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Artwork for Turning to the Mystics

Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

Center for Action and Contemplation
Christian Mysticism
Gabriel Marcel
T.S. Eliot
The Way Of a Pilgrim
Love
Prayer
Four Quartets
Brother Lawrence
Thomas Merton
God
Fidelity
Hope
Spirituality
Jesus Prayer
Time
Meditation
Mechthild Of Magdeburg
Consciousness
Faith
Mystical Experience

Turning to the Mystics is a podcast for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. James Finley, clinical psychologist and Living School faculty, offers a modern take on the historical contemplative practices of Christian mystics like Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, John of the Cross among others. Leaning into their experiences ca... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes178Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityChristianitySpirituality

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Artwork for Turning to the Mystics

Latest Episodes

On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Fr Richard Rohr about his special connection to Thérèse of Lisieux.

Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher who bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian m... more

YouTube

In this third dialogue session, Jim and Kirsten will focus on the meaning behind Thérèse's second chosen name, The Holy Face.

Resources:

• The transcript for this episode can be found here.

• The books we will be using this season are:

S... more

YouTube

This is the third session which focuses on Thérèse of Lisieux. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from the John Clarke translation of Thérèse's Story of a Soul, reflects on core themes, and finishes wit... more

YouTube

In this second dialogue session, Jim and Kirsten will focus on the meaning behind Thérèse's chosen moniker related to "The Child Jesus."

Resources:

• The transcript for this episode can be found here.

• The books we will be using this season a... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Carmen Acevedo Butcher
Award-winning translator, teacher, poet, and workshop leader
Center for Action and Contemplation
Episode: Bonus: Carmen Acevedo Butcher on Brother Lawrence
Gregory Sadler
Philosopher, president of ReasonIO, and educator
ReasonIO
Episode: Bonus: Greg Sadler on Gabriel Marcel
Malcolm Guite
An English poet, singer-songwriter, Anglican priest and academic.
Gertrude College, Cambridge
Episode: Bonus: Malcolm Guite on T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets (Part 1)
Bernard McGinn
American Roman Catholic theologian, religious historian, and scholar of spirituality known for his expertise in medieval mysticism.
University of Chicago Divinity School
Episode: Bonus: Bernard McGinn on Mechthild, Eckhart, and Mysticism

Hosts

Jim Finley
Co-host of the show, clinical psychologist and Center for Action and Contemplation fellow, with a long history of teaching contemplative practice and mysticism.
Kirsten Oates
Co-host, facilitator of contemplative practice, and writer-in-residence focused on making mystical traditions accessible.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 2.8k ratings
  • Life saving grace

    Of all the many thousands of podcasts available - this is THE ONE I cannot miss! Thank you James and Kirsten! ❤️❤️❤️ The coverage of the various mystics is beautiful, deep AND accessible! Your wisdom and the wisdom of these mystics have been a true gift during these difficult times. You both have such big hearts! Again, deepest thanks.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RosiePose Ko
    United States3 days ago
  • Oasis

    An oasis of truth and beauty in a troubled and troubling world. A wonderful gift.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tobar03
    United Kingdom13 days ago
  • Recovery and Healing

    Thank you James and Kirsten , this podcast has been so helpful in many ways. My goal this year is to do an in depth study , based on this podcast, it may take a year ( at least 😊). Thank you. I’ve been waiting for this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    M in Australia
    Australia16 days ago
  • Thank you

    I serve as a prison Chaplain in a max security centre and Hosptial chaplain and I am deeply grateful to James and Kirsten for this program. I can’t tell you how much it has deepened my ability to minister in such places. Blessings

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fezzkorrich
    Australia2 months ago
  • Profound

    I will be forever grateful to Jim for his wise and deep counsel. He says things that no one else does, that my soul needs to hear, infused with love and calm. I have been following him for years and still listen every day.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RS xxx
    United Kingdom3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the practical application of ancient mysticism to modern life and trauma recovery.
Great depth and wisdom from the hosts, with a gentle, inviting tone.
Positive feedback consistently highlights the calm, compassionate delivery and insightful guest conversations.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Gabriel Marcel: Listener Questions
Q: How to sustain what you're saying in the midst of despairing and heart-wrenching situations?
Set boundaries and recognize your own worth, you deserve to be respected.
Gabriel Marcel: Listener Questions
Q: What do I hope for when my heart aches?
To know that nothing is lacking in her lack.
Gabriel Marcel: Listener Questions
Q: Is it similar to seeing the holiness, wholeness and sanctity of a person, place or moment?
Yes, it is seeing the beauty in the whole.
T.S. Eliot: Listener Questions (Part One)
Q: What did Maureen mean by saying, 'You cannot keep a contemplative waiting'?
In the midst of linear time and waiting, the infinite love of God reveals itself, suggesting that the contemplative experience is inherently present, regardless of external situations—a reminder that nothing is truly missing.
T.S. Eliot: Listener Questions (Part One)
Q: Can that quickening manifest as anger?
Absolutely, anger can be a healthy response that emerges in an awakening process, helping to acknowledge boundaries that were violated in abusive situations and is essential for healing.

Audience Metrics

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Turning to the Mystics

What is Turning to the Mystics about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on contemplative spirituality rooted in Christian mysticism, featuring deep conversations about presence, mindfulness, and love as lived experiences. Across episodes, listeners hear thoughtful explorations of figures like Brother Lawrence, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Gabriel Marcel, with practical guidance for integrating spiritual practice into everyday life. The tone is calm, patient, and devotional, often blending personal anecdotes with scholarly insight to help listeners cultivate inner stillness, compassion, and a clearer sense of God's presence amid modern stresses. Notable strengths include accessible dialogue between the hosts and a focus on applying timeless mysticism to real life, aging, trauma, and r... more

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Turning to the Mystics launched 6 years ago and published 178 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 Turning to the Mystics?

Recent guests on Turning to the Mystics include:

1. Carmen Acevedo Butcher
2. Gregory Sadler
3. Malcolm Guite
4. Bernard McGinn

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