Best Javier M Podcasts (2025)

1
National Book Foundation Presents: Awards & Activism 1:00:05

4d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

We have been proud to partner with the National Book Foundation to present conversations featuring National Book Award finalists as part of the annual Literary Arts Portland Book Festival. The 2024 event was on the theme of awards and activism. National Book Foundation executive director Ruth Dickey led a conversation between journalist Robert Samu…

1
Off-Beat with God: Remixing Your Prayer Groove 23:49

5d ago23:49

23:49

Ever feel like your prayer life has fallen into a predictable pattern? That comfortable rhythm that once connected you with God now feels more like going through the motions than genuine conversation? You're not alone. In this soul-stirring exploration of prayer, we dive into what it means to break free from spiritual autopilot and discover fresh, …

1
M. Gessen 1:15:27

12d ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Every once in a while, a writer arrives in a historic moment who can explain it, even while it is still actually occurring. M. Gessen is one of these writers. They are a part of the lineage of other incredible writers of their moments, like George Orwell, and Hannah Arendt. Gessen is the author of eleven books and has been a staff writer at the New…

1
The Missing Jesus: When Progressive Christianity Loses Its Way. 38:12

13d ago38:12

38:12

Ever noticed how Jesus gets presented these days? Gentle, affirming, and never challenging—a comforting figure who makes us feel good but rarely asks anything of us. This cultural reshaping of Christ deserves our honest attention, because what's at stake isn't just theology—it's transformation itself. In this deeply reflective episode, we peel back…

1
Spiritual Malware: Unmasking Deceptive Influences 24:16

19d ago24:16

24:16

I would love to hear from you! Support the show For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!…

1
First Generation Food: Kristina Cho, Jolyn Chen & Louis Lin 56:40

19d ago56:40

56:40

This week we have a conversation from the 2024 Portland Book Festival on first-generation American food: cooking that combines tradition and lineage with evolution and personal stories. The conversation features a cookbook author and home chef, restaurant co-owners, and a writer and food editor. We’ll hear from Kristina Cho, author of the cookbook …

1
Woman of the Word: A Tribute to Faithful Mothers 23:06

20d ago23:06

23:06

The whispered prayers of a faithful woman can reshape generations. Behind many spiritual giants stands a mother, grandmother, or mentor who quietly pointed them toward Christ—not through grand platforms, but through consistent, loving guidance rooted in Scripture. This heart-stirring episode celebrates the profound legacy of women who walk with God…

1
No Shame in My Geek Game Why I Refuse to Outgrow My Faith or My Fandom 29:22

26d ago29:22

29:22

A simple message questioning the compatibility of faith and fandom sparked this deeply personal exploration of what happens when our spiritual lives intersect with our love for stories. What if the comics, anime, and fandoms we enjoy aren't distractions from our faith, but different lenses through which we can experience God's truth? Drawing from S…

1
Emily Wilson 1:21:26

26d ago1:21:26

1:21:26

Emily Wilson was cast as Athena in a stage production of The Odyssey at the age of eight. It turned out to be a defining moment in her life, that ultimately set her on a course of decades of passionate and devoted study. Her 2018 translation of The Odyssey garnered overwhelming critical acclaim, became a bestseller, and is defining how a generation…

1
The Force of Faith: Spiritual Lessons from a Galaxy Far, Far Away. 43:07

27d ago43:07

43:07

What can a galaxy far, far away teach us about our spiritual journey here and now? More than you might think. The Star Wars saga captivates us not just with its epic battles and memorable characters, but with its profound exploration of the universal struggle between light and darkness—a struggle that resonates deeply with our own spiritual lives. …

1
Unpacking the Sacred: Thoughts on 'We Who Wrestle with God 18:11

1M ago18:11

18:11

What happens when a renowned psychologist turns his analytical mind toward ancient biblical stories? Jordan Peterson's ambitious book "We Who Wrestle With God" has sparked fascinating conversations across churches, book clubs, and universities. His fresh psychological perspective on foundational narratives from Genesis, Exodus, and Jonah creates a …

1
Through the Fog: How Doubt Clears the Way to Truth Pt. 2 35:27

1M ago35:27

35:27

Doubt often lurks in the shadows of our faith conversations, treated like a shameful secret rather than a universal experience. This episode boldly shines light on the intellectual side of doubt—those moments when our minds struggle to reconcile faith with science, suffering, and scriptural complexities. Drawing from biblical examples like Thomas, …

1
Green Planet: Ferris Jabr & Amy Stewart 1:01:37

1M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

This week we have a 2024 Portland Book Fest conversation about Planet Earth, and remarkable people who are working to understand it and protect its wonders. Our moderator is Zoë Carpenter, a writer and editor who has reported all over the United States and South America for Rolling Stone, The Nation, Guernica, and other publications. She currently …

1
Through the Fog: How Doubt Clears the Way to Truth Pt.1 26:06

1M ago26:06

26:06

Faith and doubt aren't enemies – they're dance partners in an authentic spiritual journey. This first episode of our two-part series tackles the provocative question: Is doubt actually a sin? The answer might surprise you. Stepping beyond shallow platitudes, we dive deep into Scripture's raw portrayal of doubt. From the desperate father crying "I b…

1
Verselandia! 2024 56:29

1M ago56:29

56:29

Each year, Portland area youth spend months writing and competing in poetry slam competitions on high school campuses across the city. And each April, 20 finalists compete for the title of city-wide Portland slam champ at Verselandia! in front of an audience of nearly 1,000. We’re excited to share that the 2025 Verselandia! competition returns to t…

1
Everybody Reads 2025: Javier Zamora 57:38

2M ago57:38

57:38

Every year, the Multnomah County Library chooses one book they hope the whole city will read. Between January and April, the Library, and their partner organizations, host events based around the themes of the book, and they distribute thousands of free copies—thanks to the Library Foundation—to readers of all ages from across the county. Here at L…

1
"Navigating the Multiverse: Discovering Divine Purpose Amidst Life’s Chaos" 21:08

2M ago21:08

21:08

Looking for clarity in a world that feels like it's splintering into a multiverse of madness? You're not alone. When streaming shows, social media feeds, and endless notifications compete for your attention, finding your true purpose can seem impossible – like you're Doctor Strange standing amid infinite possibilities, trying to figure out which on…

1
"Strength Renewed, Spirits Lifted Mid-Week Devotional Isaiah 40:31 11:33

2M ago11:33

11:33

"Even the darkness will not be dark to you. The night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." These words from Psalm 139:12 form the heart of a devotional that speaks directly to those moments when life feels overwhelming and uncertain. We all know what it's like to face shadows that seem too deep—when worries stack up, when the …

1
"Faith in Disguise: Navigating the Spiritual Cloak" 30:35

2M ago30:35

30:35

Have you ever caught yourself hiding behind spiritual language? That moment when someone asks how you're doing, and despite wrestling with doubt or exhaustion, you automatically respond with "blessed" or "God's in control"? This powerful exploration of faith authenticity dives into our tendency to use "spiritual cloaking devices" to sidestep accoun…

1
Be a Revolution: Ijeoma Oluo & Hanif Fazal 58:36

2M ago58:36

58:36

This week features a conversation from the 2024 Portland Book Festival, featuring best-selling author Ijeoma Oluo, who is a self-described “writer, speaker, and internet yeller.” She discusses her latest book, Be a Revolution: How Everyday People are Fighting and Changing the World — and How You Can, Too with Portland’s Hanif Fazal, author of An Ot…

1
Even the Darkness will Not Be Dark To You:Psalms:139:12 Mid-Week Devotional 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

"Even the darkness will not be dark to you. The night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." The shadows in our lives take many forms—sometimes they're the big challenges that shake our foundations, and sometimes they're those quiet worries that creep in when we least expect them. Whatever darkness you're facing today, Psalm 139…

1
Roots, Roads & Redemption: Building a Legacy That Matters 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

The legacy we leave behind isn't measured by monuments or accolades, but by the lives we touch and the faith we demonstrate. Standing at the crossroads of pop culture and profound faith, this episode explores how our personal origin stories—like those of beloved fictional characters—lay the foundation for something greater than ourselves. What can …

1
Alice Hoffman in Conversation with Vailey Oehlke 50:46

2M ago50:46

50:46

In this episode, we feature the celebrated novelist and screenwriter Alice Hoffman. She’s in conversation with the former Director of the Multnomah County Library, Vailey Oehlke, at the Portland Book Festival in 2016. Hoffman has published over 40 books, including the 2024 novel about Anne Frank’s life, When We Flew Away. Most of her books have bee…

1
Spider-Man’s Mantra: Embracing Responsibility Through Faith 18:58

2M ago18:58

18:58

Spider-Man swings into scripture in this thought-provoking exploration of how a superhero's journey mirrors our walk of faith. That iconic phrase—"With great power comes great responsibility"—resonates beyond comic pages and movie screens, striking at the heart of discipleship and purpose. We dive deep into Peter Parker's transformation from reluct…

1
Freiren's Journey: Lessons in Friendship and Faith 20:55

2M ago20:55

20:55

What happens when the adventure ends? When companions pass away and we're left with memories, regrets, and unanswered questions? The anime Freerun Beyond Journey's End tackles these profound questions through the eyes of Freyrin, an immortal elf mage who embarks on a journey of reflection long after her mortal adventuring companions have departed. …

1
Through Narnia’s Door: Meeting the Savior in a Land of Wonder 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

The magical world of Narnia holds far more than talking animals and mythical adventures—it contains one of literature's most profound Christian allegories. When Aslan willingly sacrifices himself on the Stone Table to save the traitorous Edmund Pevensie, C.S. Lewis crafts a perfect representation of Christ's redemptive love for humanity. Delving de…

1
Messy Faith: Discovering Redemption Beyond Religion 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

What happens when we strip away the religious performance and confront our messy reality with God's transforming grace? This soul-searching exploration of Philippians 3:1-3 cuts through churchy facades to reveal what authentic faith truly looks like. We begin by examining how our carefully curated spiritual personas—whether on social media or in ch…

1
Villains of Scripture: What the Antagonists Teach Us 23:15

2M ago23:15

23:15

I would love to hear from you! Support the show For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!…

1
When God Ghosts You: Dealing with Divine Silent Treatment 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

That moment when heaven goes quiet can shake even the strongest believer. The prayers that once flowed easily now feel like they're bouncing off the ceiling. The scripture that used to speak so clearly now reads flat on the page. And the question emerges – has God ghosted me? Faith isn't always mountain-top moments and dramatic breakthroughs. Somet…

1
Midweek Peace: unplugging from the world’s noise and plugging into God’s peace. 16:03

2M ago16:03

16:03

Ever feel like you're running on empty? Like the demands of life outweigh your strength and the midweek slump has you questioning if you're enough? That feeling of weakness might just be your greatest opportunity. We dive deep into a paradoxical truth that changes everything: God's strength shows up most powerfully in our moments of greatest weakne…

1
Michael Ondaatje REBROADCAST 51:53

2M ago51:53

51:53

In this recording, Michael Ondaatje shares his fourth novel, Anil’s Ghost. He begins by giving an overview of the plot, which is set in a civil war-torn Sri Lanka at the end of the twentieth century. The story follows Anil Tissera, a young woman born in Sri Lanka, and educated in England and America, who returns to her homeland as a forensic anthro…

1
Reconciliation: Renée Watson & Joe Wilkins 57:27

3M ago57:27

57:27

This week we are taking you back to Portland Book Festival 2024, with a conversation on the theme of “reconciliation” featuring Renée Watson, discussing her latest book, Skin & Bones, and Joe Wilkins, author of The Entire Sky, plus one of my absolute favorite moderators, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Mitchell S. Jackson. Renée’s nove…

1
Villains in Scripture: What We Learn from the Antagonists of Faith 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

What if the villains in Scripture are more than just obstacles for the heroes to overcome? What if they're actually mirrors, reflecting back our own spiritual blind spots and vulnerabilities? The biblical narrative is filled with compelling antagonists—Pharaoh stubbornly hardening his heart despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, Jezebel corr…

1
Richard Powers 52:54

3M ago52:54

52:54

This week we are featuring a conversation from the 2024 Portland Book Festival. The incomparable Richard Powers came to Portland to discuss his new novel, Playground, with Literary Arts Executive Director Andrew Proctor. Any opportunity to spend time with Richard Powers and his vast, unique, amazing mind is a gift. He discusses how he chose to comb…

1
Faith vs. Feelings: Who's Steering Your Heart? 28:37

3M ago28:37

28:37

Emotions are powerful, but they can often lead us astray when navigating our spiritual journeys. In this episode of the Faith Compass Podcast, we dive deep into the art of trusting God amidst the turbulence of our feelings. Join host Javier as he discusses how we can distinguish between faith and fleeting emotions through the wisdom of Scripture, t…

1
Annie Dillard 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

When Annie Dillard won the Pulitzer Prize in 1975, she was the youngest women ever to do so. She won for a book published the previous year called Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, which is a nonfiction book that meditates on writing, solitude, the natural world, and spirituality. The book had a profound impact at the time of its publication and garnered co…

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