Dr. Liz Hall is Professor of Psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California, where she researches and teaches at the intersection of suffering, meaning-making, and Christian spirituality.

In my time with Dr. Hall, we discuss her most recent book, entitled When the Journey Hurts: Finding Meaning in Suffering for Heart, Mind, and Soul . Specifically, she discusses her own personal experience with breast cancer, how suffering can lead to flourishing, how she holds on to God’s goodness and beauty amidst life’s difficulties, and how suffering can open us up to God’s presence.  

Alastair Sterne’s invitation to joy was an unexpected one. Ironically, it was while struggling with depression that he started to pay attention to the full array of his emotions, including joylessness.

In this fascinating conversation with creative director turned pastor, Alastair Sterne, he discusses his latest book, Longing for Joy: An Invitation to the Goodness and Beauty of Life. Alastair is currently the associate pastor at Coastline Church in Victoria, British Columbia. In our time together, he talks about why joy can be so elusive, how we can hold joy alongside suffering, how joy connects us to God, and practical ways we can cultivate joy.