Best Apprentice Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Your Project 21:47

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15h ago21:47

21:47

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is “pay attention to your project.” In this episode, James addresses some big questions about the project of our life and why it’s so important we understand what a spiritually fulfilling life looks like. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian …

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Live By The Spirit 18:33

22d ago18:33

18:33

James Bryan Smith’s thought for this week is, “Live By The Spirit.” In this episode, James quotes several passages from C.S. Lewis’s book Mere Christianity to help explain his thought. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related…

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Conversation with Michael Stewart Robb 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Michael Stewart Robb about his book, “The Kingdom Among Us: The Gospel According to Dallas Willard.” Despite perennial attraction to his teachings, Dallas Willard’s theology has not been easy for his readers and colleagues to figure out or piece together. His approach to theology was an …

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False Frames 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Find freedom from the false frames.” This week, James talks about three false narratives that he had to change in his life. Smith uses the image of a frame to help explain his thought from above. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christi…

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Everything Okay Forever 17:54

3M ago17:54

17:54

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Jesus makes everything okay forever.” In this episode, James discusses a recently-read book titled “The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever: Transcendence, Psychedelics, and Jesus Christ.” The author, Ashley Lande, wrote this to describe her book: For years, psychedelics were my religi…

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Awe Filled Appreciation 23:20

4M ago23:20

23:20

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above today is, “Practice Awe-Filled Appreciation.” In this episode, James teaches us the spiritual practice of Awe-Filled Appreciation. James gives five examples of why this practice is helpful and how to do it independently. Related Episodes: 1. Solitude 2. Solitude 3. Trusting and Training 4. Conversation with Al…

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Conversation with Ian Morgan Cron 45:56

4M ago45:56

45:56

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Ian Morgan Cron about his latest book, “The Fix.” We all suffer from a sense of spiritual homelessness–a feeling that we’re not fully at home in the world. To cope with our painful feelings and life traumas, we search for quick “fixes” that eventually become habitual, self-destructive behaviors…

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Solitude 23:01

5M ago23:01

23:01

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Solitude is the furnace of the soul.” In this episode, James talks about temptation and how we can deal with it through the practice of solitude. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends Univ…

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Trusting and Training 22:43

5M ago22:43

22:43

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “quit trying, start trusting, and begin training.” Smith explains why we need to quit relying on our efforts to live a Christian life and start trusting in the grace of Jesus to help us live out our faith. Once we move from trying to trusting, we can begin training. Interested in donating …

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Conversation with Alison Cook 51:13

6M ago51:13

51:13

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author, Alison Cook on her latest book, Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies. Boundaries for Your Soul includes relatable anecdotes, helpful exercises, an engaging quiz, and opportunities for personal reflection. Gathering the w…

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Two Kinds of Faith 20:17

6M ago20:17

20:17

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “We need two kinds of faith.” In this episode, Smith talks about the two kinds of faith we need to have as defined by the author C.S. Lewis. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree […] The post Two Kinds of Faith a…

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Michael Cusick Sacred Attachment 54:57

7M ago54:57

54:57

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author Michael J. Cusick about his book, Sacred Attachment. Michael will be a plenary speaker at The Apprentice Gathering 2025, register here! Michael John Cusick voices the questions and contradictions that are inherently part of living an authentic spiritual faith. With raw honesty and vulner…

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All Things New 22:49

7M ago22:49

22:49

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Jesus makes all things new.” To help explain his thought from above, James references the book “On the Incarnation” by Athanasius of Alexandria. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friend…

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Know Your Name 20:57

7M ago20:57

20:57

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Do you know your name?” James’s thought from above comes from one of the unspoken sermons by George MacDonald. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1.…

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Conversation with Matt Johnson Part Two 43:28

8M ago43:28

43:28

Matt Johnson returns for part two of the conversation with James Bryan Smith. In this episode, Smith and Johnson continue their conversation about the research on spiritual growth. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Epi…

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Conversation with Matt Johnson 33:40

8M ago33:40

33:40

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with spiritual director and friend Matt Johnson. James and Matt have a conversation about the research they are conducting together about what happens to people who experience significant spiritual growth. In this episode, they talk about James’ triangle of transformation from The Good and Beautiful…

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Gratitude 23:04

8M ago23:04

23:04

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Take your gratitude to the next level.” In this episode, James gives us two practices we can do to give thanks to God. Smith explains both practices in detail and gives examples of how we can do them. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? […] The post Gratitude appeared first on Ap…

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Let Nothing Disturb You 17:03

9M ago17:03

17:03

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Let nothing disturb you.” In this episode, Smith recites a prayer from St. Teresa of Avila. James goes through the prayer and explains what we can learn from the prayer in order to help us not be disturbed by difficult times in our lives. Interested in […] The post Let Nothing Disturb You appear…

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Talk With God 21:21

10M ago21:21

21:21

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “God wants to talk with you.” Following up from his previous episode, Smith talks about how we can talk with God when we pray. Smith gives some examples from the Lord’s prayer and Psalm twenty-three to help explain his thought from above. Interested in donating […] The post Talk With God ap…

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Talk to God 22:03

10M ago22:03

22:03

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “God wants you to talk to him.” In this episode, James discusses the Lord’s Prayer. Smith explains how he uses the prayer, goes through each verse, and discusses the importance of each verse. Listen here or anywhere you get your podcasts. Interested in donating to the […] The post Talk to God app…

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Gentle and Mighty 18:07

11M ago18:07

18:07

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Jesus is gentle and he is mighty, he is good, but he isn’t safe.” In this episode, Smith talks about how Jesus is the lamb of God and also the lion of Judah. James explains how Jesus is gentle and mighty, how he has seen it […] The post Gentle and Mighty appeared first on Apprentice Institute.…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Careers in Space - Ingmar Kamalagharan's story 17:18

11M ago17:18

17:18

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear from Ingmar Kamalagharan, Space to Inspire Lead at the UK Space Agency who gives a fascinating insight into the many and varied careers revolving around space and the universe. For those who thought space careers revolved around astronauts, have a listen to Ingmar. Presenter: Dominic Arkwr…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Olivia Scane's Story 14:41

12M ago14:41

14:41

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear from Olivia Scane, apprenticeship ambassador and mutli-award winner who is full of good advice. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor productionBy The Sound Doctor

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Different with Jesus 14:57

12M ago14:57

14:57

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “There will be suffering in life, but it is different with Jesus.” In this episode, James talks about how we all experience suffering in our lives, but we experience it differently when we are apprentices of Jesus. Smith talks about how his walk with Jesus […] The post Different with Jesus …

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Walking with Jesus 16:20

1y ago16:20

16:20

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “Walking with Jesus is the greatest of all adventures.” Smith starts the episode by talking about the day he chose to give his life to Jesus. He then talks about how we all can join in on the greatest of all adventures by choosing to […] The post Walking with Jesus appeared first on Apprent…

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Weight of Glory 23:09

1y ago23:09

23:09

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Are you preparing for your weight of glory?” In this episode, James discusses the essay by C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory.” Smith uses verses 16 through 18 from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 to help explain his thought from above. Interested in donating to the Things […] The post Weight of Glory a…

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Conversation with Ken Shigematsu 43:08

1y ago43:08

43:08

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Ken Shigematsu about his book, “Now I Become Myself.” Drawing on a rich variety of personal experience, Scripture, spiritual formation classics, psychology, and relational neuroscience; award-winning author and pastor Ken Shigematsu shows how a deep, experiential encounter with the love …

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Glorious Morning and Evening Part Two 18:19

1y ago18:19

18:19

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Have a glorious morning and evening.” This is the second part of the two-part episode. Smith discusses the spiritual practice of examen. He expands on this practice and talks about a time in his life when it came into play. Interested in donating to the Things […] The post Glorious Morning and E…

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Glorious Morning and Evening Part One 11:53

1y ago11:53

11:53

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Have a glorious morning and evening.” In this two-part episode, Smith discusses his spiritual practice, “the two-minute morning.” He expands on this practice and gives more insight into how it can be helpful and why it is important. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? […] The pos…

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Conversation with John Mark Comer Part Two 51:53

1+ y ago51:53

51:53

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author John Mark Comer about his book, “Practicing The Way.” We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice. To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set […] The post Conversation with John Mark …

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The End In Mind 19:28

1+ y ago19:28

19:28

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Begin with the end in mind.” Smith explains his thought from above by talking about his two mentors John Wesley and Dallas Willard. James illustrates his thought from above with a story about a friend and his understanding of Christian spiritual formation. Interested in donating […] The p…

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Open Hand 25:42

1+ y ago25:42

25:42

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Live life with an open hand.” In this episode, Smith discusses one of his favorite prayers, “The Serenity Prayer.” James talks about the meaning behind prayer and how we can use it in our time with God. The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity To […] The post Open Hand appeared first on A…

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Conversation with AJ Swoboda Part Three 44:47

1+ y ago44:47

44:47

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author A.J. Swoboda about his book, The Gift of Thorns. Today’s follower of Jesus exists at a moment in history when our desires, longings, and wants are being weaponized against us by cultural, spiritual, and relational forces. “Follow your heart” and “You do you” has become […] The post Conve…

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Our Greatest Opportunity 14:20

1+ y ago14:20

14:20

James Bryan Smith asks, what is the greatest opportunity you have ever been given? In this episode, James explores this question and explains that our greatest opportunity is to follow Jesus. Smith explains that we have been invited to a relationship with Jesus and how it is the greatest opportunity we have been offered. Interested […] The post Our…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Meg Ginsberg's Story 19:07

1+ y ago19:07

19:07

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear the moving and inspirational story from apprentice, Meg Ginsberg. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor productionBy The Sound Doctor

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The Mindful Apprentice - Neurodiversity - Sarah Hendrickx Story Pt2 17:02

1+ y ago17:02

17:02

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear the second of two podcasts about neurodiversity featuring Sarah Hendrixx. In this episode Sarah discusses different neurodiverse behaviours in the workplace and how to improve working life with the simplest of adjustments. Whether you are neurodiverse yourself or an employer, there is a we…

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The Mindful Apprentice - The Timpson Group approach - here's Dan Jenkins to explain more 16:19

1+ y ago16:19

16:19

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear from The Timpson Group's Dan Jenkins, Head of group colleague development. He discusses the role of an employer in making apprenticeships successful. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor productionBy The Sound Doctor

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The Mindful Apprentice. Professor Sue Black's Story 18:31

1+ y ago18:31

18:31

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear from Professor Sue Black who left school at 16 with very few qualifications and is now a Professor of Computer Science at Durham University, the saviour of Bletchley Park, a best selling author and many other things besides. If you want some insipiration about what you can do with your lif…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Neurodiversity - Sarah Hendrickx Story Pt1 16:50

1+ y ago16:50

16:50

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we hear the first of two podcasts about neurodiversity featuring Sarah Hendrixx. In this episode Sarah discusses how autism affects her own day to day behaviour and how it is likely to affect people at work. Please note there is a slight background echo due to a technical problem. Presenter: Domin…

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Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three 47:08

1+ y ago47:08

47:08

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Brian Zahnd about his book, “The Wood Between the Worlds.” Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story—the axis upon which […] The post Convers…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Coping Techniques - Breathing And Mindfulness 15:05

1+ y ago15:05

15:05

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we explore the benefits of breathing and mindfulness exercises and demonstrate simple exercises for both that you can do quickly and easily at work, or indeed anywhere. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.org…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Coping Techniques - Other Tactics 13:26

1+ y ago13:26

13:26

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we explore some further coping techniques and demonstrate quick and easy variations for the workplace. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.orgBy The Sound Doctor

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The Mindful Apprentice - Sam Bishop answers apprentice questions 14:47

1+ y ago14:47

14:47

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. This episode of the podcast series is slightly different in that we asked a few apprentices what they wished they'd known before they started. We put these to Sam Bishop, a performance psychologist who works with Gen Healthy Minds. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production the…

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Two Minute Morning 20:42

1+ y ago20:42

20:42

James Bryan Smith gives his second spiritual practice for 2024, called the two-minute morning. In this episode, James explains how to do this practice and why he feels it helps him set his mind on Things Above. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree […] The post Two…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Spotting The Signs Of Poor Mental Health 15:12

1+ y ago15:12

15:12

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode we look at how to spot the signs of poor mental health at work, in yourself and in colleagues.By The Sound Doctor

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The Mindful Apprentice - What Should I Do If I'm Struggling 16:22

1+ y ago16:22

16:22

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, what should you do if you feel you are struggling with your mental health? Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.orgBy The Sound Doctor

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The Mindful Apprentice - What Help Is Available - Your Employer And Training Provider 15:39

1+ y ago15:39

15:39

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we find out where you can go for help, at work and through your training provider. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.orgBy The Sound Doctor

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The Mindful Apprentice - What Help Is Available - Other Sources Of Support 14:06

1+ y ago14:06

14:06

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we find out what help is available if you haven't got access to a suitable network in your workplace or don't want to talk to someone connected with work. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.org…

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The Mindful Apprentice - Culture Shock 15:19

1+ y ago15:19

15:19

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, we look at the culture shock you might experience coming from the classroom if you are a school leaver, or home if you are a returner, and ways of coping with the new environment. Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.org…

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The Mindful Apprentice - What If I'm Not Up To It? 15:19

1+ y ago15:19

15:19

Welcome to The Mindful Apprentice. In this episode, what should you do if you feel you're not up to the apprenticeship and it seems to be too difficult? Presenter: Dominic Arkwright Producer: Rosie Runciman A Sound Doctor production thesounddoctor.orgBy The Sound Doctor