The 10ofThose Podcast

Foster care is often framed as rescue, and adoption as the “happy ending.” But the gospel gives a bigger vision, one that honors God’s design for family, names sin’s real destruction, and seeks restoration where healing is possible. Laurie is joined by Jamie Finn, author of God Loves Kids and founder of the Foster the Family ministry, to talk about building sustainable community for foster and adoptive families, why reunification matters, and what gospel-centered foster care actually means. Jamie shares the heart behind her new children’s book, why it’s written for kids in every seat of the story (welcoming, waiting, adopted, or displaced), and how the local church can tangibly show up with both help and hope. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For more information about Jamie's new book God Loves Kids, please click here!

The Christmas story is familiar, but its mission-shaped urgency is often forgotten. Jesus came to save sinners from every nation, and that global burden sits at the heart of Christian discipleship, yet many believers feel stuck between desire and inaction, unsure how to begin in the busy holiday season. Jonathan is joined by David Platt to explore cultivating compassion for neighbors, embracing the nations God has brought near, and seeing Christmas as one of the most strategic evangelistic moments of the year. David shares from decades of pastoral leadership, global missions experience, and his new Christmas book on why Jesus came, offering clarity, courage, and simple next steps for everyday Christians who want their lives to count for the gospel all year round. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For more information about David's new book All You Want For Christmas, please click here!

The gospel is beautifully simple, yet we often complicate it. We add conditions, look for worthiness, or assume the doorway to grace must be harder to enter. But at the heart of Scripture is a Savior who knows us, meets us, and invites us to come with nothing in our hands. Jonathan is joined by Alistair Begg to explore the stories behind The Man on the Middle Cross, why the thief’s final plea captures the essence of salvation, and how Jesus’ encounters with the woman at the well and the paralyzed man reveal both our deepest need and His deepest compassion. Alistair reflects on preaching, evangelism, and the surprising ways God uses ordinary faithfulness to draw people to Himself. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For more information about Alistair's book The Man on the Middle Cross, please click here!

To be known is vulnerable, to be loved is stabilizing. In Christ, we get both. But many believers overcorrect by emphasizing God’s wrath while forgetting His delight, or chasing His love while downplaying His holiness. Laurie is joined by Glenna Marshall to walk through Psalm 139, the danger of confusing unworthiness with worthlessness, and how to hold God’s love and holiness together without minimizing either. Glenna shares from her real life experiences about learning to receive God’s delight, resisting the pride behind both perfectionism and self-loathing, and finding comfort when diagnoses are delayed and ministry is hard. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For more information about Glenna's new book Known and Loved, please click here!

It’s easy to talk about gratitude in November, but how should Christians give thanks differently from the world around us? The Bible tells us over 150 times to give thanks, but why can it still be so hard to do? In this episode, Laurie and Jonathan unpack the difference between general thankfulness and gospel-rooted gratitude. They discuss why we often struggle to be thankful, how entitlement and busyness choke joy, and why all true gratitude should trace back to the life Jesus has called us to. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For seasonal outreach resources and ideas, please visit either our US or UK based sites.

Every believer encounters moments when their faith journey feels stagnant, their prayer life feels empty, time in scripture feels dissatisfying, and the joy of salvation feels like a memory. But what if feeling stuck isn’t failure, but an opportunity for God’s mercy to meet us where we are at once again? Jonathan and Laurie sit down with Nate Akin to talk about how Christians can persevere through such seasons of spiritual stillness. Nate reflects on the importance of community with the church body, what it means to go back to the basics in times of going through the motions, and how simple obedience can rekindle love for Christ. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For more information about Nate's new book Stuck, please visit either our US, UK or CA based sites.

The Christian life is serious, after all there is eternal weight to our every day life and public witness. But does that mean there’s no place for laughter and fun? How do we know when humour helps us connect with others, and when it distracts from the mission? In this episode, Jonathan and Laurie dive into this tension by sharing their own experiences with humor in ministry and ever day moments. Along the way they explore why joy should overflow into our words, why humour often builds bridges, how we should use jokes and humour appropriately in alignment with our call to holiness, and how believers can embrace “serious fun” without slipping into escapism. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For seasonal outreach resources and ideas, please visit either our US or UK based sites.

Spiritual disciplines as a concept can often feel intimidating. Are they legalism in disguise? Or are they essential to a vibrant walk with God? In this episode, Jonathan and Laurie are joined by professor and author Donald Whitney to discuss his book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and what it means to “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Together, they explore the heart behind spiritual discipline, and why prayer and Scripture intake are foundational for every believer. Don offers practical encouragement for those who feel stuck in dry devotional routines, and reminds us that even five minutes with God can bear fruit for eternity. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To learn more about Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, click here.

Fresh off the floor from one of the year's biggest events, Jonathan and Laurie share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to set up a massive 10ofThose bookstore at the TGC conference serving over 7,000 attendees. From hauling thousands of titles across three trucks to logging nearly 18 miles of steps on concrete floors in a single day, they reflect on the physical toll, joyful chaos, and moments of grace that defined the week. But more than just logistics, the two reflect on the many conversations that take place behind the book table; moments of sharing suffering, prayer, evangelism and hope, all sparked by books. If you've ever wondered how bookselling becomes a form of devotion and opens up opportunities for fellowship as well as evangelism, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For more information about upcoming conference or bookstores that 10ofThose will be hosting, please visit either our US, UK or CA based sites.

Motherhood is full of challenges, and daily reminders that we can't do it alone. In this episode, Laurie is joined by her good friend and author Katie Faris to talk about Katie’s new book Every Hour I Need You: 30 Meditations for Moms on the Character of God. Together, they discuss the realities of motherhood, the importance of anchoring our hearts in who God is, and how the Lord meets us in both the mundane and the difficult seasons of parenting. Katie shares stories behind the book’s creation, reflections on the attributes of God that have carried her through busy and burdened days, and practical encouragement for moms who are struggling to stay connected to the Lord. Whether you’re in the early years of motherhood, launching kids into adulthood, or walking through suffering, our hope is that this conversation will point you to the unchanging character of God for true comfort and encouragement. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To learn more about Katie's new book click here, and for access to resources referenced in this podcast on Katie's website click here.

Is there really any difference between reading a book on your phone, Kindle, or in print? And does it even matter? In this episode, Laurie grills Jonathan on why he’s such a strong advocate for physical books, discussing everything from passing forward books in discipleship to the ways digital intake can subtly change how (and whether) we retain truth. They explore the distractions that come with screens, how physical books can serve as spiritual Ebenezers, and why flipping pages might just better help shape who we're becoming. Whether you're a Kindle devotee or a full-time book hoarder, this conversation will give you something to think about next time you reach for your next read. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For resources and books on the Christian life (in physical and digital formats!), please visit either our US, UK or CA based sites.

Is Christianity good for women? With examples from the life and teachings of Jesus, the early church, and Christian history, Laurie and Jonathan consider how the gospel has lifted and valued women across generations, even when the church hasn’t always reflected that reality well. They also reflect on some of the most inspiring women in modern Christian history, from Helen Roseveare and Elisabeth Elliot to Pauline Hamilton and Darlene Deibler Rose. This episode will encourage you to consider not only the goodness of Christ for women, but also the profound role women play in spreading the gospel. Plus, get a few powerful book recommendations you’ll want to add to your reading list! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To find out more about Nana Dolce's book The Seed of the Woman, and other books by inspiring women of the faith, please visit either our US, UK or CA based sites.

Why do we sing in church? Is congregational singing just a tradition, or is there something deeper happening when we lift our voices together in worship? And what makes a song truly singable for the whole church? In this episode, Jonathan and Laurie sit down with Luke Hill and Sean DeMars to discuss the power of singing in corporate worship. Luke shares his journey from American Idol to rediscovering the beauty of hymnody, while Sean unpacks why congregational singing is more than just an emotional experience. They explore the importance of choosing singable, biblically rich songs, avoiding performance-driven worship, and reviving forgotten hymns for a new generation. Whether you’re a worship leader, a pastor, or someone who just loves to sing on Sundays, this conversation will help you think more deeply about how and why we sing as one church body. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To follow Luke's work in music click here, and to check out Sean's podcast click here. For more information on Music Ministry click here.

With Bible apps and search engines offering instant access to scripture, our relationship to God's Word has radically changed in the 21st century. With this ease of accessibility, is there any benefit to putting in the effort when we can look up any passage in seconds, and does committing biblical passages to heart still hold value in today's world? Jonathan and Laurie dive into the topic of scripture memory, touching on the role it plays in spiritual growth, their own personal histories with the practice, and whether it still holds relevance in today’s digital world. They discuss the impact of having God’s Word stored in our hearts and explore practical ways to make it a meaningful discipline in daily life. Whether you’re a seasoned memorizer or someone who relies on their Bible app, this episode will challenge you to think about the place scripture should hold in your mind and heart (not just on your bookshelf or phone). If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For scripture memory resources and other books on the Christian life, please visit either our US, UK or CA based sites.

Blogging may seem like a standard practice of the digital age, but for Tim Challies it has been a decades-long journey of faithfulness, reflection, and service to the church. From the early days of live blogging conferences to writing devotionals and theological insights, Tim has carved out a space where deep thought meets everyday Christian living. But beyond just words on a screen, blogging became a means of processing life’s greatest joys and deepest sorrows. How has this discipline of writing shaped his faith, family life, and pastoral ministry? Jonathan and Laurie sit down with Tim to discuss the evolution of Christian blogging, the role of books in shaping spiritual growth, and his latest work Pilgrim Prayers. They explore the importance of slowing down to engage deeply with Scripture, the challenges of stewarding gifts for God’s glory, and the impact of thoughtful words in a world of distractions. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To purchase Pilgrim Prayers at a deep discount, please visit either our US, UK or CA based sites and use the code "TIMPODCAST" at the checkout.

The landscape of dating and relationships has radically shifted over the last decade. With the introduction of app-based dating, gender politics going mainstream, and many different voices in the church on the subject, it's hard to know where to turn for God-honouring wisdom on relationships. Are dating books written from a Christian perspective helpful, or even needed at all? Jonathan and Laurie talk about their own experiences in navigating dating, ways that God used that season in their own personal walks with Jesus, books that were especially impactful in the church dating culture (for better or for worse), and what it looks like to help steward godly relationships as parents to a new generation bombarded by influence from all sides thanks to the impact of social media. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To learn more about Water for My Camels by Paul Grimmond, or for more resources to help navigate this topic, please visit either our US or UK based sites.

With the start of a new year, we all have big ambitions about what is ahead in 2025. Whether that's a big life change, getting into shape, or starting a bible reading plan, everything feels within reach that first week of January. But what happens when those plans all start falling through in the seond week of January? Jonathan and Laurie discuss what it means to set goals in a new year, what the Christian life tells us about failure, and why the Gospel is an eternal comfort in the wake of the disappointments of life. With Jesus, every day is a chance to start anew! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For seasonal outreach resources and ideas, please visit either our US or UK based sites.

Big changes are coming to The 10ofThose Podcast in 2025! As we wrap up this season, Jonathan and Rob reflect on some of the highlights from the year before turning their attention to a new beginning with Laurie Reyes joining the podcast in January. Reflect with us, hear from Laurie about some of the upcoming topics, and we'll see you in the new year! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. For seasonal outreach resources and ideas, please visit either our US or UK based sites.

Earlier this year, 10ofThose was privileged to host Sarah Allen at a women's conference in west London about her new book Pause: How to Enjoy God, Find Hope and Bear Fruit through Midlife and the Menopause. Speaking on the importance of finding rest and joy in God during what can be a challenging time of life for both women and the whole family, Sarah shares encouragement and biblically-founded wisdom across two talks and a Q&A. This second and final part contains the second of Sarah's talks plus the Q&A which features essential insight into the spiritual and physical nature of midlife as well as how we should approach this season as eternity-minded followers of Christ. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To learn more about Pause: How to Enjoy God, Find Hope and Bear Fruit through Midlife and the Menopause, please visit either our US or UK based sites.

Earlier this year, 10ofThose was privileged to host Sarah Allen at a women's conference in west London about her new book Pause: How to Enjoy God, Find Hope and Bear Fruit through Midlife and the Menopause. Speaking on the importance of finding rest and joy in God during what can be a challenging time of life for both women and the whole family, Sarah shares encouragement and biblically-founded wisdom across two talks and a Q&A. Sarah is also joined by Dr Rosslyn Perkins who speaks from a professional medical experience as a general practitioner, and seeks to answer some of the big questions around the physiological and psychological nature of menopause as well as what the Bible has to say about medical responses to our bodies. This first part (of two) contains the first of Sarah's talks and Dr Perkins' insights. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review on wherever you listen!  Also remember to share with friends and family; both of those actions will help us spread the word about the show. To learn more about Pause: How to Enjoy God, Find Hope and Bear Fruit through Midlife and the Menopause, please visit either our US or UK based sites.