Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

Over the past year I’ve grown to love this podcast and look forward to every new episode. I find Nate’s questions of his interviewees to be very thoughtful and open me up to learning about new thought leaders and topics in the spiritual formation space.

I have gleaned much from this podcast over the years, particularly from the episodes truly centered on life with God. But when the hosts try to talk politics/social justice, the tangible spark of the Spirit is almost always diminished… it feels like shallow, one-dimensional moralizing rather than genuine inspiration or even unbiased, thoughtful discussion. This is unfortunate because there is potential to be much more ecumenical and fruitful.

Updated my review from seven years ago. I appreciate the current editing so Nathan's sounds aren't as distracting as they once were in the earlier episodes. However, these newer episodes are hit or miss for me. Some weeks contain great spiritual insights that are essential to formation. Other times (like today), both Nathan and the guest seem caught in some kind of ivory tower (especially if the guests are professors)--another words just out of touch. This week was a wonderful example, the guest is a seminary professor and author, and is going through a tough time and is now questioning if we are collectively going through community grief. All we have to do is look at the millennia of people before us and understand the answer to this is a resounding "yes!" When are we as a community NOT grieving?! I would love to hear from less academic people on the podcast from time to time. Or perhaps roundtable with a boots-on-ground Chaplain or full-time parish minister to balance out white tower academics Nathan finds.

This was an exceptional episode. I very much appreciated it as it really resonated in my heart. I don’t always need to be challenged or fed provocative food, though the thoughtful and gentle way Life With God serves such is always appreciated. Many times I simply need a little help sinking into the Word and meditating on my Lord. It felt like I was sitting with a friend who had just said, “Hey, I had a thought the other day, and I’d like to share it with you and hear what you think…” This particular podcast episode hit the spot. Thank you. There was mention of possibly making more of these type of episodes. Let me encourage you, please do!