Best Aaron Niequist Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Boston? Why Gather? Why Jesus? (with Rev Stephanie Spellers) 19:06

Play Pause

8M ago19:06

19:06

Aaron asks Rev Stephanie three questions about what it means to be a Christ-follower in the world right now, and helps us all reflect on our own lives. First, what location has shaped your faith in helpful and unhelpful ways? Second, why is it so important to gather these days rather than isolate? Third, why have you not given up on the Way of Jesu…

1
The Why, What, and How of Spiritual Direction (with Tara Owens) 48:02

9M ago48:02

48:02

Tara Owens joins Aaron Niequist to reflect on the why, what, and how of Spiritual Direction. Tara is the founder and executive director of Anam Cara Ministries where she has been companioning others for nearly 20 years as a certified spiritual director and supervisor.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 10 (with Aaron Niequist) 24:28

1y ago24:28

24:28

Aaron Niequist invites us into the practice of Centering Prayer. He shares the story of how this practice helped him heal through a difficult season, and guides a short centering prayer during the episode. Show notes, links, and further next steps are at The Between Retreats Substack.By Pastors Priests and Guides

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 9 (with Sophfronia Scott) 25:59

1y ago25:59

25:59

Author and Teacher Sophfronia Scott reflects on the power of language to both destroy and mend the world, and then teaches a brilliant practice to help us see each other as we truly are. Both an inspiring and deeply practical episode. Show notes, links, and next steps at the Between Retreats Substack. Join us!…

1
Tap tap...is this thing on? An update and invitation 23:50

1y ago23:50

23:50

After a podcast hiatus, Aaron shares a life update and invites us into a collaboration with Pastors, Priests and Guides called "Practices to Prevent a Civil War". In this divided, tumultuous season--especially approaching the November election--we are learning practices to form us into people who are less likely to participate in Civil War, and mor…

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 8 (with Ian Morgan Cron) 29:49

1y ago29:49

29:49

Author, therapist, and priest Ian Morgan Cron helps us engage Practices to Prevent a Civil War through the lens of his upcoming book on the Twelves Steps. A fascinating and really insightful conversation. Show notes, links, and next steps are at the Between Retreats Substack.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
Practices to Prevent a World War Ep 7 (with The Telos Group) 37:12

1y ago37:12

37:12

Dave Davis and David Katibah from The Telos Group join us to talk about October 7th, Gaza, and the widening violence in the middle east. Out of the realities on the ground, they appeal to diverse communities of American peacemakers to stand with both Palestinians and Israelis to sustain dignity, freedom, and security for all. And they offer Six Pri…

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 6 (with Nina Barnes) 33:49

1y ago33:49

33:49

Spiritual Director Nina Barnes helps us reflect on the great cloud of witnesses, the anger and cynicism of being awake right now, and the necessity of carrying each other. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 5 (with Shane Claiborne) 28:56

1y ago28:56

28:56

Justice advocate and author Shane Claiborne helps us engage our hearts and our hands in the needs of the country. Especially the poor and forgotten. After sharing a couple stories, Shane teaches a historic practice to help us remove the plank in our own eye before we attempt to remove the speck in our neighbor's eye. Join us at The Between Retreats…

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 4 (with Shauna Niequist) 25:26

1y ago25:26

25:26

Author Shauna Niequist invites us to stop scrolling and begin gathering. She reminds us about the power of the table and the necessity of being face to face with those we love and those we don't yet understand. A compelling and highly practical episode. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.…

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 3 (with Drew Jackson) 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

Poet and Preacher Drew Jackson reflects on the apocalyptic times we live in and the calling of the American church while things crumble. To carry us through these days, he calls us toward hope and teaches a powerful breath prayer from Colossians 3. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.…

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Ep 2 (with Rev Stephanie Spellers) 26:32

1y ago26:32

26:32

Reverend Cannon Dr Stephanie Spellers shares her love for America and her ache for how we fall short of our ideals. And she teaches a practice based on four soul-opening questions. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War, Ep 1 (with Brian McLaren) 27:14

1y ago27:14

27:14

Author and public theologian Brian McLaren reflects on the rise of authoritarianism in our country and world, and teaches two powerful practices to help us choose the way of Christ instead. Join us at The Between Retreats Substack for notes, links, and more.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
Practices to Prevent a Civil War Introduction (with Aaron Niequist) 14:54

1y ago14:54

14:54

Welcome to a three month series hosted by Pastors, Priests and Guides and The Eternal Current Podcast. Aaron Niequist welcomes a diverse group of guests to reflect on the question: "What are the practices that can form us into the kinds of people and communities who make Civil War less likely, and make God's dream for our world more possible?" Gues…

1
6 Keep, Toss, and Re-purpose (with Sarah Bessey) 13:04

1+ y ago13:04

13:04

Sarah Bessey joins Aaron Niequist for the third and final conversation about her book Field Notes for the Wilderness. As our faith evolves, how do we discern what to hold on to and what to let go? Sarah invites us into the simple but vital practice of keep, toss, and re-purpose.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
5 Practices for the Wilderness (with Sarah Bessey) 30:10

1+ y ago30:10

30:10

In this tender episode, Sarah Bessey offers a handful of life-giving practices for anyone finding themselves in the wilderness. Her courageous honesty and humble wisdom is a gift. Join this full journey at the Between Retreats Substack.By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
4 Welcome to the Wilderness (with Sarah Bessey) 25:45

1+ y ago25:45

25:45

Sarah Bessey joins Aaron Niequist for the first of a three part conversation about her book "Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith". In this first episode, Sarah gives helpful language for the beauty and agony of the wilderness, and shares her personal story. She is a gentle guide for all who have ever felt lost in their f…

1
3 Sabbath as Resistance (with Drew Jackson) 23:45

1+ y ago23:45

23:45

Drew Jackson invites us to practice Sabbath in a conscious way. Even in our practice of rest, we stay awake to the realities that keep our neighbors from rest, and move toward them in solidarity. What needs to change so that everyone can rest?By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
The Invitation of Solidarity (with Drew Jackson) 18:09

2y ago18:09

18:09

Drew Jackson continues his conversation with Aaron Niequist and invites into the practice and posture of Solidarity. "If we have no peace, it's because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." (St Mother Teresa)By Pastors, Priests and Guides

1
Embracing the Mystery (with Drew Jackson) 26:07

2y ago26:07

26:07

Drew Jackson sits down with Aaron Niequist for a three part conversation about mystery, solidarity, and Sabbath as Resistance. In this first episode, using stories and his own poetry, Drew invites us to begin with the questions rather than demand certainty.By Aaron Niequist

1
29 Finding Delight in the Right Now (w Aaron Niequist) 22:44

2+ y ago22:44

22:44

Can a melancholy Enneagram 4 practice Delight, or is it only for naturally happy people? Beginning with a Richard Rohr quote, Aaron reflects on the universal invitation of Delight for every one of us, and shares three ways he is learning to be present to The Presence in the present.By Aaron Niequist

1
28 The Light of Delight (w Rev Christine Lee) 22:43

2+ y ago22:43

22:43

Rev Christine Lee on the relentless joy of karaoke, shining the light without ignoring the darkness, and the gift of practicing delight with others.By Aaron Niequist

1
27 The Practice of Delight (w Shauna Niequist) 26:04

2+ y ago26:04

26:04

Shauna Niequist offers her definition of the Spiritual Practice of Delight, and then invites us to practice it in tangible and helpful ways. She embodies what she preaches, and offers a winsome road map to join the goodness.By Aaron Niequist

1
26 Embodiment, Truth, and Yoga for Retreat (w Allison Sullivan) 29:18

3y ago29:18

29:18

Author, host of the "Sinner Saint Sister" podcast, and yoga instructor Allison Sullivan joins Aaron to talk about ways we can all begin healing from the last couple years.By Aaron Niequist

1
25 Night Prayer Ep 3: Night Prayer for Our Souls and Mental Health (w Fr Michael Sparough, SJ) 35:42

3y ago35:42

35:42

Fr Michael Sparough, SJ, returns to share a lifetime of experience with Night Prayer, the science behind evening meditation, and what he does when prayer gets boring. Winsome and deeply wise.By Aaron Niequist

1
24 Night Prayer Ep 2: Compline and Praying Other People's Prayers (w Rev Christine Lee) 27:12

3y ago27:12

27:12

Rev Christine Lee, the priest in charge at St Peter's Episcopal Church, joins Aaron to reflect on her experience with the prayer of Compline. From her earliest experiences as a new priest to the overwhelming days of Compline to a community practice of Compline last fall, Christine helps us get to the heart of it. She also answers the question "Why …

1
23 Night Prayer Ep 1: A Compline New Liturgy 31:16

3y ago31:16

31:16

Aaron invites us into the story of A New Liturgy No 10: Night Prayer -- a contemplative, music-carried Compline service. (Released 09.28.22) In this episode, Aaron tells the story of the project, shares his heart for Compline, and plays a few sections of the new recording. Learn how to create holy space at the end of each day to release it all back…

1
22 Praying Like a Master Chef (w Shauna Niequist) 42:18

3+ y ago42:18

42:18

Shauna Niequist teaches us a form of prayer based on the words of Jesus and a master chef's approach to recipes. Fresh, insightful, and incredibly practical for anyone who desires to pray in a more whole-hearted way. Shauna also shares the heart behind her brand new book, I Guess I Haven't Learned that Yet, which is available this week.…

1
21 Father Stu and the Way of Jesus (with Mark Wahlberg) 37:44

3+ y ago37:44

37:44

Actor and Producer Mark Wahlberg joins Aaron to talk about his new film, Father Stu, and the tension between the way of Jesus and the messy brokenness of the church. Plus, they talk about golf. A lot.By Aaron Niequist

1
20 Resilient Pastors, Priests and Guides (with Glenn Packiam) 37:53

4y ago37:53

37:53

Pastor and writer Glenn Packiam returns to share wisdom from his book, The Resilient Pastor, and speak into our plans for the Pastors, Priests & Guides retreat. The heart-felt conversation is meant for pastors, priests, and ANYONE following Christ during this tumultuous and disillusioning season.By Aaron Niequist

1
19 The Beatitudes: A View from the Hill (with Stu G) 30:19

4y ago30:19

30:19

Musician and author Stu G tells the story of his incredible Beatitudes Project: an album, book, film, podcast and e-course. Spending more than a decade creating art based on the beatitudes has given Stu deep insight and fresh language for Jesus' words. Inspiring.By Aaron Niequist

1
18 The Beatitudes: The Ninefold Path (with Mark Scandrette) 29:12

4y ago29:12

29:12

Mark Scandrette joins Aaron to talk about the Beatitudes and how Christ's words lead us back into reality. Speaking from his book "The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes", Mark invites us into new ways of hearing, and new tangible practices. Compelling and practical.By Aaron Niequist

1
17 The Beatitudes: A New Liturgy and Three Conversations 24:04

4y ago24:04

24:04

Inspired by the brand new A New Liturgy No 9: The Beatitudes project, Aaron invites us to dive into an embodied practice of the beatitudes. In this first episode, he shares the heart behind the project and why the neighbor-loving, peace-making Way of Christ is the only hope for our world. Aaron also plays numerous clips of the new liturgy recording…

1
16 The Thing Beneath the Thing (w Steve Carter) 47:52

4+ y ago47:52

47:52

Speaker, pastor, and author Steve Carter helps us explore "The Thing Beneath the Thing: What is hidden inside and what God helps us to do about it." Steve has a brilliant and winsome way of translating deep truths into our actual lives. A tender and really helpful conversation.By Aaron Niequist

1
15 Scriptures Call to Leverage Privilege (w Dominique Dubois Gilliard) 55:52

4+ y ago55:52

55:52

Dominique Dubois Gilliard unpacks his new book, Subversive Witness, to help us name our privilege and use it for the sake of others. A deeply biblical and subversively beautiful call to live a cruciform life in the way of Jesus.By Aaron Niequist

1
14 Israel, Palestine, & Mutual Flourishing (w Greg Khalil) 43:11

4+ y ago43:11

43:11

Greg Khalil, co-founder of the Telos peacemaking organization, helps us understand the profound simplicity AND unimaginable complexity of the Israeli / Palestinian conflict. More importantly, he invites us to become a tangible part of the solution. Blessed are the peacemakers.By Aaron Niequist

1
13 Restorative Justice (w Rev Dr Michael Battle) 46:38

4+ y ago46:38

46:38

Rev Dr Michael Battle shares about his life-changing work with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, choosing restoration over the cycle of retribution, and the brilliantly subversive Way of Christ. A crucially important conversation and a brand new guided practice.By Aaron Niequist

1
12 The Church Cracked Open (w Rev Stephanie Spellers) 55:44

4+ y ago55:44

55:44

Rev Canon Dr Stephanie Spellers names the searing truth about the state of the American church, AND offers a clear-eyed and contagious hope for what might still be possible. Based on her brilliant new book The Church Cracked Open, Rev Stephanie offers a story of disruption, decline, and new hope for Beloved Community.…

1
11 The Holy Week Story (w Brian Zahnd) 47:45

4+ y ago47:45

47:45

Pastor and author Brian Zahnd helps us enter into Holy Week by retelling the big Story of Christ's journey to the cross. Rather than perpetuating the myth of redemptive violence, Brian invites us to join this subversive, self-giving, radical Way. A non-partisan, beautifully provocative invitation into the vision, politics, and revolution of Jesus.…

1
10 The Universal Moan - Part Two (w David Bailey, Ashlee Eiland, and Drew Jackson) 53:24

4+ y ago53:24

53:24

David Bailey, Ashlee Eiland, and Drew Jackson reflect on the previous episode with Dr Barbara A Holmes. From their experience in the black church—and moving through life in black bodies—they explored Dr Holmes' vision of the universal moan and invited us all to participate in appropriate ways. A beautiful and stretching conversation with three incr…

1
9 The Universal Moan - Part One (w Dr Barbara A Holmes) 35:04

4+ y ago35:04

35:04

Spiritual teacher, activist, and scholar Dr Barbara A. Holmes unpacks her game-changing book Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church. She gently and brilliantly invites us to move beyond a Eurocentric imagination and into the deeper Christian stream that connect us all.By Aaron Niequist

1
8 The Deeply Formed Life (w Rich Villodas) 55:40

5y ago55:40

55:40

Pastor Rich Villodas returns to explore the five themes of his wonderful book, The Deeply Formed Life. Through teaching and stories, he helps us consider the formative practices of contemplative rhythms, racial reconciliation, interior examination, sexual wholeness, and missional presence. May we learn to live deeply in a shallow world.…

1
7 Contemplative Activism (w Fr Michael Sparough, SJ) 33:07

5y ago33:07

33:07

Fr Michael Sparough, SJ, returns to share his story and struggle to hold the contemplative life together with bold and courageous action. Must we choose to be an exhausted activist or an isolated contemplative? Or can we learn to hold the inward and outward journeys together in constructive tension? Please join this insightful conversation and guid…

1
6 Jesus and John Wayne (w Kristin Kobes Du Mez) 1:04:45

5y ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Author and historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Aaron to talk about her provocative new book, Jesus and John Wayne. In the first half of this episode, Kristin shares the history of how white Evangelicalism was malformed through an embrace of toxic masculinity. In the second half, three compelling guests join the conversation to explore the practice…

1
5 A Practicing Community (w Drew Jackson) 47:27

5y ago47:27

47:27

Pastor Drew Jackson shares about the communal practices that help anchor his church in God's tangible love for the East Village of NYC. He talks about the embodied work of justice, why preaching alone is not enough, and how his community cultivates a life of action and contemplation. Drew also guides us in two different practices.…

1
4 The Paschal Mystery (w Fr Ron Rolheiser, OMI) 54:23

5y ago54:23

54:23

Fr Ron Rolheiser, OMI, teaches the universal pattern of death, resurrection, waiting, letting go, and receiving a new spirit for new life. Teaching from his brilliant book, The Holy Longing, Fr Ron observes that the Christian church has only taught us half of this Paschal Mystery—which is why so many of us live in disappointment, resentment, and a …

1
3 Prayer in the Night (with Tish Harrison Warren) 50:07

5y ago50:07

50:07

Tish Harrison Warren, Anglican priest and gifted writer, shares her story of loss, doubt, and dark night of the soul. Through the nighttime prayer of Compline, she describes a tender but deeply grounded pathway into a new space of honesty, trust and hope. At the very end, Tish guides us through a short Compline experience. For all who work or watch…

1
2 A New Story of Losing and Finding 34:47

5y ago34:47

34:47

In this vulnerable episode, Aaron offers his messy faith story of the last couple years. May it create a bit of safe space for you to engage the losing and finding of your faith. And may we all be swept more fully into the depth of Reality and the Hope of a God who has not given up on us or the world.…

1
Intro to Season Two: Swimming in a Tsunami 21:35

5y ago21:35

21:35

Aaron shares the heart and invitation of Season 2: Swimming During a Tsunami. Over the next twelve episodes, we will explore the question: How do we not drown in the whirlpool of society's chaos and religion's complicity? Is it even possible in 2021 to swim in the river that Christ called 'life to the full'? And if so…HOW? Season 2 invites us back …

1
39 A Full Re-Cap of Season ONE of the Eternal Current Podcast 54:38

5y ago54:38

54:38

In this re-cap of Season 1, Aaron talks through the heart and most notable moments from the first ten episodes. He shares the central idea driving the season, reflects on the process of making each episode, and then plays a few of his favorite clips from the interviews. We offer this episode as a way to remember where we've been, and as an easy on-…