Life-Changing Fiction

Why Humans Long for More Than This Life | Apocalypsis J Gordon Manias

In this episode, McKenna sits down with author J Gordon Manias [https://jgordonfiction.com/] to discuss imagination, eternity, the human longing for more, and the spiritual themes behind his upcoming novel Apocalypsis . If you love thoughtful fiction, faith-centered conversations, fantasy novels, or stories that point toward deeper truths, this episode is for you. * Why fantasy stories resonate so deeply with readers * How fiction helps us process life, suffering, and eternity * God as Creator and humanity’s desire to create * The spiritual themes behind Apocalypsis  * Why humans long for something beyond this world * The role of imagination in faith and storytelling * How different people wrestle with eternity and meaning Connect with J Gordon Manias https://jgordonfiction.com/ [https://jgordonfiction.com/] Grab Your Free Copy of McKenna's Novella [https://BookHip.com/JXVFZGS] KEYWORDS: Christian fiction podcast, author interview, J Gordon Manias, Apocalypsis , faith and fiction podcast, Christian storytelling, fantasy books about eternity, spiritual themes in fiction, Christian novel, imagination and faith, why fantasy matters, theological fiction, Christian creative writing, stories about eternity, faith-based fantasy books, Life-Changing Fiction podcast

Nothing About Your Life Surprises God | I Know the Feeling ft. Author Kelli A. Galyean

In this episode, McKenna sits down with author Kelli Galyean [https://www.kelligalyean.com/] to discuss her book I Know the Feeling. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSX9LVCX?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3VP5C11QVQ2W7F19N84H&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3VP5C11QVQ2W7F19N84H&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3VP5C11QVQ2W7F19N84H&bestFormat=true] Together they dive into a powerful conversation about God’s mercy, discernment, identity, and spiritual growth. Throughout the conversation, Kelli shares encouragement about returning to the Lord and embracing the truth that He greets us with open arms and new mercy every single day. They also unpack the importance of discerning truth from lies, filtering our thoughts through Scripture, and remembering that if something does not align with God’s Word, it is not from Him. This episode also touches on: * The danger of perfectionism in the Christian life * Why we should never write people off * The power of Christian community and unity * Lessons from the Book of Acts * How the people around us shape who we become * The value of studying God’s Word * Why joy and fun matter in our faith journeys Through honest conversation and biblical encouragement, this episode serves as a reminder that God is still working in us, refining us, and drawing us closer to Him every day. Key Scripture: Philippians 1:6 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs encouragement today. Grab Your Copy of McKenna's Free Novella, Beyond the Promise of Life [https://BookHip.com/JXVFZGS] Connect with Kelli [https://www.instagram.com/kelli.a.galyean]

You Are a New Creation: How Can It Be? with Kelli A. Galyean

In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, McKenna sits down with author Kelli A. Galyean [https://www.kelligalyean.com/] to discuss her novel, How Can It Be? [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4RV5TM5?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7G59KHW12TEZ5M8GW9GD&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7G59KHW12TEZ5M8GW9GD&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7G59KHW12TEZ5M8GW9GD&skipTwisterOG=2] a story that explores the unseen burdens people carry, the depth of God’s grace, and the transformative power of His love. Together, we unpack how fiction can reflect real-life healing journeys and point us back to the truth of the Gospel: that no past is too heavy, no story too broken, and no person beyond redemption. This conversation is a reminder that while our past may be true, the truest thing about us is the salvation we have in Jesus Christ. Key Question: Who is God inviting me to love, and what is my first step toward that? Download McKenna's Free Novella [https://BookHip.com/JXVFZGS] Connect with Kelli: Website [https://www.kelligalyean.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kelli.a.galyean] KEYWORDS: Christian fiction podcast, faith-based books, redemption stories, God’s grace, healing through fiction, Christian author interview, forgiveness and faith, new creation in Christ, biblical truth in novels, spiritual growth podcast

Why No Season Is Wasted: An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers Ft. Madison Unruh

In this episode, McKenna dives into An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers with special guest Madison Unruh, unpacking its powerful themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption.  Book Summary Set in Ephesus, An Echo in the Darkness continues the story of Hadassah, a Christian who survives persecution but is left physically scarred, struggling to live the life God has called her to. Meanwhile, Marcus Valerian wrestles with the growing impact of Hadassah’s faith on his life and the loss of her. In his grief, he searches for the God of Hadassah for answers. Key Takeaways from our Conversation: * Obedience to God often comes before understanding  * Forgiveness is costly, but it leads to freedom  * God is present in every season  * Spiritual healing matters more than temporary physical healing  * No part of your story is wasted Key Themes * Sacrifice  * Forgiveness  * Redemption  * Obedience despite fear and anger  * Faith in suffering  * Purpose in pain  * Spiritual vs physical healing  Grab Your Copy of McKenna's Free Novella Beyond the Promise of Life [https://BookHip.com/JXVFZGS] Connect with Madison https://madisonunruh.com/ [https://madisonunruh.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/madiunruhbooks]

A Voice in the Wind: Faith, Courage, and the Cost of Following Christ with Kelsey Jenae Weber

In today’s episode, we’re diving into McKenna's favorite book, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers, with children's book author Kelsey Janae Weber. Book Summary A Voice in the Wind is set in ancient Rome after the fall of Jerusalem. It follows Hadassah, a young Messianic Jew who is taken into slavery and brought into a Roman household. Despite loss, uncertainty, and danger, Hadassah lives with a steady, unwavering faith that quietly transforms those around her, including members of the powerful Valerian family. As their lives intertwine, the story explores love, redemption, spiritual hunger, and the tension between worldly power and eternal truth. This story is often called one of the greatest love stories ever told, but it’s not just romance. It’s a powerful look at faith under fire, the cost of following Christ, and what it means to live with quiet, steady obedience when everything around you feels uncertain. Topics We Discuss * Why A Voice in the Wind still resonates so deeply with readers * Hadassah’s quiet faith and why it’s more powerful than it looks * Living with courage when following Christ feels costly * The spiritual impact of consistent faithfulness * How prayer can be woven into everyday life * The realities of following Christ * Why we ultimately have nothing to lose when our lives are rooted in Him A life rooted in Christ cannot be shaken Story Tropes * Faith under persecution * Opposites attract * Quiet heroine * Forbidden romance * Roman Empire * Class-cross romance Grab McKenna's Free Novella, Beyond the Promise of Life [https://bookhip.com/JXVFZGS] https://BookHip.com/JXVFZGS [https://bookhip.com/JXVFZGS] Connect with Kelsey: [https://kelseyjanaeweber.com/] https://kelseyjanaeweber.com/ [https://kelseyjanaeweber.com/]