In this episode of the Going Deeper podcast, I sit down with my own acquisitions editor, Eddie Larow of Baker Books. We talk about what an acquisitions editor actually does, how he helps authors connect with the readers who need their message, and how my own unexpected journey into authorship was guided by God’s timing. From there, we widen the conversation to the cultural landscape shaping Gen Z: their longing for home, the pull toward community, and the deep sense of spiritual homelessness ...
In this episode of Going Deeper, I talk with Sharon Hodde Miller about the growing problem of self-righteousness among Christians online, especially after Charlie Kirk's assassination. We unpack how the self-esteem movement has shaped how many believers think about identity and worth—and how it fosters the idea that we are called to self-discovery rather than self-denial. Sharon also shares biblical wisdom on modesty and humility in appearance, revealing that modesty may not be so much about ...
In this episode of Going Deeper, I’m unpacking the idea of the “Wellness Gospel”—the subtle belief that health and self-optimization can save us. I share about my own journey with health and wellness, and how something good slowly became an identity that distanced me from Jesus. I talk about how easy it is to elevate health, balance, and self-care above obedience and surrender, and how the true gospel of Jesus calls us into something far more radical. Through Scripture, I contrast the Wellnes...
In this episode of Going Deeper, we're talking about ChatGPT boundaries, Influencer culture, and the spiritual discipline of Bible reading—and why its so hard. My hope is that this episode encourages you to stay spiritually awake and intentional as we learn to follow Jesus faithfully in a world driven by technology. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri Subscribe to The Digest: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1...
In this episode, I’m joined by Griffin Gooch to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in both culture and the church—happiness. Griffin is a theologian and writer who’s exploring what it really means to live a happy and holy life, and how our understanding of happiness has shifted throughout history. We dig into the Beatitudes as Jesus’s surprising pathway to joy, how pleasure, meaning, and growth each play a role in true happiness, and why pursuing happiness for its own sake often ...
Welcome back to Going Deeper! After a short break, I’m so excited to return with a brand-new season—and to finally share a few updates on what’s been happening behind the scenes, including my upcoming book on the “good life” and my new newsletter, The Digest. In today’s episode, we’re diving into several big conversations happening across Christian culture—from Forrest Frank’s decision not to attend the Dove Awards, to the online discourse surrounding Jackie Hill Perry and Christian Nat...
In this episode, I’m exploring the complex world of cultural beauty standards and self-perception through a biblical lens. I address the tension we experience regarding personal choices about our appearance, what it means to bear God’s image, and how cultural expectations can shape—or sometimes distort—our self-perception. I’m also sharing a bit of my writing journey and what I’m learning about humility as I grow older in a world that is often obsessed with youth and perfection. I hope that t...
In this episode of the Going Deeper podcast, host Justine Ordway interviews Tilly Dillehay, author of 'My Dear Hemlock'. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, which is a fictional exploration of feminine virtues and vices, inspired by C.S. Lewis's 'Screwtape Letters'. Tilly shares insights on the struggles women face, including the role of empathy, the importance of confession, and the impact of social media. The conversation also touches on the power of prayer and the spiritual warfa...
In this episode of the Going Deeper podcast, I’m joined by my friend Bethany for a heartfelt conversation about prayer—especially in the thick of motherhood. Bethany shares her journey to faith and how her prayer life has grown and changed over the years. We talk honestly about the struggle to stay connected to God when life feels loud and overwhelming, and how prayer doesn’t have to be formal or perfect—it can simply be a real, ongoing conversation with the Lord. We also reflect on the power...
In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren Bowerman to talk about the pull of digital distractions and what led her to make the switch to a dumb phone. We dive into the heart behind her decision, how it’s impacted her daily life and relationships, and what it looks like to pursue a quieter, more intentional life in a noisy world.
In today’s episode, I’m coming to you straight from my living room with a smorgasbord of updates and reflections. I share a little life update (new job, sickness, and the decision to almost quit the podcast), along with a heartfelt thank you for your graciousness along the way. We dive into Deuteronomy 6, exploring Moses’ final words to a new generation of Israelites standing on the edge of the Promised Land — and how his call to remember God still speaks to us today. In a culture where Jesus...
Today, we're diving into the topic of anxiety and aiming to leave you feeling hopeful and equipped to starve out the worry in your life. I’ll share my experiences with anxiety, including postpartum struggles and my first panic attack. We'll distinguish between true anxiety and anxious thinking. For those feeling anxious, I’ll offer some hope through scripture, prayer, and ways to help you renew your mind and redeem your thought patterns. Remember, God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear b...
In today's episode, we're diving into the issue of having a critical spirit, especially as it's been absorbed into our culture and personal relationships through social media. There’s a lot of negativity out there, especially from some Christian commentators who thrive on judgment and condescension. This creates a culture where conflict and critique get the most attention, which unfortunately seeps into the Church. If we truly reflect on our own sin in light of Christ’s righteousness, we’ll s...
Welcome to season two of the Going Deeper podcast! Fittingly, today, we will talk about how to 'go deeper' with God in 2025. Essentially, we're going to answer the question of how we actually grow spiritually and do so in a way that contrasts the ways of culture and the world. After taking some time off, I feel recharged and ready to tackle the topic of moving beyond a superficial Sunday morning faith. In a world where it’s easy to be a lukewarm Christian, I know many of us want more. I’ll be...
Season one has come to an end, and I wanted to end it with transparency and encouragement for the person going through a season of spiritual dryness. Stay in the loop with my shenanigans and season two updates by following me on Instagram and subscribing to my email list: Instagram: www.instagram.com/justinecheri Email list: https://justinecheri.ck.page/3837c183df
Did Jesus Have Dreams? In a culture that tells us to chase our dreams, dream big, and live the dream, what do we see when we look at the life of Christ? How should this inform our goals and ambitions? Download and Print the Bible Study Guide Bookmark: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H5icI63AOxj6XQWPCEvEGSp9Cia6gxf3/view?usp=sharing Download the Go Deeper Guide: https://justinecheri.ck.page/goingdeeperresourceguide Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/justinecheri
In today's episode, I sat down with Whitney Lowe to discuss her new book, Set Your Eyes Higher: A 40-Day Reset to Slow Your Anxiety and Fix Your Focus on God, available on September 24th! We talk about everything, from devotionals and Bible reading to burnout and body image. Pre-order her new book: https://tr.ee/2J_bEC1lxZ Follow Whitney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneypiersonlowe/ More about Set Your Eyes Higher: Americans spend an average of seven hours and three minute...
Are you a Calvinist? How do you overcome people-pleasing? Do you ever struggle with anger? I’m answering these questions and more in today’s episode! Access the show notes here: https://www.justinecheri.com/blog/s1-ep5-q-and-a Books referenced: Bedtime Bible Story Book for Kids: https://amzn.to/4g3HHVW WITH by Skye Jethani: https://amzn.to/478Av71 Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: https://amzn.to/475n8UW Bible verses about anger: Proverbs 14:29 - Whoever is slow to anger has great unders...
What is cultural holiness? What is holiness? And How do we pursue it in a culture of lukewarm Christianity? We dive into these three questions in today’s episode! Access the show notes here: www.justinecheri.com/blog/s1-ep4-what-is-cultural-holiness Books mentioned: The Pursuit of Holiness: https://amzn.to/3LBsM7m The Hole in Our Holiness: https://amzn.to/3YTEh1F The Holiness of God: https://amzn.to/46V9sf6 Download the Go Deeper Guide: https://justinecheri.ck.page/goingde...
Do you struggle to read your Bible every day? Ever find yourself growing bored with God’s word even though you know it’s something you should love? Do you want to make Bible study a normal part of your weekly routine? Today’s episode is for you! We are going to discuss five steps to help you start loving, reading, and studying God’s Word. Download the Go Deeper Guide: https://justinecheri.ck.page/goingdeeperresourceguide Books Mentioned: Grasping God's Word - https://amzn....