A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

Amanda Hope Haley: How To Reconcile When Faith And Science Collide

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, I sit down with Amanda Hope Haley, biblical scholar, author, and the Red-Haired Archaeologist® for a fascinating conversation about how archaeology brings Scripture to life. Amanda has devoted her career to helping people understand the Bible within its historical and cultural context. With an MTS in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard, and experience contributing as a translator, writer, and editor for The Voice Bible, she brings deep insight into the world behind the text.
Amanda explains how biblical archaeology isn’t about proving the Bible but about contextualizing it—helping us see Scripture within its original culture, language, and landscape. Amanda shares insights from her newest book, Stones Still Speak and opens up about the moments in her faith journey when learning history challenged long-held church traditions and assumptions.
Throughout our conversation, she invites us to read the Bible not as isolated stories, but as one unified narrative of God’s work. She reminds us that the beauty, complexity, and even the “human-looking imperfections” of Scripture point to its divine origin.
Key Quotes from Amanda
“I desperately want people to dive in and learn more about what God says in the Word.”
“God gave us this [Bible] so that we could interact with Him more.”
“Scripture is very complex when you try to break it down… but the way it all came together really could only be the work of God.”
About David & Goliath: “God spent years preparing him for exactly this scene.”
“When God places something in your heart, you are not going to be happy doing anything else.”
Amanda’s passion is clear: she wants people to dive deep into the Bible, explore its historical context, and discover a deeper, more grounded faith.
You can dig into it with Amanda: https://redhairedarchaeologist.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Andrea Lende: Knowing You Are Successful In God's Eyes

What does success look like in God’s Kingdom? It may not match the world’s definition — and that’s a good thing. In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa talks with Andrea Lende, founder of Beatitude Publishing and compiler of the upcoming devotional anthology Successful in His Eyes, which Lisa is honored to be part of.Andrea shares her heart for helping women tell their stories and reminds us that true success is found in doing what God has called us to do — not in numbers, titles, or recognition. She offers encouragement for those who feel called to write, including practical places to start and words of wisdom for when resistance makes the journey tough.This conversation is a beautiful reminder that God loves you right where you are, and you are already successful when you’re walking in His will.Connect with Andrea: BeatitudePublishing.com Book Launch: Successful in His Eyes https://a.co/d/eXTjXGj

Donna Barber: Unexpected Ways God Provides In Wilderness Seasons

This week on A Woman’s Heart, Lisa talks with Donna Barber, author of Enough for Today: 40 Reflections for Surviving the Wilderness. Donna is a contemplative writer, preacher, educator, and co-founder of The Voices Project, where she mentors and promotes leaders of color. Together, Lisa and Donna explore what it means to walk through the wilderness seasons of life—those times of uncertainty, waiting, and transformation—and how God meets us there with daily grace and purpose.
Donna shares wisdom and reflection on what the wilderness teaches us about God and ourselves:
“We don’t like not knowing where we’re going to end up.”
“[God] cares for us enough to not allow us to stay the same.”
“The wilderness is a place where God calls us into His office sometimes.”
“We’re never giving God new information.”
“I suspect that God doesn’t tell us or ask us to do things until He knows that we are ready to say yes.”
They also talk about remembering our first love—when we first met God—and letting go of the “fig leaves of busyness” that keep us from the deep relationship He desires with us.
If you’re walking through a season of waiting or uncertainty, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and that God’s presence is enough for today.
👉 Learn more about Donna and her work at donnambarber.com
👉Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Tera Elness: From Decision To Delight In Reading The Bible

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa talks with author and speaker Tera Elness about her daily habit of reading the Bible and how it has become a living, breathing relationship with God. What began as reading a book has grown into an ongoing conversation with the Author Himself.
Tera shares insights from her devotional Sitting with Jesus: A Yearlong Faith Journey, and how getting to know the people in the Bible can teach us how to live, love, and walk in faith today. She reminds us that “God knows where to find you,” and that learning to recognize His voice transforms our hearts and lives.
Together, Lisa and Tera discuss the importance of caring for both body and soul—because as Tera says, “If you neglect either one, you are only going to be half living.” They also reflect on how God can use each of us in ways “far more mighty than we could ever ask for or imagine.”
Join this heartfelt conversation and be encouraged to open your Bible, sit with Jesus, and discover the beauty of daily time in His Word.
Guest Bio:Tera Elness is a writer, speaker, and proud 80’s girl who loves Jesus with all her heart, soul, and mind. She writes daily devotions for her followers on Instagram and Facebook and serves as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at her home church. Tera and her husband, Kent, live in Minnesota and have two adult children, one teen still at home, and one perfect grandson. Learn more at www.TeraElness.com.
Find previous shows and connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com
Biblica Fiction writers that have been on the show, Barbara Britton, Heather Kaufman, Tessa Afshar, Mesu Andrews.

Darlene Larson: Pearls Found In The Depths Of Grief

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa talks with Darlene Larson, founder of Hearts with a Purpose, Christian Life Purpose Coach, and Grief-Loss Coach. Darlene shares from her latest book, Leading You Through the Valley: A Personalized Grief-Loss Coaching Book, a deeply personal and practical guide to walking with God through seasons of sorrow.Together, they discuss what it means to “gut it out with God” during life’s hardest seasons and how to move from pain to purpose. Darlene shares how grief can be a place of molding when we stay close to God and invite Him into our hurt, reminding us that “We get stuck if we have not processed it and invited Jesus in to heal us.”💬 Quotes to remember:• “Timing is up to God because we know He is always at work.”• “Do I want full healing? Because it’s a really vulnerable, naked position.”• “The only way we’re never going to be not hurt is to never love.”• “Grief doesn’t come with a timetable; it doesn’t come with a scheduler.”🌐 Connect with Darlene: darlenelarson.com 🌐 Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com Previous show that was mentioned about Man at the Pool of Bethesda: https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/are-you-willing-to-do-what-it-takes-to-live-a-new-life Previous show with Darlene on Resolutions. https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/darlene-larson-resolutions-or-purpose-in-the-newyear

Jody Allen: Becoming A Better You Despite Other's Choices

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Lisa talks with author and speaker Jody Allen about her new book Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography. Jody shares her story of walking through the pain of a broken marriage, navigating the fallout of her husband’s addiction, and finding courage and hope on the other side.Together, they talk about:• Healing and growing even when someone else’s choices caused the hurt• Why being honest about our pain is essential to our healing• The difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper• How to take responsibility for our own healing journey• Praying boldly with confidence that God is good, He loves us, and He can be trustedThis conversation is for every woman who has faced heartbreak, betrayal, or disappointment—and needs the reminder that God can bring beauty even from the hardest places.Key Quotes:• “Sometimes some of our deepest wounds do come from somebody else’s choices.”• “The Bible calls us to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. And if we’re just keeping peace for the sake of keeping peace, it’s really not peace at all.”• “Our healing is our healing.”• “It’s important when we go through something hard, that we be students of ourselves. That we learn, because that’s how we grow as a person.”• “God loves me. I can trust Him. He is good.”Guest Bio:Jody Allen is a writer, speaker, and women’s ministry leader who isn’t afraid to talk about hard stuff. After her marriage ended following years of her husband’s struggle with pornography, Jody found herself navigating heartbreak, questions, and a story she never asked for. Instead of keeping it hidden, she chose to speak up—so other women wouldn’t feel so alone. Her debut book, Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, offers honest, hope-filled support to women facing similar battles.Jody lives in North Carolina and works on staff at her church. She’s a fan of a good mystery, Sunday naps, and chunky ice cream—and she believes that even when life doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, it can still lead somewhere good.Connect with Jody: https://www.jodyallenwrites.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com 

Kris Reece: Break Free From Toxic Relationships And Thrive

On this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Kris Reece, Christian author, toxic relationship coach, and manipulation tactics specialist, to talk about her new book Breaking the Narcissist’s Grip.Kris equips believers to break free from controlling and emotionally destructive relationships—whether it’s a narcissistic spouse, an enmeshed parent, or a manipulative leader—and to reclaim the peace, identity, and confidence God intended.In this powerful and hope-filled conversation, Kris shares how God brought healing to her own heart and how we can walk in freedom, even when we can’t yet escape difficult circumstances. She reminds us that true peacemaking isn’t about enabling dysfunction—it’s about pursuing truth and wholeness.Some highlights from the conversation:💬 “It’s about letting God mend those broken places and teach me how to guard my heart with wisdom, not with fear or ferocity.”💬 “When we enable dysfunction, we enable manipulation…when we do that, we enable evil, and now we’re working against God.”💬 “Unless you’re secure in who you are and whose you are, manipulators will get you every single time.”💬 “Healing isn’t a luxury…it is central. It’s crucial to your calling.”If you’ve ever felt confused, controlled, or spiritually guilted in a relationship, this episode will bring both clarity and compassion—and remind you that God desires your wholeness and peace.For more resources and to connect with Kris, visit krisreece.com

Rachael Groll: How to Know God's voice in Your Life

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, I’m joined by Rachael Groll—pastor, missionary, author, and host of the Hearing Jesus Podcast. We dive into the role of women speaking in the church, what prophecy and a prophet truly mean, and how we can discern God’s voice in our everyday lives.Rachael shares wisdom from her new book, Knowing God’s Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting, and Obeying God. Together, we explore how God uses women for His kingdom work, why obedience matters, and how stepping out in faith—even when it doesn’t make sense—can transform our walk with Him.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re really hearing from God or struggled to trust His direction, this conversation will equip and encourage you.💡 Quotes from Rachael• “God’s voice is never going to contradict God’s Word.”• “There will be a lot of people in heaven because of the work that women have done for the sake of the Gospel.”• “Delayed obedience is still disobedience.”• “God is at work…and He doesn’t have to use us; it’s often for our own benefit that we get to be used.”• “We don’t have to have it all figured out because He already does.”📖 About Rachael GrollRachael Groll is a pastor, missionary, and author. She is the host of the popular Hearing Jesus Podcast and the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast. The Hearing Jesus Podcast has been in the TOP 25 Christian Podcasts for over a year and has ranked in the TOP 3 globally! Her daily devotional-style teaching helps women grow in confidence in their relationship with the Lord and hear His voice more clearly through Scripture.👉 Learn more at rachaelgroll.com Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Abby Kuykendall: Cultivating Hospitality To Reclaim Connection

What if hospitality is less about perfectly folded napkins and more about opening your heart to others? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa welcomes author and speaker Abby Kuykendall to talk about the beauty and challenge of Biblical hospitality.Abby unpacks the difference between entertaining and true hospitality, reminding us that hospitality is not about impressing others but about serving them. She shares insights from her upcoming book, Let the Biscuits Burn: Cultivating Real-life Hospitality in a World Craving Connection, and explains why hospitality is a spiritual discipline, not just a personality trait.Together, Lisa and Abby explore:• Why hospitality is an expression of the character of God• How simple acts of obedience can open the door for deep, life-giving relationships• The freedom of letting go of perfection so you can experience God’s Presence in the ordinary moments• How hospitality can become one of the most powerful conduits for community and connection📖 Quotes from this conversation:• “Entertaining is really all about impressing others.”• “Hospitality is when we are serving others.”• “Hospitality is the number one conduit to forming those tight, very close relationships.”• “If you try to put on this air of perfection, you miss God’s Presence in it all.”✨ About Abby Kuykendall:Abby Turner Kuykendall is a writer, home cook, and founder of A Table Top Affair. After years of singleness and spiritual growth, she discovered the power of the table in building God-centered community. Her first cookbook, The Living Table, reflects that journey. Abby lives in northwest Arkansas with her husband, Kyle, and their son, John Maverick. Her next book, Let the Biscuits Burn, releases in September 2025.🌐 Connect with Abby:• Text “Biscuits” to 501-833-6045• Instagram: @abby.kuykendall

Meshali Mitchell: Revealing Beauty Of Brokenness To Restoration

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger welcomes photographer and author Meshali Mitchell to share her story of heartbreak, healing, and hope from her book Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming our Broken Places.Meshali opens up about how the physical restoration of her farmhouse mirrored the restoration of her own heart and soul. Once hiding behind masks of perfectionism and performance, she now speaks with honesty about the pain she carried, the power of community in her healing, and the hope she found in God’s promises.Through her story, Meshali reminds us:💬 “Instead of healing, I hid behind a mask of perfectionism and performance.”💬 “In our weakness, that is where He’s strong, not in our strength.”💬 “Waiting is not inactive, waiting is active.”💬 “Don’t miss the miracle that God’s doing in your life because it looks different. He’s doing it through a process and not a moment.”Her words call us to believe that restoration is not only possible but promised, and to simply start where we are and say “yes” to the Lord.If you’ve ever felt unworthy, weary in waiting, or wondered if healing could truly happen for you—this conversation will encourage you that God is still in the business of restoration.🔗 Learn more about Meshali and her book at meshali.co