Becky McCoy knows a thing or two about being weary. Her story winds through years of striving, widowhood, long Covid, depression, and single parenting. In the midst of seasons of real suffering, she longed to connect more deeply with God. Yet so many books on spiritual practices told her to do more or try harder or just make time.

What if there was a better way?

McCoy turned to the ancient rhythms of the church to find grace and connection in seasons of her own upheaval. If you, like me, resonate with longing for a faith that is about being with rather than doing for, you will love her new book, In the Company of the Weary.

Becky and I talked about everything from the hope we’ve encountered in understanding the gentleness of Jesus, birdwatching during the pandemic, puffins (PUFFINS!), and the grace of paying attention.

Plus, some rad spiritual practices I’d never really explored before. (Visio divina? Rule of life? Tell me more!)

McCoy is a kind, wise guide and I can’t wait to share this conversation with you today.

What about you—do you have a favorite spiritual practice? I’d love to hear about it!

Chera Hammons has quite the story. From the ashes of an abusive marriage and subsequent divorce, she has found solace, hope, and perspective from the natural world. Her newest collection of poetry, Birds of America: poems, is gritty, gripping, and filled with grace. I couldn’t put it down.

Join me for this special conversation with Hammons as she reads her poems, tells her stories, and delves into the glimmers of hope that shine through even the darkest nights of the soul.

Have you ever wondered how birding in America truly began? You may have a few names in mind—people like Audubon or Wilson or Lewis and Clark. But have you ever heard of Mark Catesby?

Patrick Dean joins us on the show today to chat about his new book Nature’s Messenger: Mark Catesby and His Adventures in a New World. This book was such a delightful discovery of the life of a naturalist pioneer in America in the early 1700s.

From Catesby’s beginnings as English gentility to his landing in North Carolina in 1722 to his exploration of the natural world in what would come to be known as the American South, Dean’s book is a thorough, fascinating, and engaging read. It even has pirates!

PLUS: we chat about why Dean believes the Ivory-billed Woodpecker might still be out there.

I loved the book and this conversation, and I know you will, too!