A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

What does it look like to hold firmly to biblical convictions without becoming judgmental toward others?
In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger welcomes back author, speaker, and podcaster Shannon Popkin to talk about her latest book, Kinda Judgy. Together, they explore what the Bible teaches about judgment, how we can distinguish righteous judgment from a judgmental spirit, and why understanding the full story matters before we make assumptions about someone else.
Shannon draws from familiar biblical stories—including Noah, Jonah, and Rahab—to reveal the tension between God's justice and His mercy. The conversation challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider whether our judgments are shaped more by God's compassion or by our own assumptions and contempt.
3 Key Takeaways
Conviction and compassion can coexist.Following biblical truth doesn't require us to approach others with a judgmental heart. We can hold convictions while remembering that every person has a story we may not fully understand.
Understanding God's heart changes how we see judgment.Biblical stories of judgment reveal not only God's justice but also His mercy. From Noah's ark to Jonah and Rahab, Scripture gives us a bigger picture of God's heart and challenges us to look beyond our own limited perspective.
Before judging someone else's story, examine your own heart.Contempt toward others can reveal something about what is happening within us. Shannon encourages us to seek wisdom in Scripture and allow God's Word—not assumptions or appearances—to shape the way we respond to others.
About Shannon Popkin
Shannon Popkin is a wife and mom, author, speaker, and podcaster. Her passion is to invite people to open their Bible, drink deeply of the Story, and live like it’s true. She and her husband enjoy having their three adult children close by, while two adorable Shih Tzus still live with them. Shannon is the author of Kinda Judgy, a book that explores what Scripture teaches about judgment and challenges Christians to examine how they respond to others. Learn more about Shannon and Kinda Judgy at shannonpopkin.com.
Previous conversation with Shannon, Stop Measuring Up and Live Comparison Free.
To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What does it mean to delight in God?
In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, I’m talking with Stephanie Rousselle, author of Awaken Delight, about the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him.
Stephanie shares her remarkable journey from being an atheist to becoming a follower of Christ—and how that journey taught her that faith isn't simply about gathering more information about God. It’s about surrender, relationship, trust, and delight.
As a self-proclaimed chocolate lover, Stephanie gives us a delicious picture of this truth: you can know everything there is to know about chocolate, but you don't really know chocolate until you taste it. In the same way, we can have tremendous head knowledge about God and Scripture, yet still need to move toward an experiential, surrendered relationship with Him.
At the heart of this conversation is a beautiful reminder: who God is dictates who we are. The more deeply we know Him, the more our lives are shaped by His character, His goodness, and His glory.
3 Key Takeaways
Knowing about God isn't the same as knowing God.
Surrender is an all-in response to God.
We can delight in God because He is trustworthy.
Stephanie Rousselle is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries and host of the top 1% global podcast, Gospel Spice. Her motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” She is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director and strategy consultant. And she is 100% French. Born and raised in France, she has lived for her One over the last two decades on three continents, four countries and five cities through six professional roles. She thrives on Bible-centered inspirational writing and speaking—and dark chocolate.
Receive your free 5-day email devotional: https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight
Listen to Stephanie’s previous conversation, Breakthrough from Stale Religion to Fresh Faith.
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What does it really mean to be emotionally resilient?In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger talks with Leslie M. Bosserman, author of Emotional Endurance, about what it takes to navigate life’s challenges without allowing setbacks, blame, or the things we haven’t accomplished yet to keep us stuck.Leslie shares what she means by “planning to fail,” why curiosity is such an important part of emotional endurance, and how she defines emotional resilience. They also unpack the familiar phrase, “We teach people how to treat us,” and talk about the danger of becoming comfortable with blame.Leslie offers a powerful picture: if you’re comfortable with blame, it’s like inviting the enemy to have a tea party with you. Instead of staying focused on what went wrong or what you haven’t done yet, she encourages us to pay attention to where we are right now and consider the next step forward.3 Key Takeaways1. Emotional endurance is about more than simply “bouncing back.”Leslie explains what emotional resilience looks like in real life and why developing the ability to stay engaged, curious, and intentional can help us navigate difficult seasons.2. Curiosity can change the way we respond to challenges.Rather than immediately assigning blame or assuming we know why something happened, curiosity invites us to ask better questions, learn from our experiences, and consider what might be possible.3. Don’t let what you haven’t done stop you from moving forward.It’s easy to focus on the things we wish we had accomplished, the opportunities we missed, or the places where we feel behind. Leslie encourages us to stop allowing those unfinished pieces to define where we go next—and to take action from where we are today.About Leslie BossermanLeslie M. Bosserman, EdM, CPCC, is the founder of Lead With Intention®, where she coaches and trains teams on the science of emotional endurance. She is a TEDx speaker, executive leadership coach, and creative entrepreneur who believes success should be based on fulfillment, not retirement.Leslie is living her best life in Northern California, where she runs The Makers Place™, an innovative coworking space with onsite childcare. When she isn’t coaching, writing, or folding endless piles of laundry, you can find her enjoying the perfect cup of local coffee while parenting three young children.Follow Leslie’s adventures at @leadwithintention.Free Gift from LeslieLeslie is offering a free Intention Reflection Guide to help you reflect on where you are, what matters to you, and how you want to move forward.Get your free guide here: https://www.lesliembosserman.com/emotionalendurance Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What if being a “morning person” has less to do with what time you wake up—and more to do with how you begin your day with God?
In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger sits down with bestselling author and speaker Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about her book How to Love Your Morning and the powerful idea that “being a morning person is not a clock thing, it’s a God thing.”
Jennifer reminds us that every morning is a gift from God—a new beginning filled with fresh mercy, hope, and the opportunity to intentionally turn our hearts toward Him before the demands of the day take over.
We talk about the difference between a morning routine and a morning ritual, and why meaningful morning practices can help us become more grounded in God’s presence. Jennifer also introduces four different morning archetypes—the Daybreak Doer, Morning Mover, Meditative Mind, and Social Seeker—and explains why our mornings don't need to look like someone else's.
We also explore how morning rituals can sustain us through difficult seasons, Jennifer's experience caring for her father during hospice, the idea of being overwhelmed by God's goodness, and how paying attention to moments of beauty and wonder can reshape the way we see our days.
And because so much of A Woman's Heart is about recognizing and pursuing the passions God places within us, Jennifer shares practical wisdom for discerning those passions: pray for clarity, seek confirmation from trusted people, and then take consistent action.
3 Key Takeaways
Your morning is a gift, not a test.You don't have to become a stereotypical “morning person.” Every new day is an invitation to receive God's fresh mercy and begin again. Jennifer encourages us to claim the truth: “I’m a morning person.”
Build a morning ritual that fits who God made you to be.Jennifer's four morning archetypes—Daybreak Doer, Morning Mover, Meditative Mind, and Social Seeker—remind us that there isn't one right way to start the day. Discover what helps you connect with God and create a practice that fits your personality and your current season of life.
Look for “good overwhelm.”Life can easily overwhelm us with stress, responsibilities, and uncertainty. Jennifer encourages us to also become overwhelmed by God's goodness, beauty, and presence. Keeping an “overwhelm journal” can help us notice and remember those moments of wonder and gratitude.
About Jennifer Dukes Lee
Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including How to Love Your Morning, Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She wants to live her life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus. Jennifer lives on a fifth-generation family farm in Iowa with her husband, a farmer
Learn more, take Jennifer's morning quiz, and find additional resources at www.jenniferdukeslee.com or www.howtoloveyourmorning.com. Follow Jennifer on social media @JenniferDukesLee.
Find more episodes and show notes at www.lisagranger.com.

What if the things the world sees as limitations are not limitations in the eyes of God?
In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, I’m joined by Nadia Ibrahim Mossburg, author of Divinely Disabled. Born with cerebral palsy, Nadia has spent much of her life navigating disability—not only personally, but professionally. With more than two decades of experience advocating for people with disabilities through disability policy at the national, state, and local levels, Nadia has worked to create greater equity in employment, emergency management, public health, and transportation.
But Divinely Disabled is deeply personal. Nadia wrote the book she wished she had growing up—a book that could help people understand disability through the lens of faith and remind them that their identity and worth are not determined by what the world considers a limitation.
We talk about Nadia’s journey with cerebral palsy, her journey to faith, and what she has learned about God through the hard chapters of her life. Most importantly, we talk about why every person matters to God.
Disability can happen to any of us at any point in our lives, but Nadia reminds us that people with disabilities are people first—unique individuals made by God, with inherent dignity, purpose, and value.
And perhaps this conversation is for more of us than we realize. Because all of us have aspects of our lives we wish were different. All of us have chapters we would not have chosen. Yet God can use even those things we don't consider praiseworthy to glorify Himself.
3 Key Takeaways
Your worth is not determined by your limitations.
God can use the parts of our story we wish were different.
God is present in every chapter—including the hard ones.
Nadia Ibrahim Mossburg, born with cerebral palsy, uses her degrees in English, journalism, and social work, along with her experience as a senior advisor in disability policy, to improve disability policy at the national, state, and local levels. For more than two decades, she has advocated for greater equity, better employment, emergency management, public health, and public transportation. For more than three decades, she has also led Bible studies and served on many teams at her church. Nadia and her husband, Mathew, live in the Nashville area with their three cats and Watson, Nadia's third service dog, who is now enjoying retirement. https://divinelydisabled.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What if the life of faith isn’t about trying harder, doing more, or proving that we’re enough—but about learning to abide with Jesus?
In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with author and speaker Christine Hoy for an honest and encouraging conversation about perfectionism, performance, doubt, spiritual growth, and finding true peace in the presence of Jesus.
Christine reminds us that we weren’t created for a life of striving. We talk about the difference between a faith rooted in commitment and one driven by emotions, and how doubt can actually lead us toward deeper understanding when we allow ourselves to bring our questions to God rather than demanding control. We also explore the fruit of the Spirit and why it can’t simply be manufactured through effort.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough, being enough, or pursuing the passion God has placed in your heart the “right” way, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: live gentler, not harder.
3 Key Takeaways
Faith isn’t a performance.2. Spiritual fruit grows through connection, not striving.3. Don’t let perfectionism keep you from the passion God placed in your heart.
Christine Hoy is an author and speaker who helps women trade perfectionism for peace and performance for presence. She is the author of Peace Beyond Perfection: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Enough and Keeping Company with Jesus: Finding Peace in His Presence. Her third book, Satisfied At Last: Discovering the Contentment Your Soul Craves, is releasing later this year.
Rooted in Scripture and her signature message—live gentler, not harder—Christine invites women into the kind of faith that feels less like a performance review and more like an unhurried conversation with Jesus. Christine lives in West Michigan with her husband and their white Lab, Zeus, and loves being “Gigi” to her two grandsons.
Connect with Christine at ChristineCarterHoy.com. Facebook group: Unhurried Sisterhood
Book mentioned: The Pursuit of Holy Leisure by Cara Ray
Previous conversation about Perfectionism: Christine Hoy: Breaking Free From Perfectionism & Surrendering to Peace
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Hannah Castiaux to talk about identity, emotional resilience, and what it means to live from the truth of who God says you are. Hannah shares the heart behind her book, Intentionally Designed, and explains why identity is not something we achieve through performance or accomplishments, but a gift we receive from God.
Hannah opens up about her unexpected journey into writing and how discovering her identity in Christ transformed the way she approaches relationships, purpose, and obedience. Together, Lisa and Hannah discuss the importance of staying present in difficult situations, choosing perseverance over avoidance, and learning to invite God into moments of discomfort and conflict.
The conversation also explores emotional resilience, processing emotions in healthy ways, and distinguishing between being uncomfortable and truly unsafe. Hannah shares how shifting her prayers from asking for specific outcomes to focusing on God’s character helped deepen her trust and awareness of His presence. Through practical wisdom and personal stories, this episode encourages listeners to pursue their God-given calling with confidence, knowing they are already seen, loved, and commissioned by Him.
Key Takeaways
Your identity is a gift from God, not something you have to earn.
Emotional resilience grows when we stay connected to God through discomfort.
Obedience often begins before we feel fully prepared or qualified.
About Hannah Castiaux:
Hannah Castiaux is a follower of Jesus, author, speaker, and podcaster passionate about helping women break free from lies, labels, and shame so they can walk in freedom and live the life God intentionally designed for them. Through her writing, teaching, and the God’s Glory in Your Story podcast, Hannah encourages women to return to the truth of who they are in Christ — rooted in identity, purpose, and grace. Hannah and her husband live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, where they are actively involved in ministry and passionate about building the Kingdom of God.
Follow Hannah on Instagram at @hannahcastiauxofficial and learn more at God’s Glory in Your Story https://godsgloryinyourstory.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

In this heartfelt episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with author, speaker, and creative entrepreneur Susan Call to discuss faith, healing, and the courage it takes to walk away from toxic situations. Susan shares the powerful story behind her memoir, A Search for Purple Cows, detailing her journey out of an abusive marriage and the ways God faithfully guided her through uncertainty, fear, and rebuilding her life.
Susan opens up about how authentic vulnerability helped her move from isolation to connection, and why sharing our stories can give others permission to heal. Together, Lisa and Susan talk about forgiveness, protecting your heart without building walls, and learning to trust God even when His answers look different than expected.
Susan also shares practical insight into supporting loved ones in difficult relationships, emphasizing compassion, patience, and staying present through the ups and downs of leaving toxic environments. Along the way, listeners will hear touching stories of God’s provision, including the meaningful “purple cows” reminder that became a symbol of hope for her family during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.
Key takeaways:
Learning to trust God’s leading
Why forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting
The healing power of vulnerability and authenticity
Supporting loved ones in toxic relationships with grace and patience
About Susan Call
Susan Call is an author, speaker, and jewelry maker whose memoir, A Search for Purple Cows, is a courageous and deeply personal account of escaping an abusive marriage and learning to trust God's provision and protection one uncertain step at a time. With warmth and honesty, Susan speaks to women who feel trapped, unseen, or afraid, offering the kind of hope that only comes from someone who has truly lived it. Her story is proof that faith can move you forward even when the path ahead is unclear. https://susancall.com/ Facebook: Author Susan Call Instagram: Susan H Call
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Some of the most powerful stories in Scripture belong to people we know the least about. In this Summer Reading Series Gem from the Archives, bestselling biblical fiction author Heather Kaufman joins me to talk about her novel Before the King, inspired by Joanna, one of the women who faithfully followed Jesus. Heather shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author and why Joanna's story captivated her heart. As the wife of a high-ranking official in Herod Antipas' court, Joanna lived between two very different worlds. Through Heather's storytelling, we see a woman of quiet courage, steadfast faith, and remarkable obedience—reminding us that God faithfully meets us wherever He calls us. Although this conversation centers on Before the King, Heather has since released her newest biblical novel, On Living Stone, continuing her passion for bringing Scripture to life through rich, hope-filled storytelling. If you're navigating a difficult season, wondering what God is doing behind the scenes, or simply love biblical fiction, this episode offers timeless encouragement. In this episode, you'll discover: • The importance of stewarding healing with God • How the Lord can rewrite painful narratives with His truth • Why courage and obedience often accompany God's calling • The assurance that God provides exactly what we need each day "There will be manna in the morning. When you wake up, He will give you exactly what you need." — Heather Kaufman "Anything we do that is for Him... is going to be hard." — Heather Kaufman Heather Kaufman is an award-winning author of biblical fiction and devotionals whose stories illuminate God's faithfulness through the lives of people found in Scripture. Praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing "a charming and well-crafted tale," Heather delights in helping readers encounter God through story. She lives near St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children, and since this conversation first aired, she has released her newest novel, On Living Stone. Whether you're discovering this conversation for the first time or listening again, you'll be encouraged to trust God's timing, embrace His presence, and remember that His grace is sufficient for every season. Connect with Heather Kaufman: https://www.hmkstories.com / For complete Summer Reading List: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Other show mentioned: Are You Willing to do What it Takes to Live a New Life? https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/are-you-willing-to-do-what-it-takes-to-live-a-new-life Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

Ever have a dream that seems to take much longer than you expected?It's easy to wonder if you've missed your opportunity, but God often uses the waiting to shape our hearts, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for something greater than we imagined.In this Gem from the Archives from 2024, bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer shares how her lifelong love of history and reading eventually grew into a writing career. Along the way, she faced rejection, criticism, and seasons of waiting, but the encouragement of faithful people in her life—and God's perfect timing—helped her continue pursuing the calling He had placed on her heart.Gabrielle also shares the inspiration behind the first novel in her beloved Timeless series, where history, faith, and unforgettable characters come together in stories that remind us God is always at work across every generation.Since this conversation was originally recorded, the Timeless series has grown to seven books, with another installment on the way. Gabrielle has also recently released To Dance with a Duke, with To Educate an Earl scheduled for release in October 2026.Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Gabrielle's books for the first time, this conversation is a wonderful reminder that God is faithful to fulfill His purposes in His timing.About Gabrielle MeyerGabrielle Meyer lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As a former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she developed a deep love for Minnesota's rich history, which inspires both her historical and contemporary novels. The Mississippi River serves as a constant source of inspiration, and readers will find a river flowing through each of her stories. When she's not writing, Gabrielle enjoys homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, and gathering family and friends around her table.Connect with Gabrielle at https://gabriellemeyer.com/ .In This Episode:Trusting God's timing through seasons of waitingPersevering through rejection and criticismUsing the gifts God has given you to bless othersIf this episode encourages you, share it with a friend who may need the reminder that God is still writing their story—even in the waiting.For the complete summer reading list: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.