Let Me Tell You a Story with Steve and Becky Lyles

When Life Implodes All Around You

For a good portion of their marriage, Kathy and Larry Miller were involved in writing, teaching and speaking ministries worldwide, not just separately but often together. When severe life-threatening health issues struck them almost at the same time, they had to step back and say, "What now, Lord?" Tune in to hear how they've redirected their focus and energies to follow God's latest path for their lives. Instead of sidelining them, he's using them in new and different ways.

https://kathycollardmiller.com/

They Never Expected the Career Paths that Brought Them Together

Neither Adrienne nor Frank Signorino expected to spend the bulk of their employment years serving as guards in California jails. Join us for a fascinating discussion of the challenges and rewards that came with doing their best to provide a safe environment for incarcerated individuals...even as they put their own safety and well-being on the line.

High Flying!

We had a good time learning about aerial arts from LuAnne Moresco, who's written a book on the subject titled "Aerial Visions: An Introduction to Silks, Hammock, Lyra, and Other Aerial Arts." That's quite a mouthful, but a fitting title for a sport that entails far more than dangling daintily in the air. Take a listen, and you too may be bitten by the aerialist bug and the full-body fitness, joy and freedom it offers.

I Am Sparrow: A Story of Healing from Sexual Abuse

Meghan Carlisle joined us on this podcast to talk about her first novel, a somewhat autobiographical story of a young girl trapped by an abuser. She graciously answered all our hard questions and then read an excerpt from "I Am Sparrow." Meghan has a passion to shed light on the paths women walk through life’s hardest challenges and their journeys to healing. She's an excellent writer and speaker who'd love to talk to your group about abuse, transformation and hope.

Long Journey to Joy

Ruby Contreras's big smile and enthusiasm could give the impression she's had an ideal life. But that would be a false assumption. Her story begins with parents who not only neglected their children but introduced them to drugs at early ages. In and out of foster homes until she turned 18, Ruby continued to struggle with addiction and abusive relationships. Finally, the day came when she could no longer live that life and reached out for help.

The Many Hats of Ray Ellis

From policeman to pastor, teacher, author, book coach and publisher, Ray has done it all and done it well. In podcast #175, we talk with Ray about his multiple careers as well as what it was like to grow up in the American South during the Civil Rights Movement. And, of course, Steve threw in some cop questions. :-)

https://www.passioncm.org/

A Story about Cheating

What a fun time we had interviewing the Bryant family about their new children's book titled "Trusting Timothy: A Story about Cheating."

https://www.trustingtimothy.com/

Pines in the Wasteland

Author Barb Sulfridge, lover of mountains and forests, talked with us about her journey through the wilderness of suffering and sorrow to find hope and peace as well as joy. Her new book recounts a nearly 40-year journey of learning to depend on God when life did not turn out the way she hoped or planned.

https://www.backwoodsbarb.com/

Creation Care & the Christian

Tri Robinson, a man who's traveled the world and worn many hats over the years, graciously joined us to talk about his latest book, “A Journey of Gratitude: Traversing Four Seasons of Life.” We covered a lot of topics in this podcast, including his experience teaching in a gifted-and-talented program, reviving a family homestead, starting a church, and fulfilling his and his wife, Nancy's, dream of creating a beautiful Idaho ranch where they enjoy and example stewardship of the land.

https://timberbuttehomestead.com/

https://cowboyandpreacher.com/

High-Elevation Education

Several years ago, our guest, Dr. Bryan Williams, and others saw a need for higher education in the mountains of central Idaho and began the process of establishing McCall College. We talked with Dr. Williams about the college as well as his many other interests, including his special love for bioethics.

http://mccallcollege.org

Greener Grass Syndrome

Empty Arms

In recent podcasts, we've talked with several people about the trauma and pain of losing a child. Another Becky (we're on a roll!) joined us this time to discuss how very difficult that time is and how friends and family supported her through the healing process. And how we can do the same for grieving couples and families.

https://www.emptyarmsbereavement.org/

Journey to Joy

Our longtime friends Linda and Bob talk about deep losses in their family and how they found healing, followed by a sweet friend named Terri who shares a poem she wrote, which beautifully chronicles the losses she and her husband, Larry, experienced.

Although both couples' trauma was exceedingly painful, they eloquently relay the process and steps needed to walk through grief and come out the other side with even stronger marriages and faith.

https://www.griefshare.org/

And Then You Were Gone

Becky Avella graciously agreed to discuss the painful loss of four children through miscarriage plus talk about the book she wrote to help other families who've faced the same trauma. Her transparency and sweet spirit, along with her suggestions for healing and ways to support anyone who's lost a loved one, are sure to encourage listeners, whether female or male.

Becky on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/43ec2ur4

Temper Tantrums

Ever had an angry moment (or several) you'd rather not talk about? Or buried resentment deep inside? Our guest, author Kathy Collard Miller, shares stories from her life and from others who contributed to her latest book. Then she shows us from the Bible how Jesus handled similar situations. I highly recommend "Managing Anger--Jesus Style" for everyone, whether your temperament is set on slow simmer or leans toward the volcanic. :-)

https://kathycollardmiller.com/

Movement Matters

Katy Nelson's enthusiasm for bringing smiles and movement to older adults is contagious. She has a special love for helping those with memory loss. In addition, she offers lots of tips for caregivers--not just how to help their loved ones but reminders to care for their own well-being.

https://knc-movementmatters.net/

A Fun Ride

In her 40-year radio career, Bridget Bonde has adapted to numerous technological advances as well as studio format and music style changes. We had a great time asking about her DJ experiences and the ups and downs of hosting solo radio shows in the Treasure Valley.

A Day in the Life of a Union Steward

We had a fun talk with our friend Larry who serves his coworkers as a union steward. Whether you have experience with unions or not, you'll enjoy Larry's unique, honest perspective and sense of humor.

Roller Derby, Anyone?

How fun to talk with Cyndy Radovich about her new passion, roller derby competition. If you're like the two of us, you know little or nothing about the sport. Here's a quick explanation told with Cyndy's wonderful enthusiasm plus a short introduction to Becky's latest novel in the Children of the Light series, Crimson Arches.

https://tvrderby.com/

Warhawk Air Museum

Carson Spear, executive director of the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho, talked with us about the museum's 35-year history and all the amazing activities and opportunities available there today. We also asked about his combat experience as a platoon leader in Southern Baghdad, where he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II and awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

https://warhawkairmuseum.org/

No More Anger

Author Kathy Collard Miller not only writes award-winning, bestselling books—more than 60 of them, she also blogs and records videos and speaks around the country and the world on subjects we all can relate to. In addition, Kathy and her husband, Larry, provide faith-based lay counseling for individuals as well as couples.

https://kathycollardmiller.com/

WHY RWANDA?

When we learned Bill Miller has made several trips to Rwanda, we had to ask why. In this podcast, we talk about what first caught his interest in such a beautiful but faraway country. He's been privileged to serve a school there by training teachers how to teach the children English. In turn, they've taught him how to become a better trainer.

Christian Chapter Book Author

Wendy Mattox's enthusiasm for kids and books for kids shines in this podcast. Her three series include stories about time-traveling twins, a boy who shrinks, and an animal spy team. Wendy describes her stories, which can be read in any order, as books kids love and parents trust.

Wendy's website: https://www.wendyannmattox.com/

Utopia Abandoned

Laurie Bower joins Steve and Becky to talk about the latest book in her Utopian Series. This one is titled "Utopia Abandoned" and features a beautiful city beneath the treacherous wasteland that lies outside the dome. We talk with Laurie about the skill and research required to write dystopian fantasy and conclude with her reading the first chapter of "Utopia Abandoned" for listeners' enjoyment.

https://llbower.com/

Crimson Arches

Here's your chance to hear Becky read the prologue to the second book in her "Children of the Light" series, Crimson Arches. Like Shadow Ranch, the first book in the series, this one is named after the ranch where the story is set and continues to focus on modern-day polygamy. Steve follows her reading with questions and comments sure to entertain. :-)

Hands of Gold

Award-winning author Roni Robbins talks with us about her novel, Hands of Gold, a fictionalized account of her Jewish grandfather's immigration to America. His journey was long and arduous, and his life in the USA not easy. All too soon, he learned it's not a land of milk and honey and the streets are not paved with gold. But he was a survivor and made the best of it with hard work, humor, and the support of his loving wife and family.

https://ronirobbins.com/

Adoption Adventure

After several years of marriage and still no children in their home, Andrea and Adam Graham decided to look into adoption alternatives. They are now the proud parents of cute little EJ, but their journey to parenthood wasn't easy. The long process required persistence, flexibility and faith.

The Irresponsible Reader

We often invite authors to talk with us on this podcast, but today we’re speaking with one of the many people authors value the most—readers! H.C. Newton is not only an avid, and I mean avid reader, he hosts a blog and a website called The Irresponsible Reader that's all about books and their authors. You can read his reviews and connect with him here --

The Secret Life of a Secret Service Agent

Bob West's career with the United States Secret Service is long over, but you'll enjoy his memories of the days when he conducted criminal investigations and protected U.S. political leaders and their families as well as visiting foreign heads of state. Want to know which president he most enjoyed serving? Take a listen. :-)

Old Time Radio with Adam Graham

We usually bring authors to our podcast to highlight their books, but we talked with Adam about his books and his podcasting because he’s a prolific podcaster, with five old-time radio podcasts to monitor. You can find them under these names: Great Detectives, The Old Time Dragnet Show, The Old Time Radio Superman, The Amazing World of Radio, and The War. Feeling nostalgic for the good ol' days? Take a listen.

Website: https://www.greatdetectives.net/detectives/

What's In Your Howl?

Author Doug Gamble has written a beautifully illustrated story for young children that features an armadillo and a coyote who learn to appreciate each other's differences. We had a fun conversation with Doug and are sure you'll enjoy our talk as much as we did.

https://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?keyword=what%27s+in+your+howl&searchtype=title&qfunction=search&record_per_page=40

The Apprentice of Buchenwald

We were privileged to interview Oren Schneider, author of "The Apprentice of Buchenwald: The True Story of the Teenage Boy Who Sabotaged Hitler's War Machine," and know you'll enjoy learning about his amazing grandfather's survival tactics. Here are a few lines from the back-cover blurb.

Using their last reserves of wealth and  influence to escape extermination, the Rosenbergs go underground to avoid the Gestapo. Eventually exposed, captured, and taken to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp in Germany, Alexander and his father collaborate to survive one day at a time.

A  chaotic chain of events puts young Alexander at the heart of a massive armament sabotage scheme. When his father is gravely injured and disappears after an air bombing, it is up to industrious Alexander to create leverage and use wartime machinations and raw talent to save his father’s life.

https://apprenticeofbuchenwald.com/

The Road to Karachi

When Drew Brown came to our house to help us with audio equipment, we learned something about him and his family that piqued our curiosity and generated lots of questions. Join us to learn where they've journeyed so far and where they're headed in the future. It's a fun story!

https://drewallenbrown.com/

https://chogglobal.org/team/dsbrown/