The Joe Rooz Show

<p>Tonight I’m joined by Finnish-Canadian author, certified book coach, and podcaster A. L. Jensen (aka Liisa Kovola) to explore how reinvention, discipline, and a dash of Nordic comfort can transform both a writing life and a mystery series.&nbsp; We dig into her pivot from teaching to full-time creativity, why she split her work between pen names, and how book coaching accelerates craft, confidence, and completion.<br />&nbsp;<br />A. L. shares the inspiration behind her Nordic cozy Hygge House series—where small-town charm meets culture, community, and just the right amount of murder—and how midlife changes fueled her storytelling. We also unpack the power of accountability, the realities of finishing a book, and why readers are craving warmth and connection alongside their whodunits. You’ll hear practical insights on plotting vs. pantsing, the value of mentorship, and the tough-love truths new writers need.<br />&nbsp;<br />A. L. also talks about becoming Canada’s first Asahi Nordic instructor, embracing multiple creative identities, and how podcasting helps introverted storytellers find their public voice. If you’ve got a book inside you—or a new chapter of life to write—this conversation is your nudge to start before you feel perfectly ready. <br /><br />Guest: A.L. Jensen (Liisa Kovala)<br /><a href="https://liisakovalabookcoach.com" target="_blank">https://liisakovalabookcoach.com</a><br /><a href="https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com" target="_blank">https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com</a><br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(01:48) Opening monologue and show intro from Asylum Studios</p><p>(02:26) Tonight’s topic and guest tease: fiction, cozies, and execution</p><p>(03:06) Housekeeping: website, contact options, live schedule, algorithms</p><p>(05:36) Guest setup: introducing A. L. Jensen and the Hygge House series</p><p>(07:00) Reunion banter and catching up on time passing</p><p>(08:07) What’s new: two books released and becoming an Asahi Nordic instructor</p><p>(10:01) Origins: deciding to write and the moment it became serious</p><p>(12:26) Career pivots, burnout, and listening to the body</p><p>(16:15) Pen names and creative freedom: Lisa Kovala vs. A. L. Jensen</p><p>(19:45) Defining book coaching and how coaching relationships work</p><p>(22:23) Learning craft: mentoring, feedback, and tough love</p><p>(26:39) Fit matters: vetting clients and choosing the right coach</p><p>(27:59) Pantsing vs. plotting and finishing the first draft</p><p>(29:42) Can great writing be taught? Talent, practice, and growth</p><p>(31:25) Sisu and finishing: what separates completers from dreamers</p><p>(33:00) Why shift to cozy mysteries and how the idea arrived</p><p>(35:00) Defining Nordic cozy and weaving Finnish heritage</p><p>(37:52) Hygge, design, and culture inside a small town setting</p><p>(40:01) Why comfort plus murder resonates in chaotic times</p><p>(41:58) Dark humor detour: hatchets, horror, and comic relief</p><p>(43:39) The Hygge House arc: plans for Book 3 and beyond</p><p>(44:49) Podcasting, introversion, and finding a public voice</p><p>(47:56) ‘Podcast voice’ and performing different roles</p><p>(49:02) Women writers’ voices and representation today</p><p>(50:50) Local leadership shout‑out: saving a literary festival</p><p>(52:48) Where to find A. L. Jensen and Lisa online</p><p>(54:04) Host wrap‑up, producer thanks, and support options</p><p>(55:36) Final thoughts: ideas vs. execution and ‘Someday’ isn’t a plan</p><p> - <a href="https://sacredtarotcardreadings.com/" target="_blank" >Marisa Lee</a></p><p> - Wayne Rankin</p><p> - Rosanna Rankin</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Angela Wetuski</a></p><p> - Carolina Jimenez</p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>

<p>In this Wednesday's with Wayne edition, I’m joined by our resident Practical Prepper, Wayne Rankin, for a lively, wide-ranging conversation on self-reliance, community, and faith. We kick off with updates from Eagle Pass and Wayne’s whirlwind week: a near-disaster averted with a flooded cellar and gas water heater, how smart improvisation (hello, gym showers) fits into practical preparedness, and why a few key home fixes and tutorials can save you big down the line.<br />&nbsp;<br />Wayne shares the power of church community—teams of men rallying to split and stack 16 cords of firewood, the joy of feeding helpers Texas-style brisket and pulled pork, and giving first fruits to a single mom and youth fundraiser. We dig into homestead systems (propane stoves, generators, future wind turbine, beehives, garden, and flock), medical self-care with simple herbal and pantry remedies, and how to approach bartering—from cakes for car repairs to salmon for small engine help.<br />&nbsp;<br />We also reflect on stewardship, personal responsibility before God, and honest concerns about policy, AI, and the cost of living, all through a grounded, hopeful lens of family, fellowship, and doing the next right thing. Plus, I recap our recent Sunday Bible study on Revelation 12 and preview Wayne’s next adventure, filming along the Cowlitz River beneath Mount St. Helens. If you’re building resilience and community—without the doom—this episode is for you.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(00:03:06) Welcome to Wednesdays with Wayne</p><p>(00:07:05) Introducing Wayne from Washington State</p><p>(00:07:31) Health updates, pain management, and faith</p><p>(00:09:34) Hourglasses, Lurch, and simple joys</p><p>(00:11:58) Fireside espresso and Coltrane vibes</p><p>(00:13:56) Massive trees, milling plans, and future shop</p><p>(00:15:30) Church work party: 16 cords and community</p><p>(00:19:47) A near-disaster under the house and quick fixes</p><p>(00:23:22) Gym showers as a prep and hard-water lessons</p><p>(00:26:00) Homestead bartering and OfferUp wins</p><p>(00:31:00) Esteeming others, joy, and marriage teamwork</p><p>(00:31:41) Wayne takes the mic: defining off-grid life</p><p>(00:33:24) Generators, propane, and future wind power</p><p>(00:35:32) Self-sufficiency: water, heat, food, and fun</p><p>(00:37:03) Modern bartering: cakes, wood, salmon, and skills</p><p>(00:38:38) Looking to July 4: fishing plans and reflection</p><p>(00:39:55) Politics, taxes, and frustrations in Washington State</p><p>(00:48:37) Practical preps: vitamins, remedies, and mullein tea</p><p>(00:52:59) More bartering: pastries for mechanic work</p><p>(00:53:09) Gas prices, AI data centers, and privacy worries</p><p>(00:55:03) Accountability before God and leadership</p><p>(00:58:19) Facial recognition travels and surveillance tales</p><p>(01:00:41) Bartering wordplay and clarifying services</p><p>(01:02:06) King Baldwin IV, judgment, and hope</p><p>(01:05:00) Psalm 2, divine laughter, and the eternal woodshed</p><p>(01:06:06) Producer thanks and how to support</p><p>(01:08:16) Closing thoughts and upcoming adventures</p><p> - <a href="https://sacredtarotcardreadings.com/" target="_blank" >Marisa Lee</a></p><p> - Wayne Rankin</p><p> - Rosanna Rankin</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Angela Wetuski</a></p><p> - Carolina Jimenez</p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>

<p>In this Sunday Bible Study, I walk us through Revelation chapter 12, building on last week’s look at the two witnesses and the rise of global rebellion. We identify the key figures—the woman (Israel), the great red dragon (Satan), Michael the archangel, and the man child—and trace how this chapter unveils the spiritual war behind human history and Israel’s prophetic role.<br /><br />We compare scripture with scripture (Genesis 37; Matthew 16, 24–25; Daniel; Zechariah) to clarify symbols, discuss Satan’s casting down and intensified persecution, Israel’s flight into the wilderness for 1,260 days, and the judgment of the nations based on how they treat Israel. I highlight how believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and why Satan’s time is short, reminding us that God remains in control even as deception increases.<br /><br /><br />I also answer common interpretations (e.g., whether the woman is Mary or the Church), note possible double applications of the “man child,” and consider what “two wings of a great eagle” might mean—all with the aim of encouraging you to study with an open Bible and confidence in Christ’s victory. If you missed the earlier Revelation studies or the dispensations series referenced, you can find them in the archives on joerooz.com.<br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(03:42) Opening, date, and Sunday Bible Study welcome</p><p>(04:36) On the authority of the King James Bible and church reminders</p><p>(06:04) Housekeeping: website, contact, comments, live schedule, and platforms</p><p>(09:48) Setting the stage for Revelation 12 and reading verses 1–6</p><p>(12:02) Prayer and overview of Revelation 12–13 characters</p><p>(12:58) Who is the woman? Interpreting the sign with Genesis 37</p><p>(17:10) The great red dragon and a third of the stars cast down</p><p>(20:00) The man child: Christ and possible dual applications</p><p>(24:40) Satan’s long war against the seed and Israel through history</p><p>(29:44) Flight into the wilderness and Jesus’ words in Matthew 24</p><p>(33:06) Who will feed Israel? Judgment of the nations in Matthew 25</p><p>(37:42) Advice for the left behind and war in heaven with Michael</p><p>(40:03) Satan cast down, the deceiver of the whole world</p><p>(43:12) How believers overcome: blood, testimony, and not loving life</p><p>(46:12) Rejoice in heaven, woe on earth: Satan’s short time and fury</p><p>(47:24) Two wings of a great eagle and Israel’s escape</p><p>(49:53) Flood against the woman, Petra, and the earth’s help</p><p>(51:18) Two-part salvation for tribulation saints and closing prayer</p><p>(53:43) Takeaways: spiritual warfare, Satan’s certain judgment, and hope in Christ</p><p>(55:51) Thanks to supporters and sign‑off</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Joe "Rooz" Russiello</a></p><p> - <a href="https://sacredtarotcardreadings.com/" target="_blank" >Marisa Lee</a></p><p> - Wayne Rankin</p><p> - Rosanna Rankin</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Angela Wetuski</a></p><p> - Carolina Jimenez</p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>

<p>Tonight on the Joe Rooz Show, Joe sits down with documentary filmmaker Andrew Linn to discuss one of the most misunderstood concepts in modern American life: the separation of church and state.<br /><br />Andrew Linn is the director of Church and State: Roger Williams and the Founding of Freedom of Religion, a documentary exploring the origins of religious liberty in America and the forgotten history behind one of the nation’s foundational principles. <br /><br />Together, Joe and Andrew discuss:<br />&nbsp;Roger Williams and the founding of religious freedom <br />&nbsp;Freedom OF religion vs. freedom FROM religion <br />&nbsp;The true meaning of “separation of church and state” <br />&nbsp;Faith in public life <br />&nbsp;Cancel culture and civil discourse <br />&nbsp;Constitutional misconceptions <br />&nbsp;The role Christianity played in America’s founding <br />&nbsp;Why these debates matter now more than ever <br /><br />This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about liberty, history, faith, and the cultural battles shaping modern America.<br /><br />Guest: Andrew Linn<br /><a href="https://churchandstatedoc.com/" target="_blank">https://churchandstatedoc.com/</a><br /><a href="https://danglinnproductions.com/" target="_blank">https://danglinnproductions.com/</a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DanglinnProductions" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@DanglinnProductions</a><br /><a href="https://rumble.com/user/linnamon11" target="_blank">https://rumble.com/user/linnamon11</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(00:02:59) Opening monologue and show setup</p><p>(00:04:03) Tonight’s topic: Separation of church and state</p><p>(00:08:15) Guest intro: Filmmaker Andrew Lin and his documentary</p><p>(00:09:46) Andrew’s path into documentary filmmaking</p><p>(00:11:32) Who was Roger Williams and why he matters</p><p>(00:13:29) Debating monarchy, millennial reign, and theology</p><p>(00:16:01) Culture, power, and the left–right divide</p><p>(00:18:10) Spiritual boldness and Christian life</p><p>(00:20:33) Andrew Lin’s testimony of faith</p><p>(00:22:17) Calling to make Church and State and timing</p><p>(00:22:26) Joe’s testimony: from Catholic roots to conversion</p><p>(00:31:00) Why key American stories are overlooked</p><p>(00:39:06) Roger Williams vs. cancel culture and real toleration</p><p>(00:41:32) Freedom of religion vs. freedom from religion</p><p>(00:42:56) Education, ideology, and historical amnesia</p><p>(00:43:51) Would Roger Williams recognize today’s America?</p><p>(00:46:10) Law, culture, and biblical foundations in America</p><p>(00:48:28) Liberty of conscience for all</p><p>(00:49:10) Why religious liberty matters to non‑believers too</p><p>(00:50:26) Trailer segment and film discussion setup</p><p>(00:52:33) Trailer reaction and film praise</p><p>(00:53:33) What surprised Andrew in researching Williams</p><p>(00:55:12) Forced religion and the corruption of the church</p><p>(00:58:00) First Amendment, establishments, and state churches</p><p>(01:00:15) History, identity, and the American union debate</p><p>(01:01:30) Leaders, rhetoric, and a nation at a tipping point</p><p>(01:06:08) Eschatology, vigilance, and the Christian’s role</p><p>(01:07:29) Where to watch: Church and State and Andrew’s work</p><p>(01:09:20) Producer shout‑outs and supporting the show</p><p>(01:10:40) Final thoughts: The soul of liberty and sign‑off</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Joe "Rooz" Russiello</a></p><p> - <a href="https://sacredtarotcardreadings.com/" target="_blank" >Marisa Lee</a></p><p> - Wayne Rankin</p><p> - Rosanna Rankin</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Angela Wetuski</a></p><p> - Carolina Jimenez</p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>

<p>In this Memorial Day week episode, I open up about why this holiday is one of my most meaningful, honoring the men and women who paid the ultimate price to secure our freedoms and the everyday heroes who keep our communities safe. I reflect on family stories, the purpose behind the day, and what it means for us as Americans to celebrate with gratitude and remembrance.<br />&nbsp;<br />Then I welcome back our “Wednesday with Wayne” guest, Wayne Rankin—aka Dr. Prepper—for a practical, no-nonsense deep dive on preparedness. Wayne shares hands-on tips for short-term outages and storms: simple water strategies (bathtub fills, water heater access, safe flushing), low-cost pantry essentials (proteins, beans, rice, canned fruit), and easy starter gardening ideas to stretch budgets and build resilience.<br />&nbsp;<br />We also touch on rising costs, supply chain pressures, and why learning trades and home skills can steady families in uncertain times. It’s a grounded, encouraging conversation about honoring sacrifice while taking practical steps to care for our homes and neighbors.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> <p> Watch and Follow<br /><a href="https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://Rumble.com/JoeRooz</a><br /><a href="https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz" target="_blank">https://YouTube.com/@JoeRooz</a><br /><br />FOLLOW US ON:<br />X: https://x.com/joerooz<br />Facebook: https://facebook.com/joeroozshow<br />Twitch TV: https://twitch.tv/joerooz<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/notjoerooz<br />TikTok: https://tiktok.com/joe.rooz<br />Minds: https://minds.com/joerooz<br />GETTR: https://gettr.com/joerooz<br /><br />Special thanks to:<br />Executive Producer Wayne Rankin<br />Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin<br />Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez<br />Executive Producer Angela Wetuski<br />Executive Producer John Seeley<br /><br />Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show?<br />Send Joe a message on #PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe<br /><br />Check out our partners:<br />Podhome.fm<br />Creative Edge<br /><br />Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo<br /><br />️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864" target="_blank">https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5724294587940864</a><br /><br /><p>(03:37) Opening at Asylum Studios and show setup</p><p>(04:18) Wednesdays with Wayne teaser and week recap</p><p>(04:57) Memorial Day reflections and meaning</p><p>(07:11) Housekeeping, platforms, and how to connect</p><p>(09:10) Live show schedule and community support</p><p>(09:50) Introducing Wayne Rankin, Doctor Prepper</p><p>(10:07) Waynes family WWII stories and sacrifice</p><p>(16:15) Training, Normandy perspective, and grit</p><p>(17:05) Enola Gay ground crew memories and aftermath</p><p>(19:53) From postwar prosperity to todays costs</p><p>(21:07) Lighthearted Godzilla nostalgia break</p><p>(25:00) Politics, culture clash, and faith views</p><p>(30:14) Practical Prepping 101: water, toilets, heat</p><p>(34:50) Fuel prices, supply chains, and budgeting</p><p>(38:31) Low-cost pantry building and staples list</p><p>(43:04) Start small: totes, proteins, rice, and beans</p><p>(44:55) Grow your own: lettuce, kale, and containers</p><p>(46:28) Farm challenges, taxes, and cost of living</p><p>(52:06) Hands-on how-to plans and simple greenhouses</p><p>(53:13) Personal responsibility, faith, and duty</p><p>(55:11) Closing reflections on Memorial Days purpose</p><p>(57:54) Producer shout-outs and support options</p><p>(59:02) Sign-off and final calls to action</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Joe "Rooz" Russiello</a></p><p> - <a href="https://sacredtarotcardreadings.com/" target="_blank" >Marisa Lee</a></p><p> - Wayne Rankin</p><p> - Rosanna Rankin</p><p> - <a href="https://joerooz.com" target="_blank" >Angela Wetuski</a></p><p> - Carolina Jimenez</p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com/support" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com/support</a></p><p><a href="https://www.joerooz.com" target="_blank" >https://www.joerooz.com</a></p></p>