Here’s my August 27 newsletter. To receive my latest articles, favorite religion reads and other updates in your inbox every Saturday, sign-up here. 

The last five days were a blur of deadline projects, article promotion, online meetings and speed reading. My latest cover story on faith-based bullying was released, and I also had the opportunity to report on two new research studies.

The best part of my week was cruising through “Hillbilly Elegy” to prep for my interview with the author. This look at life in the Appalachian region of the U.S. has been on The New York Times Best Sellers list for four weeks, and it sheds light on religious practice in poor communities. Author interviews, or Q&As, are one of my favorite parts of the job, and this conversation with J.D. Vance was extra fun. I can’t wait to share it soon!

FRESH OFF THE PRESS FROM ME

The who, what, how and when of church hunting

The spiritual benefits of running

Reading, writing and respect: How to protect your kids from faith-based bullying

Why culture war issues like same-sex marriage are missing from the election

TOP RELIGION READS

Religious diversity may be making America less religious, Daniel Cox, 538

Hindu American Olympic medal winner says religion taught him control on the court, The Washington Post

How Tim Kaine navigates his faith and politics, National Catholic Reporter

JUST FOR FUN

I’m not sure this counts as “fun,” but my newsletter, my rules! Check out this unbelievable BuzzFeed News investigation into a murdered mom and the daughter who wasn’t who people thought she was.