Podcasts about life worth living

What makes a life worth living? Fresh from leading a pilgrimage through Greece, John shares the impact of walking in the footsteps of St. Paul and how true discipleship means boldly proclaiming the Gospel no matter the cost. He and Victor reflect on courage, martyrdom, spiritual warfare, and the everyday call for Christians to live with conviction instead of comfort. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to live with real purpose and faith, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to embrace a life worth living. Learn more about our pilgrimage: Walk in the Footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II with John

Today in our Life Worth Living series, we're looking at Kindness and Gentleness—two fruits of the Spirit that reflect the heart of Christ. Kindness is undeserved action that meets real needs. Gentleness is strength wielded for the good of others, especially the weak, the wrong, and the wounded. Today, we'll see kindness and gentleness in Christ, and how His Spirit grows kindness and gentleness in us. Scriptures: Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 2:7, Romans 2:4, 2 Timothy 2:24, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 11: 28-30, Galatians 6:1, 1 Peter 3:15

Enter to win a pair of Nicolas Kemp's books: "IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living" and "Rolefulness: A Guide to Purposeful Living" - Register by October 10th at 11:45pm Pacific and be sure to share your lucky URL to increase your chances of winning: http://chainoflearning.com/53Ikigai is one of the hottest buzzwords in leadership and personal development. But what does ikigai really mean?When you think of ikigai, what do you envision? Is it the popular Venn diagram that claims to help you find your purpose by identifying “the sweet spot” where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for overlap? The problem? That's not ikigai at all. And in fact, the very process of putting ikigai into a framework contradicts the authentic meaning of the word.To dispel what he calls the “ikigai hoax” and uncover its deeper meaning I'm joined by Nicholas Kemp—Japanologist, researcher and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living and the new book Rolefulness, co-authored with Professor Daiki Kato. We explore how ikigai is fundamentally about creating meaning, connection, and a life —and workplace—where people feel life is worth livingIt's about being before doing and cultivating simple joys, authentic relationships, and spaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired, whatever roles you are playing in your life or at work.Let's rediscover ikigai—not as a trendy framework, but as a powerful principle to understanding personal purpose, leadership development, and how to cultivate organizations where every individual can thrive. YOU'LL LEARN:Why the popular Venn diagram version of ikigai is a myth—and what authentic ikigai really means in JapanWhy ikigai is an essential concept for leaders who want to create people-centered workplacesThe deeper meaning of kokorozashi and its connection to purpose, intention, and leadership impactWhat “rolefulness” means and why understanding your roles in life can bring meaning into your relationships and workplacePractical ways to apply ikigai in leadership and daily life to inspire individuals and build thriving teamsABOUT MY GUEST:Nicholas Kemp, known as The Ikigai Coach, is a coach trainer, public speaker, consultant, and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living and Rolefulness. He is the founder and head coach of Ikigai Tribe, a community of educators, psychologists, coaches, and trainers dedicated to serving their communities through the authentic practice of Ikigai. With decades of experience living in Japan and training leaders worldwide, Nick is the trusted voice on how Ikigai can be embodied—not just studied.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/53 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Nick Kemp: linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kemp Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out Nick Kemp's Ikigai Tribe website and get his books: https://ikigaitribe.com/Download my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:20 What ikigai really means03:11 The misconception people think ikigai is04:10 The ikigai hoax of the popular viral Venn diagram07:04 Why Nick calls himself a Japanologist and his deep understanding of Japanese principles10:57 The different structures of ikigai to identify relationships, people roles, and hobbies11:19 What “Kan” means in Ikigai-Kan that makes you feel that life is worth living13:27 The concept of slowing down into “be” not just “do”14:35 How to get back to the ikigai essence of life and work15:00 The meaning of ibasho and that is built on three ideas that make you feel comfortable and have a sense of purpose17:34 The importance of having a psychologically safe environment where continuous improvement thrives19:54 What kokorozashi means to align our behaviors with intention21:20 How Japan uses kokorozashi in their biggest business school24:01 Breaking down the concept of kokorozashi to put ideas into action25:38 What inspired Rolefullness to make it an extension of ikigai29:03 Tips on how to understand your role in your own life whether at work or home23:23 Three ways to enrich your life 30:22 The importance of meaningful conversations and expressing gratitude32:26 How to be more roleful to make a change in your business and relationships and fulfill a specific role36:07 The concept of authenticity to show up as you are with maximum impact36:58 How to get started in getting more intentional in being your authentic self38:12 The greatest gift of ikigai and allowing a person to pursue their work role42:12 Cultivating ikigai, kokorozashi, and shiko to create space where people feel safe, valued, and inspired43:24 Three simple ways to create ibasho to build a welcome place where people thrive  Register to win a pair of Nick Kemp's books: "Ikigai-Kan" and "Rolefullness" - enter to win by October 10th: http://chainoflearning.com/53

Proverbs 23:31-35, 24:3-4, Zephaniah 3:17, Philippians 1:3-26. Indeed, he regarded death as something of even greater worth Yet for him, Jesus had made his life profoundly worth living

Proverbs 23:31-35, 24:3-4, Zephaniah 3:17, Philippians 1:3-26. Indeed, he regarded death as something of even greater worth Yet for him, Jesus had made his life profoundly worth living

Ps Amanda Jensen - A Life Worth Living by Citipointe Church - Redcliffe

Faithfulness, a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, is steadfast loyalty to God and dependable care for others.  Loyalty means a long obedience in the same direction—staying true to God's Word and ways over time.  Dependability means doing what you said you would do—living with integrity so others can count on you.  Shaped by the Spirit, this kind of faithfulness reflects the unwavering heart of Christ in both devotion to God and relationships with people. Scriptures: Galatians 5: 22-23, Luke 16:10-12, Provers 20:6

Sunday morning opening, September 28, 2025.

What is a life worth living? In this week's epiosde Rabbi Kohn explores this question with the message of Moshe Rabbanu(Moses). We see from Moshe how a life without spiritual growth is a life not worth living. He also discusses one of the gravest sins a Jew can have. The sin of giving up hope. We see from the Parsha's message that thinking that Hashem has G-D forbid forsaken us leads to more concealment. how we must remember that Hashem never gives up on us so how can we give up on ourselves. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email RabbiShlomoKohn@gmail.com. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/  If you would like to support this podcast please use this secure link to donate: SUPPORT THE PODCAST Chapters (00:00:00) - The 10 Days of Repentance(00:03:24) - Parshas Vayelech(00:05:19) - The Parasha(00:07:50) - The Highest Calling of the Jewish People(00:15:20) - Parshas Hazinu(00:20:24) - Yom Kippur: Never Give Up on Me

Goodness isn't something we can manufacture—it flows from God's own heart. On our own, we can't live truly good lives. But God did what we never could: through Jesus, He gave us a new nature. Now the Spirit grows His goodness in us, so that what once felt impossible becomes the natural overflow of a life made new. Scripture: Micah 6:6-8, Romans 3: 10-12, Matthew 22: 37-40

In Jesus Christ, we find a Treasure more precious than everything we have in life and everything we lose in death.

Send us a textMark Scaffidi is Campus Ministry Director for the Navigators at Wichita State University and Mike Jordahl is Senior Advisor to the Collegiate Ministry Team with the Navigators. They will be our speakers at the annual Fall Discipleship Conference, October 4, 2025 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita. Download a Fall Conference brochure hereConference page, including online registration (when available) here. 

What do engineering, entrepreneurship, and divinity have to do with each other? Apparently, more than you think. In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, sits down with Tulane professors Rob Lalka, who teaches entrepreneurship, and Matt Escarra, a professor of engineering, to talk about a course that challenges students to ask the big questions. They discuss technology, ethics, purpose, and yes, even money. Inspired by a curriculum from Yale Divinity School, the class invites students to wrestle with questions like: What is the good life? What should we hope for? And how do we shape a future worth building? Together, they explore how innovations like AI, gene editing, climate tech, and social media are not just technical challenges. They are deeply human ones. This conversation will make you think differently about how we define progress, what we value, and how we prepare the next generation of leaders. If you enjoy the episode, follow the show, share it with a friend, and keep asking the questions that really matter, the ones that go way beyond the bottom line. Episode Highlights: Rob explains how entrepreneurship education can prepare students to build mission-driven companies that shape the future. (03:00) Matt describes how a conversation with a visiting AI expert led to the course's inspiration and partnership with Yale's Life Worth Living program. (05:00) Erik asks how Matt integrates the technical side of engineering with questions about ethics and social impact. (06:00) Rob discusses his book The Venture Alchemists and how founders' values influence technology's role in society. (09:00) Matt outlines how the course delays tech discussion to first explore ancient wisdom, values, and views of the good life. (15:00) Rob shares how classroom conversations mimic the deep late-night college discussions that shape students' thinking. (19:00) Erik connects course themes to financial advising, noting how values influence money decisions. (22:00) Rob describes how student projects will pair deep research with direct conversations with top industry leaders. (30:00) Rob and Matt explore how suffering shapes a meaningful life and why students should reflect on this before entering leadership. (37:00) Rob and Matt reflect on the long-term impact they hope this course will have on their students' personal and professional lives. (51:00) Key Quotes: “We are equipping you to be great critical thinkers, great empathetic leaders, people who are able to go into tough conversations and be really great listeners. And not just trying to argue your point.” - Rob Lalka “I'd love to see them developing thoughtful careers where they can feel like they made some recognition in our class about what their values are and then followed through on their values, whatever that looks like for them.” - Matt Escarra “The dimensions by which you can achieve efficiencies are really mind blowing when we think about the future of technology.” - Matt Escarra Resources Mentioned: Rob Lalka Matthew Escarra Book: The Venture Alchemists Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

What do engineering, entrepreneurship, and divinity have to do with each other? Apparently, more than you think. In this episode, ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, sits down with Tulane professors ⁠Rob Lalka⁠, who teaches entrepreneurship, and ⁠Matt Escarra⁠, a professor of engineering, to talk about a course that challenges students to ask the big questions. They discuss technology, ethics, purpose, and yes, even money. Inspired by a curriculum from Yale Divinity School, the class invites students to wrestle with questions like: What is the good life? What should we hope for? And how do we shape a future worth building? Together, they explore how innovations like AI, gene editing, climate tech, and social media are not just technical challenges. They are deeply human ones. This conversation will make you think differently about how we define progress, what we value, and how we prepare the next generation of leaders. If you enjoy the episode, follow the show, share it with a friend, and keep asking the questions that really matter, the ones that go way beyond the bottom line. Episode Highlights: Rob explains how entrepreneurship education can prepare students to build mission-driven companies that shape the future. (03:00) Matt describes how a conversation with a visiting AI expert led to the course's inspiration and partnership with Yale's Life Worth Living program. (05:00) Erik asks how Matt integrates the technical side of engineering with questions about ethics and social impact. (06:00) Rob discusses his book ⁠The Venture Alchemists⁠ and how founders' values influence technology's role in society. (09:00) Matt outlines how the course delays tech discussion to first explore ancient wisdom, values, and views of the good life. (15:00) Rob shares how classroom conversations mimic the deep late-night college discussions that shape students' thinking. (19:00) Erik connects course themes to financial advising, noting how values influence money decisions. (22:00) Rob describes how student projects will pair deep research with direct conversations with top industry leaders. (30:00) Rob and Matt explore how suffering shapes a meaningful life and why students should reflect on this before entering leadership. (37:00) Rob and Matt reflect on the long-term impact they hope this course will have on their students' personal and professional lives. (51:00) Key Quotes: “We are equipping you to be great critical thinkers, great empathetic leaders, people who are able to go into tough conversations and be really great listeners. And not just trying to argue your point.” - Rob Lalka “I'd love to see them developing thoughtful careers where they can feel like they made some recognition in our class about what their values are and then followed through on their values, whatever that looks like for them.” - Matt Escarra “The dimensions by which you can achieve efficiencies are really mind blowing when we think about the future of technology.” - Matt Escarra Resources Mentioned: ⁠Rob Lalka⁠ ⁠Matthew Escarra⁠ Book: ⁠The Venture Alchemists⁠ ⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA⁠ ⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠ ⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

Patience is trusting God in the waiting. Our role is to lean on Him instead of forcing our own way, while the Spirit shapes us to endure with peace and hope. Patience looks like faith in action—loving, enduring, and holding on to God's promises even when the outcome isn't clear. Scripture: Galatians 5:22, James 5: 7-11

Send us a textMark Scaffidi is Campus Ministry Director for the Navigators at Wichita State University and Mike Jordahl is Senior Advisor to the Collegiate Ministry Team with the Navigators. They will be our speakers at the annual Fall Discipleship Conference, October 4, 2025 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita. Download a Fall Conference brochure hereConference page, including online registration (when available) here. 

In this episode, Kate speaks with surgeon, writer, and public health leader Dr. Atul Gawande about the deeply human questions that surface when medicine meets its limits. What does it mean to be a good doctor when a cure isn’t possible? What do people really mean when they say they want “quality of life”? Together, they talk about caregiving, end-of-life decisions, and how the most honest conversations in healthcare begin—not with answers—but with better questions. For anyone living with chronic illness, caring for someone they love, or wondering what it means to live a good life with limits, this conversation won’t offer easy fixes. But it might offer something just as rare: clarity, compassion, and the courage to ask what really matters. Watch the full episode on YouTube: Kate C. Bowler on YouTube Subscribe to Kate’s Substack: katebowler.substack.com Show notes: The Aspen Ideas Festival Being Mortal by Dr. Atul Gawande The Green House Project Ari Johnson & Muso Health Organizations for further action: World Food Programme, UNICEF, American Red Cross See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peace is a part of Jesus' character that the Holy Spirit is developing in every Christian. It's not dependent on what's happening around us but is rooted in God's unchanging presence. This peace was secured through Jesus and grows as we learn to surrender and trust Him. The Spirit's work in us is to shape our hearts so that Christ's peace becomes evident in our lives and overflows to others.

It's not how long we live but how well we live that matters. Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce shares how to enjoy your life and leave a legacy of love.

31.08.25 am | Ian Ellershaw | Worship: a life worth living | Acts 17 v 16-34 by CFM

It's not how long we live but how well we live that matters. Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce shares how to enjoy your life and leave a legacy of love.

It's not how long we live but how well we live that matters. Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce shares how to enjoy your life and leave a legacy of love.

It's not how long we live but how well we live that matters. Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce shares how to enjoy your life and leave a legacy of love.

Samuel warned Israel not to turn aside to worthless things—and his challenge still rings true today. We all want our lives to count, but what makes life truly meaningful? Scripture is clear: a life worth living is one that glorifies God. But what does that look like in everyday life? In this message, Bucky unpacks what God's glory really is, how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live for it, and why even the most ordinary tasks can bring Him honor. A life worth living isn't about doing more—it's about doing everything for the One who made you.

Today we begin a brand-new sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 called A Life Worth Living. We start with the first two fruits—love and joy. Love is the foundation on which everything else is built, and a life worth living is rooted in God's love. From that love flows true joy—a deep satisfaction found not in circumstances, but in our relationship with Him. Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 3:14, Romans 8:28-30

Renew - God renews your heart, to live a fulfilled life

Dr Adam Koontz answers a listener question about how and whether we can make meaningful differences in the lives of our communities using by talking about the film It's a Wonderful Life. Visit our website - A Brief History of Power Dr Koontz - Redeemer Lutheran Church Music thanks to Verny

Setema Gali is on Build today with Stephen Scoggins! Setema is a Super Bowl Champ! A big man with a big heart and a huge dream to help transform people to break past their limitations. He is an entrepreneur, author, a speaker, and a coach!   In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Setema unpack the real journey behind all the accolades. But the heart of this conversation dives into what happened after the stadium lights faded—an identity crisis, financial collapse during the 2008 recession, and the humbling experience of selling his Super Bowl ring to pay bills. Setema reveals how hitting rock bottom ultimately led to his purpose: helping others transform their lives through faith, discipline, and perseverance. He opens up about embracing the “refining season” of knocking doors in his late 30s, finding peace in surrender, and discovering that true leadership requires having lived through the pain you're called to guide others through.   This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, humility, and the power of living your purpose—no matter where the path leads.   Highlights of this episode: Setema's framework for living with purpose: MTLI What is Game Changer? You can do so much more when you are surrounded by greatness   Grab Setema's new book for free! Click here. Check out Setema Gali at https://www.setemagali.com/. Connect with Joseph and follow him in IG @setemagali.

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Recorded Sunday, August 3, 2025 at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor, Wisconsin. "Like" us on Facebook!!

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Description: 2 college sophomores share about their experiences during their first year in college including: social and academic challenges, the dating scene, picking majors, and how their parents could have better prepared them for the transition.Previous Dr. Jordan podcasts related to college:Best Ways To Support Your Daughter Through The College Application Process With Dr. Pamela EllisA peek into your daughter's emotions as she starts college:Why college freshmen are so lonely:DR. JORDAN'S BOOK for young adults and their parents, Letters From My Grandfather: Timeless Wisdom For a Life Worth Living is available in both print or e-book formats. Kindle version Print versionJoin Our Community:https://www.facebook.com/DrTimJordanhttps://www.instagram.com/drtimjordan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-jordan-md-79799120b/

The Secret To A Life Worth Living – Tom Bilyeu's Most Powerful Message the secret to a life worth living, tom bilyeu motivational speech, powerful tom bilyeu message, life changing advice tom bilyeu, tom bilyeu mindset tips, how to live a meaningful life, motivational video by tom bilyeu, purpose driven life speech, personal development motivation, how to build a powerful life, tom bilyeu most powerful speech, tom bilyeu life advice, tom bilyeu success formula, inspirational tom bilyeu clip, secrets to real fulfillment, self development video 2025, tom bilyeu life transformation, motivation to change your life, stop wasting time tom bilyeu, how to unlock your potential, best tom bilyeu quotes, daily motivation tom bilyeu, mindset for purpose, how to design a life you love, mental discipline tom bilyeu, motivational moment 2025, success habits tom bilyeu, how to find direction in life, rise and grind tom bilyeu, live without regrets speech, breakthrough motivational video, transform your reality, how to start fresh, rebuild your mindset, motivation for a better life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if our relentless drive to be better than others is quietly breaking us?Miroslav Volf unpacks the core themes of his 2025 book, The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse. In this book, Volf offers a penetrating critique of comparison culture, diagnosing the hidden moral and spiritual wounds caused by competition and superiority.Drawing on Scripture, theology, philosophy, literature, and our culture's obsession with competition and superiority, Volf challenges our assumptions about ambition and identity—and presents a deeply humanizing vision of life rooted not in being “the best,” but in receiving ourselves as creatures made and loved by God.From Milton's depiction of Satan to Jesus' descent in Philippians 2, from the architectural rivalry of ancient Byzantium to modern Olympic anxieties, Volf invites us to imagine a new foundation for personal and social flourishing: a life free from striving, rooted in love and grace.Highlights“The key here is for us to come to appreciate, affirm, and—importantly—love ourselves. Love ourselves unconditionally.”“Striving for superiority devalues everything we have, if it doesn't contribute to us being better than someone else.”“The inverse of striving for superiority is internal plague by inferiority.”“In Jesus, we see that God's glory is not to dominate but to lift up what is low.”“We constantly compare to feel good about ourselves, and end up unsure of who we are.”“We have been given to ourselves by God—our very existence is a gift, not a merit.”Helpful Links and ResourcesVisit faith.yale.edu/ambition to get a 40-page PDF Discussion Guide and Full Access to 7 videosThe Cost of Ambition by Miroslav Volf (Baker Academic, May 2025)Philippians 2:5–11 (NIV) – Christ's Humility and Exaltation – BibleGatewayRomans 12:10 – “Outdo one another in showing honor” – BibleHubParadise Lost by John Milton – Project GutenbergParadise Regained by John Milton – Project GutenbergShow NotesOpening Reflections on CompetitionThe conversation begins with Volf recalling a talk he gave at the Global Congress on Christianity & Sports.He uses athletic competition—highlighting Lionel Messi—as a lens for questioning the moral value of striving to be better than others.“Sure, competition pulls people up—but it also familiarizes us with inferiority.”“We compare ourselves to feel good… but end up feeling worse.”Introduces the story of Justinian and Hagia Sophia: “Oh Solomon, I have outdone you.”Rivalry, Power, and InsecurityShares the backstory of Juliana's competing church and the gold-ceiling arms race with Justinian.“Religious architecture became a battlefield of status.”Draws insight from these historic rivalries as examples of how ambition pervades religious life—not just secular.Modern Parallels: Yale Students's & the Rat RaceVolf notes how even Yale undergrads—once top of their class—feel insecure in comparison to peers.“They arrive and suddenly their worth plummets. That's insane.”The performance-driven culture makes stable identity nearly impossible.Biblical Illustration: Kierkegaard's LilyVolf recounts Kierkegaard's retelling of Jesus's lily parable.A bird whispers to the little lily that it's not beautiful enough, prompting the lily to uproot itself—and wither.“The lesson: we are destined to lose ourselves when our value depends on comparison.”Intrinsic Value and the Image of God“We need to discover the intrinsic value of who we are as creatures made in the image of God.”Kierkegaard and Jesus both show us the beauty of ‘mere humanity.'“You are more glorious in your humanity than Solomon in his robes.”Theological Anthropology and Grace“We have been given to ourselves by God—our lives are a gift.”“We owe so much to luck, to others, to God. So how can we boast?”Paul's challenge in 1 Corinthians: “What do you have that you have not received?”Milton and Satan's AmbitionShifts to Paradise Lost: Satan rebels because he can't bear not being top.“Even what is beautiful becomes devalued if it doesn't prove superiority.”In Paradise Regained, Satan tempts Jesus to be the greatest—but Jesus refuses.Christ's Humility and Downward GloryHighlights Philippians 2: Jesus “emptied himself… took the form of a servant.”“God's glory is not domination—it's lifting up the lowly.”“Salvation comes not through seizing status, but through relinquishing it.”Paul's Vision of Communal HonorRomans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”“True honor comes not from climbing over others, but from lifting them up.”Connects this ethic to Paul's vision of church as an egalitarian body.God's Care for Creation and HumanityLuther's observation: God calls Earth good but not Heaven—“God cares more for our home than his own.”“We are called to emulate God's loving attention to the least.”Striving vs. AcceptanceVolf contrasts ambition with love: “The inverse of striving for superiority is the plague of inferiority.”Encourages unconditional self-love as a reflection of God's love.Uses image of a parent greeting a newborn: “You've arrived.”A Vision for Healed Culture“We wreck others in our pursuit of superiority—and we leave them wounded in our wake.”The gospel reveals a better way: not performance, but grace.“Our salvation and our culture's healing lie in the humility of Jesus.”“We must rediscover the beauty of our mere humanity.”About Miroslav VolfMiroslav Volf is the founding director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture and the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. One of the leading public theologians of our time, he is the author of numerous books including Exclusion and Embrace, Flourishing, A Public Faith, Life Worth Living, and most recently, The Cost of Ambition. His work explores themes of identity, reconciliation, human dignity, and the role of faith in a pluralistic society. He is a frequent speaker around the world and has advised both religious and civic leaders on matters of peace and justice.Production NotesThis podcast featured Miroslav VolfEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge and Taylor CraigA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

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 This episode is brought to you by Momentous, Joi & Blokes and Audible. Dr. Tiffany Moon, MD—anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and author of Joy Prescriptions—pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to “have it all.” From burnout and perfectionism to the immigrant experience and working motherhood, Tiffany shares how chasing external validation cost her deeply—until she learned to rediscover herself through joy, therapy, imperfection, and authenticity. We explore her journey from burnout to breakthrough, the hidden health consequences of living without joy, and what true success looks like when you rewrite your own story. Follow Tiffany @tiffanymoonmd Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode we discuss... 01:10 - Chasing Perfection: Blind Ambition and Burnout 07:19 - The Immigrant Experience and People-Pleasing 09:17 - Signs of Burnout You Might Be Ignoring 14:15 - Finding Healing Through Therapy and Slowing Down 19:46 - What Is a Joy Prescription? 23:17 - Embracing Imperfection and Letting Go of Perfectionism 26:40 - The Burden of Comparison in Childhood and Adulthood 29:50 - Working Motherhood: Choosing Career, Guilt, and Systemic Barriers 33:31 - The Broken Healthcare System in America 36:56 - Fertility, Miscarriage, and Being Vulnerably Honest 40:49 - Abandonment, Therapy, and Childhood Wounds 45:40 - Redefining Success and Reclaiming Joy 48:35 - Fame, Reality TV, and Identity Crisis 49:19 - The Health Consequences of a Joyless Life 52:12 - How to Give Joy and Receive It in Return 54:56 - Why Tiffany Wrote Joy Prescriptions 01:04:28 - Ever Forward ----- Episode resources: Save 15% on the Male Hormone Stack with code CHASECHEWNING at https://www.LiveMomentous.com Get 50% off any diagnostic lab with code CHASE at https://www.JoiAndBlokes.com Get a FREE 30-day trial of Audible at https://www.AudibleTrial.com/everforward  Watch and subscribe on YouTube Get Tiffany's book on Amazon 

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What do you do when you don't know what to do? Angela Williams Gorrell joins Mark Labberton to discuss her latest book, Braving Difficult Decisions. With poignant storytelling and theological depth, Gorrell shares how this book was born out of personal crucibles and a yearning to make sense of liminal, paralyzing spaces we all encounter—individually and communally. Together they explore how discernment is not just about decision-making but also about cultivating a life of wisdom, attentiveness, and spiritual depth. Rooted in Christian tradition yet capacious across communities and contexts, Gorrell invites listeners to slow down, ask deeper questions, and consider the spiritual, emotional, and communal terrain that shapes every meaningful decision. Episode Highlights “To not make a decision is to make one as well.” “This journey is about an inward journey that says, how do I look at the state of my own soul?” “Sometimes good decisions don't feel good.” “What if the best idea isn't the good idea? And what if the data can't tell us that?” “Lady Wisdom invites us to dine—to sit at a table with God and others, and not rush the meal.” Helpful Links and Resources Braving Difficult Decisions, by Angela Williams Gorrell The Gravity of Joy, by Angela Williams Gorrell Life Worth Living course at Yale www.angelagorrell.com @angelagorrell on Instagram Show Notes The “liminal space” of facing a difficult decision, arriving at a crossroads Defining discernment as “a practice, not a single moment of choice” The book stems from her decision to leave a tenured-track faculty position, and a painful personal choice about marriage Perpetua and Felicity—early Christian martyrs Individual discernment and soul work Life Worth Living at Yale “Can I be suffering and my life still be good?” The deeply heartbreaking experience of grappling with the question of divorce “I really struggled to find a book that was like, you can be deeply Christian, deeply spiritual, and make this very difficult choice.” “You have to put them in your own heart and soul. You have to grapple with these ideas, and then you write them.” Should we avoid difficult decisions? Discerning, then acting “To not make a decision is to make one as well.” “I wanted to write a book that spoke to that liminal space where we feel paralyzed.” “Good decisions don't always feel good—they might still break your heart” Discusses difference between chronic pain and acute pain in decision-making Discernment helps identify not just what is “right,” but what leads toward peace Michaela O'Donnell and chronic pain Discernment is about “looking at the state of your own soul and becoming a steward of it” “This story that God is nurturing in the world—that story doesn't hinge on like this decision in your life.” Self-examination, and feeling alone in the decision Community-based decision-making “There are all these false binaries.” “What baggage do you have from the past? And how do you make sure that you're not seeing the present moment through the past?” Being as gracious as possible “ What is a way that we can create space to really hear from God?—to hear from each other, and to move forward in a way that we're doing change together and not to each other.” “They need to figure out something together that matters deeply.” The book offers a pathway for congregations and organizations discerning together “How do we do change with people?” Encourages communities to take time, name past wounds, and define who makes decisions Identifies the importance of setting clear expectations, timelines, and spiritual framing “Listening to everyone takes time, but it leads to deeper collective ownership.” Invites communities to ask: What values do we want to embody in this moment? “Sometimes the most valuable part of the process is the slowness.” Wisdom, complexity, and culture Decision-making in our polarized society must account for nuance, empathy, and complexity “What if the data tells us one thing, but the Spirit tells us something else?” Resist “data-driven” decisions as totalizing; discernment includes emotion, history, and spirituality. “Sometimes good decisions don't feel good, you know? Sometimes a life worth living is not about pursuing happiness.” “Lady Wisdom invites us to come and to dine at her house and to sit at a table together.” Names systemic fatigue: “Organizations optimize while their people starve.” Decision-making is affected by race, gender, trauma, context—“there is no one-size-fits-all path” Discernment as a practice, not a moment Braving Difficult Decisions includes exercises and frameworks, such as the “iceberg model” “Most big questions are like an iceberg. There's all this ice beneath the surface that you don't see. That's really the stuff that people are grappling with.” Encourages ongoing wisdom practices: surrender, self-reflection, value-alignment The book is not just a guide for one hard moment, but a long-term companion Ideal for pastors, therapists, educators, spiritual directors, and leaders About Angela Williams Gorrell Rev. Dr. Angela Williams Gorrell is an author, speaker, and consultant. Gorrell speaks and writes about finding the life worth living, joy, meaning, and purpose, and the intersection of spiritual and mental health. She is the author of Always On, The Gravity of Joy, and Braving Difficult Decisions: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do. Angela's research has been highlighted in media sources such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and NPR. Gorrell has taught at several schools including Yale University and Baylor University. She has provided thought leadership and consulting for numerous organizations including the US Army and the NBA. You can find her at her website www.angelagorrell.com or on instagram @angelagorrell. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Ambition is the air we breathe—but what is it costing us? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker and theologian Miroslav Volf discuss his latest book, The Cost of Ambition. They unpack the hidden damage of a culture obsessed with competition and invite us to imagine a new way of being, for ourselves and our society, rooted not in achievement, but in love, mutuality, and genuine abundance. They explore:  Striving for superiority in American cultureThe dark side of competitionLonging for what we haveStriving for excellence vs. striving for superiorityThe illusion of individual achievementPractices for embracing love and generosityReimagining human relationships beyond superiority__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse by Miroslav VolfAbundance by Ezra KleinThe Sabbath by Abraham HeschelLuke 18:9-14, Philippians 2, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, Mark 10:35-45The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)Works of Love by Søren KierkegaardSubscribe to Amy Julia's newsletter_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Miroslav Volf (DrTheol, University of Tübingen) is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture in New Haven, Connecticut. He has written or edited more than two dozen books, including the New York Times bestseller Life Worth Living, A Public Faith, Public Faith in Action, and Exclusion and Embrace (winner of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion and selected as among the 100 best religious books of the 20th century by Christianity Today). Educated in his native Croatia, the United States, and Germany, Volf regularly lectures around the world. CONNECT with Miroslav Volf on X at @miroslavvolf.Photo Credit: © Christopher Capozziello___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

How can we cope with the loss of life's meaning and the helplessness that often accompanies it? What are the most common causes behind such a crisis? How can we signal our emotional state to those around us, and how can we support others in similar pain? How do we talk about difficult emotions, loneliness, and a sense of meaninglessness? What helped people who were close to that edge? What does science say about suicidal tendencies as a phenomenon? Can we better understand these circumstances and prevent tragedies more effectively? How does contemporary culture affect an individual's mental well-being? How is euthanasia perceived in light of today's psychiatric knowledge? These fundamental and deeply challenging questions were explored by psychiatrist Prof. Christian Rück from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, in conversation with psychologist and psychotherapist Dr. Marta Porębiak. Strefa Psyche Uniwersytetu SWPS is a project that promotes psychological knowledge at the highest substantive level and explores the practical applications of psychology in various areas of both private and professional life. The project includes online initiatives aimed at supporting personal growth for anyone in need or interested — regardless of where they are. Learn more about the project: https://web.swps.pl/strefa-psyche

In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek beauty in life’s bittersweet moments, offering profound insights into the human experience. Key Takeaways: Exploration of the relationship between sorrow and beauty. Discussion of the transformative power of music and its emotional connections. Insights into the concept of bittersweetness and its significance in human experience. The importance of acknowledging grief and its role in personal growth. Differentiation between “moving on” and “moving forward” in the context of loss. The concept of poignancy as a blend of joy and sorrow. The role of creativity and art in navigating difficult emotions. Emphasis on seeking beauty in everyday life, especially during challenging times. The impact of personal experiences on understanding grief and longing. Encouragement for listeners to embrace their emotions and foster connections through shared experiences. If you enjoyed this conversation with Susan Cain, check out these other episodes: Life Transitions with Bruce Feiler The Longings of our Heart with Sue Monk Kidd For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.