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The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.

America Media
Spirituality
Faith
Catholicism
Social Justice
Prayer
Hope
Synod On Synodality
Public Service
Silence
Spiritual Exercises
Martin Scorsese
Father Francis Principe
Spiritual Life
Fatherhood
Coming Out
Catholic Church
Whoopi Goldberg
Anglicanism
Aging
Doubt

What is prayer and how can we pray? How do I know if God is responding to my prayers? What does it mean to live a spiritual life? “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” focuses on how people experience God in their prayer and their daily lives. The show combines practical wisdom with deep reflections from spiritual masters and well-known seekers, all tracing the mystery of God’s activit... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes35Founded10 months ago
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Religion & SpiritualitySpiritualityChristianity

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Artwork for The Spiritual Life

Latest Episodes

Editor-in-chief of Orbis Books, Robert Ellsberg cut his teeth as an editor of The Catholic Worker newspaper when he was just 20  years old. There he also traded literary notes with the great Catholic writer, activist and now “Servant of God,” Dorothy... more

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American culture often tries to emphasize “learning lessons” in the middle of suffering. For example, “Everything happens for a reason.” But Kate Bowler doesn’t think those “lessons”  are coming from God; rather, God draws close to the brokenhearted ... more

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Cristóbal Fones, SJ, is many things- a talented musician, a Jesuit and the international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. He joins host James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to share how he learned to pray from a place o... more

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Long before he wrote “Wicked” Gregory Maguire has been weaving careful attention into his artistic pursuits and his prayer. He joins host James Martin, S.J. on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about his spiritual journey, from a Catholic orphanag... more

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Recent Guests

Robert Ellsberg
Catholic author, editor, and publisher; editor in chief of Orbis Books; close associate of Dorothy Day
Orbis Books
Episode: Catholic and Anarchist: The Spiritual Wisdom of Dorothy Day
Kate Bowler
Scholar of American religious history, Duke Divinity School professor, cancer survivor, host of Everything Happens
Duke Divinity School
Episode: Kate Bowler on how to accompany those who are suffering
Cristóbal Fones
Jesuit priest, Executive Director of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network
Episode: Jesuit musician Cristóbal Fones on praying with the Pope
Gregory Maguire
Writer, author of Wicked; co-founder of Children's Literature New England, Inc.
Author and humanitarian advocate
Episode: Gregory Maguire’s spiritual journey–From a Catholic orphanage to ‘Wicked’-fame
Kathleen Norris
Award-winning poet and writer known for The Cloister Walk; memoirist of Benedictine spirituality and Rebecca Sue, A Sister's Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love
Author and Spiritual Writer
Episode: Kathleen Norris on treating spiritual dryness, jealousy, and bad thoughts
Maggie Van Dorn
Snowbound producer helping coordinate the episode
Producer
Episode: Kathleen Norris on treating spiritual dryness, jealousy, and bad thoughts
Bryan Massingale
Black Catholic priest, theologian, professor of theological and social ethics at Fordham University
Fordham University
Episode: A Black, gay Catholic priest on living authentically
Ben Witherington
Prolific author and leading New Testament scholar
Asbury Theological Seminary
Episode: Praying with the Bible during Lent
Anne Lamott
Renowned author known for her spiritual and candid writing style, including her book 'Help Thanks Wow'.
Episode: "Help, Thanks, Wow": Three prayers that changed Anne Lamott

Host

Fr. James Martin, S.J.
Catholic priest and author known for facilitating contemplative discussions on spirituality and prayer; affiliated with America Magazine and The Spiritual Life program.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Wise, transparent, compassionate, someone you could spend hours chatting with!

    Father Martin is the best. I've known of him for years thru his books and interviews. I am so thrilled that he now has his own podcast. He's not only an excellent teacher, but a skilled interviewer. You clearly draw the most excellent guests. Thank you Father Martin!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SharonMann
    United Statesa month ago
  • Inspired

    …each episode of this podcast brings me closer to the feeling of awe.AND

    each guest has a gift for the listener .

    I look forward to it each week…

    With deep appreciation

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JMS@Skan
    United Statesa month ago
  • Thank You

    So grateful for this podcast! One God and so many ways of honouring this God and living spiritually! Or if not believing in a greater being then living with the idea of love for all! Thank you 🙏

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Grete 22
    Canadaa month ago
  • Fr. Bryan Massingale

    Outstanding podcast episode. Thank you Father Bryan. I needed your wise and vulnerable words tonight. Thank you for lightening my heart. 🫶🏻

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Teon77
    United Statesa month ago
  • GREAT Podcast!

    While all of Father Jim’s shows are terrific,

    his interview with Father Richard Rohr was

    Terrific!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pickleball PM
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

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

The show is valued for its compassionate approach and thoughtful questions, though some non-Catholic listeners may find it especially targeted to Catholic spirituality.
Episodes are described as practical, insightful, and accessible, with a calming, contemplative vibe.
Listeners praise the warmth and depth of conversations, noting guests are engaging and authentic.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Jesuit musician Cristóbal Fones on praying with the Pope
Q: Why do Catholics pray to saints and how does that work?
The saints are in heaven and can intercede for us; we ask for their prayers the same way we ask for prayers of people on earth, recognizing a sense of community that spans heaven and earth.
Gregory Maguire’s spiritual journey–From a Catholic orphanage to ‘Wicked’-fame
Q: What advice would you give to a young gay Catholic striving to live authentically?
Affirm their inherent belovedness in God, emphasize baptism as a doorway into community, encourage finding welcoming parishes, and remind them that authenticity is compatible with faith; reject vile or marginalizing messages and cultivate self-acceptance while seeking supportive communities.
A Black, gay Catholic priest on living authentically
Q: What can parents of LGBT children do to support their kids when they refuse to come to Mass?
Be present with them in their pain, validate their feelings rather than preach morality, and help them find welcoming parishes or communities; stay connected as the church body while walking with them through their journey until they are ready to reconnect.
Praying with the Bible during Lent
Q: What about the three pillars of Lent and how you understand them?
Each pillar is biblically based but their connection to Lent evolved over time, particularly influenced by monastic practices.
Praying with the Bible during Lent
Q: How do I hear the readings at mass with freshness when I've heard them many times before?
Approach the verses with openness and trust that God will reveal something new to you.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Spiritual Life

What is The Spiritual Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical and reflective approaches to prayer, the interior life, and living spirituality in daily life. Guests range from priests and theologians to authors and activists, sharing personal journeys of faith, struggle, and growth, with a steady emphasis on compassion, inclusivity, and thoughtful leadership. Across episodes, listeners are likely drawn to insights on meditation, biblical understanding, spiritual direction, and integrating faith with modern life. A standout theme is the blend of accessible guidance with deep, contemplative conversation, often anchored in Jesuit and Catholic spirituality, but inviting broader curiosity about humanity, healing, and service.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Spiritual Life?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Spiritual Life. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Spiritual Life and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Spiritual Life get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Spiritual Life have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Spiritual Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Spiritual Life:

1. Jesuitical
2. Inside The Vatican
3. Everything Belongs: Living the Teachings of Richard Rohr Forward
4. Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
5. Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

How many episodes of The Spiritual Life are there?

The Spiritual Life launched 10 months ago and published 35 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 The Spiritual Life?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Spiritual Life?

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What guests have appeared on The Spiritual Life?

Recent guests on The Spiritual Life include:

1. Robert Ellsberg
2. Kate Bowler
3. Cristóbal Fones
4. Gregory Maguire
5. Kathleen Norris
6. Maggie Van Dorn
7. Bryan Massingale
8. Ben Witherington

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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