The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.

On our Season One finale of “The Spiritual Life” podcast, Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes the incomparable researcher and storyteller, Brené Brown. Brené is a research professor at the University of Houston, the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers and the host of two award-winning podcasts. In 2024, she was named as the executive director of The Center for Daring Leadership at BetterUp. In this open and courageous conversation, they discuss: How Brené became Catholic as a child and where she finds her spiritual home today Brené’s own take on The Examen prayer and the twist she adds to the Our Father and Hail Mary. How Brené  thinks about the connection between her research on fear, shame and vulnerability, and the person of Jesus we encounter in the gospels.  Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/10/28/brene-brown-james-martin-spiritual-life We’re taking a couple months break, but will be back with Season 2 of “The Spiritual Life” in the New Year. In the meantime, be sure to check out America Media’s Advent podcast, Hark!: the stories behind our favorite Christmas carols, hosted and produced by Maggi Van Dorn.  Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening discussion, guest Patrick Gilger, S.J., a Jesuit sociologist and trained spiritual director, unpacks the essence of spiritual direction. He clarifies what it is—and isn't—distinguishing it from therapy and confession. Gilger shares how spiritual direction can deepen one’s relationship with God and discusses the importance of finding a qualified director. Personal anecdotes illustrate common misconceptions about prayer, while practical tips are offered for discovering the right spiritual guide tailored to your needs.

Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes Br. Guy Consolmagno, a Jesuit brother, astronomer and the former director of the Vatican Observatory, to “The Spiritual Life” podcast.  With a Ph.D. in planetary science, Br. Guy has spent his career studying meteorites and asteroids, exploring the origins of the solar system, authoring more than 250 scientific publications and making science accessible to the public. Br. Guy has written several books exploring faith and science issues, and his most recent book is, “A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and Science.” This fascinating conversation covers: The challenge of loneliness no matter your vocation The notion of the “evil spirit” in Ignatian spirituality and analogies in science The Big Bang and why we shouldn’t base our theology off current scientific understandings How being a scientist influences Br. Guy’s prayer life and where he sees God most clearly Five lessons learned as director of the Vatican Observatory: https://www.americamagazine.org/faithinfocus/2025/09/11/vatican-observatory-guy-consolmagno Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes bestselling author and award-winning playwright, TV writer/producer, and filmmaker, Adriana Trigiani onto “The Spiritual Life” podcast. Adriana is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books of fiction and nonfiction. Her latest novel is The View From Lake Como. This big-hearted conversation spans: Adriana’s Italian-Catholic family roots Her personal connection to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother How she encounters the Holy Spirit in her creative writing and prayer Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: "There’s more than one way to appreciate the Eucharist" Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes Fr. Isaac Slater, OCSO, a Trappist monk, poet, and author of “Do Not Judge Anyone: Desert Wisdom for a Polarized World”  to “The Spiritual Life” podcast.  This contemplative conversation includes: The positive effects silence can have on our prayer lives Why we judge other people and how to stop How to create an environment that is more conducive to prayer, without becoming a monk Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/09/30/james-martin-isaac-slater-spiritual-life-judgement Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host James Martin, S.J., explores the mystical dimensions of the spiritual life with Mirabai Starr, an award-winning author, contemporary translator of sacred literature, and world-renowned teacher of contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialogue.  They dive deep into: - Daily practices that foster mystical experiences, including insights drawn from Mirabai’s latest book “Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life As Sacred Ground.” - The role that death, loss and grief have played in shaping Mirabai’s spirituality and bereavement ministry - The biographies of Catholic mystics, such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila  Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/09/23/what-is-mystical-experience Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “The Spiritual Life” podcast, James Martin, S.J., talks with comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan about telling jokes about the church and sometimes feeling like a fraud in the spiritual life. Together, they talk about: - Jim’s journey through agnosticism and back to the Catholic Church - Feeling like a fraud and nurturing a healthy spiritual life - What spiritual practices Jim turned to when his wife, Jeannie, was diagnosed with a pear-sized brain tumor.  Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/09/16/jim-gaffigan-james-martin-catholic/ Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at: https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “The Spiritual Life” podcast, Fr. James Martin, S.J., talks to fellow a Jesuit and synod delegate, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., who is the bishop of Hong Kong and was one of the 133 voting cardinals who elected Pope Leo XIV. He is renowned for his diplomacy and work fostering dialogue between the Catholic Church and China through educational outreach and cultural bridge-building. Together, they talk about: - Christian spirituality and Chinese culture - The principle of inner freedom in Jesuit spirituality and its resonances in modern psychology - How Cardinal Chow encountered God’s grace through his teenage battle with scruples and epilepsy Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/09/09/cardinal-chow-james-martin-spiritual-life/ Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at: http://americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Spiritual Life” host James Martin, S.J., talks with famed spiritual author and guide, Ron Rolheiser O.M.I., about: Different habits of prayer, including discursive and centering prayer Staying the course when your vocation feels boring or dry What we have misunderstood about chastity and celibacy Why praying relentlessly about your problems might not be spiritually wise and what to do differently in prayer Ron’s books mentioned in the episode:  The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity Domestic Monastery: Creating a Spiritual Life at Home Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2025/08/26/father-james-martin-ronald-rolheiser-spiritual-life Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host James Martin, S.J., talks with Julia Osęka, one of the youngest delegates at the Vatican Synod on Synodality which sought to increase participation in the Catholic Church. They reflect upon: How Julia’s childhood faith that ‘checked all the boxes’ matured into a relational faith between herself, God and other people Both the inspiration and challenges Julia felt as a young delegate at the Synod on Synodality in October of 2023 and 2024. Julia’s way of incorporating Ignatian principles of consolation and desolation, along with The Examen (St. Ignatius’ review of the day), into her prayer life. Link to Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: Coming Soon Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices