Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

The birth of Jesus changed history forever, yet it might not feel very personal in your heart. Let's be honest — it's easy for Advent to become white noise. Thankfully you can have a fresh experience with Jesus when you enter the story through the eyes of a "soul friend" like Mary, Elizabeth, or even one of the animals!Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana talk about becoming enthralled with Jesus during Christmastime through Surprising Joy Advent cards. You'll be inspired to get intentional about prayerful meditation and conversation with loved ones this Advent as you experience the impact it has made and continues to make on their family today.Resources for this Episode:Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for AdventAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul TalksRead Elizabeth’s Empathy Cured Mary’s Shame*The Surprising Joy Advent cards will be 20% off along with all the books and resources in the Soul Shepherding shop. The sale starts on Black Friday (Nov. 28th at 12am Pacific) and lasts through Cyber Monday (Dec. 1st at 11:59pm Pacific).

What comes to mind when you think of God's posture toward you? All of us long to know for certain that Abba looks at us with eyes of love, but it's easy to project our own judgment and rejection onto his heart for us. Yet Jesus reconciles the love of God to us through his empathy and desires that we become familiar with his loving gaze of delight.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi get practical about cultivating a loving friendship with Jesus. You'll be blessed with fresh insight into scriptures that ooze Jesus' empathy as you're equipped with help to nourish your soul through his ever-deepening love and care.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks*Please note: You'll receive the BOGO discount on Deeply Loved by adding two copies to your cart in our shop. This sale runs until November 27, 2025. Click the link above to get this special deal.

You might be familiar with self-criticism that says, "Do better. Try harder. Stop making mistakes!" Listening to critical self-talk for too long can tempt us to react under pressure or retreat in shame. Thankfully God's voice of love sings a different song over us — the Lord desires to protect us from ruthless self-criticism.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how you can replace self-criticism with self-empathy. You'll learn how to watch and pray with Jesus as you trust him to protect you from lies and judgment in areas of woundedness and weakness.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks*Please note: You'll receive the BOGO discount on Deeply Loved by adding two copies to your cart in our shop. This sale runs from November 12, 2025 to November 27, 2025. Click the link above to get this special deal.

Parents have an amazing opportunity to reflect the nature of God to their children. Yet the thought of shaping the way our kids come to see and know him sometimes feels like an overwhelming responsibility. How could anybody represent what our loving Papa is like? Thankfully Jesus redeems our mistakes, helps us in our weakness, and teaches us to support our children through empathy.  Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with Briana about how Jesus wants to help you parent your children through his great empathy. You'll learn how to use empathy to pray for your kids, point them to God, and advocate for their needs in a unique and loving way. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatSecure: Letters From Papa to Help Moms Nurture Their Child’s DevelopmentDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Those of us with children understand there is no parenting blueprint or path to “get it right” all the time. This can lead us to shy away from offering empathy as we become afraid of enabling poor behavior or stealing opportunities for them to build resilience. Yet it’s empathy — even imperfect empathy — that empowers us to help our children through grace and truth.  Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi chats with Briana about some empathy challenges in parenting and how to bounce back when you miss the mark. You’ll learn practical tools to care for your children through empathy in a way that helps them rise to the challenge of growth and independence. And this is helpful in all of our closest relationships — not just with kids! Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouSecure: Letters From Papa to Help Moms Nurture Their Child’s DevelopmentDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Empathy is valuable in all our relationships, but it's especially important when it comes to raising children. All of us long for our kids to love Jesus and fulfill his unique purposes for them. How can we help them get there? Empathy helps our children become secure and confident as they pursue Jesus and fullness of life in him.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with her daughter, Briana, about what it was like to be raised in a home that practiced empathy. You'll learn practical ways to cultivate spiritual and emotional health in your family through simple means like intentional conversation at the dinner table and pursuing your children after conflict. And don't worry —  being present is better than being perfect when it comes to empathy and family.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks 

All of us are quick learners when it comes to fear and trauma, and because of this, have developed strategies to survive the landscapes of our childhood. Some of us anxiously protect our relationships while others avoid connection and become self-reliant. Thankfully you can follow the Good Shepherd into a new landscape — the pasture of secure attachment. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi chat with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw — teachers, podcasters, and authors of Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. You'll discover how to integrate intimacy and independence under Jesus' care to cultivate the same healthy attachment he experienced with the Father and others.Resources for this Episode:Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and ConnectionAttaching to God SummitDeeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us long to open the Bible and have a meaningful conversation with Jesus. But learning to be with God through his Word feels more challenging than ever in a fast-paced world where answers are always at our fingertips. Thankfully there are tested-and-true spiritual disciplines that can help us slow down and soak up the grace-filled words of Scripture.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill chats with Steve Macchia — a spiritual director who helps leaders prioritize spiritual formation and the author of a new book titled Praying the Parables: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and Image. You'll become enthused to approach Jesus' parables curiously through Lectio Divina as a fresh affection for him bubbles up in your heart and mind. Resources for this Episode:Praying the Parables of Jesus: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and ImageConnect With Steve MacchiaLearn More About Leadership TransformationsLectio Divina GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

You listen to people's hurts and needs and feel genuine compassion for them. Yet giving too much empathy to others drains you and creates a deficit in your own soul. Thankfully, you can learn how to trust Jesus when helping others instead of trying too hard to be Jesus for them.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach how to let go of codependent patterns and offer healthy and helpful empathy. You'll learn how to protect yourself from compassion fatigue by paying attention to the cycle of codependency, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing soul care.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us long to have a flourishing relationship with Jesus — experiencing his bottomless love for us as we walk through life with him. Yet it's easy to get discouraged when going deeper with Christ doesn't look or feel like we assumed it would. Thankfully you can learn the ways of authentic intimacy through empathy practices with God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss their unique journeys to cultivating a deep connection with Jesus. You will learn how you can develop heartfelt closeness with the Good Shepherd by meditating on his emotions in the Gospels, agreeing with his grace through self-empathy, and embracing his loving care for you through others. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It's easy to think that some people are empathetic while others are not. And it's true that empathy comes more instinctively to some than others. But did you know that Jesus created your brain for empathy? This means that all of us naturally long to share the experience of being seen and known by God and each other.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the gift of mirror neurons — brain cells that help us "feel with" those around us. You'll learn how to partner with Jesus to reflect the thoughts and feelings of others back to them by asking curious questions, attuning to their emotions, and being a warm presence.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Research shows that only 36% of people can identify their emotions as they're experiencing them. Yet learning to feel and share authentically is the path to closeness and connection. This means your emotions and experiences (even the painful ones) are actually invitations to be deeply loved by God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks to celebrate the launch of Bill and Kristi's new book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. They share wisdom on empathy that will help your relationships grow in intimacy, depth, and health. Plus you'll hear how you can enter to win a free copy of Deeply Loved.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouEnter to win a free copy of Deeply LovedMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Some Christians are skeptical about empathy, mistakenly assuming that it coddles others and reinforces sinful behavior. Yet genuine empathy (even when we sin) helps us understand our struggles and strengthens us to grow in Christlikeness. Thankfully, loving and healthy empathy is modeled all over the Bible and not only comforts us but leads us toward truth and responsibility.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi address concerns you might hear about empathy in some Christian circles. You'll discover fresh insights from the empathy scriptures they teach in their new book, Deeply Loved, and learn the importance of holding others in God's empathy while the Spirit draws them toward transformation.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many people are "thinkers" and "doers" whose natural tendency is to analyze their emotions and those of others. It's certainly true that reason and action are valuable parts of being human. But getting stuck in your head leaves you detached and lonely. Thankfully you can learn to feel and heal with Jesus and others.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the importance of empathy for everybody as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. Your connection with Jesus and others will grow as you discover that you can feel and share your emotions instead of judging them. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorWatch Soul Talks on YoutubeDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Are your big feelings misunderstood by others? All of us have tender parts of ourselves that long for a safe place to call home. Sadly, it's easy for sensitivity to get rejected as "too emotional" or "unbiblical." Yet Jesus the Feeler welcomes our emotions and cares for us in his empathetic love.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the God-given need to be seen, known, and understood as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. You'll experience freedom from the shame placed on emotions as you learn how your feelings actually draw you deeper into Jesus’ heart. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction

All of us can fall asleep to the reality of God's trinitarian presence and slip into making life happen on our own. Yet the Three-Person God shows us how deeply relational he is and invites us to fully immerse ourselves in intimate friendship with him.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help you wake up to the spiritual truth that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit surround you and are with you always. You'll be enthralled by their powerful vision of the Kingdom and equipped with disciplines to help you rest in the Loving Community of God during all your daily activities and endeavors. Resources for this Episode:Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredBreath Prayer GuidesDeeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Most Christians know the importance of taking their faith seriously. But getting too serious when it comes to spiritual disciplines or ministry responsibilities can miss God's heart for relationship. Thankfully, our loving and joyful Papa wants to help us move from duty into sharing his delight.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi invite you to glorify God by enjoying the radiance of Jesus all around you! You'll learn to enjoy God through simple practices like sitting and relaxing, appreciating nature, and savoring time with friends. Resources for this Episode:Breath Prayer GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many Christians share Jesus' big heart for others and desire to love people like him. But all of us can fall prey to caring for others in a way that's fueled by our own unrecognized needs or wounds. Even good intentions can drain our souls and leave us feeling resentful towards ministry and people. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the tension between loving sacrifice and codependency. You'll learn how to search your own soul with Jesus and cultivate an emotionally healthy attachment to Abba so you can discern who to serve and how to partner with God for greater fruitfulness.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It's easy for all of us to get swept away by the powerful current of "doing more." Although too many responsibilities stress us out, we often don't realize that unconscious emotions and unmet needs drive us toward giving too much of ourselves. Thankfully we can learn to care for our souls with Jesus and approach life in God's Kingdom with a full tank. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi dive into the psychology behind busyness. You'll become aware of the unique factors that keep you from prioritizing soul care so you can establish new rhythms with the Good Shepherd and serve others in freedom. Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramSoul Shepherding Enneagram ResourcesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It can feel impossible to attune to Jesus' presence and hear his voice when so many stressors fight for our attention. Factors like health issues, relational tension, and the busyness of life and work make it challenging to genuinely sense Christ with us. Even still, Jesus speaks to the deepest desire of our hearts when he invites us to abide in him through all of life (John 15:5; 16:33).Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the necessity of inner stillness in your relationship with Jesus. You'll be equipped with surprising ways to cultivate a centeredness with Jesus that integrate practicing spiritual disciplines with biblically-based psychology. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks