Attention to Detail: Jonathan Merritt and Jenni Catron
Small Talk
Today we’re continuing in a series that gathers behind-the-scenes recommendations from authors, bloggers and other influencers.
Last week we heard from Brad Lomenick (of Catalyst) and Tim Soerens (of Inhabit). And right before that, we stopped in to chat with blogger Ron Edmondson and notable writer Cathleen Falsani.
This week, I bring you Jonathan Merritt and Jenni Catron. Thank you for letting us get a glimpse into your lives today, friends.
[line]Jonathan Merritt
Sarah: So let’s get right to it. Same question I ask everyone… What are you reading?
Jonathan: About about the only magazine I read is The Atlantic. When it comes to books, I read a good many commentaries. Also, about a year ago, I fell in love with Barbara Brown Taylor. So I ordered all of her sermons and books, and I’m making my way through those. I’m also reading Carver’s What We Talk About When We Talk about Love, and I’m rereading God Stories by H. Stephen Shoemaker.
Sarah: Thanks, Jonathan. I hear you. I got a lot out of Barbara Brown Taylor’s Altar In This World (Here’s a review I wrote for CT’s blog). Next question, what are you listening to these days?
Jonathan: The three most listened to artists on my iTunes last week were Francis and the Lights, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Jesus Culture. A weird mix, for sure.
Sarah: Definitely. And that Macklemore is popping up everywhere. What about on screen stuff? What are you watching?
Jonathan: My friends and I get together to watch two shows every week: New Girl and The Mindy Project. I also watch The Following and Happy Endings. I’m about to start watching season one of Walking Dead, too.
Sarah: Love you have a tradition of watching certain series with friends. How about travel plans? Going anywhere coming up soon?
Jonathan: I’m about to go to Malawi for a week, and for pleasure, I’m taking a vacation to California wine country with friends. I also love concerts, and I’ll drive to Nashville next month to see She & Him live at Ryman.
Sarah: Nice! And what if I ran into you randomly one day? Who might I find you with?
Jonathan: My nephew Harper. He knows he owns me. We’re buddies.
Sarah: Ha. I belong to a toddler myself, so I get that. Okay, last question. What are you cooking?
Jonathan: I love to cook, and when my friends come over to my place, they put a little cash in a pot and eat whatever I’ve put on the menu. One of the most creative dishes I did recent was butternut squash soup. That is a difficult vegetable to work with, and I probably won’t do it again any time soon. I also make a Tres Leches cake, which was good. I love sweets.
Sarah: Okay my final comment is about these two dishes. Last word: impressed.
Jonathan Merritt is a faith and culture writer who has published over 350 articles in outlets such as USA Today, CNN.Com and Christianity Today. He’s also the author of A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond Culture Wars and Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our Planet.
Jenni Catron
Sarah: Jenni! Glad to have you back on my blog again. I know you guys have been busy moving the church to a new site, but in the middle of all that comes with that, what have you been reading?
Jenni: Oh my goodness. There are so many great books on my reading list right now! Currently I’m in the middle of The Catalyst Leader by Brad Lomenick and Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. I just finished Home, the Julie Andrews memoir and I’m about to start Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.
Sarah: Brene Brown. Love her. Making a mental note on the Andrews book too. Interesting. Okay, next one, what are you listening to these days?
Jenni: Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience. Please don’t judge… I’m such a sucker for pop music.
Sarah: Ha. No judgment here. Glad you’re confessing on the record.
Jenni: And I’m loving Meredith Andrews’ record.
Sarah: Okay, onto your TV. What would I find you taking in on an average weekday night?
Jenni: I’m a huge fan of The Voice. I love seeing people live out their dreams and even more I love seeing them mentored/coached to further develop their gifts.
Sarah: Huh. Now that you say that, I see why The Voice might appeal to you. Tell me about where you expect to find yourself this year…while listening to Timberlake of course.
Jenni: Lots of fun places on my calendar this year but I’m probably most excited about a trip I’ll be taking in August with BloodWater:Mission to Nairobi, Kenya to see some of the HIV/AIDS work they are doing.
Sarah: And let’s say we catch up in Nashville again and I ask you who you’ve been hanging around with lately?
Jenni: The fabulous Sherry Surratt partnered with me to write the book Just Lead: The No Whining, No Complaining, No Nonsense, Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church. Sherry is truly a gem and partnering with her has been a tremendous honor.
Sarah: I love the title. My Facebook community got that shared a couple times, I think. We’re at the grand finale then. What are you cooking?
Jenni: Peanut Butter sandwiches. Seriously, I could happily live on peanut butter alone.
Sarah: Oh no shame there. I love peanut butter. I’m ready to give it its own food group.
