Podcasts about Vocation

We’re rediscovering John Updike in the afterlife of a great writer. The Selected Letters of John Updike, just published, come to 800 pages of unguarded messages to his wives and lovers, to his mother and ... The post John Updike’s Vocation appeared first on Open Source with Christopher Lydon.

“Did I miss my calling?” “Is this really God's will?”If you've ever wrestled with those questions, this episode is for you.In this conversation, Matt sits down with Stacey Sumereau—former Broadway performer, reality TV discerner (“Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns”), host of the Called and Caffeinated podcast, Catholic wife, mom of five, and special needs mother. Stacey shares how God led her from the stage to a deeply hidden life of family, ministry, and Catholic coaching… and how He used disappointment and weakness as the doorway.You'll hear about:• Her transition from Broadway tours (Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz) to   Catholic ministry• How reality TV discernment opened her to surrender and real relationship   with God• What a “personal vocation” is (and how it fits under marriage / religious life/    priesthood)• How to tell when you're following perfectionism vs. the Holy Spirit• Being a Catholic mom, special needs parent, and still honoring a real call to   ministry• Why God speaks through your desires (not just in spite of them)• How Catholic coaching helped her break out of victim mentality and reclaim    joy• Practical ways to hold your family, work, and mission in right order without   burnoutStacey also shares about her new book Adventure Awaits: How to Interpret Your Desires and Hear God's Voice, and why most Catholics underestimate how much God actually wants to speak into their everyday choices.⸻CONNECT WITH STACEY SUMEREAU

We hope this message encourages and inspires you!Want more like this from CoastLife Church?YouTube: CoastLife Church - YouTubeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycoastlifechurchInstagram: https://instagram.com/coastlifechurch...GIVE: https://www.mycoastlifechurch.com/giveLooking to get connected? We'd love to meet you! We offer several different ways to connect and be in community: Join a Together Group, Register for CoastLife+, or become a part of our Serve Team today by visiting: CoastLife Connect Card - CoastLife Church (churchcenter.com)Give: To support and be a part of or growth and global impact click here: https://www.mycoastlifechurch.com/give

Tensions à la MASA : Richard Hein réagit à sa révocation et met les points sur les « i » by TOPFM MAURITIUS

Mater Dei Radio's Executive Director was ordained to the permanent Diaconate. Deacon Rolando Moreno sits down with Brenda to share his experience.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

We continue our discussion of The Whole Truth About Fatima and review an introductory article pertaining to issue #135 of The Fatima Crusader.Please support the Our Lady of Fatima Podcast:http://buymeacoffee.com/TerenceMStantonLike and subscribe on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@OurLadyOfFatimaPodcastFollow us on X:@FatimaPodcastSubscribe to our Substack:https://terencemstanton.substack.comThank you!

We are very happy to welcome back returning guest and friend of the podcast, Julian Davis Reid. Julian is a gifted writer, musician, speaker, theologian, and pastor and spoke with us about his new album, Vocation, in particular the song Moan: For Hearts of Flesh. Julian's work is deep and thought provoking. It often walks a line between joy and pain, mixing the two together, demonstrating how one informs the other. His work articulates musically what can often be so difficult to articulate in other ways. It speaks to a hope that does not deny reality or skirt around pain or difficult topics but rather asks, what does faith look like here and now, in the midst of this.  If you want to check out Julian's work (which we would highly recommend), you can check out Julian's website, which has links to his music, both solo and other projects, as well as his music video for Moan: For Hearts of Flesh, which we reference in this conversation.

After their interview, Ryan and Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, headed into The Painted Porch to talk about their favorite books and swap recommendations.

Sister Joaquim is with the Mission of Hope in Gode, Ethiopia. During today's "Vocation Station" segment of Morning Light, she shares her mission of supporting women and children with food, medical concerns and education as they work toward eventual self-sustainability. To learn more, contact: trustees.missionofhope@gmail.com 

Léonard, 17 ans, se pose cette question : "Comment savoir si j'ai la vocation de prêtre ?" C'est le père Thibaut de Rincquesen qui lui répond en 3 minutes. Vous aussi, posez vos questions à pourquoipadre@ktotv.com

Tu ES ta propre niche. Cet épisode déconstruit le mythe qu'il faut être expert ou copier des modèles avancés. La vraie formule : observer ce qui t'intéresse naturellement → résoudre TES problèmes avec TES spécificités → documenter le chemin (quelques étapes d'avance suffisent) → partager avec ta personnalité. Tes contraintes deviennent ta force unique. Entreprendre commence par résoudre des problèmes que tu as déjà.

Work can be a place of dread, or a place of anticipation. What if the Holy Spirit allowed us to see our vocation in a whole new light?

Guest: Jon Leonetti — Catholic speaker, author, and host of Your Catholic Life.Topic: Discovering holiness through the lives of St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi.Themes: Faith in action, simplicity of life, and the modern relevance of the saints.Takeaway: We are all called to holiness — and the saints show us how to live that call with joy and courage.For more about John's work and speaking ministry, visit jonleonetti.com #CatholicWomenNow #JohnLeonetti #PadrePio #StFrancisOfAssisi #CatholicSaints #Holiness #FaithInAction #CatholicRadio #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicLife Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:Be Not Afraid with Fr. PJ McManusBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Invités :  - Louis de Raguennel, journaliste politique - Catherine Nay, éditorialiste politique d'Europe 1 - Julien Dray, ancien député - Jean-Michel Salvator, journaliste - Eric Naulleau, essayiste Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Invités :  - Louis de Raguennel, journaliste politique - Catherine Nay, éditorialiste politique d'Europe 1 - Julien Dray, ancien député - Jean-Michel Salvator, journaliste - Eric Naulleau, essayiste Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Fr. John Mosier from St. Mark's, Boise talks about the vocation of marriage sharing stories from the recent Idaho Catholic Marriage Conference put on by the Diocese of Boise.

Episode Description:"Worrying about the impact or the trying to control it is a waste of time, because you don't have control over it."When your creative drive turns into a mission to help everyone else, you might be caught in the Hero Trap. This episode explores what happens when vocation becomes inflated with pressure and savior energy—and how to reclaim a grounded, joyful sense of calling that doesn't depend on saving the world.In this episode of Be. Make. Do., host Lisa Smith unpacks The Hero Trap—a mindset that weighs down artists with unrealistic expectations and spiritual burnout. You'll learn how to shift from trying to do something epic for God to living out your vocation with steady, faithful creativity.Up Next: Join us as we unpack our final Vocation Trap - the Chosen Trap!Helpful Resources: Download your FREE Vocation Trap Tracker: https://soul-makers.kit.com/traptracker Discover Your Artist Archetype → Take the Free Quiz at soulmakers.org Download the Full Artist Archetypes Guide for deeper insight: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Read Samuel Wells' book, Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics Read the article, Vocation's Unbroken Chain: Biblical Call Stories and theExperience of Vocation by Chris Keeton Read the article, Understanding Vocation: Discerning and Responding to God's Call by Don ThompsonConnect & Share: Subscribe to Be. Make. Do. for new episodes every week Share this episode with fellow artists and creatives Join the conversation online using #VocationTrapsPodcast Join our brand new Instagram Broadcast Channel!

What if the story of your life isn't “nothing much happened”… but a mission God is speaking through you? Joe and Father Boniface unpack how tiny, daily choices—patience with family, taking out the trash with care—shape a saint's storyline, and why zooming in on micro-moments actually clarifies the bigger horizon. We explore St. Thérèse's wisdom about doing the next small thing with great love alongside Pope Francis' call to see your life as a unique message entrusted to you. Through it all, we stay grounded in the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasTake a “micro audit” of the last season: note small relational wins (held your patience, chose forgiveness) and misses (withdrew attention, snapped online) to see real growth.Your life is a mission and a message: lift your eyes to the horizon periodically to name milestones, then return to the next faithful step.St. Thérèse's path: do the next ordinary task with great love—God meets us in the present moment.Hold macro and micro together: alternate big-picture review with daily presence so grace can re-pattern habits over time.Practical examen: Where did my attention go today (phone, work, family, prayer)? What one small act of love can I choose tomorrow?Links & ReferencesPope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate (On the Call to Holiness in Today's World) — official Vatican text: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.htmlCTAIf this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.comTagsFather and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, mission, holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate, story of your life, vocation, daily examen, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, little way, little things great love, patience, attention, presence, relationships, family life, spiritual growth, sanctification, humility, gratitude, confession, prayer, discernment, habit change, virtue, everyday holiness, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, reflection, practical spirituality, Catholic podcast

In this episode, I sit down with April Holden, who's been married less than a year — but her journey to get there is nothing short of incredible.From leaving her Baptist family to becoming Catholic, facing deportation from the UK, getting trapped in Germany, and even living in a convent — April's story is one of courage, surrender, and divine providence.

Hello to you listening in these still indivisible United States of America!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I've been following Parker Palmer's work since I bought a copy of his book, Let Your Life Speak - Listening For the Voice of Vocation, in 1999. You might be familiar with this quote which has become a guiding light for me: “Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”  Over these past months We the People have turned occasional protests into protest projects coupled with growing political power to heal democracy.How else do we need? Palmer's book, Healing the Heart of Democracy; The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit (published in 2011) draws on our human instinct to choose hope, creativity and action for the common good over conflict.Following are five “habits of the heart” that can help us restore democracy's foundations as we nurture them in ourselves and each other:   • An understanding that we are all in this together   • An appreciation of the value of “otherness”   • An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways   • A sense of personal voice and agency   • A capacity to create communityChange arises out of chaos; but we have to learn the root causes of the chaos in order to shepherd our way to change. If it's true that a nation gets the government it deserves, I believe it is also true that We the People are shaping the government we desire with truth, values and heart work: a democracy of the people, by the people, for the people.Question: What truths and values do you represent that will help heal our democracy? And thank you for listening.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Pastor Tommy and Director of Outreach Devona give some additional thoughts on the sermon, "Whole in Vocation and Career" given at WCPC on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Watch the sermon Listen to the sermon

Message from Tommy Branagh on October 26, 2025

durée : 00:19:37 - Journal de 18h - L'Assemblée nationale est plongée depuis cet après-midi dans la partie recettes du budget 2026. "Le compromis, c'est la noblesse du débat démocratique" a lancé en ouverture de séance le Premier ministre Sébastien Lecornu. Comment cette phrase est-elle interprétée côté députés ?

durée : 00:19:37 - Journal de 18h - L'Assemblée nationale est plongée depuis cet après-midi dans la partie recettes du budget 2026. "Le compromis, c'est la noblesse du débat démocratique" a lancé en ouverture de séance le Premier ministre Sébastien Lecornu. Comment cette phrase est-elle interprétée côté députés ?

On the latest episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge:    Recaps the recent Mass for Marriage Jubilarians celebrating 25 and 50 years of marriage; access the media gallery here   Previews annual liturgies in our diocese, including a Mass for homeschool families, All Saints Day, and All Souls' Day   Speaks further on Pope Leo's XIV first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te   Shares what is at stake this election season with every seat in the House of Delegates on the ballot    Highlights the upcoming National Vocation Awareness Week (November 2-8) and recalls the invaluable role one priest in his life served in his own discernment of the priesthood   Answers a question from the faithful: “When God gives someone a special talent such as singing well or playing an instrument well, how do we use those talents for God and not get prideful when people tell us that we did really well?” 

Dans cette émission, le père Grégoire Froissart revient sur la liberté de l'Homme que Dieu nous a donné et qui nous permet de choisir le Bien ou le Mal.

In this episode of "I Love to Tell the Story," hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester explore one of the most dramatic narratives in the Hebrew Bible: Elijah's journey to Mount Horeb and his encounter with God in the "sound of sheer silence" (or "still small voice"). After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel's threats and travels from the northern territories all the way to Mount Horeb in the south—literally going "off the map." Exhausted and despairing, Elijah asks God to take his life, claiming he alone is left faithful to God. But God has other plans. In a powerful theophany (divine appearance), God shows Elijah that the divine presence is not in the mighty wind, earthquake, or fire—as it was for Moses—but in the sound of sheer silence. God redirects the self-righteous prophet back to his calling, reminding him that he's not alone and that his work isn't finished yet. The hosts discuss how this passage functions as a mirror for our own tendencies toward self-righteousness, the importance of reading it dramatically to capture its emotional depth, and how God's gracious persistence calls us out of ourselves and into service for others. TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Narrative Lectionary 02:06 Elijah's Journey and Emotional Turmoil 08:16 God's Communication and the Theophany 11:49 Elijah's Vocation and God's Call 12:47 Conclusion and Reflection on God's Grace

Becky Kopitzke It's a new Stand Up For The Truth podcast with host Dave Wager and special guest Becky Kopitzke, author, speaker, and longtime communicator of biblical truth. Together they dive into the “theology of vocation,” exploring what it really means to serve God through everyday work and calling. Becky shares her story of learning that her worth isn't found in what she does, but in who she is as a child of God. From motherhood to writing books and mentoring others, she's seen how the Lord uses both gifts and seasons of waiting to shape her faith. The conversation opens with Colossians 3:12, calling believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and explores how these virtues define our work and relationships when Christ is at the center. Dave and Becky also talk about how our vocations, whether teaching, parenting, or working behind the scenes, become acts of worship when surrendered to God. They touch on the importance of humility, dependence, and being faithful in the small things that few may notice. Even the simple act of praying for someone you meet can reflect the heart of Jesus. Through stories of family, ministry, and everyday faith, the episode reminds us that our calling isn't about titles, fame, or platform. It's about living fully for the One who created us. Wherever God places you, He can use your obedience to make an eternal impact. Sorry, no videocast of today's show.  Feedback about today's podcast is appreciated - email davew @ q90fm.com.

Your job matters. Your family matters. Your ordinary life has eternal weight—because Christ came to redeem all of it.In part seven of our 16-part Biblical Worldview series, we unpack what it means for Jesus to redeem our original calling: to be fruitful, multiply, and take dominion. This isn't a metaphor. This is a mandate.We talk about living between the already and the not-yet, how your work fits into God's plan to renew all things, and why a redeemed life doesn't just attend church—it builds something that lasts.Matthew 6, Romans 8, Colossians 2, Isaiah 11Topics: Redemption, Culture, Vocation, Fatherhood, Christ's KingshipQuote: “The gospel doesn't save you to sit still—it redeems you to build.”

School has been back in session for a couple of months now and you can be sure that there are a host of high schoolers thinking about where they are going to attend college. Members of SheKnows Teen Council were surveyed regarding their approach to college applications. When asked to use one word to describe how they were feeling about the application process they used a variety of words, including uncertain, overwhelmed, anxious, nervous, stressed, competitive, terrified, ready, excited, and restless. We have found that our culture along with peer and social media pressure has made the college application process stressful for both students and their parents. As Christian parents, we need to lead our kids into understanding that college acceptance is not to be pursued as a mark of their identity. Rather, they are to lean into the peace given by God as He directs the process, and they are to approach college as vocational prep for a lifetime of serving and glorifying God.

How are friendship and hospitality related and different? Both are vocations; the difference is that hospitality is an action while friendship refers to a relationship. Unlike many of the messages that we hear today, we are told to love the other and invite them in, not cast them out.  Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Tania. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew Chapter25, verses 31-40, and the scripture reading is 1 Peter, Chapter 4, verses 8-10.

Hour 1 for 10/16/25 Drew and Fr. Simon discuss a grab bag of issues. Topics: vocations (2:05), fertility crisis (20:10), I'm one of 14 kids (33:55), the power of prayer (39:14), population bomb (41:54), and the Rosary (44:40).

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer engages with Dr. Carmen Imes about her book 'Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters.' They explore the themes of identity, vocation, and belonging within the context of the church, discussing the significance of ecclesia and its roots in the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the continuity of God's people from the Old Testament to the New Testament, the importance of community in faith, and the call for believers to actively participate in the church despite its imperfections. Dr. Imes invites listeners to recognize their role in the church and the blessings that come from being part of a community of faith. Read more from Carmen Joy Imes on Substack or view her YouTube channel. Buy the book: Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

Episode Overview:“Our primary problem...is not that we lack self-worth. It's that we lack awe.”In this episode, Lisa and Dan unpack the Happiness Trap: the belief that your purpose is tied to feeling good or curating the perfect life. But true vocation often forms us in the slow, hidden work of faithfulness, not fleeting emotional highs. Tune in to escape the trap, rediscover joy, and move forward with a deeper sense of vocation.Up Next:The Hero Trap – Learn how to pursue your calling without trying to "save the world" or carry more than God has asked you to.Helpful Resources: Download your FREE Vocation Trap Tracker: https://soul-makers.kit.com/traptracker Discover Your Artist Archetype → Take the Free Quiz at soulmakers.org Download the Full Artist Archetypes Guide for deeper insight: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Read Samuel Wells' book, Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics Read the article, Vocation's Unbroken Chain: Biblical Call Stories and theExperience of Vocation by Chris Keeton Read the article, Understanding Vocation: Discerning and Responding to God's Call by Don Thompson Read the Blog Post by Jen Wilken, Trading Self-Worth for Awe and WonderConnect & Share: Subscribe to Be. Make. Do. to keep following the Vocation Traps series Share this episode with a fellow artist or spiritual seeker Join the conversation on social using #VocationTrapsPodcast Join our brand new Instagram Broadcast Channel!

10/14/25 - Dr. T. Adam Van Wart of Ave Maria University shares his personal journey of faith, recounting the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Catholicism and dedicate his life to serving God. He reflects on the challenges, inspirations, and mentors that shaped his spiritual path, offering a deeply personal testimony that will resonate with viewers seeking encouragement in their own faith journeys. The conversation then turns to Dr. Van Wart's current work at Ave Maria University, where he combines scholarship, teaching, and ministry to guide students in living out their Catholic faith with integrity and purpose. From fostering academic excellence to nurturing spiritual growth, Dr. Van Wart provides insights into how faith can inform every aspect of professional and personal life.

How do we define acts of friendship? Is it in the grand gestures, or being a genius at the close at hand? How do we grow faithfully into that call? Paul's letter to the Romans discusses how we should embrace what God does for us is the best thing we can do for God.  This message comes from Pastor Jason. Our gospel reading is from Luke Chapter 17 verses 20 - 21. The reading for the study is Romans Chapter 12, verses 1-2, & 9-16.

In this Episode:Dcn. Sartorius and The Vocation to the Diaconate How The Church Serves the PoorOklahoma Ties in Guatemala?Watch Tulsa Time on YouTubeStream, Download, and Listen on Your Favorite PlatformFollow @dioceseoftulsa The Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Podcast is brought to you by The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.

AM Sermon

From bipartisan cooperation to prayerful gratitude, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins Drew Collins to reflect on joy, wisdom, and love of enemy in a divided nation—offering a vision of public service grounded in the way of Jesus.“Jesus defied expectations—he welcomed the stranger, he fed the hungry, he loved his enemies.”Together they discuss the role of faith in public life amid deep division. Reflecting on Jesus's call to love our enemies and the Apostle Paul's exhortation to “rejoice always,” she describes how Scripture, prayer, and gratitude sustain her work in the U.S. Senate.From bipartisan collaboration to the challenges of resisting an authoritarian executive branch, Gillibrand speaks candidly about the challenges of embodying gentleness and compassion in politics, consistently seeking spiritual solidarity with colleagues across the aisle. Drawing on Philippians 4, she testifies to the peace of God that transcends understanding, revealing a vision of political life animated by faith, courage, and joy—all in the spirit of hope, humility, and the enduring call to love in public service.Episode Highlights“Faith is the greatest gift you could have. It grounds me; it reminds me why I'm here and what my life is supposed to be about.”“We can disagree about public policy, but we don't have to be in disagreement as people.”“Jesus defied expectations—he welcomed the stranger, he fed the hungry, he loved his enemies.”“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice… let your gentleness be evident to all.”“I pray for wisdom every day. Scripture tells us if you ask for it, you will receive it—and boy do I need it.”About Kirsten GillibrandKirsten Gillibrand is the U.S. Senator from New York, serving since 2009. A graduate of Dartmouth College and UCLA Law School, she has focused her legislative career on ethics reform, national security, and family policy. Grounded in her Christian faith, she seeks to model bipartisan leadership and compassionate public service. For more information, visit gillibrand.senate.gov.Helpful Links and ResourcesPhilippians 4:4–9 (Bible Gateway)Redeemer Presbyterian Church (Tim Keller)Gospel in Life Podcast (Tim Keller)Chaplain Barry C. Black – U.S. Senate ChaplainKirsten Gillibrand, Official Senate PageFaith and DivisionGillibrand describes America's current political and social moment as deeply divided, weakened by retreat into ideological corners.“We're stronger when we work together—when people love their neighbors and care as if they were their own family.”Faith offers grounding amid chaos; social media and tribalism breed extremism and hate.Following Jesus in Public LifeFaith clarifies her purpose and sustains her in political life.“It makes everything make sense to me.”Living “out of step with what's cool, trendy, or powerful” defines Christian vocation in public office.Bipartisanship and Common GroundWorks with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) on crypto regulation, Ted Cruz (R-TX) on first responder support, and Josh Hawley (R-MO) on stock trading bans.“If I can restore some healthcare or Meals on Wheels, I'll go that extra mile to do that good thing.”Collaboration as moral practice—faith expressed through policy partnership.Loving Enemies and Welcoming StrangersDraws parallels between Jesus's ministry and bipartisan cooperation.“He would sooner convert a Roman soldier than go to war with him.”“If I went to a Democratic rally and said, ‘love your enemy,' I don't know how that would go over.”Testifying to FaithWeekly Bible study with Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black.“He told us: Testify to your blessings. Share what God is doing in your life.”Posts daily blessings on social media, mixing joy and public witness.The Faith of DemocratsCounters perception that Democrats lack faith: “There are more ordained ministers and theology degrees on our side than people realize.”Mentions Senators Tim Kaine, Chris Coons, Raphael Warnock, Amy Klobuchar, and Lisa Blunt Rochester, all of whom regularly meet and discuss their faith and its impact on public office.Faith and Policy DifferencesOn reproductive rights and LGBTQ equality: “It's not the government's job to discriminate.”Frames Matthew 25 as central to Democratic faith—feeding, caring, welcoming.Compares differing theological interpretations of government's role in justice.Joy and GratitudePhilippians 4 as daily anchor: “Rejoice in the Lord always… let your gentleness be evident to all.”Keeps a five-year daily gratitude journal: “You rewire your brain to look for what is praiseworthy.”Rejoicing doesn't deny suffering; it transforms it into solidarity.Prayer and WisdomPrays constantly for family, colleagues, nation, and reconciliation.“Wisdom's usually the one thing I ask for myself.”Prayer as discernment: deciding “where to put my voice, effort, and relationships.”Production NotesThis podcast featured Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.Edited and Produced by Evan Rosa.Hosted by Evan Rosa.Production Assistance by Alexa Rollow and Emily Brookfield.A Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School (faith.yale.edu/about)Support For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: faith.yale.edu/give

Some people get paid to do what they love, but most don't. How can we find meaning in everyday work that we don't always love doing? How can we discover our purpose in life? Author Karen Swallow Prior and Amy Julia Becker explore:Why passion is not the same as callingHow vocation centers on service and relationships, not just careerPursuing truth, goodness, and beauty in ordinary lifeHow multiple callings unfold across a lifetimeWisdom for discerning and living into a deeper purposeSubscribe to my weekly newsletter: amyjuliabecker.com/subscribeNew! Take the Next Step podcast: amyjuliabecker.com/step00:00 Introduction02:04 Exploring the Call to Creativity05:39 The Myths of Passion and Work08:55 Defining Calling and Vocation12:32 The Relational Aspect of Calling15:31 Pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty22:28 The Intersection of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful26:04 The Good Life and Purpose31:46 The Role of Suffering in Calling36:55 Navigating New Callings and Responsibilities40:44 Finding Meaning and Calling in Everyday Tasks__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful by Karen Swallow Prior_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:Karen Swallow Prior, Ph.D. is the 2025-26 Karlson Scholar at Bethel Seminary. She is a popular writer and speaker, a contributing writer for The Dispatch, and a columnist for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vox, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and many other places. Her most recent book is You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful (Brazos 2025).CONNECT with Karen: karenswallowprior.comFacebook: Karen Swallow PriorInstagram: karenswallowpriorX: @KSPrior Substack: @karenswallowpriorWe want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

As an avid reader, I'm always seeking that next great book. The one that allows me to see myself and the world more clearly, comforts me when I'm lost, or inspires me to move through my day differently. This series is my opportunity to pass these remarkable books onto you, as readers of A Mind of Her Own, both for your own enjoyment and also, as a self-serving shout-out to the universe to send me more amazing, life-changing reads. I'm excited to hear what you think, and I'm so glad you're here!Life-Changing Reads: A Series1. Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, by Parker Palmer“Vocation does not come from willfulness. It comes from listening…vocation does not mean a goal that I pursue. It means a calling that I hear.”I read this book when I was feeling lost, searching for a life that aligned with my values and desires, and doubting myself at every step. I kept hearing this call to write, to create, but I thought it was something I should do in my “non-work” time, because it wasn't a serious activity for a physician. Parker's discussion of his own struggle to find his true vocation, through an altruistic but ultimately unsustainable career path, was a fundamental guide on my journey.2. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain“So when introverts assume the observer role, as when they write novels, or contemplate unified field theory—or fall quiet at dinner parties—they're not demonstrating a failure of will or a lack of energy. They're simple doing what they're constitutionally suited for.”I listened to this book in the car, sitting in LA traffic, during my psychiatry residency. I still remember the feeling of hearing these words, suggesting my tendency to prefer listening to talking, observing to acting, thinking to doing was not because I was lazy, overly shy or antisocial. It was what I was “constitutionally suited for.” This was a revelation.Here I am now, writing books, listening as a psychiatrist and podcast host, and taking time to think about life's great mysteries. Thank you, Susan, for your beautiful writing.3. The Good Life: Lessons From the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, by Robert Waldinger, MD and Marc Schulz, PhD“Do I matter? Some of us have lived the majority of our lives and find ourselves looking back, others have most of our lives in front of us and are looking forward. For all of us, regardless of age, it helps to remember that this question of mattering, of leaving something for future generations and of being part of something bigger than ourselves, is not just about our personal achievements—it's about what we mean to other people. And it's never too late to start now and leave a mark.”This book, by the directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, is a powerful summary of the lives of two generations of individuals from the same families for over 80 years. It's remarkable to read their quotes as they navigate joy, loss, struggles and successes over the years. The reason I've found it so important to read and reread is its powerful reminder of the importance of our relationships in creating happiness. Not money. Not fame. Not a perfect body. Not prizes or rings or medals. It's all about the love and connection we have in our lives.Today, as I try to navigate the overwhelmingly stressful news and constant churn of social media, it grounds me in my day-to-day life to reflect on those in my closest orbit. How can I connect with them today? How do I show my love and interest in ways both silly and sincere? Even if I've been feeling disconnected, I trust that it is never too late to leave my own mark in their lives and remember the joy of having them in mine.4. How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine, by Jessi Gold, MD, MS“Sometimes, the heaviest emotional burden is to bear witness or to hold space for someone else's story. To do my job well and be someone whom people can trust, I need to care. I need to be truly empathetic. I need to be raw and available.”This beautiful book, by Jessi Gold, describes so many aspects of my experience as a psychiatrist. She writes about the unique emotional toll of meeting with patients during some of their darkest moments, as they are working to overcome trauma, abuse, loss or grave illnesses. Reading this was incredibly validating. In the past, when I had finished my clinical week, I would look back and wonder, “Why can't I do more? Why didn't I see more patients? There is so much need.”Dr. Gold's book helped me to be self-compassionate, recognizing I could only be truly present if I also took care of myself. This is a message I now try to pass along to the psychiatry residents I teach. We are human, and we have limits. Thank you, Jessi, for generously sharing your life with us. Your work is so important.Listen to Dr. Gold on The Reflective Mind Podcast at https://amindofherown.substack.com/p/speaking-the-quiet-part-out-loud?r=1wdz1l5. Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up by James Hollis, Ph.D.“To engage with the summons of our souls is to step into the deepest ocean, uncertain whether we will be able to swim to some new, distant shore. And yet, until we have consented to swim beyond the familiar lights of the port left behind, we will never arrive at a newer shore.”This stunning book, by Dr. James Hollis, a Jungian scholar and prolific writer, shares his own story of midlife depression and his decision to leave the familiar to seek training in Zurich and become a Jungian analyst. He writes beautifully about his struggle to identify his own path with the guidance of Jung's theory of individuation, defined as “the lifelong project of becoming more nearly the whole person we were meant to be.” I read and re-read this book as I was struggling with my own path to meaning in midlife, and I found such comfort in his powerful belief that we all can tap into what we already know: the person we are most meant to be.You can listen to his beautiful description of his path here: https://amindofherown.substack.com/p/a-nameless-longing-when-your-soul?r=1wdz1l6. Shrill, by Lindy West (I also highly recommend the Hulu series by the same name, starring Aidy Bryant )“I am my body. When my body gets smaller, it is still me. When my body gets bigger, it is still me. There is not a thin woman inside me, awaiting excavation. I am one piece.”Thinking back on my training during medical school and beyond, I can summarize any lecture about body size with one phrase: overweight equals unhealthy. This repeated conflation means I now must consciously uncouple one from the other in my clinical work, stepping back from the broad and imprecise shorthand to consider how they are, and are not, actually related.Lindy West's book helped me significantly as I was trying to shift my thinking on this topic. Her frank depiction of life in her larger body was at times heartbreaking (especially in the doctor's office), frequently humorous (with chapter titles like “Are you there, Margaret? It's me, a person who is not a complete freak.”) and overall a powerful motivator for change. I think all health care providers should read it at least once.If this resonates, check out my interview with Dr. Mara Gordon all about the size-inclusive healthcare revolution. https://amindofherown.substack.com/p/the-size-inclusive-healthcare-revolution?utm_source=publication-search7. Words Are My Matter: Writings on Life and Books by Ursula K. Le Guin“Fiction offers the best means of understanding people different from oneself, short of experience. Actually, fiction can be lots better than experience, because it's a manageable size, it's comprehensible, while experience just steamrollers over you and you understand what happened decades later, if ever.”I grew up in a very small town in North Dakota, just a few miles from the South Dakota border. I didn't recognize the enormity of the sky above my childhood home until I returned as an adult, head tipped back, staring upward in awe. I grew up there with a loving family and a surrounding community willing to cheer me on in events from basketball games to theater performances, but I always felt a bit out of place. Reading became my reassurance that the world was as big as the sky overhead, and I would eventually find my own path. Books also helped me recognize the importance of placing myself in another's shoes, virtual empathy-building machines that taught me about those whose lives were so incredibly different from my own.This book of Ursula K. Le Guin's essays, poems and book reviews reveals a grounded, opinionated, brilliant woman who decided to create entire worlds with stunning clarity, illuminating the challenges existing in our own. Readers and writers alike will not be sorry for taking a moment to absorb her work.If this interests you, please feel free to listen to my short essay, Books are Empathy Machines.8. Intimations by Zadie Smith“Talking to yourself can be useful. And writing means being overheard.”This book by Zadie Smith, a collection of six essays, was published in 2020, and provides a glimpse into the author's life during the early months of the Covid-19 virus. I've long been an admirer of her fiction, but this series allowed a much more intimate window into her wandering mind, trying to comprehend her place in a society turned inside out with uncertainty and fear.What does it mean to be an artist when people are being categorized as “essential workers?” Is loyalty to a place something that can outlast a feeling of unique vulnerability? How can writing provide an outlet for survival when the world is so fraught? There was comfort in her struggle to understand and in her feeling of disorientation, which I certainly shared. I emerged from her writing feeling more hopeful and far less alone.If this essay resonated, please feel free to check out this podcast episode Hope is the Best Antidote for Demoralization with Dr. James L. Griffith, MD9. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi“We grow up believing that what counts most in our lives is that which will occur in the future…[however] since what we experience is reality, as far as we are concerned, we can transform reality to the extent that we influence what happens in consciousness and thus free ourselves from the threats and blandishments of the outside world.”My summary: We are always living for tomorrow, while life only happens right now, in our moment-by-moment experience, which we have the power to shape through our attention.You have likely heard of the concept of Flow, described by Dr. Csikszentmihalyi (here is a googled pronunciation: chik sent mee hai ee) as an optimal experience when a “person's body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” It is often referred to as being in a “flow state,” so immersed in a particular task that you lose track of time and are able to concentrate in a prolonged and highly satisfying way. He refers to our attention our “psychic energy.” Where we give our attention is quite literally how we experience our lives. This has never been more relevant, each of us tasked with creating our own protective filters from the onslaught of demands on our limited—because we're human—attention spans.This book is a revelation, with insights about the very nature of consciousness, what it means to be happy, and how we can infuse our lives with more pleasure. Flow can emerge in a wide variety of settings, whether it's while listening to or creating music, engaging in satisfying sex or consuming delicious foods. It may also occur when we are working on a challenging problem at the office, pushing past a confusing but compelling problem in school, or out solving problems in the world beyond. I've learned so much from his writing, and have absorbed his ideas which influence many of my own.If the concept of a flow and the quest for a meaningful life is of interest, check out my interview, “What Lights You Up?' with Dr. Jordan Grumet, palliative care physician and writer.10. Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief by Pauline Boss“In the case of ambiguous loss…complicated grieving can be a normal reaction to a complicated situation—the endless searching of a battlefield by the mother of a missing soldier; a stepchild's angry outbursts when his biological parent is totally excluded; a wife's depression and withdrawal because her husband has suffered a brain injury and is no longer himself.”I've found ambiguous loss to be such a powerful and surprisingly common experience in my psychiatry practice. This idea describes the unique suffering caused by uncertainty or a lack of resolution regarding a missing loved one. This could be psychological absence of someone still in our presence, such as when our loved one is struggling with dementia or severe mental illness, or the physical absence of those we still keep very much present in our psychological lives, including missing persons with unknown whereabouts.After first reading Ambiguous Loss, I reached out to Dr. Pauline Boss, now in her 90s, to thank her for her work and speak with her about this extremely helpful framework, which had a profound effect on me. She shared the origins of the research into this topic, begun with the families of pilots declared missing in action in Vietnam and Cambodia while she was at the Center of Prisoner of War Studies in the U.S. Naval Health Research Institute in San Diego. She spoke about interviewing the wives of these missing pilots and the intense pain caused by the ambiguity surrounding their husbands' whereabouts. This ongoing, often unresolvable grief can lead to depression, isolation, and ongoing family disruption, even generations later. By giving a name to this phenomenon, however, Pauline Boss has helped countless families begin to heal from the unimaginable and move forward into a more hopeful future.11. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? A Memoir by Roz Chast“After my father died, I noticed that all the things that had driven me bats about him—his chronic worrying, his incessant chitchat, his almost suspect inability to deal with anything mechanical—now seemed trivial. The only emotion that remained was one of deep affection and gratitude that he was my dad.”This is the first graphic novel on my list, but it certainly won't be the last. I've been a fan of Roz Chast for a long time, with her quirky but poignant New Yorker cartoons. This powerful memoir highlights something I've found particularly helpful in my work and personal life: difficult truths are much more palatable if we can pair them with humor. My family has always taken this approach, particularly my father, coping with some truly heartbreaking cases in the hospital with an off-color joke about bowel movements around the family dinner table. Humor is also considered one of the most mature psychological defense mechanisms we use to cope with stress or loss in our lives, so way to go, Dad!Roz shares with us a uniquely painful time in her life, as her parents age well into their 90s, experiencing the indignities of increasingly frail bodies and waning independence. She writes with brave candor about the exhausting and expensive path an adult child must walk when her parents can no longer care for themselves, and her conflicted feelings as she watches them slowly fade. Her cartoons throughout provide much-needed moments of levity, as well as a beautiful tribute to the lives of these important people. If you or a loved one is going through this painful, but common, journey, this book could provide some true comfort, and maybe even a laugh or two.12. Congratulations, By the Way: Some Thoughts on Kindness by George Saunders“Be a good and proactive and even somewhat desperate patient on your own behalf—seek out the most efficacious, anti-selfishness medicines, energetically, for the rest of your life. Find out what makes you kinder, what opens you up and brings out the most loving, generous, and unafraid version of you—and go after those things as if nothing else matters.Because, actually, nothing else does.”These words are part of a lovely convocation address George Saunders delivered to the graduating students of Syracuse University, where he is a professor of creative writing. Understandably, it resonated far beyond the campus, and speaks a truly important message for today's world.I should admit, I have a soft spot for George Saunders. I imagine I'm not alone in this. I saw him speak at a New Yorker Festival event several years ago and he did not disappoint: sharp as a tack while also being thoughtful and extremely humble. In addition, he was super funny, which made sense because he's the author of one of the most hilarious short stories I've ever read. In “Pastoralia,” two employees are assigned to a caveman diorama in a fading fun park. One of them, who takes his role incredibly seriously, frequently pretends to scan the horizon for large game and refuses to speak to his cave mate, using only grunts and body language to communicate. The other employee, a chain-smoking, mint-eating mother of a struggling adult child seems to be trying to just get through the day, breaking every rule of proper performance, much to her cave mate's dismay. The story is simply sublime.My dear friend, John, who trained with me in psychiatry residency and became one of my dearest friends, introduced me to this story, along with other memorable cultural experiences such as the show “Broad City” and referring to the bathroom as the “wazzer.” He died in 2020 after a battle with brain cancer, but his legacy lives on, especially in my plan to someday turn “Pastoralia” into a musical (his idea). After all, what better way to honor his memory? Miss you John, but thank you for all you taught me.Thanks for reading A Mind of Her Own! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and hear about upcoming episodes & book events.Find Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedInYou can also preorder her upcoming book, Guilt Free!Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. Also, AI may have been used to create the transcript and notes, based only on the specific discussion of the host and guest and reviewed for accuracy.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com

Learn more about The Excellent Life Program and other coaching opportunities at https://www.seekingexcellence.us/coaching-1In this episode, Nathan Crankfield and Father Chase Hilgenbrinck explore the themes of resilience, strength, and the challenges faced by the current generation of young men. They discuss the importance of meaningful relationships, the reality of loneliness, and the dual mindset of practical and theological approaches to suffering. Father Chase emphasizes the significance of obedience, accountability, and self-awareness in personal growth, while also highlighting the joy of serving others and the need for holy indifference in navigating life's challenges. The conversation concludes with reflections on perseverance and the balance between intimacy and strength in faith.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Father Chase Hilgenbrinck06:58 Understanding the Current Generation of Young Men09:59 The Pursuit of Happiness in Modern Life12:41 Intentional Living and Building Relationships15:34 Facing Adversity and Suffering20:48 The Role of Friendship in the Priesthood23:43 Loneliness and Leadership in the Priesthood32:14 The Balance of Vocation and Life Challenges35:02 The Importance of Obedience in Our Lives40:07 The Virtue of Obedience and Its Challenges43:16 Holy Indifference and Managing Emotions46:42 Self-Awareness and Growth in Virtue50:20 Perseverance in Faith Amidst Challenges56:16 Balancing Intimacy with God and the Call to Action

Steve reached 2 million lifetime miles on United Airlines this week, which meant party hats and free drinks on his flight to Washington (yet still no invitation to join Global Services), but despite all that he botched the YouTube livestream of this episode, such that the 12 subscribers who tried to tune in live saw only Steve, could neither see nor hear John Yoo (this week's hosts) or Lucretia. So we'll try to get it fixed, hopefully before Steve reaches the 3 million mile mark in a month or two.You can guess the topics: The Comey indictment (two-and-a-half thumbs up), the prospects for the upcoming government shutdown where, for once, Republicans have all the high cards, and then some extended discussion of Steve's article on how to apply Max Weber's famously dense lecture "Politics as a Vocation" to the deteriorating political atmosphere that contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. More to come on that, including how Steve's threat to grind up some Thomas Aquinas to put in John's tea to see if it has any effect on him.Given the lede of this episode and the title, you can easily guess the exit bumper music, though it's a cover rather than the original artist.