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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 Australian landscape comes up again and again in Australian poetry — it's part of what makes poetry from this place so distinctive. So, how does the contemporary Australian poetry scene engage with the land, and how has it shaped the art and spir... more

Haiku poetry is both simple and evocative, largely due to Zen Buddhism. The now familiar 5-7-5 haiku verse developed in ancient Japan, and now, across language and culture, haiku remains a popular way for people to engaging with nature, the seasons, ... more

Poetry is one of the world's most enduring artforms. It predates writing, and we’re still compelled to express our deepest thoughts through verse. What does poetry have to do with spirituality and the sacred — whether its big, mystical experiences, o... more

Underneath all the sex and violence of Homer's Odyssey, hospitality shines as a key theme. So, what does "Zeus' Law", outlining the responsibilities of hosts towards guests and strangers, have to teach us today, as our own society debates difference?... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Taka Takaguchi
Writer, artist, and creative producer based in Melbourne
Self-employed/independent
Episode: The Zen masters of haiku
Roshi Susan Murphy
Zen teacher and founder of the Zen Open Circle in Sydney
Zen Open Circle
Episode: The Zen masters of haiku
Milad Milani
Scholar of Persian Sufism, co-founder of the Sufi Studies Network at Monash University
Monash University; Western Sydney University
Episode: Poetry that soars — from Rumi to Australia
Susan Lupack
Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities at Macquarie University; co-editor of the Cambridge Guide to Homer
Macquarie University
Episode: Zeus' Law — Hospitality in Homer's Odyssey
Ben Brown
Lecturer/Scholar discussed on Odyssey in film and on Soul Search
University of Sydney
Episode: Zeus' Law — Hospitality in Homer's Odyssey
Katherine May
UK writer and podcaster; author of Wintering and Enchantment
Author and podcaster
Episode: Katherine May on winter's transformative power
Georgina Reid
Lifelong gardener, landscape designer, writer
Hawkesbury River, NSW
Episode: How gardening is a conversation
Megumi Bennett
Bonsai and Ikebana teacher
Sydney's Bonsai Society
Episode: How gardening is a conversation
Rebecca Roselle Stone
Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at the University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
Episode: Philosopher Simone Weil's guide to paying attention

Host

Meredith Lake
Host of Soul Search

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 249 ratings
  • Exceptional- NAIDOC reflections

    Wow - Kudos for this latest drop - a powerful reminder from Professor Anne to all non Indigenous Christians that we have a special duty to lead in building a better future for First Nations peoples

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    _thevegantrad
    Australia2 months ago
  • 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

Listeners Say

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

Many comments highlight its usefulness for educators and faith leaders seeking nuanced perspectives.
Audiences value the calm, respectful interview style and rigorous context provided by guests.
Listeners praise its thoughtful, in-depth discussions and diverse guest lineup.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Katherine May on winter's transformative power
Q: What role do rituals and congregational life play in cultivating awe and belonging?
Rituals—whether traditional or newly co-created—provide intentional moments of noticing and communal belonging, allowing people to hold doubt and difference within a supportive community that witnesses suffering.
Katherine May on winter's transformative power
Q: Why are we resistant to this idea of wintering as a legitimate life phase?
The resistance stems from a culture that wants to skip over downturns and chase happiness, making negative emotions seem unacceptable; embracing them requires a shift toward acknowledging the full spectrum of humanity.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Soul Search

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

A thoughtful round of conversations that traverse religion, spirituality, and ethics through the lens of poetry, philosophy, indigenous wisdom, and contemporary culture. Episodes often pair researchers, theologians, and artists to explore how belief shapes identity, community, and everyday life—ranging from Sufi poetry and medieval saints to modern AI ethics and spiritual ecology. A notable strength is the diverse guest roster, which includes Indigenous voices, Buddhist and Christian thinkers, and scholars, all brought into dialogue with contemporary issues like belonging, ritual, and social justice. Listeners can expect calm, probing interviews that prize nuance, cross-cultural perspectives, and practical applications of contemplative prac... more

Where can I find podcast stats for Soul Search?

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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.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Soul Search?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Soul Search from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Soul Search?

Recent guests on Soul Search include:

1. Taka Takaguchi
2. Roshi Susan Murphy
3. Milad Milani
4. Susan Lupack
5. Ben Brown
6. Katherine May
7. Georgina Reid
8. Megumi Bennett

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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