welcome!
I’m Shannon Popkin, host of the Live Like It’s True Bible Podcast. In each episode, my guest and I talk through an interesting and often astonishing story of the Bible, and invite you to live like it’s true!
Know the Story, Share the Story, Live the Story.
Recent Episodes
Search by Section & Book of the Bible:
Looking for a particular Story of the Bible? We've made it easy for you! Our episodes are now searchable by Section and Book of the Bible:
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Do you want to live like it’s true?
God could have revealed himself through lists of attributes and facts. Instead, God gave us a book filled with stories that show—rather than just tell—us who God is. On the Live Like It’s True podcast, we’re devoted to knowing God by exploring these interesting and surprising stories, one at a time, asking, “How can we live like the story is true?”
Know the Story. Share the Story. Live the Story.
Know the Story
Share the Story
Our goal isn’t to just know these stories for ourselves, but to share them with others. Sometimes it’s hard to talk with our kids, neighbors and friends about abstract concepts like truth, forgiveness, and faith. Stories give us concrete ways to share truth about God with others, and invite them to live like the story of the Bible is true.
Live the Story
It’s one thing to know the story; it’s another thing to live like the story is true. We don’t want to just know the truth; We want to shrink the gap between what we say we believe and how we live. Join us as we reject the lies, embrace the truth, and live like the Story is true! podcast is meant to help shrink the gap between what you say you believe and how you live. As we rehearse the true stories individually, and the overarching story of the Bible, we’ll discover how the one True Story corrects the false narratives of the world.
Most Recent Episodes
You can also search for a particular story by Section and Book of the Bible (here).
How to Package Up and Share Truth from Stories of the Bible | Erika VanHaitsma and Veronica Copenhaver
I’m sharing this conversation that first aired on the Context and Color of the Bible podcast – talking about how stories of the Bible package up truth that we can easily retain and share with others. In this episode, hosts of...
Are My Parents Toxic? The Truth about Going “No Contact” | Bill and Pam Farrel | 3 Part Series
Going “no contact” is a trend today—the idea that adult kids must cut ties with their parents for the sake of healing and self-care. But how does that line up with Jesus’ command to “be merciful” (Luke 6:36)? In this three-part...
Why Stories are God’s Powerful Way of Showing You Truth | Erika VanHaitsma and Veronica Copenhaver
Stories aren’t just for entertainment—God uses them to deliver truth in ways that stick. But we have to slow down and receive what He’s saying. I’m joined by Erika VanHaitsma and Veronica Copenhaver, hosts of the Context and Color of the Bible...
Don’t Quit Church: How to Find Your Way Through Hurt | Megan Hill
What happens when the place meant to nurture our faith becomes a source of pain? In this episode of the Live Like It’s True Podcast, Megan Hill and I talk candidly about church hurt—where it comes from, the wounds judgment can leave...
How to Package Up and Share Truth from Stories of the Bible | Erika VanHaitsma and Veronica Copenhaver
I’m sharing this conversation that first aired on the Context and Color of the Bible podcast – talking about how stories of the Bible package up truth that we can easily retain and share with others. In this episode, hosts of...
Are My Parents Toxic? The Truth about Going “No Contact” | Bill and Pam Farrel | 3 Part Series
Going “no contact” is a trend today—the idea that adult kids must cut ties with their parents for the sake of healing and self-care. But how does that line up with Jesus’ command to “be merciful” (Luke 6:36)? In this three-part...
Why Stories are God’s Powerful Way of Showing You Truth | Erika VanHaitsma and Veronica Copenhaver
Stories aren’t just for entertainment—God uses them to deliver truth in ways that stick. But we have to slow down and receive what He’s saying. I’m joined by Erika VanHaitsma and Veronica Copenhaver, hosts of the Context and Color of the Bible...
Don’t Quit Church: How to Find Your Way Through Hurt | Megan Hill
What happens when the place meant to nurture our faith becomes a source of pain? In this episode of the Live Like It’s True Podcast, Megan Hill and I talk candidly about church hurt—where it comes from, the wounds judgment can leave...
PODCAST FAQ:
How long are the episodes?
Between 30 and 45 minutes.
Who is this podcast for?
If you love the Bible, and want to live like it’s true, this podcast is for you! I imagine most listeners will be women, but guys are welcome, too!
When will episodes release?
Wednesday morning, every other week, or every week for a two part episode.
What are the aims of this podcast?
My hope is that that you’ll be inspired to better know the Story, share the Story, and live the Story.
How can I listen?
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and more. Find the full set of options here.
CONTENT FAQ:
Who are some of your guests?
I’ve been so honored to welcome Nancy Guthrie, Courtney Doctor, Mary Kassian, Erin Davis, Kelly Needham, and more. Each guest is a gifted Bible teacher, and loves the truth of God’s Word!
What makes this podcast unique?
Each episode focuses on an interesting, true story of the Bible, and what makes it surprising (both then and now). The style is conversational; not preachy but not shallow, either. Our quest is to treasure up the stories, and live like they’re true.
What’s the theme for the next season?
We’re launching the Judgy Girl season—finding mercy for ourselves and others in stories of the Bible. This season launches summer of ’25 and will continue through Spring of ’26.
Testimonies
Here’s what people are saying about the Live Like It’s True Podcast.
I’ve been listening to your podcast since you began, and have had many opportunities to share with others. It has brought fresh insights to me and how I view stories from the Bible.
The Lord used your podcasts to encourage me during chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. These treatments, and my progress in healing, has given me opportunities to share the light of Christ, and give Him glory for His sure and abundant blessings to me.
I like how Shannon focuses her conversations with guests on the Bible, helping it come alive and encouraging listeners to grow and transform according to the timeless truths of Scripture.
This is truly a one of a kind podcast. Shannon walks listeners through biblical texts in an inspiring and Christ-exalting way. It’s like you’ve gathered with a friend to sit down and dig deeply into Scripture together.
Along the way, Shannon paints memorable connections and illustrations that truly capture the heart of the biblical passage. I always walk away feeling fed and renewed by God’s Word.
I love when I can listen to a podcast and immediately go apply what I learned. Shannon is real and raw and her love of Jesus comes shining through. Relevant topics and always helpful.
Free Workbook
Everyone lives according to the story they believe. Are you living the true story? My Live Like It's True Workbook will help you reject the lies, embrace the truth, and live like the true story is true!
Popular Episodes
You can also search for a particular story by Section and Book of the Bible. (Scroll to the top.)
Funeral Sorrow and the Best Plot Twist Ever | Mary Kassian | John 11-12 – Mary + Martha
Are you going through something really painful right now? Are you wondering, “Why, Jesus? Why didn’t you intervene?” There are two sisters named Mary and Martha, in our story today, who are asking that very question after the...
Sinful People, and the Long-Awaited Lamb of Fulfillment | Erin Davis | Luke 22 – Last Supper
If you were invited to a special dinner party, where the honored guests gathering around the table are all friends of Jesus who will be participating in a symbolic reenactment of the most important day in the history of the world, would you go?...
Jesus Under Arrest, Yet in Complete Control | Lindsay Schott | John 18 – The Arrest of Jesus
When somebody is being arrested, who’s the person with the power? Who seems to be in control? Ordinarily, you’d think it was the guy putting the handcuffs on, right? Not the one with his hands behind his back. But when Jesus of...
Jesus’s Proof that We’ll Get New Bodies in Heaven | Erika VanHaitsma | Mark 16 – Resurrection Morning
Have you thought about your funeral lately? What if your funeral wasn’t the end of your story? What if you knew there was life to be lived afterward, and that you’d get a new body someday? Would it make a difference in how you lived...
Eden’s Grand Potential, The Colossal Fall, and Our Solid Hope | Nancy Guthrie | Genesis 1-3
Knowing your origin story matters. Understanding Eden’s grand potential (Genesis 1-s), helps you understand the colossal fall in Genesis 3, and helps shape your understanding of the world and where you’ve come from, and where the...
How to Bear God’s Image by Gender | Kelly Needham | Genesis 1
Is gender a social construct? And what does it mean to bear God’s image? And how are the two related? The earliest pages of our Bible begin to answer these questions, as we watch our origin story unfold in Genesis 1-3. I’m so...
The Truth About Your Hustle, When God Offers Rest | Lindsay Schott | Sabbath
Are you a perfectionist? Do you run yourself ragged with your work, or your ministry? And have you asked yourself why? Now, I’ve often asked, “Why am I so tired?” But I think a better question is: “Why am I driving myself...
The Rich and Revealing Story of the First Marriage | Mary Kassian | Genesis 2
When the world started asking how marriage should be defined, where did you look for answers? The story of the first man and wife in Genesis 2 is rich and revealing, filled with significant details—which help us not only understand marriage...
An Absurd Story of Being Fooled by God’s Enemy | Courtney Doctor | Genesis 3
Have you ever had an intruder? Knowing that someone has entered your space immediately makes you feel violated and on guard, and that’s exactly how we’re supposed to feel when an intruding serpent shows up in the Garden of Eden. I...
How to Overcome My Desire to Control My Husband | Kelly Needham | Genesis 3:16
Do you ever struggle with control? And do you sometimes feel like taking control is noble and right? Do you think, “If I don’t do something here, the whole world is going to come unhinged”? We have Kelly Needham back today, to...
Funeral Sorrow and the Best Plot Twist Ever | Mary Kassian | John 11-12 – Mary + Martha
Are you going through something really painful right now? Are you wondering, “Why, Jesus? Why didn’t you intervene?” There are two sisters named Mary and Martha, in our story today, who are asking that very question after the...
Sinful People, and the Long-Awaited Lamb of Fulfillment | Erin Davis | Luke 22 – Last Supper
If you were invited to a special dinner party, where the honored guests gathering around the table are all friends of Jesus who will be participating in a symbolic reenactment of the most important day in the history of the world, would you go?...
Jesus Under Arrest, Yet in Complete Control | Lindsay Schott | John 18 – The Arrest of Jesus
When somebody is being arrested, who’s the person with the power? Who seems to be in control? Ordinarily, you’d think it was the guy putting the handcuffs on, right? Not the one with his hands behind his back. But when Jesus of...
Jesus’s Proof that We’ll Get New Bodies in Heaven | Erika VanHaitsma | Mark 16 – Resurrection Morning
Have you thought about your funeral lately? What if your funeral wasn’t the end of your story? What if you knew there was life to be lived afterward, and that you’d get a new body someday? Would it make a difference in how you lived...
Eden’s Grand Potential, The Colossal Fall, and Our Solid Hope | Nancy Guthrie | Genesis 1-3
Knowing your origin story matters. Understanding Eden’s grand potential (Genesis 1-s), helps you understand the colossal fall in Genesis 3, and helps shape your understanding of the world and where you’ve come from, and where the...
How to Bear God’s Image by Gender | Kelly Needham | Genesis 1
Is gender a social construct? And what does it mean to bear God’s image? And how are the two related? The earliest pages of our Bible begin to answer these questions, as we watch our origin story unfold in Genesis 1-3. I’m so...
The Truth About Your Hustle, When God Offers Rest | Lindsay Schott | Sabbath
Are you a perfectionist? Do you run yourself ragged with your work, or your ministry? And have you asked yourself why? Now, I’ve often asked, “Why am I so tired?” But I think a better question is: “Why am I driving myself...
The Rich and Revealing Story of the First Marriage | Mary Kassian | Genesis 2
When the world started asking how marriage should be defined, where did you look for answers? The story of the first man and wife in Genesis 2 is rich and revealing, filled with significant details—which help us not only understand marriage...
An Absurd Story of Being Fooled by God’s Enemy | Courtney Doctor | Genesis 3
Have you ever had an intruder? Knowing that someone has entered your space immediately makes you feel violated and on guard, and that’s exactly how we’re supposed to feel when an intruding serpent shows up in the Garden of Eden. I...
How to Overcome My Desire to Control My Husband | Kelly Needham | Genesis 3:16
Do you ever struggle with control? And do you sometimes feel like taking control is noble and right? Do you think, “If I don’t do something here, the whole world is going to come unhinged”? We have Kelly Needham back today, to...
