A Book Nerd and the Bible

A Book Nerd and the Bible


Latest Episodes

Ep. 12 (Molly Weasley): Wives, Women, and Weasleys
February 21, 2022

This week my wife guest hosts to discuss why Molly Weasley exemplifies the description of the noble wife found in Proverbs 31! She discusses buying orchards, sewing sweaters, and why we all should be a bit more like Molly Weasley.  Find the show on Spotif

Ep. 11 - A Conversation with Dr. Shelly Matthews
February 02, 2022

This week we are joined by the Professor of New Testament at Brite Divinity School, Dr. Shelly Matthews! She is an expert on feminism and the Bible, and the author of numerous publications about gender roles in the New Testament and early Christian commun

Ep. 10 (The Arrangers of Marriage): Bad Dreams and Betrothals
January 30, 2022

This week we compare the short story The Arrangers of Marriage by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to Joseph's dreams about the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1! We discuss medical residencies, leaving home, and what to do when the person you mar

Ep. 9 (The Bell Jar): Figs and Futures
January 06, 2022

This week we compare Esther Greenwood's famous fig tree vision from The Bell Jar to Jesus's temptation in the wilderness from the Gospel of Matthew! We discuss coming of age, why being hungry can make you see visions, and how expectations shape our lives.

Ep. 8 (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn): Libraries and Lost Boys
December 23, 2021

This week we compare Francie Nolan's experience at her local library to the story of Jesus's parents losing him at the temple in Jerusalem! We discuss libraries with bad lighting, cool outdoor classrooms, and giving people the space to find what they love

Ep. 7 (Pachinko): Mothers and Miracles
December 08, 2021

This week we compare Mary the mother of Jesus to Sunja from Min Jin Lee's Pachinko!  We discuss motherhood, leaving home, and the ways women keep families together. (Please forgive my pronunciations as well, I am doing the best I can with my accent.)

Ep. 6 (Lord of the Rings): Fellowships and Followers
November 24, 2021

Join us this week as we compare Jesus's call to his first four disciples and Frodo's decision to bring along the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam on his trip to Mordor! We discuss fishing, tough job markets, and siblings who follow you around.  Find the sho

Ep. 5 (Lord of the Rings): Birthdays and Bridegrooms
November 09, 2021

This week we compare the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle and Bilbo Baggin's 111th birthday party! We discuss talking back to your mom, fireworks, and why parties can reveal who we really are.  Find the show on Spotify, Apple

Ep. 4 (Lord of the Rings): Bilbo and Baptists
November 02, 2021

This week we start a new series focusing on Frodo from the Lord of the Rings! Our first episode compares Bilbo Baggins and John the Baptist as forerunners for Frodo and Jesus. This episode is a little long, but we talk about being a cool cousin, telling y

Ep. 3 (Harry Potter): Mangers and Motorbikes
October 25, 2021

This week we compare Harry Potter and Jesus themselves to wrap up our Harry Potter and the Nativity series! We talk donkeys, flying motorbikes, Roman rule, and shaking hands in a dirty pub.  Now find our show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and