S8Ep2: Talia Messina - God’s Name for Me

January 12, 2026

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S8Ep1 - Esau McCaulley, God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible

January 5, 2026

00:00 29:26

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This week on the podcast, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Tricia Goyer sit down with children’s book author Talia Messina to talk about her upcoming picture book, God’s Name for Me, releasing from Tyndale Kids in September 2025.

We all have funny or affectionate nicknames given by family and loved ones—names that may be silly, sweet, or deeply personal, but still part of who we are. Does your child have a special nickname that’s just for them?

In God’s Name for Me, Talia Messina brings together a diverse group of children who share the playful nicknames they’ve received from parents, grandparents, and friends. Through these stories, kids are gently reminded that while nicknames can be fun and meaningful, there is one name that matters most: the name God gives them, spoken out of His perfect love.

This heartfelt children’s book helps young readers discover God’s “super special” name for them—freely given simply because they are exactly who He created them to be. The message is clear and powerful: being God’s child has nothing to do with personality, appearance, energy level, size, behavior, or how others treat us. Instead, our identity is rooted entirely in God’s unconditional love for His precious children.

Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and ministry leaders, this episode explores faith-based identity, God’s love for children, and how Christian picture books can help kids understand who they are in Christ.

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Meet Your Hosts

As co-creator of VeggieTales, co-founder of Big Idea Entertainment, and the voice of Larry the Cucumber, Mike Nawrocki has been dedicated to helping parents pass on biblical values to their kids for over three decades. Mike is the offbeat brain behind Silly Songs with Larry, and has lent his screenwriting and directing talents to dozens of VeggieTales episodes, as well as both of the properties’ theatrical releases, Jonah and The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.

His most recent project, an early-reader book series published by Tyndale House titled The Dead Sea Squirrels, has been adapted into a 13-episode animated series now streaming on Minno, with more books and a season 2 of animation currently in the works. Mike also serves as an assistant professor of film and animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and co-hosts the weekly podcast, “The Bible for Kids.”

Tricia Goyer is a USA Today bestselling author of over 100 books, including historical fiction, family favorites, and books for children and teens. She co-hosts The Bible for Kids Podcast, where she gets to talk with authors, musicians, and ministry leaders who are passionate about pointing kids to Jesus.

As a homeschooling mom of ten and wife to John, Tricia knows firsthand the joy (and the chaos!) of discipling kids in real life. She's written more than 500 articles, speaks at homeschool and family conferences across the country, and loves helping parents and grandparents pass along a living faith to the next generation. Her recent releases include Twist of Time, co-written with her son Nathan. Learn more at triciagoyer.com.