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

America Media
Spirituality
Prayer
Faith
Catholic Church
Catholicism
Pope Francis
Death Penalty
Hope
Social Justice
Human Dignity
Silence
Forgiveness
Justice
Redemption
Pope John Paul II
Synod On Synodality
Christian Spirituality
Spiritual Life
Public Service
Suffering

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes47Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianitySpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for The Spiritual Life

Latest Episodes

Hasan Minhaj is “down to catch a blessing,” wherever that may be. The Emmy Award-winning comedian joins James Martin, S.J. on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to share his Muslim faith, how laughter helped to save his life, and his hopes for interreligio... more

David Brooks is known as one of America’s leading public intellectuals, a longtime columnist for The New York Times and now a staff writer at The Atlantic. He joins James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to share how he went from a mostl... more

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Radio host and author, Katie Prejean McGrady joins host James Martin, S.J., to talk about the religious revival sweeping across America, how youth ministers can share eternal truths without falling prey to black-and-white thinking, and a spirituality... more

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The American legal scholar and public intellectual, Professor Robert George, joins host James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about the practice of dialogue in the church and society, as well as his own rich faith journey.

Rais... more

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Recent Guests

Robert George
American legal scholar, political philosopher, and public intellectual; Princeton University professor
Princeton University
Episode: Robert George on how to disagree and remain spiritually grounded
Yunuen Trujillo
Catholic lay minister, author, faith-based community organizer, and immigration and workers' rights attorney
LGBT Catholics on Instagram; Archdiocese of Los Angeles; LA Voice PICO
Episode: Yunuen Trujillo’s ministry to migrants and L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics
Martin Sheen
Acclaimed American actor and public advocate for peace and social justice
Actor; Catholic activist
Episode: Actor Martin Sheen on the heroes that shaped his spirituality and activism
Liza Colón-Zayas
American actress and playwright known for The Bear, agnostic spiritual journey
Episode: Liza Colón-Zayas of "The Bear" speaks honestly about her struggles with faith
Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David
Cardinal, Bishop of Caloocan and former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
Catholic Church in the Philippines
Episode: Filipino Cardinal “Ambo” David on hearing God's voice in the Bible
Pádraig Ó Tuama
Poet and spiritual master; former leader of Corry Mila; host of Poetry Unbound
Corry Mila/On Being; Poetry Unbound
Episode: Pádraig Ó Tuama on poetry, conflict resolution, and the Stations of the Cross
James KA. Smith
Augustinian scholar and professor of philosophy at Calvin University
Calvin University
Episode: Our human desire for God, with the Augustine scholar James K.A. Smith
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

Hosts

Fr. James Martin
Host of The Spiritual Life; Jesuit priest and author with a focus on lay spirituality and dialogue across traditions.
Fr. Jim Martin
Co-hosts discussions; Jesuit priest known for accessible spiritual conversation and guests across faith traditions.
Maggie Van Dorn
Producer and co-host coordinating interview flow and production.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Beautifully thought-provoking!

    This podcast has become a must listen for me. Fr. Jim is a great interviewer. Each conversation is a spiritual journey in their own way. I can’t thank the team enough for doing this show. I hope that it continues for years!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    K65201
    United States17 days ago
  • Surprising & Interesting

    I didn’t know many of these guests and found the ones I didn’t know the most interesting especially those with formal training in scripture or religion. Every guest has surprised me with multiple ideas on how to live better in this complex world…and prepare for the next.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joan S in San Francisco
    United States2 months ago
  • A real resource to build your spiritual life

    I find myself listening to previous podcasts, I’ve learn from all of them. It has really help me in my Spiritual Life Journey and building a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jaalas
    United States2 months ago
  • Indispensable

    This podcast and the YouTube videos has quickly become my favourite religious/ spiritual go to. Fr Martin’s guests, producer, team and his skilful interviewing style make this show a wonderful experience.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    _thevegantrad
    Australia2 months ago
  • Fr Jim

    Love your podcasts & interviews w a variety of people. Always learn something new that gives me food for spiritual thought

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ginagina Smith
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

A few reviews note moments of dryness or lack of substance for some episodes.
Some listeners find the focus on religious content very meaningful and transformative.
Praise for host's interviewing style and warmth with diverse guests.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful, civil dialogue and depth of guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Yunuen Trujillo’s ministry to migrants and L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics
Q: How do you balance anger at injustice with a gospel-centered approach?
Ground yourself in love and the gospel; let anger fuel advocacy without tearing down relationships, and step back when needed to return with refreshed presence and perspective.
Yunuen Trujillo’s ministry to migrants and L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics
Q: What inspired you to pursue such a diverse set of roles in ministry and advocacy?
I've always been a generalist with a love for learning, and I focus on needs I perceive in the community, such as immigrant rights and LGBTQ inclusion, then discern how best to respond—sometimes through ministry, sometimes through legal work—always aiming to serve the greatest need.
Robert George on how to disagree and remain spiritually grounded
Q: How did your friendship with Cornel West begin and evolve into collaboration?
George recounts meeting West through campus seminars, a transformative interview that grew into a long-lasting partnership, co-teaching freshman seminars, writing together, and maintaining a strong basis of mutual respect, trust, and intellectual honesty despite political differences.
Robert George on how to disagree and remain spiritually grounded
Q: How do you pray? What's your prayer life like?
George describes a mix of rooted, liturgical prayer and personal, contemplative practice, emphasizing attentiveness to words and meanings, frequent spontaneous prayers for others, and a deep sense of God as Father. He notes a preference for structured prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary, while also recognizing moments of spontaneous gratitude and petition.
Actor Martin Sheen on the heroes that shaped his spirituality and activism
Q: How can working people today take a personal vow of poverty or overcome a consumer culture?
The guest and host suggest living simply as a practical commitment, using saved resources to help others, and making a conscious choice not to participate in consumerism, coupled with the idea that rewards of labor should be used to aid others and build community.

Audience Metrics

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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?

A thoughtful program that explores practical spirituality and how people experience God in daily life. Conversations span prayer practices, Ignatian and Catholic spirituality, and personal journeys of faith, often featuring theologians, writers, activists, and artists. Guests share how disciplines like contemplation, suffering, social justice, and community shape a lived faith, making it a gentle but probing listen for listeners seeking depth, context, and real-world spiritual guidance. Noteworthy are its accessible explanations of complex ideas, the blend of personal storytelling with theological reflection, and the host's well-regarded, thoughtful interviewing style that invites humility, curiosity, and civil dialogue. This show likely ap... more

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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. Turning to the Mystics with James Finley
5. Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

How many episodes of The Spiritual Life are there?

The Spiritual Life launched a year ago and published 47 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Spiritual Life?

Recent guests on The Spiritual Life include:

1. Robert George
2. Yunuen Trujillo
3. Martin Sheen
4. Liza Colón-Zayas
5. Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David
6. Pádraig Ó Tuama
7. James KA. Smith
8. Robert Ellsberg

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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