Best Center for Action and Contemplation Podcasts (2025)

1
Seeing Nonviolently with Rev. John Dear 57:23

17m ago57:23

57:23

What would change if you believed that active, creative non-violence was the deepest expression of love? In this episode, Brian McLaren and co-host Carmen Acevedo Butcher welcome legendary peace activist, Catholic priest, and author Fr. John Dear for an unflinching conversation about the cost—and the healing power—of universal non-violence. Togethe…

1
Gabriel Marcel: Listener Questions 1:20:49

1d ago1:20:49

1:20:49

In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions from Season 11, focusing on the teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contem…

1
Seeing (and Dancing) in the Dark with Rev. Otis Moss III 49:00

5d ago49:00

49:00

How might your life change if you paused more often to unlearn what fear has taught you? In this episode, hosts Brian McLaren and Carmen Acevedo Butcher are joined by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. Together, they explore what it means to live with vision in times of struggle—when the path is unclear, but the call to truth and love remains strong. Drawing …

1
A Coaching Session on Gabriel Marcel 1:04:52

11d ago1:04:52

1:04:52

In this special episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer a way for us to turn to Gabriel Marcel for guidance on our own spiritual path. Resource Section: A transcript for this episode can be found here. A link to the Oneing article Kirsten mentions can be found here. An information sheet on Lectio practice can be found ⁠here⁠. The book …

1
Seeing (and Loving) the Divine in The Everyday with Carrie Newcomer 52:12

12d ago52:12

52:12

How do ordinary moments become portals to the sacred? On this episode of Learning How to See, Carrie Newcomer joins Brian and Carmen for a conversation-and-concert that explores “short-form empathy,” the contemplative power of music, and the everyday practice of seeing, and being seen, through eyes of love. Along the way Carrie performs two beloved…

1
Bonus: Greg Sadler on Gabriel Marcel 59:07

15d ago59:07

59:07

On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Greg Sadler about the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, with special attention paid to Marcel's ideas on fidelity, hope, and love. Greg Sadler is the president of ReasonIO, associate editor of Stoicism Today, an APPA-certified philosophical counselor, an adjunct professor at Milwau…

1
Seeing the Humanity of Everyone (No Exceptions) with Fr. Rafael Garcia 42:36

24d ago42:36

42:36

What happens to your own humanity when you choose to truly see the humanity in others? In this episode, Jesuit priest Father Rafael Garcia joins Brian McLaren and Carmen Acevedo Butcher to explore what it means to see through eyes of love—especially in a world that often teaches us to view immigrants, the incarcerated, and the marginalized with fea…

1
Dialogue 4: Love 56:39

22d ago56:39

56:39

In this fourth dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on the theme of Love within the thoughts and teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be⁠ ⁠⁠found here⁠. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠…

1
Seeing Grace-fully with Rev. Nadia Bolz Weber 46:17

26d ago46:17

46:17

What would change if you believed that grace was at the center of your life? In this episode, Brian and Carmen are joined by longtime friend and public theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber for a conversation about the radical, healing power of grace—and how it reshapes our vision of ourselves, others, and the divine. Connect with us: Have a question you'd l…

1
Gabriel Marcel: Session 4 34:14

29d ago34:14

34:14

This is the fourth session that focuses on the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from Kenneth T. Gallagher's The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to t…

1
Introducing Season 8 (and our new co-host!) with Carmen Acevedo Butcher and Brian McLaren 41:05

1M ago41:05

41:05

In this opening to Season 8, Learning How to See returns with understanding how to see with the eyes of love. On this season, Brian McLaren introduces his new co-host Dr. Carmen Acevedo Butcher—a scholar, translator, contemplative teacher, and birdwatching chocolate lover—and together, they launch the theme for this season: Seeing Through Eyes of L…

1
Dialogue 3: Hope 1:03:07

1M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

In this third dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on the theme of Hope within the thoughts and teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: podcas…

1
Gabriel Marcel: Session 3 34:52

1M ago34:52

34:52

This is the third session that focuses on the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from Kenneth T. Gallagher's The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to th…

1
Dialogue 2: Fidelity 1:00:02

2M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

In this second dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on the theme of Fidelity within the thoughts and teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: p…

1
Gabriel Marcel: Session 2 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

This is the second session that focuses on the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from Kenneth T. Gallagher's The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to t…

1
Dialogue 1: Core Themes 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

In this first dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on core themes from Gabriel Marcel. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found he…

1
Gabriel Marcel: Session 1 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

This is the first session that focuses on philosopher Gabriel Marcel. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from Kenneth T. Gallagher's work, The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, reflects on core themes from Marcel, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by t…

1
Turning to Gabriel Marcel 44:02

3M ago44:02

44:02

Welcome to Season 11 of Turning to the Mystics. This season we are turning to philosopher Gabriel Marcel for spiritual guidance. In this episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates cover the life and person of Marcel and discuss how we can work with his ideas to transform our lives. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Actio…

1
Coming Soon: Turning to Gabriel Marcel 2:52

3M ago2:52

2:52

Season 11 of Turning to the Mystics will continue with our next mystic, Gabriel Marcel. Our journey begins on March 17, 2025. Resources: Pick up a copy ofThe Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel by Kenneth T. Gallagher: here Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: [email protected] Send us a voicemai…

1
T.S. Eliot: Listener Questions (Part Two) 42:16

6M ago42:16

42:16

In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions from Season 10, focusing on the teachings of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Actio…

1
Peter Traben Haas on Prayer as a Practice of Centering, Abiding, & Radiating 1:04:42

6M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

On this last episode of Season Five of Contemplify, we welcome Rev., Dr. Peter Traben Haas. Rev., Dr. Peter Traben Haas rises each morning watching the light shade from dark to dawn and the still silence births words. His aim as a pastor and writer is to deepen spiritual fecundity by exploring biblical wisdom, verse by verse. He is an ordained Teac…

1
T.S. Eliot: Listener Questions (Part One) 41:52

6M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions from Season 10, focusing on the teachings of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Actio…

1
Seeing Nature as a Friend with Brian McLaren 52:09

6M ago52:09

52:09

Can we cultivate a relationship with the natural world which mirrors the care and concern we would offer a dear friend? How do you foster hope in the midst of an unruly world? In this conversation, Brian McLaren is prompted by CAC Staff members Corey Wayne and Mike Petrow, to reflect on his journey from pastor to writer and public speaker. Brian di…

1
Transformed by Hope 21:57

6M ago21:57

21:57

I think hope is about eyesight, keeping our eyes on the Holy One who is at work in us and in the world. As we prepare for a brand new season in 2025, Rev. Jacqui wanted to do a series of monologues this fall exploring ways in which we could listen, learn, and lean into peace during these challenging times. In this reflective piece, Jacqui explores …

1
Backporch Advent Outpost with Hadewijch and the Mother of Love 5:41

6M ago5:41

5:41

Backporch Advent Outpost with Hadewijch and the Mother of Love visit contemplify.comBy Paul Swanson | Contemplative Shoveler

1
BONUS: Stories of Pilgrimage 53:35

6M ago53:35

53:35

In this very special episode, our listeners share their stories of pilgrimage as Jim and Kirsten relate each story to a specific theme found in The Way of a Pilgrim. Resource Section: A transcript for this episode can be found here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support …

1
A Coaching Session on Four Quartets 1:02:20

6M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

In this special episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer a way for us to turn to T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets for guidance on our own spiritual path. Resource Section: A transcript for this episode can be found here. A transcript of the meditation within this episode is accessible here. An information sheet on Lectio practice can be found…

1
Katherine May on Enchantment, Building Community, Tasting Words, and a Drink of Lake Water 57:28

6M ago57:28

57:28

"I love Katherine May’s new book, Enchantment.… It’s a beautiful offering of light, truth and charm in these strange, dark times." — Anne Lamott Katherine May is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster living in Whitstable, UK. Her most recent book, Enchantment became an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. Her internatio…

1
Bonus: Malcolm Guite on T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets (Part 2) 43:59

7M ago43:59

43:59

On the second half of our special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates continue their conversation with Malcolm Guite. The group briefly discusses the third of of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, The Dry Salvages, before diving into the grand finale, Little Gidding. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Con…

1
Seeing Nature as a Visionary with Philip Clayton 50:06

7M ago50:06

50:06

How important is community in facing the climate crisis? What kinds of communities are helping you to live differently and find hope? In this episode, we’re learning to see nature through the eyes of a visionary. For this conversation, Brian McLaren is joined by Philip Clayton to discuss the urgent need for a shift in mindset, the transformative po…

1
Bonus: Malcolm Guite on T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets (Part 1) 48:56

7M ago48:56

48:56

On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Malcolm Guite about the nature of poetry to speak to directly to the heart, as it attempts to give shape and form to the ineffable. They also discuss the first two of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, providing additional depth and insight into Eliot's use of pattern, exploration of …

1
Andrew Krivak on the Inheritance of Loss, Death as a Character, and Like the Appearance of Horses 1:11:18

7M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

"Andrew Krivak is a novelist, poet, and memoirist whose work has been compared to William Faulkner’s in its rich sense of place, to Wendell Berry’s in its attentiveness to natural beauty, and to Cormac McCarthy’s in its deep investigation of violence and myth. Yet all of Krivak’s writing, and especially his fiction, presents a truly singular vision…

1
Seeing Nature as an Indigenous Person with Edith and Randy Woodley 57:50

7M ago57:50

57:50

How can you apply Indigenous values like harmony, respect, and accountability to your own life and community? In this episode, we’re learning to see nature through the eyes of an Indigenous Person. For this conversation, Brian McLaren is joined by Randy and Edith Woodley to discuss the importance of rediscovering Indigenous values to create a more …

1
Dialogue 4: Little Gidding 1:09:44

7M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

In this fourth dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on quartet four, Little Gidding. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here…

1
Seeing Nature as a Franciscan with Michele Dunne and Sister Joan Brown 48:08

7M ago48:08

48:08

What might it look like to live out a Franciscan vision of kinship in your daily life? In this episode, we’re learning to see nature through the eyes of a Franciscan. For this conversation, Brian McLaren is joined by Sr. Joan Brown and Michelle Dunne to explore the essence of Franciscan values and their relevance in today's world. They discuss the …

1
Love Thy Neighbor 15:12

7M ago15:12

15:12

"You are a theologian in residence in your own life, beloved." As we prepare for a brand new season in 2025, Rev. Jacqui wanted to do a series of monologues this fall exploring ways in which we could listen, learn, and lean into peace during these challenging times. In this monologue, Jacqui explores the power of love as a guiding principle in a wo…

1
T.S. Eliot: Session 4 49:52

7M ago49:52

49:52

This is the fourth session that focuses on the poet T.S. Eliot and his work, Four Quartets. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from Four Quartets, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podca…

1
Remembering Dr. Barbara Holmes (Replay of 2016 Conversation) 58:24

7M ago58:24

58:24

"Dr. B was passionate about expanding our understanding of the Christian contemplative tradition, reminding us that contemplation isn’t the sole domain of those who can retreat to quiet places. She understood, from her own life and from the traditions she carried forward, that contemplative practices must also arise in the midst of struggle, in the…

1
Seeing Nature as a Historian of Religions with Mary Evelyn Tucker 55:17

8M ago55:17

55:17

What story do you tell yourself about the interconnectedness of nature and culture? In this episode, we’re learning to see nature through the lens of a historian of religions. Brian McLaren is joined in conversation by Mary Evelyn Tucker, a leading voice in the field of religion and ecology. Together, they discuss the importance of cultural history…

1
Dialogue 3: The Dry Salvages 1:01:43

8M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this third dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on quartet three, The Dry Salvages. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found he…

1
Amy Leach on Becoming Salt of the Universe 54:01

8M ago54:01

54:01

"I was recently giving a sermon and found myself spontaneously quoting from Amy Leach's singular and surprising new book. I expect many readers will find their own lives troubled (in the Biblical sense) and enlightened by her fresh perceptions. She has lived into a hard-earned and entirely credible wisdom, the best evidence for which is her irrepre…

1
Seeing Nature as a Mystic with Douglas E. Christie 49:11

8M ago49:11

49:11

What does it mean to grieve the crisis facing our planet? In this episode, we’re learning to see nature through the lens of a mystic. Brian McLaren sits down with Douglas E. Christie to discuss his work in the emerging field of contemplative studies, its relevance to our current ecological crisis, and the importance of acknowledging and processing …

1
T.S. Eliot: Session 3 46:55

8M ago46:55

46:55

This is the third session that focuses on the poet T.S. Eliot and his work, Four Quartets. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from Four Quartets, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcas…

1
Seeing Nature as a Poet with Drew Jackson and Pádraig Ó Tuama 48:19

8M ago48:19

48:19

What is it about poetry that allows it to hold both beauty and disruption, and even inspire change? In this episode, Brian McLaren explores the power of poetry to help us understand and grieve for the natural world while also appreciating its beauty. He talks with poets Pádraig Ó Tuama and Drew Jackson about the importance of seeing nature holistic…

1
Dialogue 2: East Coker 1:07:14

8M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

In this second dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on quartet two, East Coker. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. A f…

1
Ben Katt on Getting Quiet, Midlife, and the Power of Ritual (also, we chat about David Hasselhoff) 1:09:41

8M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

Ben Katt has worked with On Being, as an ordained minister, an advanced meditation teacher, and author. His first book, The Way Home: Discovering the Hero’s Journey to Wholeness at Midlife is a guidebook and memoir about the inner journey that calls us further in the midst of life’s busyness. Ben is the founder of the WITHIN Prison Meditation Proje…

1
Seeing Nature as an Artist with Christy Berghoef and Thomas Jay Oord 1:03:14

8M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

How does nature inspire your sense of creativity? On this episode, we’re looking at nature through the artistic lens, with Brian McLaren and two gifted photographers, Christy Berghoef and Thomas Jay Oord. The conversation explores the ways in which their individual experiences and practices of photography have deepened their understanding and appre…

1
T.S. Eliot: Session 2 53:24

8M ago53:24

53:24

This is the second session that focuses on the poet T.S. Eliot and his work, Four Quartets. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from Four Quartets, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podca…

1
Dialogue 1: Burnt Norton 59:51

9M ago59:51

59:51

In this first dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on quartet one, Burnt Norton. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. A …

1
Jeffrey Martin on Thank God We Left the Garden, Letters, and Literature 1:22:53

9M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

"[Jeffrey Martin writes] Songs that are stark in their simplicity, yet emotionally rich in a way that can catch your breath in your throat or leave your eyes suddenly damp." — Paste Jeffrey Martin is a musician with a number of albums under his belt. His latest, Thank God We Left the Garden, has been playing on repeat in my house since November of …

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Center For Action And Contemplation Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen