Peloton - I’m in the middle of a free trial of the Peloton app, and I’m loving it. I don’t have the Peloton bike or treadmill (and I’m also so not a runner). But I’m really enjoying the yoga videos, especially because I can do a 20- or 30-minute class while my son sleeps.

Desert Streams Yoga - My mother-in-law and sisters-in-law started this Christian yoga school, and their Instagram account is full of inspirational poses and Biblical mediation. Be sure to give them a follow!

Food

Half-Baked Harvest - Teighan’s recipes sometimes have a few more interesting ingredients, but they’re always so fun to make. Her oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies are the best. I can’t wait to make her sheet pan chicken and potatoes and homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Sally’s Baking Addiction - Baking is life right now, and my girl Sally has never let me down. Her vanilla cake and carrot cake are two of my all-time favorites. Her piñata cupcakes are next on my list.

TV

“Some Good News" - Okay, this is technically a web series, but I couldn’t not mention it. John Krasinski’s positive news show is sure to warm your heart. I also just love that his daughters made the adorable SGN sign hanging behind him in every episode.

“The Last Dance" - We are pretty much obsessed with this ESPN limited series on Michael Jordan and the 90s Bulls. As a native Chicagoan, how could I not watch? (Also, my one and only NBA experience was seeing Jordan take on the Utah Jazz at the United Center, circa 1996. And what a great experience it was.)

What have you been up to during this stay-at-home season? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.