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Artwork for Soul Search

Soul Search

ABC Australia
Spirituality
Christianity
Australia
Mindfulness
Meditation
Buddhism
Islam
Catholic Church
Music
Faith
Social Justice
Neuroscience
Mental Health
Community Living
Julian Of Norwich
Habit
Rest
Climate Change
Gift Economy
Cultural Identity

Soul Search explores contemporary religion and spirituality from the inside out — what we believe, how we express it, and the difference it makes in our lives

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes1044Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualitySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Soul Search

Latest Episodes

‘The humpback whale is Theresa Ardler’s totem, and she went all the way to Rome to share Indigenous knowledge of the ocean with the Pope.

The word 'god' can bring many images to mind — perhaps a man with blue complexion and four arms, an old bearded man in the sky, or a woman seated on a lotus throne. Gods and goddesses have been visualised in all kinds of ways, through different times... more

Rituals mark moments throughout our lives, big and small. They are also used to draw attention to political injustice and social inequality, to express lament and to reorient the participants in the ritual toward wholeness. What role might rituals pl... more

How do you express your deepest emotions? Over the centuries many have turned to poetry, including the Book of Psalms from the Hebrew Bible. From anguish to ecstasy and anger to joy, how can one collection of poetry cover such a range of emotions and... more

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Recent Guests

Cole Arthur Riley
Poet and bestselling author, creator of Black Liturgies
Black Liturgies; Centre for Dignity and Contemplation
Episode: Can ritual help restore broken politics and bruised spirits?
Molly Farnath
Scholar of religion at Haverford College
Centre for Dignity and Contemplation (discussion of ritual politics)
Episode: Can ritual help restore broken politics and bruised spirits?
Kim Etlinger
Rabbi at Temple David, Progressive Synagogue in Perth
Temple David, Perth
Episode: The joy and anguish of the Psalms
Matthew Anstey
Rev. Dr. Anglican priest; Hebrew language scholar
Anglican Church; Translation project
Episode: The joy and anguish of the Psalms
Stephen Garner
Scholar of theology, technology and new media
Laidlaw College, Auckland, New Zealand
Episode: Being human in the age of AI
Zhuiwei Shi
Buddhist scholar of technology
Centre for Humanistic Buddhism, Nantian Institute, Wollongong
Episode: Being human in the age of AI
Purushottama Bila Maria
Philosophy fellow, University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
Episode: Who was Vivekananda, the young revolutionary swami?
Het Patel
Medical student and youth leader at a Melbourne Hindu temple
BAPS Hindu temple, Melbourne
Episode: Who was Vivekananda, the young revolutionary swami?
Matthew Crawford
Patristic scholar, Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic University
Episode: War and peace — St Augustine and the Pope he inspired

Hosts

Meredith Lake
Host of Soul Search on ABC Radio National with a focus on religion, spirituality, and ethical reflection.
Rowan Salmond
Host of Soul Search, often guiding conversations that intersect religion, culture, and public life.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 245 ratings
  • enriching

    I just happened to turn the radio on and catch the very timely topic of contentment and wanting in this culture of consumption. Great thoughts on the show! Practicing generosity is our remedy ❤️I can’t wait to explore more topics from this podcast. Thank you Meredith

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Brittabe
    Australia2 years ago
  • Soothing for the current time we live in

    A balm for the soul at this time. The people and guests on the show are bringing awareness to the global issues and those in our backyard. I am glad I fell into this while scrolling for peace. Was fed up of the American style which is more commercial and material. I needed to shed that and get back to simplicity. This podcast has restored my faith in humanity and the ability to find a path and guide forward. Well done ABC.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MFD0412
    United States2 years ago
  • Briliant program

    Your most sensitive exploration of spirituality and meaning of life is much appreciated . Interview with Robyn J. Whitaker , is so refreshing .

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Random Carrot
    Australia3 years ago
  • And all will be well...

    Just listened to the fascinating and poignant episode about Julian of Norwich. Her famous words "and all will be well" resonated with me in these very tumultuous times. I agree that many of the systems in our societies force us to move too quickly -- there is little time to stop and breath, contemplate or think. So how on earth can we hope to change for the better?

    I find comfort in Julian's famous words because, similar to looking up at a star lit sky on a quiet summer night, I see the beauty... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    pcoristi
    Canada3 years ago
  • ABCRN Soul Search

    Thank you Meredith for your interviews which share wise thinking that enriches our lives.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Katarapko
    Australia4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Shows thoughtful, in-depth conversations about spirituality and daily life.
Listeners appreciate the calm, respectful interview style and practical takeaways.
Guests bring credibility and diverse perspectives on religion and ethics.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The joy and anguish of the Psalms
Q: What have been your personal confirmations or surprises in translating the Psalms for modern readers?
Translation has revealed how English has shifted since earlier translations, prompting adjustments in rhythm and diction to keep the Psalms singable while preserving meaning. This work also deepens the translator's connection to the text and the communities who use it in worship.
The joy and anguish of the Psalms
Q: How do you handle the more troubling, even violent Psalms in public worship or teaching?
Public worship typically selects a lectionary that omits the most extreme curses, recognizing that interpretation is a collective moral act. Providing context and choosing when and how to read harsher passages helps maintain a respectful and thoughtful approach to scripture.
The joy and anguish of the Psalms
Q: What is the range of emotions the Psalms voice, and how does that breadth affect how communities use them?
The Psalms capture everything from intimate doubt and longing to communal celebration and national crisis. This breadth allows communities to use them in mourning, healing, and worship, while also inviting ongoing interpretation and re-reading as circumstances change, which keeps the texts alive in public life.
The joy and anguish of the Psalms
Q: So, what are the Psalms, and why do they resonate across faiths, languages, and contexts?
They are ancient Hebrew poems and prayers that express a broad emotional range, from praise to lament, and over centuries have been read, sung, and set to music in Jewish and Christian worship. Their universality comes from their human focus—grief, fear, joy, gratitude—and their ability to speak to people in different times and settings, which is why they travel across cultures and remain relevant.
"We will always choose Earth" — Spiritual ecology in an age of crisis
Q: What has been the fruit of cultivating awareness through breath and presence, both for you personally and in inviting others to engage?
Breath-based practice deepens perception, opens the heart, and makes us feel more connected to the living Earth; over time this shifts how we listen, how we see, and how we act, enabling a more compassionate relationship with landscapes whether wild or urban.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Soul Search

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

The show features thoughtful conversations about religion, spirituality, and moral meaning, often centered on how beliefs shape daily life, leadership, and community. Recent episodes explore Augustinian ethics in leadership, spiritual ecology, modern pilgrimage, death care, neighborliness, and the intersection of faith with contemporary culture. Guests range from theologians and historians to journalists, ethicists, and practitioners, offering deep context and practical takeaways. The tone is reflective, values-driven, and curiosity-led, with an emphasis on inner transformation, social responsibility, and interfaith dialogue. A standout quality is how it makes complex spiritual ideas accessible through intimate conversations, while maintain... more

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How many listeners does Soul Search get?

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What are the audience demographics for Soul Search?

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How many subscribers and views does Soul Search have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Soul Search has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Soul Search?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Soul Search:

1. Big Ideas
2. All In The Mind
3. The Minefield
4. Philosopher's Zone
5. Life Matters - Full program podcast

How many episodes of Soul Search are there?

Soul Search launched 21 years ago and published 1044 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 Soul Search?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Soul Search?

Recent guests on Soul Search include:

1. Cole Arthur Riley
2. Molly Farnath
3. Kim Etlinger
4. Matthew Anstey
5. Stephen Garner
6. Zhuiwei Shi
7. Purushottama Bila Maria
8. Het Patel

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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