Unhurried Living

Leadership is sacred work—but it can also leave wounds. What happens when unaddressed pain begins to shape the way we lead? And how can healing restore not only our souls but also the communities we serve? In this episode, Alan Fadling is joined by Nicolas Rowe and Sheila Wise-Rowe, authors of Healing Leadership Trauma: Finding Emotional Health and Helping Others Flourish. Together, they offer a wise, grace-filled vision of leadership rooted in wholeness rather than woundedness. This conversation is an invitation—to slow down, to pay attention to your inner life, and to believe that healing is not only possible but essential to healthy, sustainable leadership.  

What if your self-doubt, overreactions, or stuck-ness aren’t the real you? What if freedom is simply a matter of coming home to yourself? Welcome to the Unhurried Living Podcast with Gem Fadling—where we help you rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. In this episode, Gem is joined by Michelle Chalfant, therapist, coach, and creator of The Adult Chair model, a framework that blends psychology and spirituality to help you understand your inner world and live from your truest self. Together, they unpack: The three "chairs" that represent emotional development Why your ego may still be using outdated maps from childhood How to recognize and work with your inner critic and emotional triggers Why boundaries are deeply connected to your self-worth What it looks like to live confidently and securely from The Adult Chair If you've ever felt trapped by old patterns, longed for emotional peace, or struggled to change despite your best efforts, this conversation will encourage you—and e

Have you ever stood at the edge of the ocean and been struck by its vastness—its depth? That sense of something greater calling to us? Today, Alan Fadling invites us into a reflection on the spiritual hunger so many of us carry: a longing not just to know about God, but to be deeply rooted in God. In this episode, Alan explores what it means to cultivate a life of soul-depth, spiritual depth, and heart depth. Drawing from his book An Unhurried Life, the writings of J.I. Packer and Hans Urs von Balthasar, and his own pastoral journey, Alan encourages us to move beyond surface-level faith toward a life shaped by love, receptivity, and transformation.

Have you ever found yourself grasping for a quick fix—work, food, social media, or endless productivity—to ease the discomfort of life? What if true healing and freedom don't come from trying harder, but from surrendering more deeply? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, host Gem Fadling sits down with Ian Morgan Cron—bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest—to talk about his new book, The Fix. This fresh and deeply personal exploration of the Twelve Steps goes far beyond addiction recovery. It's an invitation for all of us to embrace a more honest, grace-filled, and spiritually awake life. Whether you’re feeling stuck, tired of surface-level fixes, or longing for true transformation, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and gently invite you to something deeper.

Have you ever felt the ache of unmet expectations in your relationship with God? Does the faith you imagined seem different from the reality you’re living? In this episode, I sit down with Steve Cuss, author of The Expectation Gap, to explore the space between what we believe about God and how we experience Him in our everyday lives. Steve invites us to dive into the gaps that often hold our assumptions, fears, and doubts—and shows us how transformation can happen right there. Through our conversation, we will learn: How to identify the stories we tell ourselves about God and why they matter. Practical ways to shift our perspective and experience greater freedom, trust, and intimacy with God. The three common gaps that can create frustration in our faith journey: God’s particular love, God’s visceral presence, and our spiritual progress. Insights from systems theory that can help us navigate the complexities of faith and leadership. Simple, yet powerful practices like reflection and a

In this episode, Gem visits with Dr. Alison Cook, a renowned expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, to discuss her groundbreaking 3-step process for finding the freedom we crave. Many of us struggle with complex emotions and feelings that seem impossible to untangle. Instead of addressing these emotions with care, we often fall into the trap of guilt-tripping or gaslighting ourselves. Dr. Cook shares a powerful approach to breaking this cycle—offering practical tools and insight for embracing your emotions and moving toward healing. Together, we explore the importance of self-awareness, how to stop dismissing your feelings, and the transformative process of naming, framing, and braving your emotions.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How to Stop Gaslighting Yourself – Learn why so many of us dismiss our own feelings and how to move past the cycle of self-doubt. The Power of the 3-Step Process: Naming, Framing, Braving – Discover Dr. Cook’s transformative appr

Anxiety has a way of driving us—pushing us into constant busyness and keeping us stuck in worry about the future. But living in a non-anxious way isn’t about ignoring our problems—it’s about trusting a deeper reality that surrounds us. In this episode, we reflect on the journey with anxiety and how Jesus' words in Matthew 6 continue to shape our understanding of peace. Together, we’ll explore:

Do you have someone in your life who helps you discern the GOs and STOPs along your journey? In this episode, Gem reflects on the powerful role of wise guides—whether a spiritual director, life coach, or mentor—and how they can offer a wider perspective and discernment that’s hard to achieve on our own. She explores the benefits of verbalizing struggles and desires, helping bring healing and wholeness. Gem also dives into the importance of having trusted relationships, like a spiritual friend, to hold space for you in a non-judgmental way and how this can foster growth and clarity. Reflection Points: Reflect on one of the six powerful questions mentioned in the episode. Choose one to ponder, pray, and journal. Notice what emerges. Of the six types of wise guides Gem listed, which one do you most feel the need for? How might you connect with the support you need? Spend some time with God in prayer, letting Him know of your desire for a trusted, wise guide. Tune in for an episode that invite

God’s will isn’t a code to crack—it’s a friendship to cultivate. How do we discern God’s will in our lives? Is it about finding a hidden answer, or is it something deeper—a way of life shaped by attentiveness, trust, and friendship with God? In this episode, Alan sits down with seasoned spiritual director and author Trevor Hudson to talk about his latest book, "In Search of God’s Will: Discerning a Life of Faithfulness and Purpose". With over 50 years of experience as a pastor and spiritual guide, Trevor invites us into a wiser, more spacious approach to discernment—one that moves us away from anxiety and into deeper relationship. Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How discernment differs from decision-making ✨ Why listening for God’s voice is key to spiritual growth ✨ Practical exercises for recognizing God’s guidance in daily life If you’ve ever wrestled with knowing where God is leading you, this conversation is for you.  ________________

What do you really need? And what would it look like to engage life with a deeper sense of agency and self-compassion? Today on Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem is joined by professional counselor and best-selling author Aundi Kolber, whose new book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days, invites us to embrace the transformative power of kindness toward ourselves. We’ll explore how early experiences shape the way we suppress our needs, why it’s so hard to name and honor what we truly feel, and how practicing softness can actually make us stronger.  In this conversation, you’ll learn: ✨ How our past experiences shape the way we engage with our needs and emotions ✨ Why self-compassion is a powerful (and often overlooked) tool for transformation ✨ A simple prayer or body practice you can use in moments of stress Join us as we dive deep into what it means to cultivate resilience, trust, and a deeper friendship with God—even in the hard places. ________________________________ Aund

What do you do when your prayer feels dry? When it feels like you're just saying words into the air, wondering if you're actually connecting with God? In this episode, we’ll explore this common struggle, drawing from Thomas Green’s When the Well Runs Dry to uncover how prayer can move beyond effort and become more about encounter. What You’ll Learn: Prayer is a Relationship: Discover how prayer deepens when it becomes less about what you do and more about what God does in you. Our Image of God is not God: Learn how our assumptions about God can limit our prayer life, and how questioning these assumptions can open us to a deeper connection. Genuine Spiritual Growth Prefers the Ordinary: Find out why spiritual growth often happens in the mundane moments of life, not just during dramatic or exciting prayer experiences. Prayer vs. Introspection: Understand the fine line between talking to God and simply talking to yourself in prayer, and how to move beyond self-focused prayer. Beginners Try Too

In this episode, Gem reflects on a powerful moment from a difficult season in her life when she found hope in a simple yet profound image: a long, dark tunnel with a pinhole of light in the distance. This light became a symbol of God's presence, reminding her that even in the darkest moments, His light is enough to guide us forward. She explores the invitation from Psalm 27:4 to dwell, gaze, and seek God, unpacking each of these spiritual practices and how they bring us closer to Him.   Through reflection and personal insights, this episode encourages you to embrace God's presence in the everyday moments—dwelling in His love, gazing upon His beauty, and seeking His guidance with a childlike heart. Tune in and discover how these simple practices can deepen your connection with God and His sacred presence in your life. In this episode, you'll reflect on: How can we find hope and God's presence even in dark or uncertain seasons of life? What are some practical ways to engage with the spiritual practi

In this episode, Alan talks with Steven Lawson, creator of the Monk Manual, a daily planner inspired by monastic wisdom. Together, they explore how we can live with more purpose, productivity, and presence, moving beyond the chaos of busyness to truly engage each moment. Steven shares how we can align our daily actions with our values, creating a life that is more intentional and deeply fulfilling. Rather than rushing through our days, he emphasizes that slowing down can lead to deeper productivity and stronger, more meaningful connections. Steven also offers practical strategies, like the Monk Manual and his PAR method (Prepare, Act, Reflect), that can help us live with greater clarity and presence, even in a fast-paced world.   What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between busyness and productivity and how to focus on what truly matters. The importance of living intentionally and deeply, rather than just rushing through life. Practical tools, including the Monk Manual and the PAR met

"We do Kingdom things in Empire ways. What might it mean to do Kingdom things in Kingdom ways?" Mandy Smith poses this powerful question, inviting us to reimagine Christian leadership—not as coercion or burnout, but as a life deeply rooted in the ways of Jesus. In this episode, we explore why so many Christian leaders are exhausted, losing faith, or misusing power, and how confessing our limitations might be the key to rediscovering the true heart of ministry. Mandy, a pastor and author, doesn’t offer quick-fix strategies. Instead, she calls us back to the simplicity of followership, integrity, and sharing our lives with God in ways that bless the world. Together, we unpack the pressures of modern church culture, the hidden desires that overwhelm leaders, and how we can make space for God amid ministry demands. In this episode, you’ll learn: How cultural tendencies like efficiency and control are shaping (and distorting) church leadership. Why embracing our limits can lead to deeper faith,

What is the Christian life really about? Is it prayer, church involvement, ministry, justice, or evangelism? These are all meaningful aspects, but is there something deeper at the heart of it all? In this episode, I reflect on a question my mentor, Chuck Miller, often asked: “What is the Christian life?” His answer offers a profound simplicity—one that shifts our focus from what we do to who we are with. Together, we’ll explore how Jesus as our Good Shepherd transforms our faith from a list of tasks into an ongoing, intimate relationship. If you’ve ever felt like the Christian life is overwhelming, like a growing list of commitments, this conversation is for you. We’ll look at Jesus’ words in John 10, where he calls his sheep by name and leads them out—not just in the past, but in the present moment. You are not alone in this journey of faith. Jesus invites you into his life, guiding you, speaking to you, and walking with you every step of the way.   In thi

Have you ever found yourself in a dark, overwhelming season, wondering if God could hear you? We explore the healing power of lament as a way to express grief, open to God’s presence, and find rest for your soul. Lament isn't about having all the answers; it’s about allowing space for God to meet you where you are. What to Expect as you Listen: How lament can deepen your connection with God during times of grief. Practical steps to process loss through honesty, community, and restorative practices. Reflection questions to help you engage with lament in your own life and leadership.   Recommended Resources: Psalm 116 Scripture Reference Resources from Unhurried Living - Explore more resources on spiritual practices and personal growth at Unhurried Living: Unhurried Living Resources Prophetic Lament by Soong Chan Rah ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: S

Who is the Holy Spirit to you—an intimate friend or a mysterious stranger? In this episode, Alan Fadling speaks with Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of The Familiar Stranger, about rediscovering the Holy Spirit and stepping into a more experiential, Spirit-led life. Tyler shares practical insights and biblical metaphors that invite us into deeper intimacy with the Spirit and a greater awareness of His presence and power. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the Holy Spirit is like a tabernacle, a river, and living water. The dangers of over-intellectualizing or misusing the Spirit, with lessons from Nicodemus and Simon the Sorcerer. The power of discernment as a gift of recognizing God’s voice amid the noise. A practical, grounded approach to prophecy and speaking on behalf of God.  

We’re thrilled to share a powerful episode from Rachel Wojo’s Untangling Prayers Podcast on Unhurried Living! In this episode, Rachel addresses the common struggle of staying focused in prayer and finding clarity when life feels uncertain. In Untangling Prayers Rachel provides practical tools for overcoming distractions in prayer and trusting God’s timing when you need fresh direction. If you’ve ever felt unsure of the next steps in your life, this episode offers invaluable wisdom to help you lean on God’s guidance. Rachel walks through the inspiring story of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, as an example of how prayer can provide clarity and direction, even in the midst of uncertainty. This episode is packed with encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and trust Him more fully. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to stay focused in prayer and overcome distractions. Practical tips for bringing your attention back to God when your mind wan

What if the key to spiritual growth isn’t rushing to answers but learning to ask deeper, slower, and more transformational questions? In this episode, we explore how formational questions can shape your journey with God. You’ll hear examples of questions that unlock insight, guidance on crafting your own soulful questions, and encouragement to hold these questions as prayers in your heart. Be patient. Live the questions now. And trust that, in time, the answers will come. Join Gem and Brenda as they reflect on the creativity, patience, and grace required to live the questions God places in our hearts.   Resources Mentioned: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually,

What does it mean to truly abide in God? How do we move beyond merely knowing about God to experiencing deep communion with Him? In this episode, I sit down with Michael John Cusick, author of Sacred Attachment, to explore the life-changing power of living in loving connection with God. Michael, a licensed professional counselor, spiritual director, and founder of Restoring the Soul, shares how our core needs—being seen, soothed, safe, and secure—are met in Christ. We also discuss the barriers that prevent us from experiencing intimacy with God, from false beliefs to misguided attempts to ease our pain. Together, we unpack practical insights like: The difference between accurate knowledge about God and communing with Him. Why our struggles often stem from mishandled pain. How imagination can open the door to experiencing God more fully. And how mysticism invites us to spiritual oneness with God. Join us for a conversation that will deepen your understanding of God’s invitation to abide and inspire you to ta