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Artwork for Contemplify
Contemplation
Spirituality
Poetry
Music
The Salt Of the Universe
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emily Dickinson
Christianity
Community
Contemplative Practice
Contemplative Practices
Meditation
Advent
Montana
Rumi
American Politics
Mindfulness
Jim Harrison
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
John Denver

The Contemplify podcast kindles the examined life for contemplatives in the world. Through artful musings & conversations with scholars, creatives, and master teachers each episode delivers a subtly intoxicating* exchange on the contemplative lifestyle with practical takeaways to emulate in daily life. Host, Paul Swanson, is a husband, father and contemplative educator at the Center for Action and... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes193Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophyReligion & SpiritualitySociety & CultureSpirituality

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Artwork for Contemplify

Latest Episodes

"The achievement of 'Poverty Creek Journal' is precisely that it does retrace that kind of wandering--and, in so doing, makes something lovely and meaningful of a difficult year. Gardner does not go in for pat analogies; he does not claim, as Camus o... more

"Noah Davis is a poet whose capacious imagination runs on river sounds and open air."

— Adrian Matejka, Pulitzer Prize Finalist and editor of Poetry.

Noah Davis is an award-winning poet, whose collection The Last Beast We Revel In was my first re... more

Todd Goddard is an award-winning writer with a Ph.D in literary studies to go along with J.D. Todd Goddard joins me to talk about his unparalleled work on one of my literary heroes, the poet and writer, Jim Harrison. Goddard's book, Devouring Time: J... more

Sasha Waters, an American documentary and experimental filmmaker, feminist and educator. She has produced and directed over twenty films and we are here today to talk about her latest, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World, which will be thea... more

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Recent Guests

Thomas Gardner
Literary critic, poet, playwright, and essayist; author of Poverty Creek Journal
Virginia Tech (emeritus); author of Poverty Creek Journal
Episode: Thomas Gardner on Poverty Creek Journal
Noah Davis
Award-winning poet; author of The Last Beast We Revel In
Episode: Noah Davis on The Last Beast We Revel In
Todd Goddard
Award-winning writer, biographer of Jim Harrison, Ph.D. in Literary Studies, JD
Utah Valley University (teacher)
Episode: Todd Goddard on Jim Harrison (author of Devouring Time: Jim Harrison, A Writer's Life)
Sasha Waters
American documentary and experiential filmmaker, feminist, educator
pyshake.com / Mary Oliver project
Episode: Sasha Waters on Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Beverly Lanzetta
Theologian, contemplative scholar and teacher
Episode: Beverly Lanzetta on Birthing a New Mysticism
Dr. Liza J. Rankow
Interfaith minister, educator, activist, author
OneLife Institute (former Executive Director); author of Soul Medicine for a Fractured World
Episode: Dr. Liza J. Rankow on Soul Medicine for a Fractured World
Philip Connors
Fire lookout, essayist, author
Author of The Mountain Knows the Mountain, A Fire Watch Diary
Episode: Philip Connors on The Mountain Knows the Mountain: A Fire Watch Diary
Anna Tivel
Award-winning songwriter and musician from Portland, Oregon
Fluff & Gravy Records (Album Animal Poem)
Episode: Anna Tivel on Animal Poem, Short Stories, and Checking Your Shoes
Dr. Martin Shaw
Writer, mythographer, wilderness guide, and Christian thinker.
drmartinshaw.com
Episode: Dr. Martin Shaw on Liturgies of the Wild

Host

Paul Swanson
Host of Contemplify, contemplative educator at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC)

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 292 ratings
  • Much appreciated

    The conversations here are so needed. Introductions to such amazing voices, deep conversations, and applicable lessons.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Thrilla Milla
    United Statesa year ago
  • Refreshingly Original!

    This show may surprise and delight you with fresh perspectives from people who do their best to live what they’re talking about!

    An 88 year old woman religious.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    amigosaq
    United Statesa year ago
  • A solid place to rest and be rejuvenated

    Paul brings his self effacing and down to earth brilliance into the warm company of so many wonderful humans, thoughtfully eliciting from each of them a treasure more costly than gold. Like fine wine, this magnificent series only gets richer and tastier with each episode. I highly recommend!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GaryShaw NZ
    New Zealand2 years ago
  • Susan Murphy

    ❤️‍🔥WONDERFUL💔❗️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nappy pappy
    United States2 years ago
  • Soul nourishment

    This stunning podcast is soul nourishment. Simultaneously sophisticated and accessible, Paul and his guests give voice to our shared human condition. At the end of every episode, I find myself thinking — “gosh, I want to be friends with that person” (and with Paul, too). 10/10.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Upstate & TX George
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the host's depth, humility, and ability to elicit meaningful responses from guests.
High-quality conversations with diverse contemplatives, often described as calming and transformative.
Thoughtful, soul-nourishing conversations that bridge poetry, spirituality, and everyday life.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Thomas Gardner on Poverty Creek Journal
Q: What was the moment in college that helped you integrate the separate parts of your life?
A chance encounter with an English professor who appreciated his athletic achievements inspired him to allow the different parts of his life to speak to one another, which eventually led to a more integrated voice in his writing.
Thomas Gardner on Poverty Creek Journal
Q: When you hear the word contemplative, how does that relate to your work?
Gardner acknowledges that contemplation shows up in his reading, writing, teaching, and running as an ongoing effort to open up the possibilities of the moment and to inhabit the present through various modes of attention.
Sasha Waters on Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Q: What do you hope audiences take away about Mary Oliver after seeing the film?
That her work can inspire a slower, more attentive way of living, and that reading her poems can lead people to explore nature, devotion, and daily contemplative practice in their own lives.
Sasha Waters on Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Q: What ethical considerations shaped the portrayal of Oliver's private life?
The team wrestled with how much of her private life to reveal, balancing ethical concerns with the desire to illuminate the conditions under which she created, while ultimately prioritizing the poems and Mary Oliver's public voice.
Sasha Waters on Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World
Q: Why open with Stephen Colbert reading or attempting The Summer Day?
To surprise the audience, establish an intimate yet unexpected tone, and anchor the audience in the emotional power of poetry through a familiar, relatable figure.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Contemplify

What is Contemplify about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Contemplify offers long-form conversations centered on the contemplative life, blending philosophy, spirituality, and creative practice. Episodes frequently feature writers, poets, theologians, musicians, and scholars who explore attention, presence, and meaning through personal stories, literary references, and practical practices. Noteworthy is the host's knack for weaving intimate, hard-won insights with accessible takeaways, often pairing guests' artistic or spiritual work with everyday mindfulness. The format tends toward thoughtful, slow-burn dialogue that rewards listeners seeking depth, reflection, and culture-infused guidance for daily life.

Where can I find podcast stats for Contemplify?

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How many listeners does Contemplify get?

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What are the audience demographics for Contemplify?

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How many subscribers and views does Contemplify have?

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How many episodes of Contemplify are there?

Contemplify launched 10 years ago and published 193 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Contemplify?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Contemplify?

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What guests have appeared on Contemplify?

Recent guests on Contemplify include:

1. Thomas Gardner
2. Noah Davis
3. Todd Goddard
4. Sasha Waters
5. Beverly Lanzetta
6. Dr. Liza J. Rankow
7. Philip Connors
8. Anna Tivel

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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