The False Vine of Workaholism

September 22, 2025

00:00 20:02

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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

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Meet Your Hosts

Alan Fadling (MDiv) is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc. in Mission Viejo, CA. He writes and speaks as an expert in the challenge of hurry in contemporary life and work and how to overcome it.

Alan consults and coaches leaders and their organizations in the U.S. and around the world, helping them work towards long-term productivity that lasts rather than settling for quick fixes that don’t. He is the award-winning author of five books, including An Unhurried Life, An Unhurried Leader, and A Non-Anxious Life.

Gem Fadling, CLC, is a founding partner of Unhurried Living. She is a trained Spiritual Director and a Certified Life Coach who trains people at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care.

Gem is the co-host of the Unhurried Living Podcast as well as the author of Hold That Thought and co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Her work has appeared in Propel Women and Our Daily Bread.