Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

In this episode, Alan dives into the surprisingly freeing good news that we aren’t in charge. Letting go of control doesn’t mean losing—it can lead to gaining a life rich with trust, peace, and joy. In a world that glorifies busyness and self-reliance, we often find ourselves weighed down by burdens we weren’t meant to carry. What if surrender isn’t a sign of weakness, but a doorway to abundance? Join Alan as he explores how releasing control opens us to the gift of trust and a more peaceful, joyful life. This episode also reflects on how trust, submission, and surrender are not signs of defeat, but pathways to freedom, deeper relationships, and a fuller experience of life. Through stories, reflections, and Scripture, we discover how letting go can lighten our load, help us flourish, and bring us closer to the life we are meant to live. Tune in and let the good news wash over you—you don’t have to be in charge, and that’s truly freeing!   If you missed the first episode in this series, "You Are Not a Machine", you can listen here.   ___________________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Gem sits down with author Whitney Lowe to discuss her book, Set Your Eyes Higher. Whitney offers a 40-day reset designed to help you let go of what’s not serving you, honor your limitations, and turn your gaze toward a God who loves you. She dives into the cultural pressures that skew our focus, and how to find peace and rest when life feels out of control. Whitney shares wisdom on how to navigate the dynamics of insecurity, anxiety, burnout, and scarcity—issues that many of us face today—and offers practical advice for finding long-lasting contentment. We talk about how to cultivate spiritual rhythms, set healthy boundaries, and move from scarcity to abundance in a world filled with comparison and distractions. Join us for a rich conversation about reclaiming peace and clarity, and discovering the hope and light that comes from a deeper connection with God.   Episode Links: Sets Your Sights Higher Devotional by Whitney LoweWhitney Lowe website ____________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever feel like you’re caught in an endless cycle of production, performance, and pressure to keep going as if you’re a machine? Here’s the truth: you’re not a machine—you’re a beloved son or daughter of God, designed with rhythms, limits, and an invitation to rest as well as work. In this episode, we unpack what it means to live as God intended—rooted, unhurried, and attuned to the gift of being human. Highlights from today’s conversation include: Embracing the Gift of Limits: Why honoring your God-given boundaries leads to true freedom and flourishing.Living Like Trees, Not Machines: How rootedness and abiding in God sustain a fruitful, abundant life.Recalibrating for Health: Moving beyond burnout to a sustainable, life-giving rhythm of rest and work. We’ll also explore how acknowledging seasons, valuing slow growth, and embracing your identity as a beloved child of God can reframe your purpose and renew your energy. Let’s lean into the good news that you were made to flourish, not to constantly perform. Listen in and take a step toward a life marked by fruitfulness, rest, and joy—a life grounded in God’s love and presence. _______________________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we reflect on the idea of "vibe"—the way our presence leaves an impression on others. A recent discovery in Petra, Jordan, along with memories of joyful Bedouins and the hospitality of Father Albert Haase, inspired us to consider how our interactions reflect who we are at our core. Whether bubbly or reserved, introverted or extroverted, each of us exudes something that others feel when they encounter us. What if, at our best, that "vibe" could mirror the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and kindness? Through communion with God, we can allow the Spirit to transform our way of being, shaping the essence we carry into the world. Jesus modeled this beautifully: fully present, compassionate, and deeply connected to the Father. His “vibe” drew people in and brought healing and hope. How might we create space for the Holy Spirit to move in and through us, allowing the fullness of God’s love to flow naturally in our daily lives? Join us as we explore how to embody this life-giving presence in a world longing for peace, joy, and love.   _______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this transformative conversation, Dr. Curt Thompson, psychiatrist and author of The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope, joins us to explore the neuroscience of suffering and the profound ways connection can heal. Drawing from his expertise in interpersonal neurobiology, Curt shares practical wisdom on how our greatest pains can become places of resilience, character growth, and deepened hope. We discuss how meaningful relationships, rather than solitary endurance, can rewire our brains and open us to healing. Through scripture, science, and personal reflection, Curt invites us to embrace vulnerability as a path to wholeness, transforming our pain into connection. In this episode, you’ll hear Curt discuss: The Science of Suffering: How our brains are wired for healing through meaningful relationships, not just enduring pain alone.The Role of Connection in Resilience: How authentic connections with others can help us navigate suffering, rewire our minds, and deepen our hope.Scriptural Insights on Suffering and Hope: Exploring Paul’s reflections in Romans 5 and how suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope in the Christian journey. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how God’s peace and love can shape our emotional and spiritual lives, and discover the power of connection in transforming pain into healing. Episode Links: Curt Thompson, MD websiteThe Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of HopeThe Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About OurselvesBeing Known Podcast with Curt Thompson, MD __________________________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today’s episode, Gem sits down with author, speaker, and podcaster Carlos Whitaker to discuss his new book Reconnected. After realizing the toll technology had taken on his connection with God, his community, and even himself, Carlos took radical steps to disconnect in order to reconnect. He spent nearly two months living screen-free at a monastery, an Amish farm, and his own home, experiencing profound transformation along the way. Carlos shares the powerful lessons from his time in solitude, offering us a much-needed perspective on how technology and the fast pace of modern life are affecting our souls. He dives into the challenges and surprises of his digital detox, from grappling with the fear of his own thoughts to discovering the importance of intentionality, presence, and community. If you're feeling disconnected in a tech-saturated world, this conversation will inspire you to hit reset and consider the practices that can restore balance and meaningful connection in your life. Whether you're seeking wisdom on solitude, slowing down, or learning from community, Carlos offers insights that are as engaging as they are transformative. Tune in for a conversation full of heart, wisdom, and practical tips for reclaiming your life in a digital age.   Episode Links: Carlos WhittakerReconnected by Carlos Whittaker _______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if love was the truest measure of who we are—not our achievements or titles, but the way we love and are loved? In today’s episode, we’re diving into this profound question through the lens of Thomas Merton, a contemplative writer whose reflections on love invite us into a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be “real.” Merton wrote that love is what breathes life into us, a force that, when shared, grows and fills the world. As we uncover his insights, we’ll explore how this love transforms us, forging a connection not only to each other but also to the heart of God. Drawing from Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation, we explore his belief that God’s love flows uniquely through each of us, creating a beautiful mosaic of divine presence. “Because God’s love is in me, it can come to you from a different and special direction… And because it is in both of us, God has greater glory.” In this vision, love becomes a profound and personal exchange, as the divine presence moves through us, offering something precious to one another that no one else can replicate. Join us as we reflect on this life-giving love that makes us real, opening us to both a unique connection with each other and to a fuller experience of God’s glory.   Links New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas MertonFrom Head Knowledge to Heart Knowledge (UL Podcast episode) __________________________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we’re tackling the problem of restless dissatisfaction and how the pursuit of contentment can offer a way forward. For many of us, there’s an underlying sense that something in life—who we are, what we have, or where we’re headed—should be different. The constant pull of “what if” and “if only” can leave us feeling ungrounded and yearning for a sense of fulfillment that always seems just out of reach. As I looked back on my journal entries this year, I noticed contentment as a recurring theme in my conversations with God and with my spiritual director, reminding me of the peace and satisfaction that comes with learning to be present in the here and now. Drawing from my own journey and insights from Brian Zahnd’s The Wood Between the Worlds, I’ll share practical reflections on how shifting our mindset toward contentment can bring new clarity and peace. This isn’t just about settling—it’s about recognizing how an inner posture of contentment can transform our experience, even when circumstances remain the same. Whether you’re a “Frustrated Idealist” in the Enneagram triad (Types One, Four, and Seven) or simply someone who finds themselves often seeking more, join me as we explore the ways contentment can anchor us in purpose, grace, and genuine satisfaction.   Links: The Wood Between the Worlds by Brian ZahndThe Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne StabileThe Benefits of Looking Back podcast episode   _______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The problem of burnout among Christian leaders has become an epidemic in recent years. I’ve seen Christian leaders taking emergency sabbaticals more often than at any other point in my 40 years of ministry. The souls of many Christian leaders are in trouble. How do you care for your soul?How would that help address the weariness and overwhelm many are experiencing? I’ll be talking about soul care with our guest today, Mindy Caliguire, on the Unhurried Living podcast. Mindy Caliguire is the co-founder and president of Soul Care. In the past, she has served in executive leadership at Gloo, and the Willow Creek Association (now the Global Leadership Network). She speaks into and advises organizations including Compassion International, ECFA, National Christian Foundation, and many churches and ministries across the US and beyond. Mindy’s books include: Discovering Soul CareSpiritual FriendshipSTIRThe book we’re talking about today, Ignite Your Soul. ____________________________________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Adoption is often framed by happy narratives, but the reality is that many adoptees struggle with unaddressed trauma and issues of identity and belonging. Adoptees often spend the majority of their youth without the language to explore the grief related to adoption or the permission to legitimize their conflicting emotions.   Today, Gem is speaking with counselor and author Cameron Lee Small about his new book, The Adoptee’s Journey.    You might be wondering what adoption has to do with spiritual leadership. Well, here at UL, we care very much about people and their stories. And this story is very personal to me in that I am an adoptee.   Gem is also sharing her own journey as an adoptee and giving you real time insight into my current personal process. She shares things that she's never spoken in a public setting.    Learn more about adoption and Cameron's story: Adoptee Consciousness ModelHarlow's Monkey // JaeRan KimGrace Newton // Trauma and Healing of ConsciousnessAdoptive Parenting Consultation Group hosted by CamSchedule Cam to speak and train at your next eventTEDx Talk - Why Adoptee's Need a New Kind of VillageCam's main website Connect with Cameron on Social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camleesmall/Instagram: @therapyredeemedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapyredeemed _______________________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Thirty years ago, I was visiting one of my very favorite sorts of places—a bookstore. It was a Barnes & Noble in Pasadena, California, and I was browsing through the Faith section of books. There I saw a book by an author I’d heard of but never read. The author was Thomas Merton, and the title was New Seeds of Contemplation.  It was Fall 1994 when I picked up a copy of Thomas Merton’s book New Seeds of Contemplation. I was a college pastor in the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California, and I’d been on a spiritual formation journey for a few years by then.  Today, I’m sharing from my journal entries in that season as I read the book. The first chapter posed a question I was asking at the time: “What is contemplation?” There weren’t many of my colleagues who were using that sort of language about their spiritual lives, but I was finding it increasingly inviting in my own life with God.  One of Merton’s insights that spoke me then was that, “In contemplation...we know by `unknowing."  __________________________________________________________________Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Your identity is a gift to be received, not a paycheck to be earned.” I love this profound insight that echoes throughout Alan’s writings. They resonate with a truth we often overlook. They capture the essence of grace—a grace that defines our existence not by what we achieve, but by who we are as God’s beloved. Our lives are gifts and yet how often do we find ourselves caught in the trap of earning mode? We measure our worth by what we do, by how much we accomplish, and by the approval we receive from others. This striving can become exhausting, leaving us empty and disconnected from the truth that our identity is not something to be earned but something to be received and embraced. Gem offers a 3 ideas to help you embrace your belovedness as you learn that your productivity is NOT tied to your worth._________________________________________________________________Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our HeadsLearn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The parables are perhaps the most potent expression of the message of Jesus. Parables were one of his key teaching strategies. But even his inner circle struggled to understand what he was saying.  Today, I’ll be sharing a review of a new book from Dallas Willard on the parables titled The Scandal of the Kingdom.   Through insightful analysis and practical wisdom, Willard empowers readers to transform their lives and communities by embodying the radical love, compassion, and justice exemplified in Jesus's parables. This book is a beacon of hope for Christians seeking to deepen their faith and live more authentically in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Willard empowers us to:Become more passionate about living the gospel in the full scope of Jesus's vision for usBetter share the faith of Jesus with those disillusioned with ChristianityUnlock the excitement of living in the upside-down kingdom of GodShare the gospel of Jesus in the way he did Content of additional interest:The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas WillardThe Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard __________________________________________________________________Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Here’s a sobering idea: It is impossible to know and understand 100% of a situation. Now, I know that may sound a bit jarring for some of us. Personally, I like to believe I always have a handle on exactly what’s going on. I’m a master mind-reader, and an excellent future-predictor—or at least I’d like to think so! Of course, I’m speaking tongue-in-cheek here. In truth, I don’t know the future and no one has complete knowledge of any situation. Once I settle into that reality, something beautiful begins to happen: curiosity emerges. And curiosity leads me to ask better questions, which broadens my perspective and deepens my understanding. The small phrase "I Wonder..." is the core of what we're talking about today. _________________________________________________________________Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Growing in grace is not about thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling to grow or that life’s challenges keep setting you back, you’re not alone. The journey toward spiritual maturity is rarely straightforward, and it’s easy to feel like we’re not progressing the way we should. We live in a culture that craves quick fixes and instant results, but real growth takes time, intention, and grace.   Today, we’re diving into what it means to grow in grace, why it’s so difficult, and how embracing our weaknesses can draw us closer to God’s generosity and strength. That’s our focus today on the Unhurried Living podcast. References in the podcast:Eugene Peterson - On Living WellAlan Fadling - An Unhurried LifeTeresa of Avila - The Interior CastleThomas H. Green - Darkness in the Marketplace____________________________________________________Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jodi Grubbs fell headlong into the endless rush and exhaustion of hustle culture. After leaving her childhood home on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean, she had assumed the rapid pace and stress of city living in the States. Soon she realized God was bidding her to a return to the "island time" of her past. In time Jodi found sanctuary and ways to care for her soul by making space for God, others, and herself. Evoking the contentment she once had in the gentle rhythms of Bonaire, she learned of another path: a path away from burnout and toward restoration. And she invites you, too, to grasp a sustainable approach to life anchored by the forced pauses of spiritual practices and an openhandedness before God. Begin to rest and let go of the need to keep up, as you learn to live slowly. Jodi Grubbs is the podcast host of Our Island in the City and a slow-living advocate. She is the author of Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale, a children’s book, The Island Adventures of Lili and Oliver, and coauthor of a Bible study called The Friendship Café. Jodi her daughter, Lili, live outside Raleigh, North Carolina. __________________________________________Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When Jesus calls us to follow him, he invites into a narrow way—onto a narrow path. And narrow doesn’t immediate strike us as inviting. But Jesus also tells us that he’s come so that we could experience an abundant, rich life. That’s inviting. How does the narrow way of Jesus lead us to the sort of fullness he promises?  In my first interview of the Fall season, I’m glad to be able to share a conversation I had with Rich Villodas a few months ago about his new book, The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls. I love that title. In it, he offers a vision of how following the way of Jesus is what we most deeply and truly want.  Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church with more than seventy-five countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, preaching and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related matters, and the art of preaching. He's been married to Rosie since 2006 and they have two beautiful children, Karis and Nathan. Previous Unhurried Living Podcast interviews with Rich:The Deeply Formed Life ____________________________________________________Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn more about Unhurried Leaders membership. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Long gone are the days when I have the energy to put on any pretense when I talk with God. This has been a welcome and freeing change in my prayer life.  At this point in my journey, it is much more life-giving to simply declare the way things are, rather than trying to tidy up my mess and present it in a nice, neat package. If I’m mad, sad, joyous or frustrated, God already knows, and so I am free to express what is…and meet God right in the middle of it. Unhurried Living Prayer Resoures:INVISO Prayer Reflection CardsUnhurried Time with God resource guideThe Practice of Unhurried Prayer__________________________________________Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and the Replenish Community.Learn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Over the summer, Gem and I are sharing some replays of our podcast we’re calling “Unhurried Favorites.” Today I’m sharing a conversation I had with two friends, Matt and Darrell, about the difference between “working for God” and “working with God.” It is among our most downloaded episodes.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Over the summer, we are offering some episodes of our podcast we’re calling “Unhurried Favorites.” Today I’m sharing my interview with Suzanne Stabile. When we aired it last time, it was only a snippet of our conversation. Well, today, you can listen to it in it’s entirety. Most of us have no idea how others see or process their experiences. And that can make relationships difficult. Understanding the motivations and dynamics of our different personality types can be the key that unlocks sometimes mystifying behavior in others―and in ourselves. Suzanne Stabile’s book, The Path Between Us looks at the nine Enneagram types and how they behave and experience relationships.  We all desire healthier relationships and Suzanne can help point the way. Suzanne Stabile’s book, The Path Between Us looks at the nine Enneagram types and how they behave and experience relationships.   __________________________________________Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and the Replenish Community.Learn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.