If you can’t tell by the heat, we are in full summer mode. Many are taking time away over the next couple of weeks for rest, play, and rejuvenation. Summer is also a great time to catch up on reading. Here are some books that would be a great read this summer. I’ve also listed a few podcasts that I have gotten into that would be great for listening to on the beach, lake, or climbing a mountain.

How to Survive a Shipwreck by Jonathan Martin. I have a lot of clergy friends reading this one right now. I love the subtitle: Help is on the way and love is already here. As one reviewer says, “Who would ever guess that a few reflections on wind and waves, shipwrecks and sea monsters, could comfort and challenge so profoundly?” I am only a few chapters in and already  this book is working on my spirit.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. A wonderful story about a small start-up company in the 1970s that would later become Nike. This is a great memoir by the Nike founder that carries many great nuggets of wisdom about life and perseverance. It’s also a great look at one of the world’s iconic brands before Jordan, Tiger, etc.

Rising Strong by Brene Brown. I’ve loved Brown’s previous works and found Rising Strong to be a great continuation of that work. Her work centers around the conversation on courage, vulnerability, shame, and worthiness. She shares the stories from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents about  being brave, falling, and getting back up. I’m currently doing a short-term online study of this book with some friends and colleagues that I know will be life-giving.

Life’s Too Short to Pretend You’re Not Religious by David Dark. I just picked this up off a recommendation from a friend. Dark writes, “If what we believe is what we see is what we do is who we are, there’s no getting away from religion.” This book is described as incisive and entertaining, which is my favorite combination,

What Are You Listening To?

I love the podcast medium, especially listening on Overcast, which allows you to speed up the conversation so that you can listen to more faster! Below are a few of my favorite podcasts.

The RobCast. This is Rob Bell’s weekly podcast. I’ve long been a fan of Bell and love listening to his guests, sermons, and thoughts on faith

StartUp. StartUp is an episodic narrative about what it’s really like to start a business. A great listen for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Preachers on Preaching. This may be a little too “inside baseball” but I love listening to the weekly interviews of various preachers to hear about their approach to the pulpit and the ministry. If you want insight on what it’s like to step into that holy space of preaching each week, this is a good listen.

Hidden Brain. Brought to us by NPR, Hidden Brain helps people understand the world and themselves. It uses a mix of science, experience, and storytelling to determine the unconsciousness patterns that drive the world. You want to know the sweet spot for Uber in terms of rate and usage? Take a listen to Hidden Brain.

The Bill Simmons Podcast.  Either you like Simmons or you don’t. I like him.

That’s my list. I’d love to know yours. Let’s get a cup of coffee and chat about any of these.

Grace and Peace 

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