Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, we explore the difference between work that flows from grace and love, and work that drains us because it’s fueled by fear, insecurity, or people-pleasing. Together we’ll talk about holy rhythms of work and rest, and what it looks like to return to the “easy yoke” of Jesus. If you’ve been feeling weary, overextended, or caught in workaholism, this conversation offers hope: you can lead from rest rather than rush. What You’ll Take Away from This Episode: How to discern between grace-energized work and soul-draining drivenness. Why busyness, according to Eugene Peterson, is not productivity but a form of laziness. The danger of “false vines” that drain life rather than nourish it. Small, sustainable practices for weaving sabbath and reflection into daily rhythms. How contemplative practices root us in God’s presence so our work becomes overflow, not overextension. Resources & References Mentioned in This Episode: Subversive Spirituality by Eugene Peterson New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton The Sayings of the Desert Fathers (various translations available) The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill Jesus’ teaching on the easy yoke (Matthew 11:28–30) and the vine and branches (John 15) 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.

What’s the difference between rushing through a city and truly receiving it? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem Fadling talks with Lauren Mouat—a writer, instructor, and licensed tour guide based in Tuscany, about how to travel with intention, depth, and presence. Lauren, originally from California, moved to Rome more than a decade ago and now leads tours through her company, Unlock Italy. With humor, eloquence, and a gift for storytelling, she doesn’t just share history facts she invites people into the stories, beauty, and humanity of the places they visit. In this conversation, Gem and Lauren explore: Why stories make travel experiences more meaningful The difference between “checking boxes” and traveling at a soulful pace Practices like journaling, walking, and stillness that deepen connection How to resist hurry and savor beauty, curiosity, and wonder Ways to stay present and be moved by the places we encounter Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply longing to live more mindfully where you are, this episode will inspire you to slow down, notice, and receive life as a gift. ______________________________________________________ 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 you could hear the Psalms and Proverbs as if for the very first time? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling talks with Terry Wildman, Ojibwe and Yaqui follower of Jesus, storyteller, musician, and lead translator of the First Nations Version (FNV). Terry has spent decades sharing Creator’s story in ways that resonate with Indigenous hearts. After the widely embraced release of the FNV New Testament in 2021, he and a translation council of over 20 tribes have now brought the beauty, rhythm, and imagery of Native American storytelling to Psalms and Proverbs. In this conversation, Alan and Terry explore: How oral tradition opens fresh ways of hearing Scripture The relational names for God, like Great Spirit and Grandfather Why Psalms and Proverbs were chosen as the next FNV project How this translation speaks to Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike Practical ways to let Scripture slow you down and deepen your walk with God If you long to encounter the Psalms and Proverbs in a way that stirs your soul and draws you into deeper communion with God, this episode will inspire you. 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.

What if your leadership wasn’t driven by hurry, but rooted in soul-deep transformation? In this episode, Alan and Gem Fadling explore how spiritual formation and leadership are meant to stay connected—and why separating them leads to exhaustion and burnout. We’ll talk about: Why leadership development often gets siloed from spiritual formation How unprocessed inner life shows up in hurried, anxious leadership Practices that help leaders shift from pressure and performance to peace and purpose Why leading from depth, rest, and soul-rooted presence makes your influence more life-giving If you’ve ever felt stretched thin by the relentless demands of leadership, or wondered if there’s a slower, more grounded way to lead, this conversation will give you hope and practical steps forward. This episode also introduces PACE, a 21-month training experience for leaders who want to bring more soul into their work and more grace into their influence. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on unhurried leadership, spiritual formation, and living at the pace of Jesus. #Leadership #Hurry #SpiritualFormation #UnhurriedLeadership #PACE #ChristianLeadership Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world where certainty, hot takes, and strong opinions dominate, what if curiosity and humility were actually the more faithful way of following Jesus? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan talks with pastor, theologian, and professor A. J. Swoboda about his new book, A Teachable Spirit. Together, they explore what it means to cultivate intellectual humility as a spiritual discipline and to rediscover the joy of learning—even from unexpected places and people. You’ll learn: Why being teachable is central to spiritual formation. How to learn from unlikely voices—children, strangers, enemies, and even the dead. Practices for slowing down and resisting the culture of distraction and quick answers. How curiosity creates deeper wisdom, peace, and more gracious leadership. Guest Bio:A. J. Swoboda, PhD, is a pastor, theologian, and professor at Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon, where he teaches Bible, theology, and Christian history. He is the author of several books, including Subversive Sabbath and After Doubt. He also co-hosts the “Slow Theology” podcast and is a sought-after voice on spiritual formation, rest, and resilience in today’s culture. 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.

How do you move beyond shame and silence to discover your true worth? In this inspiring episode, Gem Fadling sits down with Eryn Eddy Adkins—founder of So Worth Loving and co-host of the God Hears Her podcast—to talk about healing, faith, and what it really means to find belonging in a safe, loving community. If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of shame, not-enoughness, or self-doubt, you are not alone. Eryn shares her journey from pain to purpose, and how telling your true story (not just the polished version) can be a bridge to deeper healing and connection with others. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How to move beyond shame and find your voice The power of honest storytelling in the Christian life Why community is essential for healing deep wounds Practical steps for building safe spaces and healthy relationships Encouragement for Christian women wrestling with self-worth and faith Real-life lessons from Eryn’s work at So Worth Loving and the God Hears Her podcast About Eryn Eddy Adkins:Eryn Eddy Adkins is the founder and CEO of So Worth Loving, a lifestyle brand and online community helping thousands move from pain and shame to self-worth and belovedness. Her work has been featured in CNN, Oprah, and more. She is the author of So Worth Loving and the longtime co-host of the God Hears Her podcast. More resources:→ Learn about So Worth Loving: https://soworthloving.com→ Listen to God Hears Her: [https://godhearsher.org/podcast/]→ Connect with Eryn on Instagram: [@eryneddy] ______________________________________________________ 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.

Many leaders wrestle with the question: If I slow down, will I still get anything done? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan explores Jesus’ words in John 15 alongside the wisdom of farmer-poet Wendell Berry to reimagine productivity, not as frantic busyness, but as abiding fruitfulness. Discover a vision of work that nourishes rather than depletes, both for you and for those you serve. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why busyness can actually disconnect us from the very Source of true fruitfulness. How Wendell Berry’s vision of sustainable farming offers a powerful model for ministry and leadership. Why lasting kingdom productivity always begins in abiding and focuses on people over programs. Resources Scripture: John 15 Bringing It to the Table by Wendell Berry 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.

Ever catch yourself jumping to conclusions… and being totally wrong? Or maybe you find it hard to admit when you're mistaken—especially when it's personal. That’s not just stubbornness, it’s cognitive bias, and it’s wired into all of us. But there’s good news: we can grow beyond it. In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem Fadling talks with Dr. Erin Devers, Christian social psychologist and author of The Unbiased Self. Together, they explore how understanding the way our minds work can lead us into deeper formation and freer relationships. You’ll hear how fast vs. slow thinking, identity in Christ, gratitude, and community all play vital roles in transforming the way we see ourselves, others, and God. Whether you’re tired of stuck thinking or want to love more clearly, this practical and hope-filled conversation is for you. ______________________________________________________ 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 popular replay episode, Alan Fadling invites us into a deeply personal and practical reflection on anxiety, rooted in themes from his new book, A Non-Anxious Life. Alan shares his own lifelong journey with anxiety—how it shows up in his thoughts, emotions, and even his body—and how Jesus has been teaching him a better way: a path of peace. You’ll hear stories of travel disruptions, anxious thoughts, and tender moments with backyard birds that reveal God's faithful, tangible care. This episode offers more than ideas—it’s an invitation to embody peace, to let the presence of God displace worry at the deepest levels. Whether you wrestle with anxiety every day or simply long for more inner stillness, Alan’s words will meet you with compassion and hope. 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.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how your personal faith connects with the pain and injustice in the world, this episode offers a path forward, not in politics or performance, but in deep spiritual formation. Alan sits down with transformation life coach and ministry leader Brenda Renderos for a tender, honest conversation at the intersection of soul care and justice, especially racial justice. Drawing from her years of experience walking with individuals toward greater wholeness, Brenda shares how a deeply rooted faith can lead to healing, redemptive engagement with our neighbors. Together, they explore: How inner transformation and outward justice are connected Why justice isn’t about guilt or shame but about love and presence What to do when justice work feels overwhelming or exhausting And how to take one Spirit-led step forward at a time This episode invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and consider how Christ might be forming you for justice that flows from the heart. Brenda’s Invitations to Dig Deeper: The prophets call out religious devotion that ignores justice (Isaiah 58, Amos 5). Jesus admonished the Pharisees for tithing religiously but neglecting 'justice, mercy, and faithfulness' (Matthew 23:23). Is my spiritual life making me more just? And is my work for justice making me more Christlike? What is shaping my view of justice? Am I looking at it through a cultural lens, a political lens, or a biblical lens? A great way to begin is by simply sitting with scripture. Read passages like Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, or Luke 4:18-19, and ask: What does God say about justice? What does this reveal about his heart? What is his invitation for me in this season? What is one small way I can stay engaged this week, even if it feels slow? And trust that even the small things matter in God's bigger story. ______________________________________________________ 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.