Wayfarer

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Tom Vander Well is a "wayfaring stranger" on this road of life. Husband, father, writer, CEO, actor, playwright, preacher, back porch musician, and follower of Jesus, he shares his thoughts and observations on the journey. Each weekday he offers 5-10 minute Chapter-a-Day (CaD) reflections on one chapter of the Bible, perfect for a daily commute. Tom then adds longer Wayfarer Weekend (WW) episodes with musings and interviews on various themes of life, relationships, and Spirit. Tom's "Wayfarer" blog (tomvanderwell.com) has been a source of thought and inspiration since 2006. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wayfarer-tom-vander-well/support

Tom Vander Well


    • Aug 13, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 1,277 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Wayfarer

    Solomon Didn't Ask for Wisdom (CaD 1 Ki 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 3:41


    Everyone knows that Solomon asked God to grant him wisdom. You know what? It's not true. Wisdom is not what he asked for.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Kings 3. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please follow, subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Direction and Mess (CaD 1 Ki 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 7:03


    Solomon doesn't begin with a clean slate. He inherits David's kingdom. But he also inherits David's relationships, promises, enemies, loyalties, compromises, deferred judgments, and unresolved problems. That's life.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Kings 2. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please follow, subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Two Sons, One Throne (CaD 1 Ki 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 7:30


    Who will ascend to David's throne? It comes down to two brothers. Adonijah is the eldest son. Solomon is the youngest son and the offspring of the scandalous Bathsheba.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Kings 1. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.comPlease follow, subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Not "Happily Ever After" (CaD 2 Sam 24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 7:27


    Today's chapter is the final chapter of 2 Samuel. Strangely enough, it abruptly ends with a census, a plague, and a sacrifice. For the casual modern reader, it's definitely a head scratcher. There's no "and all they lived happily ever after."A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 24. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, follow, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Life and Legacy (CaD 2 Sam 23)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 7:43


    At the end of David's story, we're given an important truth. Grace neither denies the glory nor erases the scars.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 23. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, follow, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    End Theme (CaD 2 Sam 22)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 8:20


    You know the movie is over when the song begins and the ending credits roll. Our chapter-a-day journey has reached the end of David's story. How fitting that the narrator chooses to drop one of David's own songs into the text like a fitting End Theme to the movie.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 22. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, follow, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Addressing What's Broken (CaD 2 Sam 21)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 6:38


    To the ancient Hebrews, sin was not merely an isolated transaction between perpetrator and victim. Sin created ripples through communities, families, institutions, generations, and even the land itself.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 21. The text verision may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.comPlease subscribe, follow, "Like," and share! Comments welcome.

    An Example to Follow (CaD 2 Sam 20)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 7:16


    An unnamed woman with no army, no office, no title, and no apparent authority saves an entire city with wisdom. Hers is an example I want to follow. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 20. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, follow, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Two Men, Two Lessons (CaD 2 Sam 19)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 5:50


    As I meditated on both David and Barzillai this morning, it struck me that they have for me a beautiful lesson about what is required at different stages of this life journey.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 19. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, follow, "Like," and/or share. Comments welcome.

    A Prayer's Tragic Answer (CaD 2 Sam 18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 5:43


    Along this earthly journey, I've observed that sometimes prayers are answered in heartbreaking ways.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 18. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Hashgachah (CaD 2 Sam 17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 6:57


    Hashgachah refers to God's providential oversight that works through ordinary events rather than spectacular miracles. Today's chapter is a great example.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 17. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Thrown Stones (CaD 2 Sam 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 4:48


    I've learned along my own journey that repentance changes my posture toward criticism. David isn't defending his reputation. He is entrusting it to God.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 16. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com. Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    One Right Step (CaD 2 Sam 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 5:06


    If one wrong move started this avalanche, maybe what David needs is just one step in the right direction.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 15. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    The Empty Kiss (CaD 2 Sam 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 7:15


    A kiss may be the quintessential act of human intimacy. Yet, through history and art it becomes a powerful device for communicating a whole host of human emotions and realities...A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 14. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.comPlease subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome!

    The Girl (CaD 2 Sam 13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 7:46


    And, as I sat with Tamar in my heart this morning and listened to her share her story with me, my father's heart broke. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 13. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Grace in Pursuit (CaD 2 Sam 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 5:07


    Some mistakes become life-defining. They get attached to a person's identity, and it follows them for the rest of their life.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 12. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvandewell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Drift (CaD 2 Sam 11)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 5:44


    For me, the lesson of today's chapter isn't simply, "Don't commit David's sins." It's the reminder to never outgrow the habits that keep me close to God in the first place.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 11. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    "This Call May Be Monitored" Podcast Episode 5 (WW)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2026 16:58


    This is the fifth of eight Wayfarer Weekend (WW) podcasts exploring Tom Vander Well's Amazon International Bestselling Book "This Call May Be Monitored (What Eavesdropping on Corporate America Taught Me About Business and Life)." Each episode will explore one of the book's eight chapters. Hosted by Michael DeLon.

    Fear's Fast Progression (CaD 2 Sam 10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 6:29


    Fear has a remarkable ability to rewrite another person's motives. I know. My active mind has done it a million times. I struggle with it every day.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 10. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    The Table (CaD 2 Sam 9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 7:29


    In networking meetings and podcast interviews I am commonly asked, "Tom? What do you like to do?" I know that people expect that my answer will be something like golf, pickleball, or running. But what I like to do, is to be at the table.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 9. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Open Hands (CaD 2 Samuel 8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 6:11


    In today's chapter, what appears to be a boring report about military victories isn't really about battles at all. It's about stewardship.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 8. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Assumptions (CaD 2 Sam 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 6:48


    Sometimes God's refusal isn't rejection. It is redirection toward something larger than I can yet imagine.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 7. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Remembering What's Forgotten (CaD 2 Sam 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 5:27


    David understood that his people needed to remember what they'd long forgotten and placed in mothballs both physically and spiritually.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 6. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome!

    David's Day, God's Purpose (CaD 2 Sam 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 7:09


    David may be leading Israel, but God is leading David. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 5. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Panic (CaD 2 Sam 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 7:09


    One of the things that I've observed in human behavior is that when panic sets in, people grasp for security and stability. And that's exactly what happens in today's chapter.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 4. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share! Comments welcome.

    The Perfect Storm (CaD 2 Sam 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 6:36


    Most of God's kingdom advances one ordinary day at a time, one act of obedience at a time, one quiet season of trust after another. While the world often measures our lives by visible victories, God is measuring steady growth.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 3. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    The Next Step (CaD 2 Sam 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 6:11


    David's first move is not to act, but to ask. His ask is not about becoming King. It's about his next step.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 2. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome!

    When Enemies Fall (CaD 2 Sam 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 5:38


    I can't always control what others become, but I can choose who I become in response to them. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 1. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    "This Call May Be Monitored” Podcast Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2026 26:08


    This is the fourth of eight Wayfarer Weekend (WW) podcasts exploring Tom Vander Well's Amazon International Bestselling Book "This Call May Be Monitored (What Eavesdropping on Corporate America Taught Me About Business and Life)." Each episode will explore one of the book's eight chapters. Hosted by Michael DeLon.The book can be purchased on Amazon: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHS2X145

    "This Call May Be Monitored” Podcast Episode 3 (WW)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 20:02


    This is the third of eight Wayfarer Weekend (WW) podcasts exploring Tom Vander Well's Amazon International Bestselling Book "This Call May Be Monitored (What Eavesdropping on Corporate America Taught Me About Business and Life)." Each episode will explore one of the book's eight chapters. Hosted by Michael DeLon. The book can be purchased on Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHS2X145

    Finish the Book. Reflect on the Story. (CaD 1 Sam 31)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 6:30


    In the quiet this morning as I close the book and sit with the story, a single thread seems to run from beginning to end....A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 31. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Where Refuge is Found (CaD 1 Sam 30)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 6:19


    When God is continually my source in the quiet - He grows into my refuge in crisis.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 30. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Closed Doors and Suitcases (CaD 1 Sam 29)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 6:17


    Sometimes the most gracious thing God does is refuse to let me proceed down a road I have chosen for myself.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 29. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    When Silence is Loud (CaD 1 Sam 28)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 5:18


    God's silence does not mean God has lost control — or that He's disinterested. Sometimes silence means God has already spoken.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 28. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    Weary in the Waiting (CaD 1 Sam 27)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 6:13


    The chapter reminds me that the story of redemption has never depended on perfect faith. It depends on a faithful God. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 27. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    The Test of the Spear (CaD 1 Sam 26)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 5:22


    David teaches me that having the opportunity to wound someone is not the same thing as having permission. This may be one of the most important leadership lessons in the entire Great Story.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 26. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

    "This Call May Be Monitored" Episode 2 (WW)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2026 13:27


    This is the second of eight Wayfarer Weekend (WW) podcasts exploring Tom Vander Well's Amazon International Bestselling Book "This Call May Be Monitored (What Eavesdropping on Corporate America Taught Me About Business and Life)." Each episode will explore one of the book's eight chapters. Hosted by Michael DeLon. The book can be purchased on Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHS2X145

    Triggered (CaD 1 Sam 25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 6:48


    If there's one thing I've learned about myself along my life journey it's that I have a hair-trigger whenever I feel I'm being dishonored. It's a quick fuse to explosive rage within me.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 25. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome!

    A Tale of Two Kings (CaD 1 Sam 24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 6:27


    Many of life's most important moments don't look like opportunities to do wrong. They look like opportunities to do the right thing the wrong way. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 24. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share! Comments welcome.

    Presence (CaD 1 Sam 23)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 4:11


    I find it striking that one of the greatest gifts Jonathan ever gave David was not protection, strategy, money, or political influence. It was presence. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 23. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share! Comments are welcome.

    Refuge Over Rejection (CaD 1 Sam 22)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 6:20


    Today's chapter provides a fascinating contrast between worldly realities - how things appear on the surface, and spiritual realities - what's going on underneath the surface. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 22. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments are always welcome.

    Man on the Run (CaD 1 Sam 21)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 4:43


    It's easy to assume that when God calls, doors will open smoothly and circumstances will align neatly. But the Great Story repeatedly tells a different story. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 21. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com. Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments are always welcome!

    When Reality Lands Like a Spear (CaD 1 Sam 20)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 5:49


    Along my life journey I've spent enormous energy trying to force reality into the shape of my wishes. The wisdom in today's chapter is that faith often begins where illusion ends. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 20. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

    God's Hidden Hand (CaD 1 Sam 19)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 3:42


    When I read today's chapter, it is tempting to focus on David's escapes. But the deeper reality is that David is not surviving because he is clever. He is surviving because God is quietly arranging people, circumstances, conversations, delays, and interventions that David cannot even see. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 19. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

    Welcome to the Wilderness (CaD 1 Sam 18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 6:33


    Every individual I know — even the most successful — have had their own wilderness experiences. It's a spiritual principle that God wove into creation and the realities of this fallen world. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 18. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

    Slaying Giants (CaD 1 Sam 17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 6:38


    Slaying giants is often as simple as small acts consistently applied. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 17. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com. Please subscribe and "Like" -- and comments are always welcome.

    Quiet Shifts (CaD 1 Sam 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 4:43


    Sometimes God moves in quiet tectonic shifts that no one feels on the surface in the moment, but that shift will ultimately lead to massive earthquakes in life down the road. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 16. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

    "This Call May Be Monitored" Episode 1 (WW)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 13:07


    This is the first of eight Wayfarer Weekend (WW) podcasts exploring Tom Vander Well's Amazon International Bestselling Book "This Call May Be Monitored (What Eavesdropping on Corporate America Taught Me About Business and Life)." Each episode will explore one of the book's eight chapters. Hosted by Michael DeLon. The book can be purchased on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHS2X145

    Bleating Sheep (CaD 1 Sam 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 5:15


    Along my spiritual journey, I've come to realize that the greatest danger is often not outright rejection of God. It is convincing myself that my version of obedience is close enough. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 15. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com. Please subscribe, "Like," and comment!

    Father and Son. Formula and Faith (CaD 1 Sam 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 6:05


    Throughout the Great Story, God moves through people willing to take the next faithful step before the whole map is visible. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 14. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

    When Fear Replaces Faith (CaD 1 Sam 13)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 7:24


    Saul could not endure uncertainty long enough to obey. His core issue is not weakness. It's self-reliance baptized in religious language. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 13. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

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