Episodes

  • God is Looking for You
    Dec 22 2025

    James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “God is looking for you.” In this Christmas-themed episode, James talks about how God invites us into a relationship with him through the Holy Spirit. Smith quotes a sermon from St. Augustine to help explain his thought from above. Interested in donating to the Things Above […]

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    22 mins
  • Conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta
    Dec 3 2025

    James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta about their book, “Slow Theology.” In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God’s voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth. A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta […]

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    52 mins
  • Love Has You
    Nov 12 2025

    James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “Love Has You.” Smith talks about the impact five authors have had on his spiritual life. These five authors are: Ian Morgan Cron, Michael Cusick, Aundi Kolber, Alison Cook, and Curt Thompson, M.D. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more […]

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    26 mins
  • Deny
    Nov 5 2025

    James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is Christ is lower, still. In this episode, James talks about an acronym he uses called DENY. Depend on God. Embrace God. Nurture and Yield to God. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at […]

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    19 mins
  • Conversation with Aundi Kolber
    Sep 3 2025

    James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Aundi Kolber about her book, “Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode–and into a Life of Connection and Joy.” Aundi Kolber believes that we don’t have to white-knuckle our way through life. In her debut book, Try Softer, she’ll […]

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    55 mins
  • Integrate Like Jesus
    Aug 27 2025

    James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “Integrate Like Jesus.” This week, James follows up on his previous episode, discussing God’s deep longing for us. Smith explains the four modes of being we live in: family, work, play, and entertainment. He describes how Jesus engaged in each of these modes and why […]

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    25 mins
  • Your Project
    Aug 6 2025

    James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is “pay attention to your project.” In this episode, James addresses some big questions about the project of our life and why it’s so important we understand what a spiritually fulfilling life looks like. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about […]

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    22 mins
  • Live By The Spirit
    Jul 16 2025

    James Bryan Smith’s thought for this week is, “Live By The Spirit.” In this episode, James quotes several passages from C.S. Lewis’s book Mere Christianity to help explain his thought. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. […]

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    19 mins