Explore every episode of the podcast Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jesus for the Anxious (Conversation with Melissa Fisher) | 18 août 2026 | 00:27:45 | |
Many Christians have learned it's wrong or sinful to be anxious. This often leads them to deny their emotions — only making their struggles worse. What if we allowed anxiety to draw us closer to Jesus instead of pushing us farther away? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with Melissa Fisher — licensed mental health counselor and author of the new book, Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear. You'll be equipped to bring the reality of anxiety into your spiritual formation through cultivating awareness, leaning on prayer practices, and integrating psychological tools. Resources for this Episode:Get Melissa’s Book Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding
| |||
| Faith When Life Falls Apart (Conversation with Kristi's sisters) Part 2 | 11 août 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
All of us know that pain and suffering are part of life — Jesus himself promises as much (John 16:33). But that doesn't make it easier when health struggles, relational loss, or other crises come knocking at our door uninvited and unexpected. What does it look like to have faith when life falls apart? Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and her sisters discuss finding God in the midst of suffering. Their emotionally honest and resilient pursuit of Jesus amid confusion, loss, and grief will provide a roadmap for you to walk out raw faith through the hard realities of life. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Family and Spiritual Formation (Conversation with Kristi’s Sisters) Part 1 | 04 août 2026 | 00:30:24 | |
Before you ever opened the Bible or stepped into a church, the way that you see and relate to God was already taking shape. That's because family formation plays a foundational role in spiritual formation. How do we reconcile the harmful with the helpful as we desire to grow in our relationship with God and others? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi has a special conversation with her sisters, Tara and Sue, about their family experience growing up. Their reflection will give you a window into how your own childhood has affected your life in God. Thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave us where we are — he continues to invite us into greater healing, freedom, and growth. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Bible in Song: God's Project of Love (Conversation with Xander Stok) Part 2 | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:33:47 | |
There are moments when all of us have experienced Scripture as boring or lifeless. But what if we approached the Bible as part of an intimate and interactive relationship with Jesus? Thankfully, God's Word is more than a book to study — it's an invitation to join the love song that our tender Father is singing over you and all of Creation. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi continue their conversation with Xander Stok — professional singer, songwriter, and founder of Project of Love: The Bible in Song. The "biblical soundtracks" that he creates in collaboration with the Spirit will draw you into an encounter with God as you contemplate and appreciate him through the Word and worship. Resources for this Episode:Connect with Xander Stok
Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding | |||
| How a Rock Musician Overcame Depression and Addiction (Conversation with Xander Stok) Part 1 | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:33:17 | |
All of us have experienced struggles that seem impossible to overcome. From wrestling with sin to battling a mental health disorder to losing faith altogether — there are times when life itself feels hopeless. Yet it's often at our lowest when Jesus seems to draw the nearest. It's there that he sets us free by awakening us to the depths of the Father's heart.``` Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi host a discussion with Xander Stok — professional singer-songwriter and founder of Project of Love: The Bible in Song. His testimony of coming to know God as a loving Father will fill you with fresh hope to discover the healing and freedom that's available through a simple, conversational, and creative walk with Jesus. Resources for this Episode:Connect with Xander Stok
Go Deeper with Soul Shepherding | |||
| Beyond Average Faith Into Deeper Trust and Joy (Conversation with Tim Timmons) | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:37:55 | |
It might seem like being a "good Christian" and "working hard for God" is all that's available when it comes to following Christ. Yet eventually, most of us run into struggles, questions, or doubts that leave us needing to untangle ourselves from a faith that once felt solid. What does it look like to live a better life with Jesus? Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi have a conversation with Tim Timmons — a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, plus author of a new book called Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief & Gratitude. He talks about how his diagnosis of incurable cancer helped him to wake up to Jesus' nearness and discover a lighter and freer life in God. His fresh perspective will inspire you to pursue deeper trust and fuller joy in how you relate to Jesus and follow him. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| When You Need Deeper Rest - Listening to the Warning Signs (Rest #3) | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:25:11 | |
Those of us who have a zeal for serving God often don't realize we're susceptible to running too hard for too long. We might not see our need for rest until we're weary, exhausted, or overwhelmed. Whether you're burned out or simply desiring a sacred season of renewal — all of us need extended times of rest for healing, discernment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the importance of rhythms, such as retreat and Sabbatical for all followers of Jesus. You'll learn how powerful longer, immersive experiences of rest are for cultivating health and wholeness in everyday life and ministry. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Sabbath - The Spiritual Blessing We Don't Know How to Receive (Rest #2) | 30 juin 2026 | 00:25:50 | |
Sabbath rest is a gift that's talked about all over Scripture. Yet, we often interpret what God intended to be a blessing as a burden instead. Let's be honest: the idea of setting aside work to embrace a day of rest might feel unnecessary, intimidating, unattainable, legalistic, or just plain boring. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack the biblical heartbeat of the Sabbath — a day to slow down, trust God with your responsibilities, and delight in Jesus. They'll help you overcome resistances to God's gift of rest and equip you with simple, doable rhythms to help you experience the deep soul rest you long for through practicing Sabbath and spiritual retreats. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Why Your Soul Needs Rest More Than a Vacation (Rest #1) | 23 juin 2026 | 00:26:39 | |
All of us long to experience the renewal of deep, soul-nourishing rest. Trying to rest through entertainment or "zoning out" often leaves us feeling more restless than before. Even some vacations are not truly restful. What does it look like to genuinely recover and recharge in body, mind, and spirit? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach us how to take a real rest with Jesus. You'll learn how to differentiate between temporary relief and holistic renewal as you grow in the ability to practice soul care alongside the Good Shepherd. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Forgiveness That Heals Your Soul — Forgive and Be Free, Part 3 | 16 juin 2026 | 00:21:28 | |
Nobody wants to be in the position of needing to forgive another person for harming them. It's unsettling to feel angry or to realize we hurt someone. It’s worth the effort because forgiveness brings healing to us and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the "hidden blessing" of forgiveness. Learning to prayerfully walk through the process of forgiving others helps you go deeper into the grace and truth Jesus offers. You'll be empowered to overflow with God’s empathy for everyone — even those who have mistreated you. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| What Forgiveness Is (and Is Not) — Forgive and Be Free, Part 2 | 09 juin 2026 | 00:25:44 | |
Many of us have learned that forgiveness includes minimizing hurt or making superficial reconciliation. These misunderstandings hinder us from stepping into the freedom we long for. Yet the Bible paints a more holistic picture of forgiveness that helps us trust Jesus with our emotions and follow him into relational wisdom. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi bring helpful clarity to what forgiveness is and is not. You'll find the courage to surrender outcomes of conflict to Jesus and experience the settledness of releasing those who hurt you into his hands. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Why Forgiveness Is So Hard (And So Important) — Forgive and Be Free, Part 1 | 02 juin 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
Forgiving those who have wronged us is one of the most challenging things to do in apprenticeship to Jesus. It’s tempting to rush into surface-level forgiveness in effort to be a “good Christian.” Yet authentic forgiveness requires that we get into our hearts. Often it includes walking through a process of addressing uncomfortable emotions and relational conflict. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share honestly about a recent conflict that happened in their relationship. You'll learn from their example how prayer, reflection, and patience are valuable dimensions of forgiveness that lead to greater growth and freedom. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Balancing Self Care and Love for Others (Mental Health Detox #5) | 26 mai 2026 | 00:22:33 | |
God designed us to flourish in “love one another” relationships. That’s why it’s impossible to cultivate mental health in isolation. Yet all of us know that relationships can be a complicated blessing, with the temptation to keep our hearts hidden or take too much responsibility for others. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how to navigate caring for others while also accepting your own limitations and needs. You’ll learn how to prioritize the support you need so you can help others carry their burdens without getting drained. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Decluttering Your Soul With Quiet Prayer (Mental Health Detox, Part 4) | 19 mai 2026 | 00:25:20 | |
Do you ever feel bombarded by noise, screens, or crowds? It can be impossible to go anywhere without “clutter” running in the background and building up in our souls. Sadly, living in a constant state of stimulation damages our mental health and makes us feel disconnected from God’s loving presence. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi break down how to recenter your soul in God. You'll learn a simple practice to help you overcome distraction and stay connected with Jesus during every moment of life — whether spending time in solitude, running errands, sorting through emails, or ministering to others. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Purifying Your Heart by Watching and Praying (Mental Health Detox #3) | 12 mai 2026 | 00:24:46 | |
It's impossible to be loving and healthy like Jesus without a heart that's fully surrendered to the Lord. Yet, we often try to "fix" ourselves, slipping into behavior modification rather than genuine transformation of our whole self. Thankfully, we can learn to cultivate healthy heart habits that trust God to care for us and partner with him to will good for others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi cast a beautiful yet practical vision for living with a pure heart that's attached to God and attuned to his will. You’ll learn a simple and powerful practice to help you stay attentive to your heart and rely on God’s grace instead of drifting into unconscious sin or unhealthy patterns. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Detoxing Your Body With Empathy (Mental Health Detox #2) | 05 mai 2026 | 00:17:44 | |
Have you ever felt exhausted without knowing why? Factors like internalized stress, relational conflict, unrealized grief, and suppressed emotions all get stored in our bodies to weigh us down and wear us out. Because physical health affects both our mental and spiritual well-being, an important part of apprenticeship to Jesus is learning to care for our bodies. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the cathartic relief that empathy brings to your mind, body, and spirit. You'll learn how to release what's draining you and get reenergized to love God and others as a fully integrated person. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Washing Your Mind With Truth (Mental Health Detox #1) | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:24:14 | |
All of us experience unhealthy "toxins" that shape our thinking and ultimately affect our mental health and apprenticeship to Jesus. These toxins seem to come from everywhere— culture and the media, internalized lies from childhood, misguided theological beliefs, and the effects of sin. To flourish in Jesus' peace means learning to appreciate and focus on what God defines as true, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi kick off a new series for Mental Health Awareness Month. Their conversation will help you see how important it is to detox from the harmful thoughts that affect your ability to love God, yourself, and others rightly. You'll be equipped with fresh and practical disciplines to detox and renew your mind. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| A Christian Approach to Recovery From Porn Addiction | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:19:47 | |
All of us have experienced getting "stuck" when it comes to sin and struggles. It's disheartening when we so desperately desire freedom but keep falling into the same traps. Is there anything you can do when trying harder doesn't lead to the transformation you're longing to experience? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill shares how he helped a Christian leader overcome a porn addiction through finding satisfaction in Jesus. You'll become captivated with the Good Shepherd's vision of a flourishing life with him and learn how to partner with grace to experience real change from the inside out. This special episode was recorded from a teaching on spiritual formation at a Soul Shepherding retreat — we’d love for you to join us! Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Heaven Is Your Home (Jesus Welcomes You into His Father's House) | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:33:51 | |
Most of us would say that heaven is good and a place we'll be glad to make our eternal home. But often there's a gap between our beliefs and the emotions we experience in our bodies. Natural survival instincts sometimes make factors like the fear of death or letting go of control keep us from fully embracing the hopeful anticipation of heaven. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help us take heart from Jesus, our older Brother who went before us to prepare a place in the Father's House. Your heart will long to find its home — both now and for all eternity — in the spacious refuge of acceptance, warmth, and delight alongside Jesus in God's place of residence. Resources for this Episode:
*When you donate to Soul Shepherding, you’ll get a Take Heart devotional emailed to your inbox each month. | |||
| Returning to Harmony After a Conflict With a Loved One | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:27:37 | |
You’ve likely experienced the messiness that comes with conflict in close relationships. All of us are human — meaning we each have unique hurts, emotions, needs, and perceptions that we bring to difficult conversations. It’s tempting to hide our hearts from each other for the sake of “moving on.” Yet this misguided attempt to protect the relationships that matter most only creates a distance that ultimately weakens our connection. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the importance of strengthening relationships through rupture and repair. You’ll get equipped to move toward the “hard” in relationship with emotional honesty, empathy for those who’ve hurt you, and the patience to stay present as you grow in understanding yourself and others. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| The Beauty and Blessing of Giving Yourself for Others (Taking Heart From Jesus on the Cross) | 31 mars 2026 | 00:23:15 | |
All of us experience times when the same grace that flows through us to others is hard to grasp for ourselves. Sadly our thoughts often slander us the same way religious bullies insulted Jesus: “You saved others but you can't save yourself” (Matthew 27:42 paraphrased). Thankfully we don't have to drown in shame — we can take heart from Jesus on the cross as he leads us into deeper experiences of grace. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help us become more enthralled with Jesus this Holy Week. You'll experience him more personally and empathetically as you share in his experience of spiritual and emotional anguish on the cross. The Suffering Savior invites you to borrow his faith and trust that God is with you, loving you, and pleased with you as you grow in union with God and mature to become more like him. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Empathy Practices to Care for Your Soul (Mental Health Insights #3) | 24 mars 2026 | 00:23:58 | |
You love the people around you and desire to support them — but your soul is also drained. It's common for those of us who are tender-hearted, sensitive, and attuned to others' needs to struggle with compassion fatigue. Thankfully we can learn to steward the gift of empathy Jesus has given us by setting boundaries and practicing soul care. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks for part three of a teaching Bill and Kristi shared at the American Association of Christian Counselors. It's impossible to overflow with empathy for others unless it's a wellspring in your own soul. You'll learn when and how to offer empathy and get equipped with practices (like Calming Touch Prayer and Empathy Prayer) so that your care remains healthy and fruitful. Resources for this Episode: The Bible studies, research, diagrams, and practices referenced in this episode can be found in our book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You If you’d like Bill and Kristi to speak at your conference, event, or church, you can email contact@soulshepherding.org. You might also: | |||
| How Empathy Heals Our Emotions (Mental Health Insights #2) | 17 mars 2026 | 00:30:20 | |
It's painful and overwhelming when stress, hurt, or trauma triggers us emotionally and affects our well-being. Often this leads us to pull away — judging our emotions, hiding our needs, and distancing ourselves from others. Sadly this keeps us from the empathy we desperately need to heal and recover. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks for part two of a message Bill and Kristi shared at the American Association of Christian Counselors. You'll see how empathy — both from Jesus and his ambassadors — leads to healing and fosters healthy qualities such as forgiveness, satisfaction, and resilience. The lost parts of you can be found by the Good Shepherd as you become restored in his acceptance, love, and care. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| How Empathy Helps Us Become Like Jesus (Mental Health Insights #1) | 10 mars 2026 | 00:22:38 | |
Many of us grew up in an empathy desert and missed out on being seen, known, and loved. Sadly, a lack of being understood and accepted often unintentionally creates emotional distance in our churches, friendships, and even our relationship with God. We might fail to realize that we can’t become more loving and healthy like Jesus without the grace of empathy. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks to listen to part one of a talk that Bill and Kristi shared at the American Association of Christian Counselors Conference. You’ll see that empathy is more than just a listening skill — it’s an expression of love that helps us cultivate the secure attachment necessary to persevere through trials and grow in Christlikeness. Resources for this Episode: If you’d like Bill and Kristi to speak at your conference, event, or church, you can email contact@soulshepherding.org. You might also:
| |||
| How a Retreat Can Transform Your Faith (Conversation with Ron Thompson) | 03 mars 2026 | 00:34:27 | |
The demands of life and ministry have taught most of us to prioritize doing over being. Yet eventually we realize that “trying harder” doesn’t satisfy our deepest longing for a flourishing relationship with Jesus. Thankfully the Good Shepherd meets us at “the end of ourselves” and invites us into spacious places of renewal. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks to Ron Thompson, a pastor with 30+ years of experience who also serves as a Sr. Spiritual Director on our staff. Ron shares how coming on a Soul Shepherding retreat helped him become enthralled with Jesus, find freedom from depression, and transform how he cares for others in partnership with Christ. Friend, we pray that you can also go deeper in Jesus’ grace on a retreat. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| The Joy of the Cross for Jesus and You | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:25:12 | |
Let’s be honest — we’re not always naturally drawn toward the suffering of Jesus and his death on the cross. Yet all of us know the experience of struggling through hardship, loss, and distress. Where can we turn to find comfort and strength when we feel crushed underneath the weight of spiritual wrestling, emotional turmoil, or physical pain? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help reorient you to the surprising joy found at the cross. You’ll learn how Jesus’ empathy for suffering can become your secret source of strength — finding consolation in sharing the same closeness and comfort that he does with the Father. (This episode highlights the Take Heart devotionals we read and discuss each morning over breakfast during Soul Shepherding retreats. You can receive a copy of the devotional read today by sending a donation of any amount to Soul Shepherding! The link is below ⬇️) Resources for this Episode: | |||
| On the Cross Jesus Bows His Head to Kiss You | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:24:28 | |
All of us long to know with confidence the love and forgiveness that Jesus poured out at the cross. Yet we remain distant from this deeper experience of grace when we lose touch with our bottomless need for Christ or become paralyzed by shame. Thankfully Jesus doesn’t beat us over the head with the cross — he gently woos us back with his unfailing mercy. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi reflect on a poetic portrayal of the cross from Johann Gerhard, an author of classic Christian devotion. This discussion will help you personalize the cross as you experience Jesus bending down to kiss you, opening his arms to embrace you, and offering you his heart of passion and delight. (This special episode highlights the Take Heart devotionals we read and discuss each morning over breakfast during Soul Shepherding retreats. You can receive a new devotional sent to your inbox each month by setting up a recurring donation with Soul Shepherding!) Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Enjoying Life Without Lack (Dallas Willard's Best Teachings #6) | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:29:35 | |
Dallas Willard taught us that Jesus offers us a life without lack in the Kingdom of God. But what do we do when experiencing the real pain of unmet needs, unhealed wounds, and unanswered prayers? You can learn to pause and pray — bringing your distresses and desires to Jesus to cultivate a peace and rest that’s rooted in his gentle love, wise leadership, and fierce faithfulness. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about following Jesus through the many terrains of the spiritual journey. Praying and meditating on this Dallas-inspired paraphrase of Psalm 23 from will help you trust the Good Shepherd as he leads you into deeper union with God. (If you want to go deeper into Psalm 23 and the insights we gained from Dallas Willard, we invite you to join us on a retreat or train to become a spiritual director with Soul Shepherding. You can learn more by following the links below.) Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Do Your Best. But Don't Trust Your Best--Trust God (Dallas Willard's Best Teachings #5) | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:24:22 | |
It’s true that our best efforts are good and effective — we are beautifully and wonderfully created by God, after all. Yet it’s easy to slip into self-reliance and try to “make things happen” in our own strength. Instead, we can learn to keep watch with Jesus as we work, joining God’s presence and activity all around us. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how learning to trust God, instead of relying solely on their own best efforts, transformed their apprenticeship to Jesus and helped them grow in emotional and relational health. This subtle shift in thinking will change how you approach life and ministry — especially during stress, trials, and conflict. You’ll be equipped with a lifelong practice to help you release control to God and find joy in creative partnership with the Good Shepherd. (If you want to go deeper into the insights we gained from Dallas Willard, we invite you to join us on a retreat or train to become a spiritual director with Soul Shepherding. You can learn more by following the links below.) Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Don't Try--Train (Dallas Willard's Best Teachings #4) | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:32:13 | |
How do we heal, grow, and change as apprentices of Jesus? Many of us have subscribed to the traditional Christian approach of “trying harder” to “believe and do what’s right,” only to find ourselves stuck and discouraged. Thankfully the vision Jesus casts for transformation shows us a different path forward. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how Dallas Willard’s mantra, “Don’t try — train,” revolutionized their approach to spiritual formation. You’ll burn with a desire to become more loving and healthy and get equipped with a practical tool to help you grow in Christlikeness one area at a time. If you want to go deeper into the insights we gained from Dallas Willard, we invite you to join us on a retreat or train to become a spiritual director with Soul Shepherding. You can learn more by following the links below. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Grace is Opposed to Earning--Not Effort (Dallas Willard's Best Teachings #3) | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:26:49 | |
Grace is central to our faith yet its meaning is often confused. Mixed messages can leave us in a tug-of-war between “doing nothing” and “trying harder” to earn God's favor. What is grace actually and how does it affect our daily apprenticeship to Jesus? Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack what they’ve learned about grace from Dallas Willard. Discover how grace can go beyond “undeserved merit” and become fuel for your life, relationships, and ministry. You can set aside pretending, presuming, and pushing to respond to grace and join God’s activity in everything you do! (If you want to go deeper into the insights we gained from Dallas Willard, we invite you to join us on a retreat or train to become a spiritual director with Soul Shepherding. You can learn more by following the links below.) Resources for this Episode: | |||
| The Kingdom of the Heavens is Open (Dallas Willard's Best Teachings #2) | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:27:56 | |
God is with us always — not only in “big” or “spiritual” moments but also during the ordinary challenges of day-to-day life. Yet it’s tempting to think we’re alone when experiencing stress at work, emotional hurt, or relational challenges. How can we become more aware of Jesus’ presence and live a God-saturated life? Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss a transformational vision they caught from Dallas Willard — the Kingdom of the Heavens is open, now! Their conversation will stir you to rethink the kind of life that’s possible with Jesus as you learn practical ways to integrate him into your life, ministry, work, challenges, and relationships. Resources for this Episode:
| |||
| Dallas Willard's 3 Steps to Change Your Prayer Life (Dallas Willard's Best Teachings #1) | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:28:11 | |
If prayer is so foundational to our relationship with Jesus, why do many of us find it so challenging? Maybe you’ve experienced practicing prayer as dutiful — something you do only because you’re “supposed to.” Perhaps you feel discouraged, disoriented, and unsure if talking to God really makes a difference at all. Tune in for this updated episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi reflect on the teachings from Dallas Willard that have transformed how they understand and practice prayer. Your desire for prayer will be reignited as you explore the multi-dimensional layers of conversation with Jesus and learn how you can integrate partnership with the Good Shepherd into all of life. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| When Being a Better Person Feels Out of Reach | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:36:03 | |
Praying to become more like Jesus can seem out of reach or surface feelings of shame. Yet growing in Christlikeness is a lifelong journey that includes highs and lows, consolations and desolations, and a range of feelings. Regardless of your current spiritual terrain or emotional challenges, your life can become a school for training with Jesus. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi introduce the Apprentice Prayer — a prayer designed to stir your longing for Jesus and paint a picture of what life in the Kingdom of God can look like. This favorite podcast replay will help you connect with Jesus’ grace as you aim to grow and change this new year. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Rejoice in the Greatest Gift | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:08:49 | |
Let’s face it — the chaos of travel, family gatherings, and exchanging presents can cause us to forget the miracle of Christmas. It’s easy to become numb or distracted from the treasure of Jesus. Meditating on Scripture helps us reorient ourselves to the surprising arrival of Immanuel and the stunning reality of his everlasting kingdom. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi unpackages the real gift of Christmas using the beautiful words of the prophet Isaiah. This reflection and prayer will stir your longing for more of Jesus and lead you into deeper worship of the One we call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Drawing on Your Inner Storehouse of Love and Peace | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:23:54 | |
All of us long to know Jesus’ presence with us as we go about each day. Imagine sharing unbroken intimacy with the Good Shepherd during every mundane moment, challenging circumstance, and distressing emotion you experience. The good news is that Jesus desires to be with you always in the secret place of your innermost soul. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi draw you into the reality that Jesus is with you here and now. You’ll discover practical ways to practice God’s presence (like scripture memorization and breath prayers) and get help sorting through the emotions of your inner world as you move toward abiding in Christ. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| "I'm a Basket of Emotions!" (Bill Helps Kristi Find the Flowers in Her Basket) | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:25:41 | |
Do you struggle to share your "big" emotions with God and others? Many of us are tempted to hide our feelings because we fear being "too much" or feel ashamed at some of the attitudes that lie underneath our hurts. Yet this keeps us from receiving the grace that all of our souls desperately need. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill listens to Kristi with empathy and helps her see how her emotional honesty is a blessing to her relationship with God and those around her. You'll be equipped to integrate thinking with your feelings as you find safe people (like a spiritual director or soul friend) who can help you sort through your emotions as you become more healthy and whole like Jesus. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Interpreting Your Dreams - A Surprisingly Easy and Helpful Method | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:30:01 | |
Most of us experience our dreams as a collection of random events that leave us feeling confused or distressed. But what if your dreams were more than something to brush off? Inviting the Spirit of Jesus into your dreams can spark deep conversation with him and lead to emotional health. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi model a surprisingly easy and helpful method for discerning the psychological and possible spiritual meaning of your dreams. Through prayer and the help of others (e.g., a spiritual director or soul friends on retreat), you can learn to draw from the wisdom and direction that come to you in your sleep. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Surprising Joy for Families at Christmastime (Conversation with Kristi and Briana) | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:29:43 | |
The birth of Jesus changed history forever, yet it might not feel very personal in your heart. Let's be honest — it's easy for Advent to become white noise. Thankfully you can have a fresh experience with Jesus when you enter the story through the eyes of a "soul friend" like Mary, Elizabeth, or even one of the animals! Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana talk about becoming enthralled with Jesus during Christmastime through Surprising Joy Advent cards. You'll be inspired to get intentional about prayerful meditation and conversation with loved ones this Advent as you experience the impact it has made and continues to make on their family today. Resources for this Episode:
*The Surprising Joy Advent cards will be 20% off along with all the books and resources in the Soul Shepherding shop. The sale starts on Black Friday (Nov. 28th at 12am Pacific) and lasts through Cyber Monday (Dec. 1st at 11:59pm Pacific). | |||
| How to Root Deeper in God's Love through Empathy Scriptures | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:21:31 | |
What comes to mind when you think of God's posture toward you? All of us long to know for certain that Abba looks at us with eyes of love, but it's easy to project our own judgment and rejection onto his heart for us. Yet Jesus reconciles the love of God to us through his empathy and desires that we become familiar with his loving gaze of delight. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi get practical about cultivating a loving friendship with Jesus. You'll be blessed with fresh insight into scriptures that ooze Jesus' empathy as you're equipped with help to nourish your soul through his ever-deepening love and care. Resources for this Episode:
*Please note: You'll receive the BOGO discount on Deeply Loved by adding two copies to your cart in our shop. This sale runs until November 27, 2025. Click the link above to get this special deal. | |||
| Relying on Love to Protect You From Self-Criticism | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:24:34 | |
You might be familiar with self-criticism that says, "Do better. Try harder. Stop making mistakes!" Listening to critical self-talk for too long can tempt us to react under pressure or retreat in shame. Thankfully God's voice of love sings a different song over us — the Lord desires to protect us from ruthless self-criticism. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how you can replace self-criticism with self-empathy. You'll learn how to watch and pray with Jesus as you trust him to protect you from lies and judgment in areas of woundedness and weakness. Resources for this Episode:
*Please note: You'll receive the BOGO discount on Deeply Loved by adding two copies to your cart in our shop. This sale runs from November 12, 2025 to November 27, 2025. Click the link above to get this special deal. | |||
| Parenting with Empathy and Faith (Conversation with Briana) | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:39:31 | |
Parents have an amazing opportunity to reflect the nature of God to their children. Yet the thought of shaping the way our kids come to see and know him sometimes feels like an overwhelming responsibility. How could anybody represent what our loving Papa is like? Thankfully Jesus redeems our mistakes, helps us in our weakness, and teaches us to support our children through empathy. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with Briana about how Jesus wants to help you parent your children through his great empathy. You'll learn how to use empathy to pray for your kids, point them to God, and advocate for their needs in a unique and loving way. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Growing Through Empathy Challenges in Parenting | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:36:26 | |
Those of us with children understand there is no parenting blueprint or path to “get it right” all the time. This can lead us to shy away from offering empathy as we become afraid of enabling poor behavior or stealing opportunities for them to build resilience. Yet it’s empathy — even imperfect empathy — that empowers us to help our children through grace and truth. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi chats with Briana about some empathy challenges in parenting and how to bounce back when you miss the mark. You’ll learn practical tools to care for your children through empathy in a way that helps them rise to the challenge of growth and independence. And this is helpful in all of our closest relationships — not just with kids! Resources for this Episode: | |||
| The Power of Empathy in Parenting (Conversation with Briana) | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:34:36 | |
Empathy is valuable in all our relationships, but it's especially important when it comes to raising children. All of us long for our kids to love Jesus and fulfill his unique purposes for them. How can we help them get there? Empathy helps our children become secure and confident as they pursue Jesus and fullness of life in him. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks with her daughter, Briana, about what it was like to be raised in a home that practiced empathy. You'll learn practical ways to cultivate spiritual and emotional health in your family through simple means like intentional conversation at the dinner table and pursuing your children after conflict. And don't worry — being present is better than being perfect when it comes to empathy and family. Resources for this Episode:
| |||
| Landscapes of the Soul (Conversation with Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw) | 14 oct. 2025 | 00:31:21 | |
All of us are quick learners when it comes to fear and trauma, and because of this, have developed strategies to survive the landscapes of our childhood. Some of us anxiously protect our relationships while others avoid connection and become self-reliant. Thankfully you can follow the Good Shepherd into a new landscape — the pasture of secure attachment. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi chat with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw — teachers, podcasters, and authors of Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. You'll discover how to integrate intimacy and independence under Jesus' care to cultivate the same healthy attachment he experienced with the Father and others. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Praying the Parables of Jesus (Conversation With Steve Macchia) | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:37:06 | |
All of us long to open the Bible and have a meaningful conversation with Jesus. But learning to be with God through his Word feels more challenging than ever in a fast-paced world where answers are always at our fingertips. Thankfully there are tested-and-true spiritual disciplines that can help us slow down and soak up the grace-filled words of Scripture. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill chats with Steve Macchia — a spiritual director who helps leaders prioritize spiritual formation and the author of a new book titled Praying the Parables: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and Image. You'll become enthused to approach Jesus' parables curiously through Lectio Divina as a fresh affection for him bubbles up in your heart and mind. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| Being a Safe Person, Not a Savior | 30 sept. 2025 | 00:29:49 | |
You listen to people's hurts and needs and feel genuine compassion for them. Yet giving too much empathy to others drains you and creates a deficit in your own soul. Thankfully, you can learn how to trust Jesus when helping others instead of trying too hard to be Jesus for them. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach how to let go of codependent patterns and offer healthy and helpful empathy. You'll learn how to protect yourself from compassion fatigue by paying attention to the cycle of codependency, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing soul care. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| How Empathy Supports Intimacy With Jesus | 23 sept. 2025 | 00:33:05 | |
All of us long to have a flourishing relationship with Jesus — experiencing his bottomless love for us as we walk through life with him. Yet it's easy to get discouraged when going deeper with Christ doesn't look or feel like we assumed it would. Thankfully you can learn the ways of authentic intimacy through empathy practices with God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss their unique journeys to cultivating a deep connection with Jesus. You will learn how you can develop heartfelt closeness with the Good Shepherd by meditating on his emotions in the Gospels, agreeing with his grace through self-empathy, and embracing his loving care for you through others. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| The Gift of Mirror Neurons | 16 sept. 2025 | 00:21:56 | |
It's easy to think that some people are empathetic while others are not. And it's true that empathy comes more instinctively to some than others. But did you know that Jesus created your brain for empathy? This means that all of us naturally long to share the experience of being seen and known by God and each other. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the gift of mirror neurons — brain cells that help us "feel with" those around us. You'll learn how to partner with Jesus to reflect the thoughts and feelings of others back to them by asking curious questions, attuning to their emotions, and being a warm presence. Resources for this Episode: | |||
| You Were Made for Deeper Love | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:25:58 | |
Research shows that only 36% of people can identify their emotions as they're experiencing them. Yet learning to feel and share authentically is the path to closeness and connection. This means your emotions and experiences (even the painful ones) are actually invitations to be deeply loved by God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks to celebrate the launch of Bill and Kristi's new book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. They share wisdom on empathy that will help your relationships grow in intimacy, depth, and health. Plus you'll hear how you can enter to win a free copy of Deeply Loved. Resources for this Episode: | |||