I'm Baaaaaaaack!


Hey Friends!   

I’ve got a Bible and the English Major announcement for you! Although it’s been quite a while since I’ve put anything new out in podcast land, I’m happy to say I’m ready to be back at it, although in a new way.

What you need to know

Let me start by giving you a little historical context.   It was the fall of 2016 and my youngest son had just started kindergarten.  My days were suddenly less occupied with legos, trips to the zoo, and playdates at the park.  I had space to really pray for the first time in years, and I was thrilled to discover that God had a second act in store for me, beyond the stay-at-home mom thing I’d loved for 8 years. 

Off to grad school I went.  I took a class entitled “The Women of Genesis” seeking proof that God loves women more than some churches seem to.  Let me tell you, I found my proof.  With the help of the Spirit and through reading Genesis like an English Major I discovered some things about Rebekah that I have deep hope of turning into a book.  

Fast forward a few years and my kids went back to school again after COVID.  Freedom!!!!! It felt like time to begin chasing that dream.  My idea was some sort of blog/newsletter thingy I could use to practice writing and to find people who wanted to read it.  My dear husband asked if I was still living in 2003 and insisted we turn it into a podcast instead.  If you’ve been listening I’m guessing the rest is history for you.  If not, well, there are 27 episodes I invite you to check out!

On With the Show

I am so grateful to my patrons who’ve continued to support me, even when new podcasts weren’t coming out.  You are faithful friends.  As I’m sure many of you have heard me explain in the past, my husband Matt is busy bread-winning for our family while helping me chase this dream, and right now, we’re putting more money into the podcast than we’re getting out of it.  That puts a real limit on the timeline for dream-chasing, so it seems to me it’s time to get started on that Rebekah book.  Here’s the problem: I’ve never written a book before.  Here’s the other problem: while I never set out to be a podcaster, I am one now, and the idea of permanently putting the microphone down to be an author hurts my heart.  So the solution we’ve come up with is this:  You all get to listen (or read, if you so choose) along while I write chapters of what I pray will someday be a book.  It will be a lot of Genesis, and specifically a lot of Rebekah.  It might not always sound very podcasty, and it will certainly be messy, but the main thing is, it will get done.  Beginning in January, you get to keep me accountable for creating my dream.  I owe you big time for that.

My brain is sizzling with the research I’ve been doing and with the writer questions I’m asking myself:  Who is my audience?  How do I make this thing that I’m passionate about relevant for them?  What is the crossover between what I want to say and what they’re interested in hearing?  I would love your feedback on that, so as you’re listening, please let me know your thoughts.  

Thank you all again for your grace during my break from the podcast!

Explore The Bible and the English Major seasons.

Maren Jo Schneider

Writer, Speaker, Podcaster, Story Fiend, Beloved One

Maren Jo Schneider, a dynamic writer, speaker, and podcaster, transforms our understanding of biblical stories, centering women and others historically marginalized by the church. Maren unleashes her English Major magic on these narratives, highlighting the drama, context, and artistry that showcase God's divine love for all.

Her podcast, "The Bible and the English Major," is featured on Feedspot's "100 Best Bible Podcasts" and several of Chartable.com's top podcast lists. Thanks to her listeners, her podcast has 5 out of 5 Stars on Spotify and 4.9 out of 5 stars on Apple Podcasts. According to Spotify, “The Bible and the English Major” community grew 241% in 2023.

In addition to her podcast, Maren speaks at faith-based gatherings and in secular spaces. Based on the success of her 2023 “The Greatest Story Ever Told?” tour, she is now scheduling additional dates in 2024.

Maren’s passion derives from the unseen significance of Rebekah of Genesis. Her paper "Not Just Isaac’s Wife: Rebekah as Chosen One," written during her study of “The Women of Genesis” while at Claremont Graduate School, was accepted at The Society of Biblical Literature’s regional conference in 2020.

Maren holds a degree in English from Valparaiso University and has furthered her education in Women’s Studies at Claremont Graduate School. You can find some of her writing on Google Scholar. She has also served in roles at Zion-St. John Lutheran Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and Ingham Lutheran Bible Camp.

Maren’s current work is writing a book shedding light on Rebekah’s role and unseen significance. Join her book-writing journey in Season 6 of “The Bible and the English Major.”

https://marenjo.com/about
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The Road to Rebekah, Part 1: Permission Granted

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The Woman Caught in Adultery, Part 4: Conversations With a Friend: Jennifer Garcia Bashaw