Best AJ Swoboda Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 297 A.J. Swoboda - A Teachable Spirit 49:44

15d ago49:44

49:44

A.J. Swoboda is back on the podcast for the third time. This time we are sitting down to talk about A Teachable Spirit. He hit on something that I think is sorely missing in this world today: being teachable. In a world often drawn sharply into polarized camps, where dialogue seems overshadowed by ideological extremes, cultivating a teachable spiri…

1
Cultivating a Teachable Spirit with AJ Swoboda 43:00

20d ago43:00

43:00

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy meets with AJ Swoboda, author of over 10 books, including his upcoming release 'A Teachable Spirit.' The discussion delves into the themes of humility and teachability that run through Swoboda's work. The episode explores Swoboda's background as an associate professor of Bible and Theology and discusses the …

1
Ep. 303 Kelly Kapic - Embracing Our Limits and Discovering Our Humanity 51:59

1d ago51:59

51:59

If you're like me, you probably know what it feels like to chase after a never-ending to-do list, trying to squeeze every bit of productivity out of your days, only to end up exhausted and wondering if you're missing something vital. Today's conversation might be exactly what you need. My guest is theologian and author Kelly Kapic. Kelly is a profe…

1
Ep. 302 Arianna Molloy - How We Can Find and Maintain a Healthy Calling 57:53

2d ago57:53

57:53

Today we're talking about something that impacts all of us - our calling and how we can pursue meaningful work without burning out. I'm sitting down with Arianna Molloy, author of "Healthy Calling," to unpack what it really means to live out our purpose without getting crushed by pressure and expectations. We'll explore some critical questions: Wha…

1
Ep. 301 Eric Clayton - Finding Peace Here and Now 57:56

5d ago57:56

57:56

We are living in a world that seems to be unraveling at the seams - where chaos, polarization, and anxiety have become our default settings - we need a different way of being. Today, I'm sitting down with Eric Clayton, who's been wrestling with the question: What if peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but a transformative way of living? Eric'…

1
ST74: A Teachable Spirit (Nijay Interviews AJ about his new book) 32:39

6d ago32:39

32:39

AJ and Nijay talk about AJ's brand new book: A TEACHABLE SPIRIT: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone (Zondervan Reflective, 2025). Support the showBy A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
Humility: The Unseen Power In Life And Golf With Joel Suggs 56:50

6d ago56:50

56:50

In this episode of 'Space for Life,' host Tommy and guest Joel Suggs, a recurrent co-host, discuss the profound topic of humility and its crucial role in everyday life and on the golf course. They explore how golf serves as a mirror to life, revealing key aspects of personal character and humility. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insig…

1
Ep. 300 Manny Arango - Crushing the Chaos of Our Lives 55:01

8d ago55:01

55:01

Chaos isn't just a word, it's the underlying current of our human experience. Today, we're diving deep with Manny Arango into the biblical roots of disorder, exploring how chaos existed before sin and how God's design always intended for humans to bring order to the wild. We'll unpack the six-step cycle of chaos in scripture, examine why peace isn'…

1
Ep. 299 David Sunde - Homegrown Disciples: Faith Formation in the Family 57:05

9d ago57:05

57:05

What if discipleship isn’t something we outsource, but something we embody, right where we are? In this episode, I sit down with David Sunde for a grounded and hopeful conversation about raising homegrown disciples. We talk about parenting, presence, and the slow, incarnational work of forming our families in the way of Jesus. David invites us to m…

1
ST73: "Can You Lose the Holy Spirit?" (The Holy Spirit Series) 29:39

12d ago29:39

29:39

AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series with a frequently asked question from students and church folks: "Can you lose the Holy Spirit"? Support the showBy A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
Ep. 298 Andrew Arndt Returns - How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything 53:33

12d ago53:33

53:33

Andrew Arndt is back on the podcast today. He’s a pastor and author who's challenging how we typically understand the gospel. His new book, "A Strange and Gracious Light," explores what it means to see Jesus as a living presence that intersects with our real, complicated lives. We'll discuss how the gospel isn't just about personal salvation or aft…

1
Understanding And Embracing The Sacred With Gary Thomas 53:11

13d ago53:11

53:11

Despite the many distractions of the earthy world, humans are forever intertwined with God. Therefore, we must learn how to live a sacred life, let go of our desires, and be one with the Lord. Tommy Thompson sits down with bestselling author Gary Thomas who wrote over 20 books centered on bringing people closer to God and others. With most of his w…

1
Ep. 296 Mary Marantz - Underestimated 53:15

19d ago53:15

53:15

There's a geography of limitation that exists not on any map, but in the quiet territories of our own making. Stories that whisper: this is as far as you'll go. Today, we are talking with Mary Marantz - a woman who understands that our beginnings are not our boundaries. Growing up in a single-wide trailer on the tippy top of Fenwick Mountain, she l…

1
Ep. 295 David Zahl Returns - The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World 51:38

22d ago51:38

51:38

Today, we’re getting into the raw, unvarnished terrain of human longing - that aching space where despair meets unexpected grace. I’m excited to welcome back David Zahl on the podcast. He isn't here to offer another self-help platitude, but to explore something far more profound: how we find relief in a world that constantly demands more, faster, b…

1
Ep. 294 Jared Brock Returns - Right-Sizing the Devil: Who is He Really? 49:43

23d ago49:43

49:43

Today, we're having a conversation that will challenge what you think you know about the devil, evil, temptation, and spiritual warfare. Jared Brock is back with us - if you remember our last incredible conversation about Jesus, where we unpacked the human life of Christ and the political imagination of his time, you know Jared brings profound theo…

1
ST72: The Gifts the Spirit Gives—And What the Spirit Expects (The Holy Spirit Series) 32:03

26d ago32:03

32:03

AJ and Nijay continue their Holy Spirit series. In this ep. they discuss "Spiritual Gifts," what they are and what they are for. They emphasize that the gifts from the Spirit are not "no strings attached." They come with a calling to serve one another and build up the church. Support the showBy A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
Ep. 293 Sister Monica Clare - From the Ad Agency and Stand-Up Comedy to Becoming a Nun 48:51

26d ago48:51

48:51

Today, we're diving into the journey of Sister Monica Clare - a woman who went from working in advertising and doing stand-up comedy to becoming a nun. Her story is a powerful testament to finding who you truly are and discovering a deeper connection with God. We'll explore her path of discernment, her experiences in religious community, and how sh…

1
The Legacy of Faith and Soccer: Rob Ukrop's Journey 58:24

27d ago58:24

58:24

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy welcomes Rob Ukrop, a prominent figure in Richmond, Virginia, known for his influence in the local soccer scene and as a member of the well-known Ukrop family, founders of Ukrop's Grocery Stores. Rob shares stories from his past, including his time at Davidson College, his professional soccer career, and his…

1
Ep. 292 Isaac Villegas - Migrant God 57:26

29d ago57:26

57:26

We live in a world often defined by borders, fear, and division, but what if we could reimagine migration not as a threat, but as a sacred journey? Today, we're diving into a conversation that challenges what we think we know about immigrants, hospitality, and what it truly means to love our neighbor. I'm sitting down with Isaac Villegas, a Mennoni…

1
Ep. 291 John Kasich - How Faith Communities are Building Hope From the Bottom Up 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

Today, we're sitting down with John Kasich, former Governor of Ohio and a passionate advocate for community-driven change. In his new book 'Heaven Help Us', Kasich explores how faith institutions can be powerful catalysts for solving local problems. We'll dive into stories of everyday people who are making real differences in their communities, fro…

1
Bonus: Joshua Johnson on Follow 2 Lead 41:46

1M ago41:46

41:46

We have a bonus episode for you today. I was recently on the Follow 2 Lead podcast hosted by Tony Miltenberger. And Tony was recently on Shifting Culture, so we decided to give you a glimpse of each other's shows by airing our episodes. So, enjoy. Let me know what you think. Find the Follow 2 Lead podcast anywhere you get podcasts. Subscribe to Our…

1
Ep. 290 Aimee Byrd Returns - Unmasking the Faces We Hide Behind 53:36

1M ago53:36

53:36

Today, I'm talking with Aimee Byrd—an author who often pushes us to question norms we usually take for granted. If you've ever felt the pressure to put on a mask or hide parts of who you really are, you'll find this conversation meaningful. In her latest book, "Saving Face," Aimee dives into the masks we all wear, the ways we conceal ourselves, and…

1
Ep. 289 Tony Miltenberger - Intentional, Relational, and Reproducible Disciple Making 47:26

1M ago47:26

47:26

In today's episode, we're diving deep with Tony Miltenberger - a bi-vocational pastor, executive coach, and passionate disciple maker who's on a mission to transform how we understand disciple making in the modern world. Tony isn't just talking about faith from a pulpit; he's living it out in the marketplace, challenging the traditional church mode…

1
Ep. 288 Liz Walker - How Community Helps Us Heal 58:24

1M ago58:24

58:24

Look, we've all got pain. We've all got stories we're afraid to tell. But what if there was a space where you could actually share those stories without judgment, without fear, and find healing in the process? Today, I'm sitting down with Liz Walker - a former news anchor turned pastor who discovered something powerful: when we create safe spaces f…

1
ST71: On the Spirit and the Speedo Guy (OR: "Walking with the Spirit") (The Holy Spirit Series) 31:20

1M ago31:20

31:20

Nijay and AJ continue the Holy Spirit series, focusing on the question: What does it mean to walk with the Spirit? You'll have to listen in to answer the questions: (1) Who is the "Speedo Guy" and (2) What does he have to do with walking in the Spirit versus the flesh? Support the showBy A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
The Transformative Power Of A Silent Retreat With Ana Megrelishvili 56:08

1M ago56:08

56:08

Ana Megrelishvili went through a troubled childhood: her family was poor and in disarray, and her own father sexually abused her. Nevertheless, she did not let trauma shape her identity, and she eventually found healing and peace after going on a silent retreat. In this episode, Ana joins Tommy Thompson to share how she immigrated to the United Sta…

1
Ep. 287 Sheila Gregoire - The Marriage You Want 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

Today we're talking about marriage - specifically, how Christian marriages might be missing the mark. I'm sitting down with Sheila Gregoire, a researcher who's spent years studying what actually makes relationships work. And here's something interesting: the biggest threat to marital satisfaction isn't what most people think. It's not sex or money …

1
Ep. 286 Carey Wallace - Inspiration from Beyond: Encountering God in Creativity 55:42

1M ago55:42

55:42

Today, we're diving into something profound: how creativity connects us to the divine. I'm talking with Carey Wallace about inspiration—not just as an artistic concept, but as a spiritual practice. What if art isn't something we manufacture, but something we receive? What if creativity is actually a way of following God, even when we don't realize …

1
Ep. 285 Zach Meerkreebs - The Asbury Outpouring and the Cultivation of Humility 53:17

2M ago53:17

53:17

What if humility isn't about shrinking, but about seeing clearly? Zach Meerkreebs knows something about unexpected transformations. A Jewish kid from the East Coast who became a Christian pastor, he found himself at the epicenter of the Asbury outpouring - a spiritual moment that swept through a small Kentucky campus, touching 100,000 people - afte…

1
ST70: Naming the Spirit: Introducing our "Holy Spirit Series" 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

AJ and Nijay kick off a series on the Holy Spirit. Do you find yourself confused by the second person of the Trinity? Can you pray to the Spirit? What do you call the Spirit? What exactly is the Spirit? In this first episode AJ and Nijay introduce the conversation and talk about how we talk about the Spirit, and why it matters. Subscribe to make su…

1
Ep. 284 Jeff Chu - Cultivating Good Soil: What Composting Reveals About Transformation 53:31

2M ago53:31

53:31

In a world that often feels overwhelming, where systemic challenges can paralyze us into inaction, I sat down with Jeff Chu - a journalist, preacher and storyteller who understands that transformation happens through small, beautiful acts of grace. Jeff's journey is anything but ordinary. From the bustling newsrooms of Time and Fast Company to the …

1
Ep. 283 Kara Powell - Future-Focused Church 50:12

2M ago50:12

50:12

Today, I'm sitting down with Kara Powell, researcher and co-author of "Future Focused Church," to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing churches right now. We'll explore how churches can better connect with younger generations, what real discipleship looks like, and how communities of faith can adapt in a rapidly changing world. Kara b…

1
Ep. 282 Ross Douthat - Why Everyone Should Be Religious 57:23

2M ago57:23

57:23

In a world that often feels fragmented, uncertain, and spiritually empty, what if belief isn't just possible - but essential? Today, I'm sitting down with Ross Douthat, New York Times columnist and one of our most nuanced cultural thinkers, to explore a radical proposition: Why everyone should be religious in an age of growing skepticism. We're goi…

1
Ep. 281 Beth Allison Barr - Becoming the Pastor's Wife 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

Today, we're exploring the hidden history of women in ministry through the lens of the pastor's wife role. Historian Beth Allison Barr takes us on a journey that challenges everything we think we know about women's leadership in the church. We'll trace how women went from being active leaders in the early Christian church to being systematically pu…

1
The Life Playbook and Level 5 Friendship with Jeff Kemp 1:09:44

2M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

In this episode of 'Space for Life', Tommy welcomes Jeff Kemp, an 11-year NFL quarterback and accomplished author, as the guest. The episode delves into the concept of developing a playbook for life, not just on the field. Jeff shares his journey from his football career to becoming a soul coach, helping people build deeper relationships. They disc…

1
Ep. 280 Andrew Root - Hope Beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness 54:17

2M ago54:17

54:17

In our current moment of cultural fragmentation and existential anxiety, the traditional frameworks of engagement feel increasingly inadequate. Andrew Root's latest work, “Evangelism in an Age of Despair” isn't just a theological treatise, or a how-to evangelism book, but a profound meditation on human connection in an age of profound disconnection…

1
Ep. 279 Matthew Bates - What Does the Bible Really Say About Salvation? 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

Matthew Bates joins us today to work out salvation. What is it? What have we got wrong? In our contemporary moment, we find ourselves wrestling with a profound misunderstanding of the gospel - a narrative that has been truncated, individualized, and stripped of its royal, communal essence. The gospel is not merely a personal transaction about indiv…

1
Ep. 278 John Eldredge - Experience Jesus. Really. 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

John Eldredge joins us today. We're living in a moment where most people report either a lack of or no experience of Jesus in their daily lives. The war right now is for your attention. Every algorithm, every notification, every distraction is designed to keep you from the one thing your soul is actually craving: intimacy with Jesus. We've been gra…

1
Ep. 277 Alissa Wilkinson - We Tell Ourselves Stories 59:41

2M ago59:41

59:41

This conversation with Alissa Wilkinson is a fascinating exploration of how the stories we tell ourselves - through Hollywood, through politics, through the media - shape the very fabric of our culture and our history. Wilkinson's work on the iconic writer Joan Didion provides a powerful lens to examine how the narratives we construct, often uncons…

1
ST69: The School of the Prophets: What Do We Do With Prophecy Today? 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

Does God speak to us through prophets and prophecy today? Or is that a thing of the past? And how can you discern false prophecy from true prophecy? AJ and Nijay have an important conversation. Support the showBy A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
Ep. 276 Reward Sibanda - Why and How We Should Fast 1:00:11

3M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

My conversation with Reward Sibanda is a deep dive into the spiritual practice of fasting. Reward grew up immersed in fasting as a cultural and religious tradition in Zimbabwe. But it wasn't until later that he grasped the profound theological significance behind it. Fasting is about aligning our whole being - body, mind, and spirit - with the will…

1
Unearthing Your Purpose with Michael Thaler 52:18

3M ago52:18

52:18

Michael Thaler, founder of Equity Concepts, Effective Ministries, and now, My Purpose Plan shares with Tommy the value of clarifying one's unique Purpose. Michael shares how discovering and fine-tuning his purpose has guided his journey as brought him to this pivotal point of devoting his time to helping others find their purpose through the new on…

1
Ep. 275 Adam Young - Make Sense of Your Story 54:04

3M ago54:04

54:04

Today, we dive into the power of reckoning with our personal stories - the formative experiences and wounds from our past that shape who we are today, often in ways we don't fully understand. My guest, Adam Young, has spent years helping people make sense of their stories, to find freedom and wholeness. As Adam shares, the truth is, our past isn't …

1
Ep. 274 Nijay Gupta - Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology 57:38

3M ago57:38

57:38

When we think of the Apostle Paul, we often picture a stern, unyielding figure - the finger-wagging scold, laying down the law for the early Christian communities. But my guest today, Nijay Gupta, is here to shatter that perception and reveal the beating heart at the center of Paul's theology. In Nijay's new book, "The Affections of Christ Jesus," …

1
ST68: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology 28:07

3M ago28:07

28:07

AJ and Nijay talk about Nijay's brand new book: THE AFFECTIONS OF CHRIST JESUS: LOVE AT THE HEART OF PAUL'S THEOLOGY (Eerdmans): released Feb 20, 2025. Support the showBy A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K.Gupta

1
Enjoyable Honesty: Life Lessons From The Golf Course With Joel Suggs 38:36

3M ago38:36

38:36

Ever wondered how the game of golf can shape your life for the better? Join Tommy Thompson as he sits down with golf pro Joel Suggs for a captivating conversation about life’s unexpected journey. Joel, a third-generation golfer, opens up about his tumultuous childhood, moving through 13 schools and even living without running water. Discover how Jo…

1
Ep. 273 Derwin Gray - Lit Up With Love 53:14

3M ago53:14

53:14

There's a crisis of good news in our world today. The message of the gospel - the radical, transformative love of God poured out through Jesus Christ - has become muted, obscured by the noise of culture wars and the bitter taste of Christendom's failures. For many, the idea of "evangelism" conjures up images of slick preachers and aggressive door-t…

1
Ep. 272 Daniel Schwabauer - The God of Story 55:21

3M ago55:21

55:21

What if the way we've been reading the Bible has been missing something essential? What if the Scriptures aren't just a collection of propositional truths, but a grand narrative - a story that Jesus Himself used to unveil the deepest realities of the Kingdom of God? That's the argument made by author and storyteller Daniel Schwabauer as we dive int…

1
Ep. 271 Skye Jethani Returns - What If Jesus Was Serious About Justice? 58:29

3M ago58:29

58:29

I’m excited to have Skye Jethani back on the podcast. When we talk about justice, we often think in binary terms - judgment or mercy, punishment or forgiveness. But as Skye argues, the biblical vision of justice is far more nuanced and holistic. At its core, justice is about the proper ordering of relationships - between humanity and God, as well a…

1
Rediscovering Yourself Through Physical Fitness with Vic Marchetti 59:30

3M ago59:30

59:30

In this episode of 'Space for Life,' Tommy introduces Vic Marchetti, his personal trainer of two years, to discuss the profound interconnectedness of physical wellness with mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The host shares his journey of achieving physical fitness and emphasizes how it has positively impacted various aspects of his life.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

AJ Swoboda Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide