A comforting, formational, year-end episode. As the year comes to a close, many of us feel pressure to evaluate, wrap up loose ends, or “finish strong.” But maybe there’s another way. In this grace-filled conversation, Alan and Gem explore how to end the year without pushing yourself… and instead rest in the easy yoke of Jesus (Matthew 11:28–30). Together they unpack Scripture, share lived wisdom, and offer spiritual practices that help you breathe again. If you’re feeling weary, overwhelmed, or unsure how to approach the end of the year, this episode will give you compassion, grounding, and hope. Download the FREE Year End Reflection Resource to enter 2026 with grace. Connect with Alan and Gem to 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.
Prayer doesn’t always move in one direction. Sometimes it feels rich and alive; other times, quiet and dry. But what if those ebbs and flows aren’t signs of failure, but signs of growth? In this episode, Alan Fadling reflects on how prayer matures—not in a straight line, but like the slow, rising tide. Drawing on insights from Leonard Boase’s 1962 classic The Prayer of Faith and the seaside story of pastor and theologian Lee Whiston, Alan explores what it means to stop trying to “bring in the tide” ourselves and instead cooperate with God’s steady work of grace. You’ll discover why the early sweetness of prayer often gives way to quieter forms of presence, and how grace deepens precisely in those quieter seasons. In This Episode Why prayer matures through both consolation and desolation How the tide image helps us trust God’s slow work What Lee Whiston’s experience reveals about surrender and grace How emotional intensity yields to simple awareness of God You’ll Gain Encouragement when prayer feels quiet or dry A renewed trust in grace’s unhurried rhythm Practical insight for cooperating with, not managing, God’s presence Resources Mentioned The Prayer of Faith by Leonard Boase An Unhurried Life and An Unhurried Leader by Alan Fadling 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.
When life feels overwhelming, empathy often becomes the very thing our souls are longing for. In this episode, Gem sits down with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, founders of Soul Shepherding, to explore the healing power of empathy in the Christian life. Drawing from their new book Deeply Loved, they share how true empathy helps us trade self-judgment for grace, comfort emotional wounds, release worry, and walk more closely with Jesus. This conversation offers practical guidance through the Four A’s of Empathy, along with compassionate wisdom for becoming more grounded, present, and emotionally healthy. Whether you’re navigating conflict, longing for deeper relationships, or seeking healing for your soul, this episode invites you into the life-changing reality of being deeply loved. Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere are the founders of Soul Shepherding. With more than thirty years of counseling and ministry experience, Bill and Kristi have guided thousands of people in the journey toward emotional health and intimacy with Jesus. Their new book, Deeply Loved, is a beautiful, life-giving invitation into the kind of empathy that strengthens relationships, raises our emotional intelligence, and leads us back to the heart of Christ. ______________________________________________________ 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.
True success doesn’t happen overnight. In his new book Gradually Then Suddenly, bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson reminds us that God is often doing His deepest work slowly—beneath the surface, over time—so that when the breakthrough comes, we’re ready for it. In this conversation, Mark and Alan explore how faithfulness in small, daily choices prepares the way for unexpected moments of transformation. They talk about persistence, conviction, “cathedral thinking,” and how God grows us at what Mark calls the speed of a seed. If you’ve ever wondered whether your quiet obedience still matters, this episode will encourage you to trust that God’s gradual work always leads to sudden grace. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why what looks like “overnight success” is really the fruit of long obedience. How small, consistent actions create a “compound effect” of spiritual growth. What it means to live and lead at the speed of a seed. How to hold a long view of faith—what Mark calls cathedral thinking. Encouragement for weary hearts who feel stuck in slow seasons. Resources Mentioned: Gradually Then Suddenly by Mark Batterson Learn more at markbatterson.com 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.
During the holiday season, we can all feel overwhelmed and stressed. But what do you really need? And what would it look like to engage life with a deeper sense of agency and self-compassion? Today on Unhurried Living Podcast, we are replaying a conversation between Gem and Aundi Kolber as they invites us to embrace the transformative power of kindness toward ourselves. We’ll explore how early experiences shape the way we suppress our needs, why it’s so hard to name and honor what we truly feel, and how practicing softness can actually make us stronger. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How our past experiences shape the way we engage with our needs and emotions Why self-compassion is a powerful (and often overlooked) tool for transformation A simple prayer or body practice you can use in moments of stress Join us as we dive deep into what it means to cultivate resilience, trust, and a deeper friendship with God—even in the hard places. ________________________________ Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), trauma-informed therapist, and best-selling author of Try Softer and Strong Like Water. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Aundi integrates psychology, faith, and neuroscience to help individuals experience emotional healing and resilience. She is passionate about empowering people to move toward wholeness by learning to honor their needs, trust their inner wisdom, and cultivate a life of deep compassion. Through her writing, speaking, and therapeutic work, Aundi offers a refreshing invitation to wholeness—one that prioritizes gentleness, self-compassion, and deep connection with God. ______________________________________________________ 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 your morning didn’t begin with hurry, but with holy attention? In this episode, Alan Fadling shares how simple, grounded practices help him begin each day in God’s presence. Over the years, Alan’s early “quiet time” has matured into a rhythm of relationship—an unhurried meeting with the Living God. He describes his morning flow of silence, Scripture reading, singing the psalms, praying for others, and reading spiritual classics like The Philokalia. You’ll hear how these rhythms have become daily invitations rather than obligations—ways of remembering God, listening for his voice, and resting in love before the day begins. Resources mentioned: The New Coverdale Psalter(Anglican House Publishers) YouTube video about The New Coverdale Psalter An Unhurried Life An Unhurried Leader Whether you’re exploring new spiritual rhythms or returning to familiar ones, this episode offers encouragement to meet with God as a friend. Learn how simple practices—quiet, prayer, and Scripture—can nourish your soul and prepare you for the day’s work in a deeply unhurried way. 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 you spend an entire year learning from the life and wisdom of a trusted spiritual mentor? In this conversation, author and spiritual director Lori G. Melton shares her experience walking alongside the insights of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor. Drawing from her book Journey with a Giant, Lori invites us into a year-long spiritual practice of choosing a “giant of faith” to learn from. She shares how reflecting on Fred Rogers’ approach to life, faith, and presence helped her slow down, deepen her relationship with God, and gain clarity about her purpose. Whether you choose Fred Rogers or another spiritual guide, this conversation will inspire you to: Embrace the wisdom of those who have walked with God before you Cultivate habits of presence, patience, and listening Experience steady spiritual growth without striving If you’ve been feeling spiritually stuck or longing for deeper connection, this episode offers a gentle yet powerful way to take the next step on your faith journey. About Lori G. Melton:Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she’s not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her six children and three grandchildren. ______________________________________________________ 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 reading could become a spiritual practice—not just for gaining knowledge, but for nourishing your soul? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling talks with Jeff Crosby, author of World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading, about the formative power of books. Together they explore how stories, poetry, memoir, and even Scripture can shape our hearts, spark wonder, and help us encounter God’s presence in the pages of a book. In this conversation, you’ll discover: How books can become trusted companions in your spiritual journey Why stories, poetry, and memoir awaken wonder and reshape our hearts Practical ways to cultivate a reading life that nourishes your soul How reading Scripture slowly and reflectively forms us over time 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.
Every day, we are bombarded with thousands of messages promising happiness, comfort, or even identity if only we buy the right product. But beneath the noise of advertising lies a deeper reality: we are already loved, already chosen, already whole in Christ. In this episode, Gem Fadling shines a light on how consumer slogans shape our sense of self and offers a way back to the truth of God’s word. This conversation explores the difference between the “false self” and the “true self,” and invites us to embrace the pace of grace rather than the rush of consumption. Listen in to learn: How advertising shapes our view of identity and worth The difference between the “imposter self” and the “true self” How scripture re-anchors us in God’s love and presence ______________________________________________________ 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.
Where do you turn when your soul feels thirsty? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling reflects on Psalm 87:7, “All my fresh springs are in You.” We explore how God alone is our true source of renewal, even when we’re tempted to drink from counterfeit springs like busyness, control, or distraction. Drawing on the imagery of living water and daily bread, Alan shares how this one line of scripture can become a simple, grounding prayer to carry through your day. Discover how God’s presence can be a hidden well of strength in your work, relationships, and everyday life. If you’ve ever felt spiritually dry, restless, or weary, this conversation will help you return to the fresh, unending stream of God’s life in you. What you’ll learn: Why Psalm 87:7 offers such a powerful picture of spiritual renewal• How to recognize “counterfeit springs” that leave us empty• Practical ways to carry scripture into the ordinary moments of your day• How prayer, silence, and Sabbath help us drink deeply from God’s presence Listen in and discover how God can be your fresh spring of life, energy, and joy. 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.
Hospitality is more than setting a table or opening your home. It’s a posture of the heart—a way of seeing and responding to the people God places in your path. True hospitality flows from God’s generous welcome to us and creates spaces of belonging wherever we go. In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem Fadling talks with Laura Murray, author of Becoming a Person of Welcome, about moving from performance-based hosting to a transformed life of welcome. Drawing from her Armenian heritage, years in church leadership, and a rich theology of God’s hospitality, Laura offers practical steps for cultivating authentic connection, listening deeply, setting healthy boundaries, and leading others into a lifestyle of welcome. Whether you’re a ministry leader, a community builder, or simply someone longing for relationships rooted in grace, this conversation will inspire you to carry God’s presence into everyday moments. Listen in to learn: Why hospitality is a posture, not a program How to reflect God’s welcome in daily life Ways to create authentic belonging without performance pressure Spiritual practices that shape a hospitable heart Connect with Laura Murray: Website: www.digitalsilentretreats.com Book: Becoming a Person of Welcome ______________________________________________________ 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 rest isn’t a luxury—but essential to your calling? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling talks with Travis West, author of The Sabbath Way, about how Sabbath can renew leaders from the inside out. Far from being just a “day off,” Sabbath is a way of living that restores joy, deepens trust in God, and sustains our calling in a productivity-driven culture. We’ll explore why Sabbath is a quiet but powerful form of leadership, how it reshapes our relationship with time, and why it’s key to resisting burnout. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or simply longing for a more unhurried pace with God, this conversation will inspire you to let grace set the pace. In this episode: Why Sabbath is more than a day of rest How Sabbath restores joy, gratitude, and delight The dangers of “false rest” and how to avoid them Moving from urgency to abundance in leadership Practical steps to start a Sabbath rhythm this week For more help in practicing the Sabbath, visit Travis West’s website for a free resource at https://www.travis-west.com/practices. 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.
For many of us, faith has been shaped by pressure to perform and produce. But in John 15, Jesus gives us another way: abiding in the True Vine. In this episode, Gem Fadling sits down with artist and author Bette Dickinson to explore how God as the loving Vinedresser leads us not toward exhaustion, but toward flourishing. If you’ve felt weighed down by striving or longed for a slower, more organic spirituality, this conversation will help you rediscover a rooted, fruitful faith. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why God’s primary concern isn’t productivity but flourishing The difference between an industrial approach to faith and an organic one How natural seasons reflect Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection The meaning of abiding as our place of belonging and identity in Christ How to trust fruit will emerge over time without forced busyness Resources & References Mentioned: The Art of Vinemaking: Flourishing in a Productivity-Driven Culture Making Room in Advent by Bette Dickinson John 15: The Vine and the Branches About Today’s Guest – Bette DickinsonBette Dickinson is a prophetic artist, author, and contemplative guide. Through her writing, artwork, and teaching, she invites others to encounter God’s presence in embodied and imaginative ways. She is the author of The Art of Vinemaking and Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder. ______________________________________________________ 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 episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, we explore the difference between work that flows from grace and love, and work that drains us because it’s fueled by fear, insecurity, or people-pleasing. Together we’ll talk about holy rhythms of work and rest, and what it looks like to return to the “easy yoke” of Jesus. If you’ve been feeling weary, overextended, or caught in workaholism, this conversation offers hope: you can lead from rest rather than rush. What You’ll Take Away from This Episode: How to discern between grace-energized work and soul-draining drivenness. Why busyness, according to Eugene Peterson, is not productivity but a form of laziness. The danger of “false vines” that drain life rather than nourish it. Small, sustainable practices for weaving sabbath and reflection into daily rhythms. How contemplative practices root us in God’s presence so our work becomes overflow, not overextension. Resources & References Mentioned in This Episode: Subversive Spirituality by Eugene Peterson New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton The Sayings of the Desert Fathers (various translations available) The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill Jesus’ teaching on the easy yoke (Matthew 11:28–30) and the vine and branches (John 15) 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’s the difference between rushing through a city and truly receiving it? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem Fadling talks with Lauren Mouat—a writer, instructor, and licensed tour guide based in Tuscany, about how to travel with intention, depth, and presence. Lauren, originally from California, moved to Rome more than a decade ago and now leads tours through her company, Unlock Italy. With humor, eloquence, and a gift for storytelling, she doesn’t just share history facts she invites people into the stories, beauty, and humanity of the places they visit. In this conversation, Gem and Lauren explore: Why stories make travel experiences more meaningful The difference between “checking boxes” and traveling at a soulful pace Practices like journaling, walking, and stillness that deepen connection How to resist hurry and savor beauty, curiosity, and wonder Ways to stay present and be moved by the places we encounter Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply longing to live more mindfully where you are, this episode will inspire you to slow down, notice, and receive life as a gift. ______________________________________________________ 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 you could hear the Psalms and Proverbs as if for the very first time? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling talks with Terry Wildman, Ojibwe and Yaqui follower of Jesus, storyteller, musician, and lead translator of the First Nations Version (FNV). Terry has spent decades sharing Creator’s story in ways that resonate with Indigenous hearts. After the widely embraced release of the FNV New Testament in 2021, he and a translation council of over 20 tribes have now brought the beauty, rhythm, and imagery of Native American storytelling to Psalms and Proverbs. In this conversation, Alan and Terry explore: How oral tradition opens fresh ways of hearing Scripture The relational names for God, like Great Spirit and Grandfather Why Psalms and Proverbs were chosen as the next FNV project How this translation speaks to Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike Practical ways to let Scripture slow you down and deepen your walk with God If you long to encounter the Psalms and Proverbs in a way that stirs your soul and draws you into deeper communion with God, this episode will inspire you. 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 if your leadership wasn’t driven by hurry, but rooted in soul-deep transformation? In this episode, Alan and Gem Fadling explore how spiritual formation and leadership are meant to stay connected—and why separating them leads to exhaustion and burnout. We’ll talk about: Why leadership development often gets siloed from spiritual formation How unprocessed inner life shows up in hurried, anxious leadership Practices that help leaders shift from pressure and performance to peace and purpose Why leading from depth, rest, and soul-rooted presence makes your influence more life-giving If you’ve ever felt stretched thin by the relentless demands of leadership, or wondered if there’s a slower, more grounded way to lead, this conversation will give you hope and practical steps forward. This episode also introduces PACE, a 21-month training experience for leaders who want to bring more soul into their work and more grace into their influence. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on unhurried leadership, spiritual formation, and living at the pace of Jesus. #Leadership #Hurry #SpiritualFormation #UnhurriedLeadership #PACE #ChristianLeadership Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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.
David Brukiewa
this is a constant battle of growth and failure. its good to have this reminder.