Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

In a world where certainty, hot takes, and strong opinions dominate, what if curiosity and humility were actually the more faithful way of following Jesus? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan talks with pastor, theologian, and professor A. J. Swoboda about his new book, A Teachable Spirit. Together, they explore what it means to cultivate intellectual humility as a spiritual discipline and to rediscover the joy of learning—even from unexpected places and people. You’ll learn: Why being teachable is central to spiritual formation. How to learn from unlikely voices—children, strangers, enemies, and even the dead. Practices for slowing down and resisting the culture of distraction and quick answers. How curiosity creates deeper wisdom, peace, and more gracious leadership. Guest Bio:A. J. Swoboda, PhD, is a pastor, theologian, and professor at Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon, where he teaches Bible, theology, and Christian history. He is the author of several books, including Subversive Sabbath and After Doubt. He also co-hosts the “Slow Theology” podcast and is a sought-after voice on spiritual formation, rest, and resilience in today’s culture.   Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you move beyond shame and silence to discover your true worth? In this inspiring episode, Gem Fadling sits down with Eryn Eddy Adkins—founder of So Worth Loving and co-host of the God Hears Her podcast—to talk about healing, faith, and what it really means to find belonging in a safe, loving community.   If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of shame, not-enoughness, or self-doubt, you are not alone. Eryn shares her journey from pain to purpose, and how telling your true story (not just the polished version) can be a bridge to deeper healing and connection with others.   In this conversation, you’ll learn: How to move beyond shame and find your voice The power of honest storytelling in the Christian life Why community is essential for healing deep wounds Practical steps for building safe spaces and healthy relationships Encouragement for Christian women wrestling with self-worth and faith Real-life lessons from Eryn’s work at So Worth Loving and the God Hears Her podcast   About Eryn Eddy Adkins:Eryn Eddy Adkins is the founder and CEO of So Worth Loving, a lifestyle brand and online community helping thousands move from pain and shame to self-worth and belovedness. Her work has been featured in CNN, Oprah, and more. She is the author of So Worth Loving and the longtime co-host of the God Hears Her podcast.   More resources:→ Learn about So Worth Loving: https://soworthloving.com→ Listen to God Hears Her: [https://godhearsher.org/podcast/]→ Connect with Eryn on Instagram: [@eryneddy]   ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many leaders wrestle with the question: If I slow down, will I still get anything done? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan explores Jesus’ words in John 15 alongside the wisdom of farmer-poet Wendell Berry to reimagine productivity, not as frantic busyness, but as abiding fruitfulness. Discover a vision of work that nourishes rather than depletes, both for you and for those you serve. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why busyness can actually disconnect us from the very Source of true fruitfulness. How Wendell Berry’s vision of sustainable farming offers a powerful model for ministry and leadership. Why lasting kingdom productivity always begins in abiding and focuses on people over programs. Resources Scripture: John 15 Bringing It to the Table by Wendell Berry   Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever catch yourself jumping to conclusions… and being totally wrong? Or maybe you find it hard to admit when you're mistaken—especially when it's personal. That’s not just stubbornness, it’s cognitive bias, and it’s wired into all of us. But there’s good news: we can grow beyond it. In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem Fadling talks with Dr. Erin Devers, Christian social psychologist and author of The Unbiased Self. Together, they explore how understanding the way our minds work can lead us into deeper formation and freer relationships. You’ll hear how fast vs. slow thinking, identity in Christ, gratitude, and community all play vital roles in transforming the way we see ourselves, others, and God. Whether you’re tired of stuck thinking or want to love more clearly, this practical and hope-filled conversation is for you. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this popular replay episode, Alan Fadling invites us into a deeply personal and practical reflection on anxiety, rooted in themes from his new book, A Non-Anxious Life. Alan shares his own lifelong journey with anxiety—how it shows up in his thoughts, emotions, and even his body—and how Jesus has been teaching him a better way: a path of peace. You’ll hear stories of travel disruptions, anxious thoughts, and tender moments with backyard birds that reveal God's faithful, tangible care. This episode offers more than ideas—it’s an invitation to embody peace, to let the presence of God displace worry at the deepest levels. Whether you wrestle with anxiety every day or simply long for more inner stillness, Alan’s words will meet you with compassion and hope.   Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how your personal faith connects with the pain and injustice in the world, this episode offers a path forward, not in politics or performance, but in deep spiritual formation. Alan sits down with transformation life coach and ministry leader Brenda Renderos for a tender, honest conversation at the intersection of soul care and justice, especially racial justice. Drawing from her years of experience walking with individuals toward greater wholeness, Brenda shares how a deeply rooted faith can lead to healing, redemptive engagement with our neighbors. Together, they explore: How inner transformation and outward justice are connected Why justice isn’t about guilt or shame but about love and presence What to do when justice work feels overwhelming or exhausting And how to take one Spirit-led step forward at a time This episode invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and consider how Christ might be forming you for justice that flows from the heart.   Brenda’s Invitations to Dig Deeper: The prophets call out religious devotion that ignores justice (Isaiah 58, Amos 5).  Jesus admonished the Pharisees for tithing religiously but neglecting 'justice, mercy, and faithfulness' (Matthew 23:23). Is my spiritual life making me more just? And is my work for justice making me more Christlike?  What is shaping my view of justice? Am I looking at it through a cultural lens, a political lens, or a biblical lens? A great way to begin is by simply sitting with scripture. Read passages like Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, or Luke 4:18-19, and ask:  What does God say about justice?  What does this reveal about his heart? What is his invitation for me in this season? What is one small way I can stay engaged this week, even if it feels slow?  And trust that even the small things matter in God's bigger story. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is the Christian life really about? And what is the church meant to be? These foundational questions often reveal how deeply our assumptions have been shaped by culture more than by Christ. In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling shares a rich conversation with John Mark Comer, originally aired when his book Practicing the Way was newly released. John Mark is a teacher, writer, and founder of Practicing the Way and has spent years exploring what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus in the post-Christian West. Formerly the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, OR, John Mark now develops spiritual formation resources for churches worldwide. Together, we explore how spiritual disciplines form us not just for today, but for eternal living—and how church communities can reclaim the Way of Jesus in a distracted, fast-paced world.   Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when the deep inner work of spiritual formation begins to shape the way we lead others? In this episode, Gem welcomes Ed McManness, General Director of Frontier Ventures, and Matt Fogle, Chief Development Officer at Frontier Ventures, for a rich conversation at the intersection of soul care and leadership.   As leaders, it's easy to focus solely on strategy, productivity, and results—but what if transformation into Christlikeness was the foundation of our leadership? Ed and Matt share stories from their own journeys, offer practical wisdom for cultivating healthy organizational cultures, and reflect on how to lead from a place of abiding rather than striving.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How spiritual formation can directly impact leadership decisions Practices for fostering presence over pressure in your leadership Rhythms and boundaries that protect leaders from burnout How to shape a spiritually formative organizational culture—even in the face of resistance   About Our Guests:Ed McManness is the General Director of Frontier Ventures, a mission organization serving global leaders who bring the gospel to the least reached. His leadership is rooted in decades of experience and a deep commitment to spiritual formation. Matt Fogle serves as Chief Development Officer at Frontier Ventures and is also a Soul Care Guide with Unhurried Living. Matt is passionate about helping leaders thrive through emotionally healthy and spiritually grounded practices. If you're a leader longing to align your inner life with your outer leadership, this episode will speak directly to your journey.   ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the gospel is not just about someday, but about today—right here in the holy ordinary? In this episode, Alan welcomes pastor and author Andrew Arndt to talk about his new book, A Strange and Gracious Light. Rooted in the rhythms of the church calendar, Andrew’s book is an invitation to encounter Jesus afresh—not just as a message we proclaim but as a presence we inhabit.   Together, Alan and Andrew explore how disorientation, waiting, and mystery can become sacred spaces for formation. It’s a conversation for those feeling weary, disconnected, or quietly hopeful—offering a fresh way to see your story illuminated by the strange and gracious light of Christ.   3 Takeaways from this Episode: The church calendar can be a gentle guide to reenter the gospel story with fresh eyes and renewed soul connection. Seasons of uncertainty and suffering may be strange—but they are often filled with quiet grace and deeper formation. Leading from a place of surrender, rather than striving, opens the way for a more grounded and grace-filled life of service.   About Andrew Arndt:Andrew Arndt is the lead pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs and host of the Essential Church podcast. A trusted voice for thoughtful Christian leaders, he brings a rich blend of theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and contemplative wisdom to his writing and leadership.   Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever sat in church, said your prayers, and still felt... nothing? Like your faith was stuck in neutral? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this deeply honest episode, Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman shares how his wife’s cancer diagnosis led him into one of the darkest seasons of his life, shaking the very foundations of his faith. But instead of giving up, he discovered something unexpected: God hadn’t left. In fact, Jesus was closer than ever—meeting him not in strength, but in surrender. If your spiritual life feels dry, discouraging, or just plain confusing, this conversation is here to remind you: your struggle is not a sign of failure. It may be an invitation to meet Jesus in a deeper, more personal way than you ever have before. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why spiritual numbness doesn’t mean you’ve failed How to reframe discouragement as sacred invitation Real stories from scripture of people who wrestled with their faith What it means to find “holy ground” in moments of disappointment One simple but powerful practice to reconnect with God right where you are Meet the Guest: Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Kamloops, British Columbia. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and is the author of Alive, Loved & Free: A Spiritual Journey of Coming Home. Kyle is passionate about helping others experience the real, living presence of God—even (and especially) in the midst of life’s deepest struggles. Connect with Kyle: Website: kylenorman.ca Instagram: @revkylenorman Book: Alive, Loved & Free – available wherever books are sold ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.