Amish Wisdom Podcasts

Two new authors to the sub-genre are interviewed: Jennifer Beckstrand, author of "Kate's Song" (Summerside Press) and Amy Wallace, who wrote "Hiding in Plain Sight" (Harvest House).

Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith team up to write a series of a western adventure with an Amish twist. "The Heart's Frontier" (Harvest House) just released. The authors talk about how they collaborate as a writing team, and the research that went into studying cattle drives of 1880 Kansas.

This week I'll be talking to two devotional authors about making room for God in our busy lives. The first half hour I'll chat with Shirley Brosius about her new devotional, "Turning Guilt Trips into Joy Rides" (Westbow Press). During the second half, Carey Bailey, the creator of "Cravings-The Devotional in a Cupcake," joins me. "Cravings" is a series of devotionals on the Psalms, written to help mothers make God time easier.

Don't miss this week's Amish Wisdom! I'm excited to announce that Nancy Sleeth will be returning to the show. You may remember that she was on in February talking about her new book, "Almost Amish." This week we’ll be focusing on Earth Day, Creation Care and the nonprofit she and her family run called Blessed Earth: Serving God, Saving the Planet.

Crystal Paine, author of the "Money Saving Mom's Budget," shares her story and tips for others to have financial solvency. Crystal's plan for a healthy budget are very sustainable and extend into many areas of life.

In the first half of the show, bestselling author Mary Ellis brings us up-to-date with her fourth in the series, "An Amish Family Reunion." The second half hour introduces Kelly Irvin, new to the sub-genre with "To Love and to Cherish." Kelly's interest in the Amish developed when she observed their ability to forgive after the Nickel Mines' tragedy.

NYTimes bestselling author Ira Wagler and speaker, educator and author Saloma Furlong share their stories of growing up in an Old Order Amish home. By the time they reached their late teens, they left their communities. Though Ira and Saloma have very different backgrounds, they do share a few things: a desire for education and a curiosity about the larger world.

I'm excited to welcome our guest this week. Holley, incourage.me founder and award winning author has written a book of encouragement and foundational truth. Every woman can relate to the feeling of instant inadequacy after walking into a room crowded with other women, comparing themselves to everyone else in the room. We’re transported back to the seventh grade lunch room, and our quest for acceptance and perfection seems never ending. But what if there was a way to quiet our insecurities and to embrace our differences to live the life God designed specifically for us. So don't miss this week's show.

Erik Wesner of AmishAmerica joins us for this special anniversary show. Two years ago, Erik was the first guest on Amish Wisdom. On today's show, he catches us up on his current projects, and fields some interesting questions about the Amish.

Both of this week's guests made extreme lifestyle changes to get rid of excess and live more meaningful lives. First, we’ll hear from Jen Hatmaker, the author of 7:An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. Jen will be sharing about how she and her family tackled 7 areas of their lives to pair down, cut back and let go of what was isolating them from each other. We'll also hear how God transformed them in the process. Then during the second half of the show we’ll hear from author Nancy Sleeth. Nancy’s book, Almost Amish, details one family’s quest for a slower, simpler life. Nancy and her husband discovered the joys and benefits of being “Almost Amish” by incorporating the best of Amish principles into ten areas of their modern lives - they discovered stronger, deeper relationships with family, friends, and God.

Bestselling author Dale Cramer returns to the show to discuss his newest release, "The Captive Heart." Dale discusses writing historical fiction about a conservative sect of the Old Order Amish.

On Thursday's show I'll be interviewing columnist and blogger Rhonda Schrock. My good friend Sherry Gore introduced us ... and I'm grateful she did. You're going to love Rhonda. Sherry and Rhonda both write for Cooking & Such. Rhonda was raised in a Mennonite community and today is a wife and mom to four (YES 4!) boys and has a wonderful blog, The Natives are Getting Restless. She also writes a column for The Goshen News called "Grounds for Insanity."

The tables are turned today as Judy Christie brushes off her crackerjack reporter skills and interviews the host, Suzanne Woods Fisher, about her latest release, "The Keeper."

Lorilee Craker wrote "Money Secrets from the Amish" (Thomas Nelson) and shares what she learned from them: frugality, re-purposing, recycling. She also describes the benefits of living within one's means.

Judy Walter was raised in a Hutterite Colony in Alberta, Canada. She shares about her heritage, upbringing, and talent for cooking. Judy's cookbook, "At Home in the Kitchen: Mennonite, Hutterite and Amish-Style Cooking," is filled with favorite recipes and beautiful photography.

We're celebrating National Organizing Month with two experts: organizing expert Kathryn Bechen, author of "Small Space Organizing," (Revell). And in the second hour, we'll be speaking to Cindi Ferrini, author of "Balancing the Active Life" (Tate). A very practical, helpful, nurturing hour.

Two knowledgeable guests share insights to conquer fears. Deborah Pegues, a behavioral specialist, is the author of "30 Days to Tame Your Fears" (Harvest House). She provides practical steps to address fears. In the second half of the program, Saundra Dalton-Smith, a practicing physician, shares how she has found a way to help her patients face lies that impact their lives. Saundra is the author of "Set Free to Live Free" (Revell).

Popular guest host Judy Christie steps in today and interview Lisa Wingate about her newest book, Blue Moon Bay. Their discussion focuses on 12 steps to make your life matter in 2012.

Georgia Varozza is the author of "The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook"(Harvest House). She is a certified Master Food Preserver and teaches others how to safely preserve their family's foods.

Amish fiction author Amy Clipston talks about her recent release, "Naomi's Gift" (Zondervan), discusses her writing process, and gives a hint about what's to come in 2012. She also shares about the experience of donating a kidney to someone in need so that her husband could receive one.

In the first half hour, Noah Coleman, son of photographer Bill Coleman, gives us an update on his dad: updating the website, how his dad is doing since his stroke, what's on the horizon for amishphoto.com. In the second half of the hour, author Judy Christie gives us tips on how to have a calmer, less stressful Christmas.

Tricia Goyer pops in to catch us up on her latest release and her recent book signing trip through Amish country. In the second half, Janet Kraft talks about the year her family took a "radical sabbatical."

LeeAnn Miller is a popular TV host, runs the Miller Haus B&B in Ohio, and is a field editor for "Taste of Home" magazine. She is also married to a wonderful man who was raised in the Old Order Amish church and has a close relationship with her in-laws. In this interview, LeeAnn catches us up on her exciting life and shares some thoughts about how the Amish handle conflict in relationships

Guest host Judy Christie steps in today to interview prolific, award-winning author Janice Hanna Thompson about the role of humor in writing.

Danny Kofke, a special needs teacher in Georgia, is the author of "A Simple Book of Financial Wisdom: Teach Yourself (and Your Kids) How to Live Wealthy with Little Money." Danny shares his story of raising a family...and thriving...on a teacher's salary.

A rare opportunity to hear from someone who is inside the Amish church--and even more rare because Marlene Miller converted to the Amish. Marlene wrote her memoirs in a book called "Grace Leads You Home." During this interview, she shares her story and her insights about the Amish.

Vannetta Chapman discusses her Amish mystery, "Falling to Pieces" (Zondervan), in the first half-hour and updates us about her new projects. In the second half of the show, Glynnis Whitwer shares her thoughts about prioritizing life after motherhood, based on her book "I Used to Be So Organized."

Sherry Gore fills in this week as the consummate guest host! She interviews Kevin Williams of "The Amish Cook" and gets us up-to-date with the latest in her busy and productive life.

First up is Mary Ellis, author of "A Marriage for Meghan" (Harvest House), which releases October 1st. Mary talks about the characters in this intriguing story. In the second part of the hour, Bob Hostetler, co-author with Josh McDowell of "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door," discusses how to keep kids in the church.

Keith and Laura James operate the on-line business of Amish Workshops as a kind of Amish catch-all site: recipes, products, stories, including an "Ask Viola" column written by an Amish woman, where readers can submit their questions to be answered.

Both guests today have powerful and inspiring stories to share. The first half of this show features Becki Reiser, a mom whose 17-year-old daughter was abducted and murdered. Becki and her husband offered forgiveness to the person who took their daughter's life. From the moment they found out what happened, they asked God to use their story to bring glory to His name. The second half of the show features Janet Holm McHenry, author of the re-released "PrayerWalk." Janet beat serious depression through daily walks, conversing with God.

Deb Coty's latest release, "Too Blessed to be Stressed" (Barbour), is packed with inspiration, insights, and humor. You'll get a taste of Deb's quirky and heart-felt encouragement in this hour.

Valerie Weaver-Zercher is a Mennonite writer and editor who worked on the revised 30th anniversary edition of "Living More with Less" by Doris Janzen Longacre (Herald Press). Valerie discusses the motivations behind living a simpler life so that it transcends the "Green in In" trend.

Erik Wesner catches us up on his book projects and shares some of the more controversial topics about the Amish that have been discussed on his blog.

Jonas Beiler, discusses the different roles in his life: family counselor, co-founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels and author of "Think No Evil." Jonas was raised Old Order Amish. Although he is no longer Amish, he admires many aspects of them, including their quick intent to forgive. In the second half of the show, Jonas talks in-depth about the Nickel Mine shootings.

Guest host Judy Christie talks with MaryBeth Whalen about her new novel, "She Makes It Look Easy" (David Cook). They also chat about living within one's means, simplifying life, and being the person you're meant to be. MaryBeth is a mother of six, ages 6-19. Lots to talk about!

The bestselling team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould discuss how they manage writing a manuscript when they live 2,000 miles apart. Their newest release, "The Amish Nanny," includes some fascinating historical information about the Anabaptists.

Kevin Williams, co-author of "Amish Cook Baking Book"with Lovina Eicher, shares his story of starting a syndicated newspaper column. Guest hosting is Judy Christie, author of the wildly popular "Gone to Green" series (Abingdon Press).

Kathleen Fuller writes bestselling Amish fiction for Thomas Nelson, and is currently battling thryoid cancer. She shares what she has learned as she journeys through this experience. Just a heads-up...the final segment is an excerpt from "Amish Values for Your Family," a new release from yours truly.

Ira Wagler was raised Old Order Amish in Aylmer, Ontario. "Growing Up Amish" (Tyndale) is a memoir of Ira's childhood and young adulthood--and his back-and-forth struggle to figure out which world he belonged in.

Shelley's had a big year! Nine books (9!), her youngest child just graduated from high school, she's been on NPR radio, featured in USA Today, and just returned from an Alaskan cruise. In this episode, Shelley shares her observations after attending an Old Order Amish wedding, and we discuss her soon-to-release book, "The Protector," book 2 in the Families of Honor series.

Ann Gabhart shares information about the Shakers, a religious community that thrived in the 1700s and 1800s. Ann writes historical fiction about the Shakers and is very knowledgeable about this unique group.

A few years ago, Dan Endy (non-Amish) and Amos Stoltzfus (Beachy Amish) met in Pennsylvania and forged a meaningful friendship. How have they influenced each other? What have they learned from each other? What kinds of activities do they share? You'll find answers to those questions and many more--while learning a lot about friendship.

Fascinating show that explores the history of Anabaptists with four knowledgeable guests: Erik Wesner of Amish America, Mennonite cookbook author Sherry Gore, soon-to-be-author and former Old Order Amish Ira Wagler, and former Hutterite Mary Ann Kirkby. Each one shares some history and know-how about an aspect of their faith.

Paul Gaus, writer of Amish fiction mysteries, describes how he segued from a chemistry professor at a university to a writer of murder mysteries. Paul shares what it takes to write a mystery novel.

Debut novelist Ruth Reid talks about her book, "The Promise of an Angel," about an Amish settlement in Michigan.

Beverly Lewis, New York Times bestselling author and the "gracious host" of the Amish fiction sub-genre, talks about the recent Hallmark film of "The Shunning," and about her recent release, "The Judgment." Beverly shares about how her childhood influenced her writing and imagination.

Tricia Goyer's newest release, "Beside Still Waters" (B&H), is loosely based on the story of Ora Jay and Irene Esh's experience of moving from Indiana to a new Amish settlement in Montana.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a bestselling author of 15 novels and counting. Today, we are chatting about her Old Order Mennonite YA series and her new release, "Katy's Homecoming."

Laura Hilton, known for her reviews, describes the debut of her first novel, "Patchwork Dreams," book 1 of the Seymour series (Whitaker). Laura is also a homeschooling mom to five, a pastor's wife, and a breast cancer survivor.

Wanda tells about her newest series, 'Kentucky Brothers,' and shares her thoughts about "The Journey," book 1 in the series. She also answers questions from listeners and talks about her own background and hobbies.

Gayle Roper, author of over 45 books, shares her love of writing, mentoring and teaching. "A Rose Revealed" (Harvest House) is the final book in Gayle's Amish Farm trilogy.

In the first half hour, Eli Hochstetler shares his business ethic behind his thriving bookstore in Berlin, Ohio. Keith Rathbun, publisher of "The Budget," tells us about the history of the Amish newspaper, its purpose, and what it means to the Amish community.

Leslie Gould shares what it's like to collaborate with Mindy Starns Clark on an Amish fiction series with Harvest House, and about the adoption of her youngest child from Vietnam.

We're going behind the scenes with Sherry Gore to find out what she's got cooking! Sherry has another cookbook in the works, Amish Brides' Kitchen, as well as a sequel to her popular "Taste of Pinecraft." Hear about Sherry's experience as a caregiver to her 21-year-old daughter, and how God has provided the means for Sherry to work at home.

Staci Frenes shares her beautiful music, and thoughts about her life journey toward a simpler life. She calls it "Making Room." Staci is also a World Vision artist.

New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall shares the story behind her stories...how she became a writer of Amish fiction and non-fiction, how she researches her stories, and about her unique friendship with Miriam, an Amish woman, that has resulted in writing "Plain Wisdom" (Waterbrook).

We meet Annie Schar of Annie's Amish Baskets during the first half hour. Annie employs an Amish family to make baskets for her. She describes the process of basketmaking, and how she ended up working with an Amish family. In the second half, blogger MaryAnn Kinsinger and I have a conversation about "The Search." That half is a little static-y sounding. My apologies!

Author Patricia Miller Mauro shares her amazing story: "Kidnapping, divorce, the loss of her Amish family and father, abandonment, extreme poverty." Patti broke the cycle of dysfunction and poverty and is now reconnected to her dad.

Marta Perry, author of over 40 novels, discusses how she became a writer of suspense and mystery. A lover of Pennsylvania, Marta provides a mini-history lesson of William Penn's "Holy Experiment" and the background of the Amish.

Kathleen Fuller shares her New Year's resolutions, updates us about her novels-in-progress, and discusses how she ended up writing Amish fiction.

Amy Clipston is a bestselling author of the 'Kaufmann Amish Bakery' Series (Zondervan). She shares stories about her life...as a writer, a mom, and a wife to a man who has kidney disease.

Lee Ann Miller, married to a man raised in an Old Order Amish family, is a television personality and columnist about life in Ohio Amish country. Lee Ann shares her observations about Amish holidays and traditions: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and weddings!

Mary Ellis shares the story behind the writing of "Sarah's Christmas Miracle" (Harvest House). Steve Ayers raised his three children without television and with an emphasis on good books. He owns four thousands books! Steve provides suggestions to modern families to reduce dependence on technology.

Dale Cramer is the author of "Levi's Will," and is launching a new Amish fiction series this month! "The Daughters of Caleb Bender" (Bethany) is set in the 1920s, beginning in Ohio and ending in Paradise Valley, Mexico.

"Beside Still Waters" is award winning author Tricia Goyer's newest series. It will be released April 1st by Broadman & Holman. The series begins with an Amish family who have moved to Montana from Indiana.

Two guests this week! "The Silent Order" author Melanie Dobson is interviewed in the first half of the show. Melanie is one of those multi-talented persons and her writing career shows that! "The Silent Order" is a mafia/Amish suspense book, set in the 1920s. The second half of the show is Amish raised musician Will Stoltz. Listen to some of Will's country music during the show--he has a beautiful, rich, dynamic singing voice.

The tables are turned on Suzanne today as Sherry Gore takes the helm as host!

Mary-Ann Kirkby was raised as a Hutterite in Canada. Her family left the community when she was ten, and years later, she wrote a book, "I am Hutterite" about her experiences. A fascinating look at an unusual culture that is similar to the Amish in history and core beliefs, but the Hutterites share common property.

Mindy Starns Clark is an author of fiction and non-fiction books, including "The Pocket Guide to Amish Life" and "Secrets of Harmony Grove." Listen to how Mindy got started as a writer--including a stint as a stand-up comedian.

Vannetta Chapman is the author of "A Simple Amish Christmas" (Abingdon Press). She shares what an Amish Christmas is like and talks about her upcoming Amish murder mystery series with Zondervan.

Award winning author Barbara Cameron shares her path to publication from teaching at a public high school, and how she got involved writing Amish fiction.

On the release date of "Seek Me with all your Heart," the first in the "Land of Canaan" series (Thomas Nelson), Beth Wiseman discusses writing fiction about the Amish, her travels to Colorado to gather research about a new settlement, and about her own adoption and finding her biological mother when she became an adult.

Erik Wesner kindly steps in for me as I'm still with my new grandbaby! He talks to Kevin Williams, editor of "The Amish Cook" newspaper column with Amish cook Lovina Eicher.

Erik Wesner of AmishAmerica.com steps in as guest host and interviews Lorilee Craker, author of the soon-to-be-released "Money Secrets of Amish: Sharing, Saving, and Shoo-fly Pie."

Kelly Long, author of the ECPA bestseller "Sarah's Garden," shares her journey to publication. Quilters will enjoy hearing Kelly's perspective about quilting as a form of literacy. Kelly has a strong interest in literacy and even taught literacy at a men's prison in New Hampshire. She grew up among Amish districts in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania.

While I'm away this week escorting my son to college (sniff, sniff) Judy Christie (you may remember her interview a few weeks ago) has graciously agreed to fill in for me as the host extraordinaire of Amish Wisdom. This week she'll be interviewing TV personality and columnist Lee Ann Miller.

Four popular authors of Amish fiction come together to discuss their book, "An Amish Christmas" (Thomas Nelson).

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish and writes a wildly popular blog, A Joyful Chaos, about growing up Amish.

Mary Ellis wrote "The Miller Family Series" (Harvest House), three novels about an Amish family in Ohio. Her latest book is "The Way to a Man's Heart." Wanda Brunstetter is a bestselling author of more than 50 books. Her recent release is "Lydia's Charm" (Barbour Publishing).

Judy Christie writes non-fiction books about simplifying your life, slowing down, and finding more joy in the day to day. The series is called "Hurry Less, Worry Less" by Abingdon Press. Just released is Judy's new fiction series, "Gone to Green," about a newspaper reporter who moves from the big city to a small town.

Ann H. Gabhart writes popular historical fiction about the Shaker religion.

Brad Igou runs Amish Experience in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, is the editor-in-chief of Amish Country News, and is the author of "The Amish in their Own Words" (Herald Press).

Carol Steffey owns and runs a bed-and-breakfast called Garden Gate Get-A-Way in Millersburg, Ohio. She customizes visits to the Amish for her guests.

Joel Kime shares a personal story that occurred when he was seventeen years old, growing up in Lancaster. He was driving to play football and sped up to pass a buggy, not realizing the buggy was turning left. The story doesn't end there--it keeps going, in a remarkable example of the forgiveness of God.

Both my son and daughter have recently graduated, one from college and one from high school. On to the next stage of life. :) So in the midst of all this crazy activity, Erik Wesner has (once again) agreed to guest host for me while I'm away. Be sure to tune in on Thursday as he interviews author, Karen M. Johnson-Weiner. She is a linguistics professor and studies Amish and Mennonite cultures and communities. Sounds like a FASCINATING woman!

Join me on Thursday afternoon for an hour with authors Shelley Shepard Gray (fiction author) and Mary Ann Kirkby, author of "I Am Hutterite" - leave a comment to win a copy of their books.

Don't miss Amish Wisdom on Thursday at 4:00 PM Central! Blogger and author Erik Wesner will be expertly manning the hosting helm while interviewing fascinating ex-Amish blogger Ira Wagler. I'm excited to see what kind of mischief these two get into ...

A fun discussion about a classic Penn Dutch dessert with cookbook authors Sarah Billingsley and Amy Treadwell.

This week's guest is the fascinating Cheryl! She has lived among the Amish for many years. She has observed their way of life and will have much insight to share about living a simple life. I'm also looking forward to her gardening tips - I hear she has an amazing green thumb!

Join me on Thursday as I interview my distinguished quest, Joe Wittmer, author of Gentle People: An Inside View Of Amish Life. Dr. Wittmer was raised Old Order Amish and although he is no longer Amish, he has chronicled the life and customs of the Amish accurately.

This week's guest will be fascinating as we get a behind the scenes look at the acclaimed and controversial UPN show from 2004, Amish in the City from the Emmy-winning television producer Jon Kroll. Not only does he have an impressive career (see below), but he's also had an interesting child hood. "I was raised in Northern California without television, telephone or electricity." Wow.

This Thursday's show should be fabulous. Pat Sloan has graciously agreed to fill in for me this week while I'm away doing a bit of research. Pat's guest is an extraordinary quilter, Joe Cunningham. In March Joe was the Artist-in-Residence at the MH de Young Museum in San Francisco.

The Comfort Quilt was taken by the Amish to Virginia Tech, after the tragic shootings that took place on April 16, 2007. Dr. Bryan Cloud, both of Virginia Tech, will be joining us on Thursday. The Cloud's only daughter, Austin, was killed in the shootings. Renee and Bryan Cloud have developed a strong bond with the Nickel Mines families and, says Dr. Dooley, the couple has inspired many with their demonstrations of Amish grace. Join me on Thursday as the Clouds share their story and show us how they turned a tragedy into a blessing through service.

Please join me on Thursday March 11th at 4:00 pm CST for the debut show with guest Erik Wesner, author of Erik the popular blog "Amish America"! We'll be chatting with Erik about all things Amish and about his new book coming out about Amish businesses.