Does God Mean Exactly What He Says? | Dr Cliff Loriot | Author Conversations

Does God Mean Exactly What He Says? | Dr Cliff Loriot | Author Conversations

“God says what He means, and He means what He says.” 📖 What if one of the Bible’s most debated prophetic passages has been misunderstood for generations? In this fascinating episode of Author Conversations, Chris Dabbs speaks with biblical scholar Dr Cliff Loriot, author of The Sovereign Lord Yahweh Has Spoken: He Has Roared Like a Lion. Drawing on decades of research, advanced biblical languages, textual criticism and even the behaviour of lions, Dr Loriot challenges long-held scholarly assumptions surrounding Amos 3:3–8 and presents a compelling case for a single, clear meaning behind God’s communication.  Whether you’re a pastor, theology student, Bible teacher or simply curious about biblical interpretation, this conversation explores how language, context and careful scholarship can transform our understanding of Scripture. 🔥 In This Episode 📚 Why Amos 3:3–8 became the focus of Dr Loriot’s lifelong research  🦁 How lion behaviour helped unlock a fresh interpretation of a famous biblical passage ✍️ The importance of language, context and single meaning interpretation 📜 How textual criticism helps scholars determine the original biblical text ⛪ The debate between literal and allegorical interpretation of Old Testament prophecy 🔎 Why Dr Loriot challenges the majority scholarly view of Amos 🌍 The relationship between prophecy, revelation and God’s communication 📖 What modern readers can learn from one of the Bible’s most debated passages Dr Cliff Loriot is a biblical scholar specialising in Old Testament studies, prophetic literature and biblical interpretation. His latest book, The Sovereign Lord Yahweh Has Spoken: He Has Roared Like a Lion, examines Amos 3:3–8 and argues that God’s communication possesses a singular, intended meaning that can be understood through careful linguistic and contextual analysis. Author website: Cliff's website - click here [https://authorcliffloriot.com/] Buy the book - click here: The Sovereign Lord Yahweh Has Spoken: He Has Roared Like a Lion [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1807643662/?utm_source=Organic&utm_medium=Sovereign+Lord+Yahweh+Spoken+Roared] 00:00 Introduction to Dr Cliff Loriot and the book 01:18 Why Amos 3:3–8 became his life’s research 06:29 Can we trust ancient biblical translations? 12:25 Challenging the majority scholarly view 16:01 The surprising role of lion behaviour 20:10 Why God’s words have one meaning 25:01 What pastors and Bible students can learn 28:04 The significance of the seven examples in Amos 31:58 Solving the lion imagery puzzle 34:59 The central message of Amos 38:05 Where to find Dr Cliff Loriot’s work 39:07 Final thoughts and farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs is a podcast exploring the ideas behind books. Each episode features a long-form conversation with an author about their work, research and the questions that shaped their writing. Watch the full video interviews on YouTube and follow the podcast for future conversations. Hosted by Chris Dabbs – broadcast journalist and podcast consultant. www.chrisdabbs.online [https://www.chrisdabbs.online] Now your'e able to actively support Author Conversations and have an ad free experience - find out more here with supporting starting from only €2 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support]

Subject to Change: What We’ve Lost in the Digital Age | Tom Potosnak

“A meaningful life is built on meaningful relationships. Everything else is subject to change.” 📱 What have we gained from technology… and what have we lost? In this episode of Author Conversations, Chris Dabbs speaks with storyteller, singer-songwriter and humourist Tom Potosnak, author of Subject to Change. Part memoir, part collection of stories and songs, Tom’s book explores the journey from an analogue childhood to today’s hyper-connected digital world. Through humour, nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling, he reflects on family, friendship, ageing, community and the simple moments that often matter most. 🎸 Featuring original songs accessed through QR codes within the book, Subject to Change offers readers a unique blend of music and memoir while asking one timeless question: “What does it all mean?” During the conversation, Tom shares stories from his childhood, military service, family life and career, while discussing the importance of genuine human connection in an age dominated by screens and social media. 🔎 In this episode: 📚 Why Subject to Change is more than a traditional memoir 🎸 How music and storytelling work together throughout the book 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The lessons Tom learned from family, friends and everyday encounters 📱 What we’ve gained and lost in the shift from analogue to digital life 😂 Why humour is often the best way to tell the truth ❤️ The importance of connection, community and meaningful relationships 🌎 What younger generations can learn from life before smartphones 💡 Why “ordinary” people often have the most extraordinary stories  🎙️ About Tom Potosnak Tom Potosnak is a storyteller, singer-songwriter and humourist whose work blends personal experience with larger reflections on life, culture and community. Through live performances, songs and writing, he explores the humour, wisdom and humanity found in everyday experiences. 📖 Featured Book Subject to Change By Tom Potosnak www.tompotosnak.com [https://tompotosnak.com/] Buy Tom's book here🎧 Available in audiobook format, narrated by Tom himself. [https://www.amazon.com/Subject-Change-Sorta-Biography-Without-Cellphone-ebook/dp/B0DNKDXKDW/ref=sr_1_1] 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Why Tom Wrote Subject to Change 05:35 What Does It All Mean? 09:14 Life Before Social Media 13:17 Why Humour Matters 16:21 Growing Up Then vs Now 19:15 The Power of Everyday Stories 21:56 Lessons for Younger Generations 24:10 Why Everything Is Subject to Change 27:21 Reader Reactions 28:41 The Book's Core Message 29:53 Final Thoughts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs is a podcast exploring the ideas behind books. Each episode features a long-form conversation with an author about their work, research and the questions that shaped their writing. Watch the full video interviews on YouTube and follow the podcast for future conversations. Hosted by Chris Dabbs – broadcast journalist and podcast consultant. www.chrisdabbs.online [https://www.chrisdabbs.online] Now your'e able to actively support Author Conversations and have an ad free experience - find out more here with supporting starting from only €2 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support]

He Turned Down the CIA… Then Wrote This Thriller | Robert Danger Workman

📚 What happens when a former top-performing salesman leaves city life behind and starts writing action thrillers from a ranch in Texas?  🎙️ In this episode of Author Conversations, Chris Dabbs sits down with Robert Danger Workman, author of ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT! Alone Wolfe.   ✍️ Robert discusses his remarkable journey from bestselling sales author to thriller novelist, the creation of private investigator Nick Wolfe, and why classic noir legends such as Mickey Spillane continue to influence his writing today.   🔎 The conversation explores: • Political conspiracies and power plays • Strong female characters who refuse to stay in the background • Drawing inspiration from real-world events • The fine line between satire and serious social commentary • The enduring appeal of classic hard-boiled detective fiction   📖 Robert also reveals how his novels evolved from Maximum Prejudice through Immigration Invasion and into ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT! Alone Wolfe, where Nick Wolfe investigates the murder of his mentor and uncovers a conspiracy that could threaten the highest levels of American power.   🎧 Plus, Robert explains why he chose to narrate the audiobook himself and shares details of the next Nick Wolfe adventure, Christmas Colt .45.   🔥 Whether you enjoy classic detective fiction, political thrillers, neo-noir mysteries or hard-hitting action stories, this is a fascinating conversation with an author who proudly describes his books as:   💬 “A wild ride.”  Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Author Conversations 01:05 Meet Robert Danger Workman 02:20 From writer to salesman to bestselling author 05:15 The story behind Hired Gun 08:30 Why Robert kept getting fired despite being number one 10:45 Leaving Dallas for ranch life in Texas 13:00 Creating the Nick Wolfe series 15:15 The premise behind ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT! Alone Wolfe 18:00 Turning real-world events into thriller fiction 21:10 Walking the line between satire and social commentary 23:30 Who is Nick Wolfe? 26:00 Strong women in the Nick Wolfe universe 29:15 Electra Wolfe, Trouble Wolfe and the female cast 31:45 Mickey Spillane and classic noir influences 34:30 Why Robert writes “tough-guy stories” 37:15 Narrating the audiobook himself 39:40 What surprised him most about Nick Wolfe 42:15 Putting Nick Wolfe through hell 44:20 Why readers call his books “a wild ride” 46:10 The next book: Christmas Colt .45 47:45 Where to find Robert Workman’s books 49:00 Closing thoughts and farewell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs is a podcast exploring the ideas behind books. Each episode features a long-form conversation with an author about their work, research and the questions that shaped their writing. Watch the full video interviews on YouTube and follow the podcast for future conversations. Hosted by Chris Dabbs – broadcast journalist and podcast consultant. www.chrisdabbs.online [https://www.chrisdabbs.online] Now your'e able to actively support Author Conversations and have an ad free experience - find out more here with supporting starting from only €2 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support]

Trauma Doesn’t End With You: You Need to Know About Your Roots

What if the struggles you face today didn’t begin with you? In this episode of Author Conversations, Chris Dabbs speaks with author, therapist and hypnotherapy expert Zetta Thomelin about her book The Trauma Effect: Exploring and Resolving Inherited Trauma. Drawing on both professional experience and deeply personal family history, Zetta explores the fascinating idea that trauma, guilt, shame and emotional patterns can be passed down through generations, shaping lives long after the original events have occurred. The conversation examines how family secrets, hidden tragedies and unspoken histories can influence our relationships, identity and wellbeing without us even realising it. In this interview you’ll discover: ✔ What inherited trauma really is ✔ How family secrets affect future generations ✔ Why guilt and shame can echo through families ✔ The surprising impact of DNA discoveries ✔ How hypnotherapy works with unconscious patterns ✔ Why healthy boundaries are essential for healing ✔ Practical ways to break destructive family cycles One of the most compelling parts of the discussion centres on a mysterious family photograph that led Zetta on a journey to uncover a hidden story that had influenced generations of her family. Whether you’re interested in psychology, mental health, family history, personal development or emotional healing, this conversation offers thought-provoking insights into the stories we inherit and how we can rewrite them. 📚 The Trauma Effect: Exploring and Resolving Inherited Trauma by Zetta Thomelin  🌐 Learn more: https://www.zettathomelin.com/ 🎙️ Subscribe for more Author Conversations interviews with authors, researchers and experts.    This is a fascinating conversation about family history, psychology, healing and understanding the stories we carry. 00:00 Introduction 01:15 What Is Inherited Trauma? 08:30 How Trauma Passes Through Families 15:20 The Family Photograph That Changed Everything 23:40 Why Family Secrets Matter 32:15 DNA Discoveries and Identity 42:45 How Hypnotherapy Creates Change 54:00 Rebuilding Boundaries and Self-Worth 01:02:30 What Readers Can Learn From The Trauma Effect 01:07:00 Final Thoughts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs is a podcast exploring the ideas behind books. Each episode features a long-form conversation with an author about their work, research and the questions that shaped their writing. Watch the full video interviews on YouTube and follow the podcast for future conversations. Hosted by Chris Dabbs – broadcast journalist and podcast consultant. www.chrisdabbs.online [https://www.chrisdabbs.online] Now your'e able to actively support Author Conversations and have an ad free experience - find out more here with supporting starting from only €2 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support]

Laure Stack on Once Upon a Boy & Howie the Unusual Bear with Chris Dabbs

In this episode of Author Conversations, Chris Dabbs speaks with Laure Stack, an author and former educator whose children’s books are rooted in more than 20 years of working with young people. Laure discusses how her classroom experience shaped her writing, particularly the children who shut down when they believe they “can’t” do something. Her book Once Upon a Boy explores self-belief and the idea that children need encouragement to recognise their own potential. The conversation also looks at Howie the Unusual Bear, a story about difference, individuality and accepting children who do not fit neatly into the box. Laure explains how the character was partly inspired by her own son and by the many young people she met who needed reassurance that being different can be a strength. Chris and Laure also talk about The Leaf That Went on an Unexpected Road Trip, a story inspired by a real leaf on a car journey, which became a gentle way to explore fear, change and learning to trust new experiences. This is a warm conversation about education, childhood, imagination, nature, confidence and the importance of stories that help children feel seen. Episode Notes In this episode: Laure Stack reflects on her move from education into writing Why children often shut down when they believe they cannot do something The real-life inspiration behind Once Upon a Boy How Howie the Unusual Bear explores difference and acceptance Why bullying often comes from misunderstanding How a leaf on a car journey inspired a children’s book The role of nature, animals and imagination in Laure’s storytelling Why children need stories that help them feel capable, valued and understood Youy can watch Chris' conversatiuon with author Laure Stack on YouTube here : YOUTUBE LINK [https://youtu.be/ULYNOOxXF1c] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Author Conversations with Chris Dabbs is a podcast exploring the ideas behind books. Each episode features a long-form conversation with an author about their work, research and the questions that shaped their writing. Watch the full video interviews on YouTube and follow the podcast for future conversations. Hosted by Chris Dabbs – broadcast journalist and podcast consultant. www.chrisdabbs.online [https://www.chrisdabbs.online] Now your'e able to actively support Author Conversations and have an ad free experience - find out more here with supporting starting from only €2 [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support]