How It All Began
It all started in November 2014, right after the family left Mockingjay: Part 1. The car ride home was filled with passionate opinions, dramatic reenactments, and just enough laughter to make everyone forget the plot holes. Somewhere between “the book did it better” and “why was that scene even in there?”, Rebekah had a spark of genius: we should make this a podcast.
The first episode was recorded not long after—complete with homemade popcorn, shared microphones, and plenty of sibling side-eye. But like any good story, The Book Is Better took time to find its voice. Fast-forward to 2020, and that idea finally became reality: a clean, family-friendly podcast where honest opinions and hearty laughs reign supreme.
We love stories that make you think, laugh, or cry (sometimes all at once). While a lot of entertainment today leans political or edgy, we wanted a space where listeners—especially Christian families—could enjoy lively discussion without the cringe.
Our sweet spot? Sci-fi, fantasy, and anything that sparks imagination. But we’ll branch out for a blockbuster or two if it gets the family chat buzzing. Because in our house, there’s always room for popcorn, strong opinions, and one undeniable truth—the book is almost always better.
LISTEN ON:
The Hosts
Rebekah
Edwards
Host
Rebekah, daughter and sister of the family, had the idea for us to start this podcast. Since graduating from her parent’s alma mater (now a university) with degrees in Psychology and Worship Arts, Rebekah has worked for a number of companies, using her organizational and writing skills to advance her career as a trainer, writer/editor.
Rebekah and hubby/editor reside in the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee. They run a successful SEO company and are active at their church in the worship and media departments. Rebekah has a beautiful voice, plays guitar and piano. In her ‘free time’, Rebekah is active in her church, working with children’s and young adult’s ministries, and singing on the praise team. ( Rebekah is the COO of the church)
Tim
Haynes
Host
Tim Haynes, dad of our group, had one dream as a teenager: to be a husband and father. As pastor for 39 years, Tim served in WV, OH, PA, and SC – 11 ½ years as a youth and music pastor, the remainder as a preacher/teacher. His hobbies include writing, playing the piano, reading, and going to movies with Donna and the kids. (He’s also a huge Trekkie.)
But to follow the dreams of his youth, Tim gives most of his energy to being the best husband and dad in the world. We are a strong family because of his determination and devotion to us. Our love and respect for him is beyond great.
Tim
Haynes
Host
Tim Haynes, dad of our group, had one dream as a teenager: to be a husband and father. As pastor for 39 years, Tim served in WV, OH, PA, and SC – 11 ½ years as a youth and music pastor, the remainder as a preacher/teacher. His hobbies include writing, playing the piano, reading, and going to movies with Donna and the kids. (He’s also a huge Trekkie.)
But to follow the dreams of his youth, Tim gives most of his energy to being the best husband and dad in the world. We are a strong family because of his determination and devotion to us. Our love and respect for him is beyond great.
Donna
Haynes
Host + Social Media
Donna Haynes, mom of the family, met Tim in 1984 at Trevecca Nazarene College. After becoming dear friends they fell in love and were married in 1986. Baby Rebekah was born in 1988 and Josiah came along in 1994 to complete our sweet crew. Social Media
Donna is a Corporate Accounting Manager for a manufacturing company in Upstate South Carolina, where she and Tim have lived for the past 18 years. She treasures being a pastor’s wife, enjoys singing, Sudoku, YouTube fail videos, games on her cell phone, and audio books. But her best life is lived with Tim and the kids.
T. Josiah
Haynes
Host
Josiah, son and brother of the group, lives in the Nashville area, where he has been since graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University. He has used his degrees in Dramatic Arts and Communication, with a minor in Music Composition, to become an accomplished actor, author, composer, writer, director, and producer.
Building on his high school activities in marching band and musical theatre, Josiah has written, composed, and directed two musicals, taught marching band percussion for 6 years, and acted/directed several musicals at Springhouse Theatre Company. After serving as Music Director at Adonai Arts Academy for 4 years, he became the inaugural Theatre Director in 2021, establishing a flourishing children’s theatre in the heart of Nashville.
T. Josiah
Haynes
Host
Josiah, son and brother of the group, lives in the Nashville area, where he has been since graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University. He has used his degrees in Dramatic Arts and Communication, with a minor in Music Composition, to become an accomplished actor, author, composer, writer, director, and producer.
Building on his high school activities in marching band and musical theatre, Josiah has written, composed, and directed two musicals, taught marching band percussion for 6 years, and acted/directed several musicals at Springhouse Theatre Company. After serving as Music Director at Adonai Arts Academy for 4 years, he became the inaugural Theatre Director in 2021, establishing a flourishing children’s theatre in the heart of Nashville.
reviews
What Our Listeners Say
u003cemu003e u0022 I don’t have any complaints at all! The quality is incredible. The hosts are informative, funny, u0026amp; personable. It’s clean too!u003cbru003eI can’t believe nobody else has come up with this idea for a podcast before, but I’m glad it was them that did!u003cbru003eUnless you really care about spoilers for certain things, I recommend just listening to every episode.u0022u003c/emu003e
u003cemu003eThis podcast genuinely brings joy to my heart. Your family dynamic is hilarious and heartwarming. I love the consistent breakdown in comparisons between stories for each show (timeline, character changes, etc.). You find the best parts of stories to discuss, and even/especially when you despise the adaptations (or even the source content), you are lighthearted and make me laugh out loud. Thanks for inviting us all into your family time!u003c/emu003e
u003cemu003eu0022This one was a pleasant add to the podcast lineup. So enjoyed the family dynamic and perspective from each person. I admit I’m more into watching than reading but my kids are always encouraging me to read the book (“Mom, it’s always better!”) This podcast might actually get me there! u0022u003c/emu003e