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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes38Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualitySpiritualityChristianity

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Artwork for The Spiritual Life

Latest Episodes

Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago,  joins James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about his vocation story, the spiritual power of the Mass, and the necessity of  preaching the Gospel during  tumultuous political ti... more

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The poet and theologian, Pádraig Ó Tuama, joins James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about how poetry and the Taizé community became a lifeline for Pádraig after he was subjected to multiple exorcisms, attempting to cast out hi... more

YouTube

James Martin, S.J., is joined by James K.A. Smith on the “The Spiritual Life” podcast. Jamie is a leading scholar of St. Augustine, and a professor of philosophy at Calvin University. He’s written several books—including Desiring the Kingdom, You Are... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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
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

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 1.2k ratings
  • 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 States24 days ago
  • Boring

    This podcast is boring. No substance.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    phatcrayonz
    United States25 days ago
  • 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 States2 months 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 States2 months 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
    Canada2 months 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.

Our human desire for God, with the Augustine scholar James K.A. Smith
Q: How does Augustine's idea of the two Cities inform modern church life?
The City of God vs. City of Man distinction is used to argue that Christian practice should emphasize a communal, merciful witness rather than domination, with an emphasis on eschatological hope rather than immediate political power.
Our human desire for God, with the Augustine scholar James K.A. Smith
Q: How did you become interested in St. Augustine?
Smith describes his journey from philosophical study to Augustine as a providential path, aided by Villanova's Augustinian environment and his study of Heidegger's interest in Augustine, which rekindled his spiritual life and scholarly focus.
Pádraig Ó Tuama on poetry, conflict resolution, and the Stations of the Cross
Q: What practices can I bring from retreats into my daily life?
Practices from retreats translate well into daily life by cultivating ongoing attentiveness: examen, contemplative inaction, walking or silent time, and devotional reading that can be revisited each day to create a stable container for experience.
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.

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.

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How many listeners does The Spiritual Life get?

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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 38 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. Pádraig Ó Tuama
2. James KA. Smith
3. Robert Ellsberg
4. Kate Bowler
5. Cristóbal Fones
6. Gregory Maguire
7. Kathleen Norris
8. Maggie Van Dorn

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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