Podcasts about longings

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In this episode of the Radical Radiance Podcast, Rebecca George and Tasha Calvert discuss the transformative power of living a holy life, the meaning of holiness, and practical ways to pursue community and holiness in everyday life. They also share insights on writing books, building community, and trusting God's timing.Keywords:Holiness, Community, Christian Living, Book Writing, Spiritual Growth, Longing, Sanctification, Holy Spirit, Christian Community, Personal GrowthTopics:The meaning of holiness as sacred otherness from GodPractical steps to pursue holiness through community and spiritual disciplinesThe importance of biblical definitions and understanding God's holinessNavigating longings, waiting, and trusting God's timingThe role of the Holy Spirit in transforming character and lifeAddressing difficult topics like finances and sex in the holiness journeyThe significance of community and relational equity in spiritual growthWriting books and building community as a form of spiritual motherhoodChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:56 Defining Holiness: Sacred Otherness from God03:44 The Practical Pursuit of Holiness in Daily Life05:51 God's Holiness and Transformation Through the Holy Spirit07:52 The Invitation to Pursue Holiness, Not Just Blessings09:44 Understanding Set Apart: What It Means to Stand Out for God11:39 Addressing Difficult Topics: Finances, Sex, and Holiness15:38 Longings, Waiting, and Trusting God's Timing17:30 The Heart Behind Writing and Sharing Books19:32 Practicing Resilience and Waiting in Daily Life21:25 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Transformation27:25 Building Authentic Christian Community29:15 Walking Through Hard Seasons with Grace31:14 Encouragement for Pursuing God's Call and Longings33:11 The Power of Vulnerability and Relational Equity35:08 Responding with Grace and Wisdom in Daily Interactions37:00 God's Work in Our Desires and Future PlansSponsors:Christian Standard Bible:If you've ever read the Bible and thought, “I want to understand this more deeply”… this resource is for you. The CSB Christian Theology Handbook is such a beautiful companion for your study—it breaks down big theological concepts into clear, accessible insights with charts, summaries, and visual tools that actually help it stick. It's rooted in Scripture, easy to navigate, and designed to be something you come back to again and again. You can check out the CSB Christian Theology Handbook here.Live Oak Integrative Health:There's this thing that happens in summer where you're supposed to feel good — lighter, freer — but instead you're running on fumes and calling it fine. The mental load doesn't take a vacation. And your body notices. What if that bone-deep tired isn't just life? What if it's data? That's the question Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health helps women actually answer so you're not just managing symptoms, you're understanding them. Visit liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radiance for a special listener offer.Links:Speaking: https://www.radicalradiance.live/speaking Creative Business Coaching: https://www.radicalradiance.live/coaching Camp for Creatives: https://www.radicalradiance.live/campforcreatives Listen to Radical Radiance on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radical-radiance/id1484726102?uo=4 Listen to Radical Radiance on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55N56VtU6q33ztgJNw7oTX?si=29648982bc91475f Take the FREE Waiting Personality Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/676d5c2884dd1e00159563f6 Take the Why Are You Stuck in Your Calling? Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/657326e6544f610014b40b67 Books:You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry-Up World: https://amzn.to/44omO3kDo the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl: https://amzn.to/43IaFpMBefore Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life: https://amzn.to/4pdsZjv 

Jamie Mulvaney sits down with Dr Belle Tindall-Riley — editor of Mockingbird, podcaster, and author of The Sacred Ache — for a conversation that begins in the healing fields of Glastonbury and ends up somewhere far more surprising. In a culture where people are hiring Etsy witches, consulting the stars instead of therapists, and capitalising the U in Universe, Belle asks a beautifully disarming question: what if every spiritual craving — however misdirected — is actually pointing somewhere true? Belle unpacks what she calls the ‘sacred ache': the cosmic neediness that Augustine named, that C.S. Lewis felt, and that millions of people today are desperately trying to fill with manifestation, astrology, crystals, and energy healing. Rather than rolling her eyes or sounding the alarm, Belle does something rarer — she takes each practice seriously, traces the longing underneath it, and then gently shows where Christianity has been saying the same thing about our desires all along, only better. The conversation gets into why witchcraft is having a feminist moment, what it really means that all we see is not all there is, why the Universe (capital U) is emotional self-protection, and the one thing Belle refused to write a chapter on. This episode is for: anyone with friends who manifest, read their birth chart, or describe themselves as ‘spiritual but not religious' Christians who want to engage the culture around them without dismissing or demonising it those curious about why Britain feels increasingly pre-Christian — and what that opens up anyone who's ever felt that restless ache and not quite had words for it readers looking for their next book recommendation (and a great one to give away) Belle's book The Sacred Ache is available now. You can read her writing at ⁠mbird.com⁠ and ⁠seenandunseen.com⁠  And make sure to subscribe — we'd love to see you on a Sunday soon. ⁠https://stmichaelschestersquare.org/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/stmichaelschestersquare/ https://www.tiktok.com/@st.michaels.chester.sqr

Send us Fan MailIn this final episode of our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we bring everything back to the truth we've been discovering together: our deepest longings were always meant to lead us to Jesus. We talk about why cravings, emotional eating, scrolling, shopping, striving, and the search for approval aren't random—they often reveal a deeper desire for lasting comfort, peace, and connection with God. Reflecting on Psalm 73, we explore how even the best things in life can never fully satisfy, while God alone becomes the portion that never fades.We also look at Jesus' invitation throughout the Gospels and His prayer in John 17, where eternal life is described as knowing God personally. For those who struggle to sense God's nearness, we offer practical encouragement for renewing your mind with truth and cultivating awareness of His presence throughout the day. We close the series with a simple practice: pause and ask, "Lord, where are You right now?" Our prayer is that this conversation helps you move beyond temporary comforts and discover the lasting hope, peace, and relationship that can only be found by abiding in Christ.If you are ready to trade counterfeit comforts for real comfort, press play, share this with a friend who feels stuck, and leave a review so more people can find it. What longing feels most present in your life right now?Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Listen to the sermon 'The Longings Of Our Souls' by Will Collins from the Psalms series, based on Psalm 84:1-12.

Send us Fan MailIn part 8 of our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we explore the difference between chasing quick relief and receiving the lasting comfort God offers. Together, we talk about why we often reach for food, scrolling, overspending, busyness, or other coping mechanisms when life feels overwhelming, and why those cravings may actually be pointing to deeper needs. Looking at 2 Corinthians 1, Psalm 23, and Matthew 11, we're reminded that God doesn't ask us to stop needing comfort—He invites us to find it in His presence.We also reflect on Elijah's exhaustion, the assurance of being fully known in Psalm 139, and the Holy Spirit's role as our Comforter and Helper. Rather than offering instant escape, God meets us with His presence, peace, and strength in the middle of our struggles. We share practical ways to receive His comfort through prayer, Scripture, worship, trusted community, and renewing our minds with the simple question, "Lord, what is true right now?" If you're weary from trying to numb the ache, we hope this conversation encourages you to abide in the comfort only God can provide.Subscribe so you don't miss the final part of this series, share this with someone who's carrying a lot, and leave a review to help more listeners find hope.Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Send us Fan MailIn this seventh episode in our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we explore why our search for comfort is a universal part of being human and why longing is not a sign that something is wrong with us. Together, we talk about how shame can lead us to hide our desires instead of bringing them honestly to God. Looking at Jeremiah 2 and the image of broken cisterns, we consider how food, emotional eating, social media, busyness, achievement, people-pleasing, control, and even ministry can become places we turn for relief instead of lasting comfort.We also reflect on Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 and the reminder from Hebrews that He understands our weakness. Rather than condemning our thirst, Jesus invites us to bring it to Him. We share a simple practice for moments when the urge to seek comfort arises: pause, ask what you're truly feeling and what you're hoping that comfort will provide, then turn that longing into a conversation with God. If you've ever found yourself reaching for temporary relief, we hope this episode encourages you to discover the lasting comfort found in abiding with Christ.If you're ready to trade counterfeit comfort for true comfort and deeper spiritual growth, listen now, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. What “comfort file” do you reach for first when life gets hard? Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

ScriptureTranscriptMusic:Open the Eyes of My Heart - Randy TravisGive Me Jesus - Fernando Ortega

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Capturing Hidden Longings: A Wedding Photographer's Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-07-12-22-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Sotto il sole estivo, il Giardino Botanico Italiano brillava di colori vivaci.En: Under the summer sun, the Giardino Botanico Italiano gleamed with vibrant colors.It: Giulia si trovava immersa tra i sentieri tortuosi, colma di entusiasmo per il lavoro che l'attendeva.En: Giulia was immersed among the winding paths, brimming with enthusiasm for the work that lay ahead.It: Era stata ingaggiata come fotografa per un matrimonio, e sperava di catturare momenti perfetti che riflettessero l'amore e la gioia del giorno.En: She had been hired as a photographer for a wedding, and she hoped to capture perfect moments that would reflect the love and joy of the day.It: Arrivò Marco, lo sposo, con un sorriso che non riusciva a illuminare i suoi occhi.En: Marco, the groom, arrived with a smile that failed to illuminate his eyes.It: Dietro di lui c'era Elena, la sorella della sposa, il cui sguardo tradiva emozioni miste.En: Behind him was Elena, the bride's sister, whose gaze betrayed mixed emotions.It: Giulia notò subito una tensione sottile tra loro.En: Giulia immediately noticed a subtle tension between them.It: Non era il classico nervosismo da matrimonio; percepiva un'agitazione di fondo, come se ci fossero parole non dette pronte a emergere.En: It wasn't the typical pre-wedding nerves; she sensed an underlying agitation, as if there were unspoken words ready to emerge.It: Giulia iniziò a scattare foto del gruppo di amici e familiari, cercando di concentrare l'obiettivo sull'amore tra i futuri sposi.En: Giulia started taking photos of the group of friends and family, trying to focus the lens on the love between the future spouses.It: Ma i suoi occhi si posavano spesso su Marco ed Elena, facendo emergere un legame profondo che sembrava ancor troppo forte.En: But her eyes often settled on Marco and Elena, revealing a deep connection that seemed too strong.It: Nel giardino, statue antiche e fiori sgargianti offrivano uno sfondo incantevole.En: In the garden, ancient statues and vibrant flowers offered a stunning backdrop.It: Giulia, con il cuore colmo di desiderio inatteso, guidava con delicatezza Marco e Elena verso angoli diversi del giardino.En: Giulia, with her heart full of an unexpected longing, gently guided Marco and Elena toward different corners of the garden.It: Non voleva distruggere l'equilibrio tenue del matrimonio.En: She didn't want to disrupt the fragile balance of the wedding.It: Durante una foto cruciale, Giulia vide qualcosa che la fermò.En: During a crucial photo, Giulia saw something that stopped her.It: Un breve, intenso sguardo tra Marco e Elena.En: A brief, intense look between Marco and Elena.It: Un dialogo silenzioso, udito solo dal cuore.En: A silent dialogue, heard only by the heart.It: Giulia scattò, catturando un momento che raccontava una storia più profonda del matrimonio stesso.En: Giulia snapped the photo, capturing a moment that told a deeper story than the wedding itself.It: Alla fine, Marco abbassò lo sguardo, come se improvvisamente avesse compreso qualcosa d'importante.En: In the end, Marco lowered his gaze, as if he had suddenly understood something important.It: Lontana dall'obiettivo, Giulia sentì una nuova comprensione delle complesse trame delle relazioni umane.En: Away from the lens, Giulia felt a new understanding of the complex webs of human relationships.It: Anche se il desiderio di un suo matrimonio rimaneva, aveva trovato pace nella bellezza intricata delle storie che stava catturando con la sua macchina fotografica.En: Even though her own desire for a marriage remained, she found peace in the intricate beauty of the stories she was capturing with her camera.It: Mentre il sole tramontava tra i fiori, Giulia si allontanò dal giardino con una rinnovata consapevolezza e un sorriso sereno, pronta a tornare a casa portando con sé molto più di semplici fotografie.En: As the sun set among the flowers, Giulia walked away from the garden with renewed awareness and a serene smile, ready to return home carrying with her much more than just photographs. Vocabulary Words:the garden: il giardinothe sun: il solethe wedding: il matrimoniothe groom: lo sposothe bride: la sposathe sister: la sorellathe path: il sentierothe enthusiasm: l'entusiasmothe tension: la tensionethe agitation: l'agitazionethe backdrop: lo sfondoan understanding: una comprensionethe story: la storiathe camera: la macchina fotograficathe statue: la statuathe gaze: lo sguardothe flower: il fiorethe corner: l'angolothe lens: l'obiettivothe desire: il desideriothe dialogue: il dialogothe balance: l'equilibriorenewed: rinnovatavibrant: vivacito illuminate: illuminareto betray: tradiremixed: mistethe longing: il desiderioserene: serenoto capture: catturare

Send us Fan MailIn this sixth episode of our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we explore what it means to stay with Jesus when cravings, difficult emotions, or overwhelming situations make us want to escape. Beginning with a simple breath prayer and Jesus' invitation in John 15 to "abide in Me," we talk about how urges often feel urgent and permanent, even though they rise and fall like waves. Together, we consider how remaining present with God instead of reacting immediately can help us experience His peace in the middle of the struggle.We also discuss the difference between relying on willpower and abiding in relationship with Christ. Looking at the disciples in the storm, we're reminded that Jesus' presence doesn't always remove the storm, but it does change how we walk through it. We close with a simple practice for moments of temptation: pause, take a slow breath, notice what's happening in your body, and pray, "Jesus, I'm staying." If you've ever felt trapped by the need for immediate relief, we hope this conversation encourages you to remain with the One who is already with you.If this connects with you, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Send us Fan MailIn this fifth episode of our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we talk honestly about why surrender can feel so difficult, especially when we're letting go of the very things we've relied on for comfort. We begin with a breath prayer from Psalm 73—“You are the strength of my heart... and my portion forever”—and explore how stress, grief, and uncertainty can drive us toward emotional eating, control, perfectionism, busyness, scrolling, or other attempts to find quick relief. Together, we discuss why surrender often involves loss and why acknowledging that grief is an important part of the journey.Looking at Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see that surrender isn't about pretending everything is fine—it's about bringing our deepest struggles into relationship with the Father. We encourage listeners to choose connection with Jesus before reaching for immediate relief and share a simple practice to help pause and respond differently when urges arise. If surrender has ever felt overwhelming, we hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to walk that path alone.If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Message from Cam Potts on June 28, 2026

Send us Fan MailIn this fourth episode of our Loud Longings, Holy God series, we explore what happens when our hearts attach to things other than God for comfort, security, and relief. We share a simple breath prayer—“You alone” on the inhale, “are my portion” on the exhale—and reflect on Psalm 16 as we consider where we turn when life feels overwhelming, lonely, or exhausting. Together, we talk about how food, scrolling, spending, productivity, and control can begin to function as little saviors, not because we're weak, but because we were created for connection and our hearts naturally attach to something.Drawing from Exodus 20 and John 15, we discuss how God's invitation is not about behavior management but about abiding in Christ and finding lasting refuge in Him. We explore the difference between chasing quick relief and resting in God's presence, and we offer a simple question to bring into moments of stress or temptation: “Lord, what am I trusting right now?” If you've found yourself reaching for lesser comforts, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, notice where your hope is settling, and rediscover Jesus as your true source of peace and stability.If this connects with you, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What's the comfort you're most tempted to run to first?Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Send us Fan MailIn this third episode of our Loud Longings series, we explore a different way of understanding cravings, urges, and unwanted behaviors. Instead of seeing them as proof that something is wrong with us, we consider the possibility that they may be coming from a single part of us that is tired, lonely, anxious, discouraged, or still carrying old wounds. Together, we talk about how food, scrolling, shopping, busyness, and other comforts can become attempts to soothe those hurting places, and why curiosity often leads to more healing than shame ever could.Drawing from Psalm 34, Hebrews 4, and Matthew 11, we reflect on God's nearness to the brokenhearted and Jesus' compassion toward human weakness. We share a simple breath prayer—“Here I am” on the inhale, “with all of me” on the exhale—and guide listeners through a reflection of bringing their most vulnerable places into Jesus' presence. If you've ever worried that God would pull away if He saw the real you, this conversation offers a gentle reminder that He meets us with steadiness, kindness, and rest, even in the places we would rather hide.Listen, share this with a friend who's tired of shame-driven change, and subscribe so you don't miss the next conversation. If it helps, leave a review and tell us: what part of you is reaching most lately?Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Longings Fulfilled Week 10 of the Ecclesiastes Series Speaker: Scott Hickox Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 Download the slides for this message: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wgkkb13s0vtrzgc1kqaw7/Ecclesiastes-Week-10-PDF.pdf?rlkey=zwuxjyfwgaqnfvn23red058ji&st=7wlgcatw&dl=0 (If using on mobile, click the icon on the top right and click direct download)

Most men trying to quit porn focus almost entirely on what they're doing.Very few stop to explore what's happening underneath it.The reality is that every behavior is connected to something deeper. Thoughts. Emotions. Longings. Fears. Stress. Heart hunger.In this episode, Shawn introduces one of the most important concepts in recovery: your inner world.You'll learn why so many men feel disconnected from themselves, how suppression creates confusion, and why porn often becomes a response to an inner world that feels overwhelming or misunderstood.Together we'll explore:• What your inner world actually is • Why most men become disconnected from it • How suppression fuels unwanted sexual behaviors • The connection between thoughts, emotions, and heart hunger • Why awareness creates clarity and hope when quitting pornYou'll also be invited into a simple reflection exercise to help you start noticing + the bonus hack to do these more effecively than ever before:• What you're feeling • What you're thinking • What your heart is hungry forBecause when you understand what's happening beneath the surface, your struggle starts making a lot more sense.

What happens when your child loves something you deeply dislike? In this honest Friday episode, Justin shares what happened when he finally sat down to watch The Amazing Digital Circus with their 12-year-old daughter after months of resistance. The result wasn’t a parenting victory or a dramatic ban…it was something far more powerful. Justin and Kylie unpack why staying curious instead of controlling can completely change the way our kids engage with media, trust us, and think critically about what they consume. Plus: Kylie shares the unexpected emotional impact of hosting a women-only book club night that reminded everyone in the room they were more than just mums, wives, or carers. This episode is about connection, intentionality, and the conversations that quietly shape our families. KEY POINTS: Why watching your child’s favourite show matters more than banning it The hidden emotional impact of “harmless” kids content How curiosity builds trust with tweens and teens Why shared viewing changes the way children process media The surprising power of women-only spaces and deep friendship How intentional connection helps combat loneliness and overwhelm The difference between building people up and tearing them down QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:“Your child stops passively consuming when they know you’re willing to sit beside them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: Watch one episode of your child’s favourite show with genuine curiosity Ask what they love about it before sharing your concerns Create intentional spaces for connection in your own life Invite people over, even if it’s simple and imperfect Focus on building trust before trying to change behaviour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan Mail In this second episode of our Loud Longings series, we explore how cravings are often about much more than food. What looks like a desire for sugar, bread, or chocolate can sometimes point to a deeper longing for comfort, safety, peace, or connection. We begin with a simple breath prayer from Psalm 139—“Search me and know me”—and invite ourselves into a posture of curiosity instead of self-judgment. Together, we discuss how emotionally charged cravings can carry memories, grief, and unmet needs, and why understanding the story behind them can open the door to greater compassion.We also share personal experiences with food and stress, reflecting on how Jesus meets us with tenderness in our places of need. Looking at His ministry around tables and His invitation as the Bread of Life and Living Water, we consider what it means to seek deeper nourishment when cravings become overwhelming.If a nostalgic craving surfaces this week, try pausing and asking, “What story is attached to this?” Then pray, “Jesus, meet me inside of this memory, meet me here.” Subscribe for the rest of this series, share this with a friend who feels stuck, and if it helps, leave a review, so more listeners can find hope and freedom.Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

In this episode of Finding Purpose, Russ Andrews explores John 4:1-26 and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Discover how Christ pursues us, offers the living water that satisfies our deepest needs, and invites us into a life of purpose, joy, and eternal hope.

Send us Fan MailIn this first episode of our Loud Longings series, we explore a different way of looking at longing. Instead of treating it as a problem to fix, we ask what if that ache is actually pointing us toward something deeper. We share a simple breath prayer—“Lord Jesus” on the inhale, “meet me in my longing” on the exhale—and reflect on Psalm 42, where the psalmist openly acknowledges a deep thirst for God. Together, we consider how spiritual longing is not something to fear, but a part of how we were created.We also talk about the connection between longing, emotional eating, compulsive behaviors, and other ways we try to numb discomfort. Rather than asking, “What's wrong with me?” we invite a more honest question: “What am I truly longing for right now?” Looking at Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, we see how He meets thirsty people with compassion and offers Himself as the source of lasting satisfaction. We discuss common substitutes such as food, scrolling, busyness, achievement, control, and even ministry activity, and offer a simple practice for when cravings get loud: pause, notice, and pray, “Jesus, meet me here.”If you want a Christian podcast approach to cravings, shame resilience, and deeper intimacy with God, press play. Subscribe, share with a friend who feels stuck, and leave a review so more thirsty hearts can find this conversation.Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Order your free copy of When Faith is Forbidden: www.vom.org/titr Dr. Gavin Ortlund is a pastor, author, speaker, and apologist for the Christian faith. He serves as President of Truth Unites, Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville, and Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary. Gavin has a Ph.D. from Fuller Theological Seminary in historical theology, and an M.Div from Covenant Theological Seminary. He is the author of nine books, including his forthcoming book: Why Christianity Makes Sense: A Book About Jesus, the Mysteries of the World, and the Longings in Your Heart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part 2 with Kelley Newell as we dig into what core longings are, the Hebrew word "yada" and what that means to us today. We also dive into reaching the least, last, lost and lonely.

We highly suggest that you READ the TEXT at the link below, as you listen to the audio above. https://gracegems.org/2026/holy_longings.htm Feel free to FORWARD this gem to others!

We highly suggest that you READ the TEXT at the link below, as you listen to the audio above. https://gracegems.org/2026/holy_longings.htm Feel free to FORWARD this gem to others!

Welcome back to the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael sits down with licensed therapist, author, and researcher Jay Stringer for a deep and vulnerable conversation exploring the core desires that shape our lives. Together, they unpack themes from Jay Stringer's latest book, Desire: The Longings Inside of Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow.Over the course of their dialogue, Michael and Jay examine the five core desires: wholeness, personal growth, pleasure, intimacy, and meaning. They candidly discuss the traps of mastery and control, the importance of radical self-hospitality, and the crucial role of self-acceptance in loving others well. You will hear stories from Jay's clinical experience, thoughtful reflections on the nature of shame and transformation, and an honest look at how pleasure and intimacy can be both revealing and redemptive.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Gavin Ortlund explores why Gen Z is increasingly drawn to Catholicism, arguing that a deep cultural anxiety and longing for stability, belonging, and beauty are ultimately pointing people to the fulfillment found in the gospel.My new book: Why Christianity Makes Sense: A Book About Jesus, the Mysteries of the World, and the Longings in Your Heart: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Christianity-Makes-Sense-Mysteries/dp/0310182204/truthunitesbo-20Videos Mentioned: Why Gen Z Loves Church History (And What to do About it): https://youtu.be/boXE_EjXePsTruth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/X: https://x.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

A lecture given at L'Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachusetts. For more information, visit https://southboroughlabri.org/ by Ben Keyes This lecture explores two fundamental human desires: the longing to seek new experiences and the longing to come home. Drawing on examples from literature, we will explore the nature of these two longings and ultimately point to their biblical foundations. Because the longings fro the new and the familiar are part of how we have been made by God, only in relating to Him do they come together and find fulfillment. The Copyright for all material on the podcast is held by L'Abri Fellowship. We ask that you respect this by not publishing the material in full or in part in any format or post it on a website without seeking prior permission from L'Abri Fellowship. ©Southborough L'Abri 2026

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Patrick Smith joins us for a record breaking 10th appearance on Midweek to discuss the 2025 Netflix film and third installment of the Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man.  JM's Album Of The Week: Bon Iver - Heavenly Father (Live) (Single) Bradford's Book Club: Why Christianity Makes Sense: A Book About Jesus, the Mysteries of the World, and the Longings in Your Heart by Gavin Ortlund

I'm always challenged by the words of verse 2, “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord…” The question that arises for me is, “Can I honestly say that my soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord?” Have you ever stopped to evaluate your longings? When we have a longing, doesn't it indicate that something is missing from our lives? Sometimes our longings indicate a desire to escape our current circumstances. In this episode, we'll explore what our longings might be trying to tell us, and we'll take some time to consider our response. Listen in!Read it hereQuestions for this episode: Does this resonate with my soul today? Do I find myself trying to fill my cravings with temporary things that never completely satisfy? Am I able to see that what my soul really wants is to encounter the living God? Is there something He is inviting me to do, or to set aside doing, so that I can enter into our relationship more intentionally? was one of the first I read on this topic!The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun is a really great resource on many different disciplines and the desire behind eachThe Lectio 365 App is a great daily resource for slowing down to encounter scripture prayerfully!Podcast music is written and recorded by Caleb Lieurance

Jeff Crosby is the president and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishers and has worked in bookselling and publishing roles for more than four decades. He is also an author of several books, including World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading (Paraclete Press, 2025), The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts (Broadleaf, 2023) and Days of Grace Through the Year (IVP, 2007).His next book, titled The Spirit in the Sky: The Power of Music in Our Search for Graceland, will be published in September by Bloomsbury. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and trade journals, including CRUX, Conversations Journal, Living Lutheran, Publishers Weekly, and CRA Today.Jeff joined us on the Booksmarts Podcast to discuss the history and mission of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), as well as their three annual publishing events they host to bring Christian publishers, leaders, and speakers together. He also discusses the emerging challenges and opportunities facing Christian publishing—from AI and market consolidation to global growth in regions like Brazil. To learn more about ECPA, visit their website.

Send a textWhat if a craving isn't something to conquer but a message to understand? In this episode, we challenge the old script of more rules and stronger willpower and instead choose compassionate curiosity that settles the nervous system and restores choice. As two coaches, we share real stories, Scripture, and neuroscience to explore how shame fuels cravings and how survival mode reaches for quick dopamine when we're depleted. We talk about why food becomes a fast, reliable regulator when logic goes offline—and why that makes human sense. Rather than judging ourselves, we learn to listen.We unpack the signals cravings often carry—exhaustion, loneliness, overwhelm, and emotions we've pushed aside—and we gently turn toward the deeper hunger beneath them: the longing for safety, connection, and God's presence. Through Psalm 107:9 and John 4, we re-frame hunger as an invitation instead of a defect. Then we offer a simple three-step pause: notice without judgment, ask what the craving is about, and choose one small life-giving alternative. We emphasize honoring true physical hunger and resisting spiritual bypass. Over time, curiosity helps cravings become clues that guide us toward peace, presence, and a more abundant life.  If this conversation helps you breathe easier around food, desire, and faith, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find freedom without shame. Also join our community at https://www.revelationwithin.orgSupport the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. Today, Michael is joined by author and therapist Jay Stringer for a deep and vulnerable conversation about his newest book, "Desire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow." Together, they explore the civil war of desire that shapes our lives—how our deepest longings birth both our greatest joys and our most profound heartaches.Jay Stringer shares how his personal and professional experiences led him to unpack the complexities of desire, discussing its impact beyond sexuality and touching on meaning, intimacy, growth, and purpose. The episode explores how our desires are formed, suppressed, or distorted—often by trauma, shame, and cultural influences—and why understanding these origins is crucial to transformation.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Encouraging Prayer, James Banks and Robby Dilmore, discuss how to get real with God by turning your longings into prayer. 

Rachel Hercman, LCSW is a psychotherapist, educator, and mental health content creator specializing in relationships, intimacy, and trauma. She has a private practice in Manhattan and Monsey, as well as telehealth. She brings depth, clarity, and real conversation to the topics we don't talk about enough. CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast  

This episode offers Part 2 of our exploration of the gospel of Luke through the lens of the question that John the Baptist asked Jesus in Luke 7:19: “Are you the one, or should we look for someone else?”(Make sure to have listened to Episode 427 before tuning in to this one).Today, we're asking this question of ourselves, our own lives, and our own hearts: Is Jesus truly the One our hearts desire?This begs a second question: if, as Christians, we've answered yes, then does our life reflect our stated priority?So, we examine the evidence of Jesus' identity through:·         Scripture: A thorough study of Luke's firsthand accounts and prophecies.·         Lives of Others: Observing faith's impact in people around us.·         Personal Reflection: Identifying if we're filling the “God-shaped hole” with substitutes.·         Asking God Directly: Inviting honest, personal encounter.Luke's narrative highlights three responses to Jesus, which inform our own possible response:·         Unbelief (Nazareth): Viewing Jesus as a lunatic.·         Rejection (Pharisees): Accusing Jesus of deception—a liar.·         Faith (The woman who anoints Jesus): Trusting Jesus as Lord.So, which will it be for you and me? The choice is ours – for salvation, but also throughout our lives. We get to choose to follow Jesus every single day.Through Luke, we are issued a challenge: Seek Jesus, not just as a distant historical figure, but as the One who knows us fully and loves us perfectly. The journey is ongoing—keep pursuing deeper relationship, letting Him fill what only He can.Reflection:Who is Jesus to you? Lunatic, liar, or Lord? The answer shapes your identity, faith, and future. The invitation is to make Him your One—day after day, every day.We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Longings are normal - but what do they tell us about ourselves, God and eternity?

What were some of the highlights of 2025?On the last day of 2025, we spend some time reflecting on the past year. In this episode, we talk about impactful books we read, memorable moments in ministry, insights from Scripture, and longings we have for ourselves and our churches.Chapters:(0:00) Introductions: Chippers?(4:58) Books We Read in 2025(10:57) Key Ministry Moments(17:03) Engaging with Scripture(20:42) People & Places(25:05) Longings

We tend to believe that trials and times of fear or grief, mean we've done something wrong. We feel that if we just prayed more, were more faithful with our spiritual disciplines, etc, we would feel fine, even through the worst! But Scripture offers a different picture. Feeling our grief, fear, and pain, while lifting it all to God is prayer. Feeling bad is NOT a sign that I am bad. It's an honest experience and expressing it to God is a powerful and intimate connection with God.  And more than that, our deep longings point to a deeper, more real reality that is waiting for us in the resurrection! Join us for a workshop on trusting God, or for one of our 4 week intensives here: https://www.signpostinn.org/events Links/References Mockingbird Ministries - https://mbird.com/ Brandon's Advent Music Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RjWQlIIUrXi0vcCTwfzZp?si=Qn_ENutRTjqEE84cODKxBg That Thing Liv Wrote - Liv's Substack - https://livbooth.substack.com/ Review the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-signpost-inn-podcast/id1583479686     Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website (http://www.signpostinn.org) for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What would the story of Jesus look like if he had a wife? That's the thought experiment Sue Monk Kidd takes on in The Book of Longings, told from the perspective of Jesus's fictional wife, Ana. This book healed some of my Jesus trauma and helped me put words to my new kind of spirituality. It opened up conversations about the silencing of women's voices, patriarchy and power, motherhood, spiritual identity, and what autonomy and independence can look like within a marriage. You can listen to the whole episode at the Girlscamp Patreon here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Message from Mark Upton on November 16, 2025

https://www.thegracelifepulpit.com

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

#WitchTok is upset at Crock-Pot for not releasing a cauldron, new studies about how spiritual yearning changes with age, and Sora becomes the most-downloaded free app in the Apple App Store. Meme of the Week: “The lion does not concern himself…”  The phrase “the lion does not concern himself with [thing X]” has been gaining popularity on TikTok and Instagram over the last few weeks. The phrase itself entered the lexicon thanks to Game of Thrones. However, in recent days, it's turned into an ironic way to justify personal preferences (Ex. “The lioness does not concern herself with onions on her In-N-Out burgers.”) or avoiding basic responsibilities (Ex. “The lion does not concern himself with folding laundry.”). Elsewhere in culture:  Streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker sparked controversy in the streaming world after he appeared to use a shock collar on his dog while streaming. The new EA game Battlefield 6 is having a very successful first week, setting it up to potentially dethrone Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as the go-to first-person-shooter this holiday season. Popular shonen anime My Hero Academia begins its final season this weekend. In fact, it's a big season for season premieres of popular anime in general. Swifties are up-in-arms over Taylor Swift's alleged use of AI in her promo videos for her new album The Life of a Showgirl. Instagram announced a policy going into effect later this year that attempts to limit teens' accounts to only show content that would appear in PG-13 movies, a rating system Meta called "familiar to parents.” Become a monthly donor today, join the Table. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.  

How does historical processes of colonization relate to the increasing prevalence of more intense, destructive wildfires? How can Indigenous-led cultural burning support the regeneration of fire-dependent ecosystems — as well as the healing of communities experiencing "solastalgia"? And how are fire cycles and water cycles entangled?In this episode, Green Dreamer's Kaméa is joined by Dr. Melinda Adams, an Indigneous fire scientist who belongs to the N'dee, San Carlos Apache Tribe. A cultural fire practitioner and scholar, Dr. Adams' research focuses on the revitalization of cultural fire with Tribes in California and more recently with Tribes in the Midwest.Join us as we explore the longings of the land for cultural fire rooted in right relations, and what it means to move from ecological grief towards an empowerment to participate in biocultural revitalization.We invite you to…tune in and subscribe to Green Dreamer via any podcast app;subscribe to kaméa's newsletters here;and support our show through a one-time donation or through joining our paid subscriptions on Patreon or Substack.

How does historical processes of colonization relate to the increasing prevalence of more intense, destructive wildfires? How can Indigenous-led cultural burning support the regeneration of fire-dependent ecosystems — as well as the healing of communities experiencing "solastalgia"? And how are fire cycles and water cycles entangled?In this episode, Green Dreamer's Kaméa is joined by Dr. Melinda Adams, an Indigneous fire scientist who belongs to the N'dee, San Carlos Apache Tribe. A cultural fire practitioner and scholar, Dr. Adams' research focuses on the revitalization of cultural fire with Tribes in California and more recently with Tribes in the Midwest.Join us as we explore the longings of the land for cultural fire rooted in right relations, and what it means to move from ecological grief towards an empowerment to participate in biocultural revitalization.We invite you to…tune in and subscribe to Green Dreamer via any podcast app;subscribe to kaméa's newsletters here;and support our show through a one-time donation or through joining our paid subscriptions on Patreon or Substack.

Today’s Bible Verse: "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." — John 4:14 Every one of us has deep longings—desires for love, acceptance, security, and purpose. We often try to fill those voids with relationships, success, achievements, or possessions, but nothing fully satisfies. In John 4:14, Jesus promises something different: living water that refreshes our souls and fills us with eternal hope. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

Juli and her guests explore the infiltration of erotica and LGBTQ themes into young adult fiction. From board books to bestselling novels, today's literature isn't what it used to be—and parents are the last to know. You'll hear stories from the frontlines and get practical tools to help you navigate today's fiction. Whether you're raising toddlers or talking with teens, this is a conversation every parent, teacher, and youth leader needs to hear. Guests: Greta Eskridge and Korrie Johnson   Follow-Up Resources: It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn: A Parent's Guide to Helping Children and Teens Develop Sexual Integrity by Greta Eskridge Pulling Back the Shades: Erotica, Intimacy and the Longings of a Woman's Heart by Dr. Juli Slattery and Dannah Gresh Good Book Mom Plugged In Redeemed Reader Read Aloud Revival