Best AJ Swoboda Podcasts (2024)

1
#146 - A.J Swoboda | The Power of Rest in a Non-Stop World 46:42

1d ago46:42

46:42

A.J. Swoboda is a theologian, pastor, and author. In his book Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World, Swoboda delves into the biblical concept of Sabbath, exploring its historical, spiritual, and practical significance. He argues that in a culture obsessed with productivity and constant activity, the practice of Sabbath…

1
ST52: Choosing Carefully Your "Confessors" and Confidants 22:18

2d ago22:18

22:18

Do you have people in your life that you can share your darker struggles with, and confess your sins to? AJ and Nijay talk about being very selective and careful about finding your "confessors" and confidants; people that are not only safe, but also wise and care about your faith and relationship with Jesus. Support the Show.…

1
#145 - Roy Maloy | Australia's True Crime History Author 1:03:23

8d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Roy Maloy is an Australian author known for his extensive work in documenting true crime history. With over 15 books published, he specializes in the early 20th-century criminal underworld of Australia, focusing on notable figures such as Squizzy Taylor and the Fitzroy Vendetta. Maloy's works are characterized by their detailed biographical account…

1
Weight of Glory 23:09

10d ago23:09

23:09

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Are you preparing for your weight of glory?” In this episode, James discusses the essay by C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory.” Smith uses verses 16 through 18 from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 to help explain his thought from above. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Le…

1
ST51: Ways We Can't Be Like Jesus 27:06

10d ago27:06

27:06

**Possible Trigger Warning** AJ and Nijay discuss the limitations of "righteous suffering" today. Jesus took abuse and harm upon himself from others for the salvation of the world. Is Jesus a model for abuse victims today? Are there areas of life where WWJD doesn't apply—where we shouldn't or can't imitate Jesus? Support the Show.…

1
#144 - Nita Farahany | Neurotechnology and The Battle for Your Brain 58:44

18d ago58:44

58:44

Nita Farahany is a renowned professor at Duke University, specializing in the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies. Her latest book, "The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology," explores the transformative potential and profound ethical concerns of neurotechnologies like…

1
Conversation with Ken Shigematsu 43:08

26d ago43:08

43:08

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Ken Shigematsu about his book, “Now I Become Myself.” Drawing on a rich variety of personal experience, Scripture, spiritual formation classics, psychology, and relational neuroscience; award-winning author and pastor Ken Shigematsu shows how a deep, experiential encounter with the love …

1
Glorious Morning and Evening Part Two 18:19

1M ago18:19

18:19

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Have a glorious morning and evening.” This is the second part of the two-part episode. Smith discusses the spiritual practice of examen. He expands on this practice and talks about a time in his life when it came into play. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn m…

1
Glorious Morning and Evening Part One 11:53

1M ago11:53

11:53

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Have a glorious morning and evening.” In this two-part episode, Smith discusses his spiritual practice, “the two-minute morning.” He expands on this practice and gives more insight into how it can be helpful and why it is important. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here…

1
ST50: "Work Out Your Salvation"—What is Paul Talking About? (Philippians 2:12) 29:51

1M ago29:51

29:51

In Philippians 2:12, Paul writes, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." This verse has perplexed many readers, because on the surface it appears that Paul is talking about earning salvation, so what happened to justification by grace?? AJ and Nijay love talking about reading the Bible well in context, check it out. UPDATE: Nijay ment…

1
#143 - Dan Ariely | Why Rational People Believe Irrational Things 45:58

1M ago45:58

45:58

Dan Ariely is a renowned behavioral economist and the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University. He is a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight, where he conducts research on decision-making, cognitive biases, and human behavior. Ariely is also an accomplished author, known for his best-selling …

1
ST49: What the Questions Jesus Asked Teaches Us 27:57

2M ago27:57

27:57

Jesus is remembered as a great teacher, but he also had many conversations with people he met and he asked a lot of questions (well over 100 questions from the lips of Jesus in the Gospels). What can we learn about Jesus from his questions? What can we learn about the Gospel? What can we learn about our faith? AJ and Nijay reflect on these question…

1
#142 - Dr Phil Maffetone | Improving Brain Health with Music & Creativity 1:23:35

2M ago1:23:35

1:23:35

Phil Maffetone is a renowned health and fitness expert, coach, and author, widely recognized for his holistic approach to endurance training and lifestyle management. With a career spanning several decades, he has worked with a diverse array of athletes, including top triathletes and endurance runners, helping them optimize performance through bala…

1
ST48: What's the Best Bible Translation? (Hint: It's a Trick Question) 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

AJ and Nijay talk about a common question they get in the church and classroom: What's the best Bible translation? If you're curious, listen in on their conversation. Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
ST47: From Spiritual Pride to Humility and Love 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Rom 15:1) Knowledge is good - the more you know the further you'll go (as they say). But it can also lead to pride, arrogance, and judgmentalism. AJ and Nijay chat about the dangers of spiritual pride and how to build up the other and not puff up oneself (1…

1
#141 - Bruce Sackman | How Serial Killer Doctors Get Away with MASS Murder 1:12:35

2M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

Bruce Sackman is an investigator, former federal agent, and author. For 25 years, Bruce was the Special Agent in Charge of the VA Inspector General Office. He specialized in hunting medical serial killers. EPISODE OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction: The Dark Side of Medical Professionals 01:50 Motivations of Medical Serial Killers 09:37 Obsession with Sel…

1
ST46: Nurturing a Non-Reactive Theology 28:27

2M ago28:27

28:27

What happens when your theological heroes change their mind, let you down, or leave the faith? It can be uncomfortable, sometimes devastating. In keeping with the theme of "slow theology," AJ and Nijay address this struggle and encourage a non-reactive theology. Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
#140 - Dr Randy Nesse | Understanding Human Emotions from an Evolutionary Perspective 52:34

2M ago52:34

52:34

Randy Nesse is a prominent evolutionary psychiatrist known for his groundbreaking work in understanding the evolutionary origins of human behavior, emotions, and mental disorders. He has delved into the intersection of evolutionary biology and psychiatry, shedding light on how our ancestral past shapes our modern-day psychological landscape. Nesse …

1
ST45: Strange Religion (AJ Interviews Nijay) 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

In the previous episode, Nijay interviewed AJ about his latest book, The Gift of Thorns (ST44). This time around, AJ and Nijay chat about Nijay's latest, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling (Brazos Press, 2024). Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
#139 - Mark Dobson | Combining Talent with Strategy 1:00:45

3M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Mark Dobson is an Australian performance coach who works with leaders, businesses and athletes to help leverage their talent with his unique about to strategise and plan to achieve ambitious goals and navigate challenges in each of their fields.By Tyson Popplestone

1
ST44: The Gift of Thorns (Nijay Interviews AJ) 31:22

3M ago31:22

31:22

AJ has written an important new book called THE GIFT OF THORNS. Nijay and AJ discuss why AJ wrote this, a bit of his own story, and how unfulfilled wants can lead us into deeper spiritual life with Christ. This is a raw and vulnerable conversation. (WARNING: adult content is briefly discussed) Support the Show.…

1
Conversation with John Mark Comer Part Two 51:53

3M ago51:53

51:53

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author John Mark Comer about his book, “Practicing The Way.” We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice. To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set of practices and relational rhythms that …

1
ST43: Praying "Deliver Us from Evil" (Slow Prayer) 23:52

3M ago23:52

23:52

AJ and Nijay finish out their series on the Lord's Prayer and how to process the prayer Jesus taught us and learn how to pray slowly and authentically before God. Can we (smarty-pants moderns) really believe in evil? Should we fear evil? What does deliverance/rescue look like? Listen in—and please give Slow Theology and rating on your preferred lis…

1
#138 - Michael McQueen | Mastering the Art of Changing Minds 54:03

3M ago54:03

54:03

Michael McQueen is author of "Mindstuck: Mastering the Art of Changing Minds." He's also the author of 9 other books and is an internationally renowned keynote speaker. EPISODE OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 02:11 Barriers to Effective Communication 03:18 The Importance of Being Present and Genuine 07:32 The Role of Curiosity in Overcoming Barriers 09…

1
The End In Mind 19:28

3M ago19:28

19:28

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Begin with the end in mind.” Smith explains his thought from above by talking about his two mentors John Wesley and Dallas Willard. James illustrates his thought from above with a story about a friend and his understanding of Christian spiritual formation. Interested in donating to the Th…

1
#137 - Dr Mike Van Thielen | Bio-Hacking Your Way to Optimal Health 1:01:59

3M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Dr. Mike Van Thielen, PH.D. Holistic Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing expert and renowned author and speaker. He has been involved in optimal health practices, anti-aging and regenerative medicine, sports performance, nutrition and supplementation for over three decades. EPISODE OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:18 The Fascination …

1
#136 - John Perkins | Confessions of an Economic Hitman 1:03:19

4M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

John Perkins is an American author known for his book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman," published in 2004. In the book, Perkins describes his role as an economic hitman, working for a consulting firm contracted by the U.S. government to facilitate development projects in developing countries. He describes how these projects were often a cover fo…

1
Open Hand 25:42

4M ago25:42

25:42

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Live life with an open hand.” In this episode, Smith discusses one of his favorite prayers, “The Serenity Prayer.” James talks about the meaning behind prayer and how we can use it in our time with God. The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage…

1
ST42: Praying "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" (Slow Prayer) 29:45

4M ago29:45

29:45

AJ and Nijay continue their series on prayer. They get into theological questions like "what is temptation?" and "Does God influence temptation, if so why?" But they also talk about how this prayer shapes our Christian lives. Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
#135 - Cal Fussman | What I've Learned Interviewing Icons Who Shaped the Last 50 Years of World History 1:20:07

4M ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Cal Fussman is a New York Times bestselling author, longtime writer for Esquire magazine, corporate consultant and host of the Big Questions podcast. As a part of his role as a journalist he has conducted interviews with the icons who’ve shaped the last 50 years of world history: Mikhail Gorbachev, Jimmy Carter, Ted Kennedy, Jeff Bezos, Richard Bra…

1
Conversation with AJ Swoboda Part Three 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author A.J. Swoboda about his book, The Gift of Thorns. Today’s follower of Jesus exists at a moment in history when our desires, longings, and wants are being weaponized against us by cultural, spiritual, and relational forces. “Follow your heart” and “You do you” has become our moment’s mantr…

1
ST41: Praying "Forgive Us" (Slow Prayer) 30:16

4M ago30:16

30:16

AJ and Nijay continue to journey slowly through the Lord's Prayer. They reckon with the challenge of forgiving one another, and how important this is as a spiritual practice and an act of trust in God. Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
#134 – Q&A – Stand-Up, Podcasting & Fitness Routines 30:06

4M ago30:06

30:06

The show is starting to get some serious traction! To celebrate, I wanted to answer some of your questions from YouTube and Instagram! There's some awesome questions about the world of comedy (writing, coming up with ideas and performing), the role of fitness in my life and whether or not I think the podcasting world is too saturated. You will lear…

1
Our Greatest Opportunity 14:20

5M ago14:20

14:20

James Bryan Smith asks, what is the greatest opportunity you have ever been given? In this episode, James explores this question and explains that our greatest opportunity is to follow Jesus. Smith explains that we have been invited to a relationship with Jesus and how it is the greatest opportunity we have been offered. Interested in donating to t…

1
ST40: Praying "Give Us Daily Bread" (Slow Prayer) 28:42

5M ago28:42

28:42

AJ and Nijay continue with their Slow Prayer series focusing on the Lord's Prayer. How does it shape our prayer life to pray "Give us this day our daily bread"? Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three 47:08

5M ago47:08

47:08

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Brian Zahnd about his book, “The Wood Between the Worlds.” Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story—the axis upon which the biblical story t…

1
ST39: Praying "Your Kingdom Come" (Slow Prayer) 29:09

5M ago29:09

29:09

AJ and Nijay continue the "Slow Prayer" series, journeying through the Lord's Prayer line by line. In this ep. they discuss the "cry for the kingdom" (as theologian Stanley Grenz puts it). Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
#133 - Kate Galliett | How Clarifying Values Eliminates Stress 1:07:15

5M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Kate Galliett is the author of 'Unbreakable: How to Live in a Body You Love'. She is the founder of Fit for Real Life, a platform aimed at helping people move better, feel better, and live better through personalized coaching, online programs, and resources. Her approach to fitness and movement is holistic, focusing not just on exercise routines bu…

1
Two Minute Morning 20:42

5M ago20:42

20:42

James Bryan Smith gives his second spiritual practice for 2024, called the two-minute morning. In this episode, James explains how to do this practice and why he feels it helps him set his mind on Things Above. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree […] The post Two…

1
ST38: Praying "Our Father in Heaven..." (Slow Prayer) 29:49

5M ago29:49

29:49

Why does it matter how we address God? Why "Our Father"? What does it mean that He lives "in Heaven?" And what does it mean to "hallow" God's Name? AJ and Nijay discuss the beginning of the prayer Jesus gave us. (Remember, you don't pray alone, you pray with Jesus) Support the Show.By A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
#132 - Dr Steven Park | Why Modern Humans Sleep so Badly 1:04:28

5M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Dr Steven Park is a former surgeon and the author of Sleep, Interrupted: A physician reveals the #1 reason why so many of us are sick and tired.former surgeon who helps people who are always sick or tired to once again reclaim their health and energy. EPISODE OUTLINE: 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Sinus Problems and Sleep 03:29 Night Sweats and Sleep Ap…

1
ST37: Slow Prayer (Introducing a Lord's Prayer Series) 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

Nijay and AJ are kicking off a multi-episode series about prayer, with a focus on the Lord's Prayer. Join them for this introductory episode where they chat about why this short prayer from Jesus has been so important in the history of the Church—and how it can shape our spiritual lives today. Support the Show.…

1
Conversation With Emily P. Freeman Part Four 44:04

6M ago44:04

44:04

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author and friend Emily P. Freeman. James interviews Emily on her upcoming book, “How to Walk into a Room.” The book will be released in March 2024. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship […] The pos…

1
ST36: Walking with a Spouse through their Deconstruction 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

What happens when your spouse (or close relative/friend) is going through deconstruction and you aren't? It can be a jarring and disheartening experience, and it comes with lots of possible and normal emotions like anger, fear, sadness, compassion, or uncertainty. AJ and Nijay process this together based on insights from Scripture and personal expe…

1
#131 - Cyndi O'Meara | Reverse Disease and Regenerate Your Body 1:05:39

6M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

CYndi O'Meara is a prominent figure in the field of holistic nutrition and wellness, renowned for her expertise in promoting optimal health through natural means. As a passionate advocate for wholesome nutrition and lifestyle choices, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and reverse disease through d…

1
Grieving with Hope 24:46

6M ago24:46

24:46

In this episode, James Bryan Smith talks about how we can experience grieving with hope. James opens the episode by talking about what he considers to be his favorite book that he has written, Room of Marvels. Smith reads the foreword of Room of Marvels, written by Dallas Willard, to help further explain how we […] The post Grieving with Hope appea…

1
ST35: What Children Can Teach Us About Theology and Faith 29:20

6M ago29:20

29:20

AJ and Nijay dialogue about an important question: How would our faith be transformed if we learned with and from children? Too often children are hidden in the church, treated as distractions or underformed community members. But maybe we adults have something to learn FROM children. Listen in to this important conversation. Support the Show.…

1
Breath Prayer 21:09

6M ago21:09

21:09

James Bryan Smith starts the new year with an episode about a spiritual discipline he enjoys called breath prayer. In this episode, James explains what breath prayer is, and gives several examples of how to practice the soul training exercise yourself. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the […] The pos…

1
#130 - Dr Akil Palanisamy | How to Stop the Rapid Rise of Auto-Immune Disease 59:17

6M ago59:17

59:17

Akil Palanisamy, MD, is a Harvard-trained physician who practices integrative medicine, blending his conventional medical expertise with holistic approaches including functional medicine and Ayurveda. “Dr. Akil” attended Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in biochemical sciences. He earned an MD from the Univer…

1
#129 - Lucia Rivas-Herry | Simple Habits for a Strong Gut, Resilient Immune System, and a Healthy Life 1:03:31

7M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Lucia Rivas-Herry is a Chemical and Biomedical Engineer, and Nutritionist, serves as the director of Nutrition is Medicine. This online nutrition enterprise specializes in Microbiome and Nutrigenomic DNA testing, offering consulting services and personalized nutrition plans based on individual gut and gene findings. In addition to her role, Lucia m…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

AJ Swoboda Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide