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The Lizzy Jensen Show

Books That Shape a Bold Life

Season 1, Ep. 40

In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy opens up her personal “Lizzy’s Library” to share the books that have shaped how she thinks, leads, and lives. As the second-to-last episode of season one, it’s a heartfelt conversation that blends inspiration with practical wisdom on how stories can guide a bold, meaningful life.


Lizzy highlights Ishmael, or In the Depths by E.D.E.N. Southworth — a forgotten classic about courage and perseverance — alongside The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, a powerful invitation to slow down and reclaim what matters most. She also dives into the Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower, celebrating humor, authenticity, and rich friendships, before rounding out the list with the 1828 edition of Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, exploring how words can anchor truth and faith in a noisy world.


Through personal stories of reading alone in a childhood treehouse to simplifying her modern life, Lizzy reflects on why these books still spark courage, curiosity, and purpose. She reminds listeners that growth is never a quick chapter — but a story built page by page.


Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for more depth, this episode is for anyone seeking inspiration to live with greater intention and meaning.


Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy


Referenced Books & Links -


Lizzy’s goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/191614465-lizzy-jensen


Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/leaninwithlizzy?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_4EBQ7CZDFPHAJYVCKHTN


Ishmael: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12640204-ishmael-or-in-the-depths


Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: https://amzn.to/44Cbl0J


John Mark Comer Website: https://johnmarkcomer.com/


John mark Comer Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkcomer/?hl=en


Emma M. Lion Series -

Beth Brower Website: https://www.bethbrower.com/

Beth Brower Substack: https://bethbrower.substack.com/

Audiobook Link: https://www.echopointbooks.com/pages/the-unselected-journals-of-emma-m-lion-audiobook-coming-soon

Beth Brower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethbrower/?hl=en


Noah Webster Dictionary Link: https://amzn.to/4l3JRH3

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