Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson BONUS: MELISSA DOUGHERTY | 2025 Book of the Year
Dec 24, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Melissa Dougherty, an insightful author and commentator, shares her journey behind her impactful book, 'Happy Lies.' She reveals why her exploration of New Thought influences and personal experiences around gender dysphoria resonated deeply in today's self-obsessed culture. Melissa discusses the book's unexpected success and her hopes for teaching outreach. Advocating for critical thinking among Christians, she emphasizes the need for discernment in confronting ideological projections. Plus, exciting hints about a potential children's book collaboration!
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Why The Book Stood Out Immediately
- Melissa Dougherty's Happy Lies felt immediately like a standout and book-of-the-year candidate to Kyle Thompson early in his read.
- Its combination of fresh subject matter and readable presentation made it uniquely powerful for his audience.
Author Reflects On Writing Struggle
- Melissa says writing Happy Lies was the hardest thing she's ever done and she felt surprised and honored by Kyle's enthusiasm.
- She recalls Kyle reaching out energetically which made the accolade feel especially meaningful.
Why The Topic Needed A Book
- Melissa framed the topic as personal and largely untouched in Christian publishing, requiring deep research to do it justice.
- She believed a book (not a short video) was necessary to properly document the movement she exposed.