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Religion & Spirituality
Society & Culture
with Emily P. Freeman
For the second-guessers, the chronically hesitant, or anyone who suffers from decision fatigue, best-selling author and host Emily P. Freeman helps create a little space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing in love. Because out of the thousands of decisions you make everyday, chances are a few of them threaten to keep you up at night. If you're in a season of transition, waiting, general fogginess or if you've ever searched "how to make a decision" on the internet, listen in.
248: Start With Hello with Shannan Martin
All the world's a neighborhood and everyone's my neighbor. How to begin to live as such? Today's guest submits it's simple: Start with hello. Today I'm glad to welcome one of my favorite writers and also favorite humans, author Shannan Martin. Her most recent book is called Start With Hello (And other simple ways to live as neighbors). In it, she speaks directly to that part of us that wants to reach out, wants to belong, wants to embody connection with our community in a way that is tangible, accessible, equitable, and with hearts bent toward justice. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Start with Hello by Shannan Martin Falling Free by Shannan Martin The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin Find Shannan on Instagram Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
38:3711/10/2022
247: What's Saving My Life (Autumn Edition)
It's a question often asked and answered by writers and podcasters alike and it’s easy to see why — it’s simple, it’s direct, and it’s deeply thought provoking. Along with making a list of what I'm learning each season, I also love to make note of what's saving my life. Thanks to Barbara Brown Taylor for bringing this question into the public conversation, and to John Claypool to asking it of her so many years ago. So that's today's episode. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Leaving Church by Barbara Taylor Brown My Autumn playlist Myquillyn's playlist Hope You Like Banjos Created Colorful - Use code EPF20 for $20 off your consultation (expires Oct. 31, 2022) What the Heck is EOS? by Gino Wickman and Tom Bouwer Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
21:0204/10/2022
246: The Mindset Shift That's Changing My Work
As one season slowly unfolds into the next, I'm paying attention to some of my work and life rhythms and have discovered one thing that's been holding me back from my next right thing. Maybe it's holding you back, too. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule by Paul Graham Episode 76: Create a Simple Morning Routine Essentialism by Greg McKeown Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
20:1127/09/2022
245: Voices of Lament with Natasha Sistrunk Robinson and Mariah Humphries
Today I'm glad to explore a topic that doesn't usually make the headlines in our newsfeeds but one that certainly deserves some airtime in our souls. We're talking about lament -- what it is, why it matters, and who some of our best teachers are in this practice. I'm glad to welcome two guests today to help me host this conversation: Natasha Sistrunk Robinson and Mariah Humphries. Links + Resources From This Episode: Voices of Lament Edited by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson Connect with Natasha and Mariah online Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
29:0720/09/2022
244: When A Public Figure Dies
The news of the passing of a public figure can be both sobering and disruptive, no matter how far removed from us they were. How we navigate the loss of a public figure depends on the age of the one who dies, the manner of their death, and the degree to which we paid attention to their work their art, or their life of service. And it depends on us, our experience and perception of this person and their impact on our individual lives and on the arc of history. When someone who seemed larger than life stops living, there is often a collective pause and there should be. Today let's consider the strange dynamic of reckoning with the loss of a public figure. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Marcie Alvis Walker's post about Queen Elizabeth II Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
13:1413/09/2022
243: How to Move Through Regret
The disembodied smoke of regret is nearly impossible to contain, corral, or neatly repackage and conceal. Once it's released, it sticks to the fibers and hangs on for days. Perhaps you can relate. Here is a practice that has helped me not only move through it but also find peace on the other side. Not a perfect peace, but a settled one. I hope it's helpful for you as well. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 79: Find Relief from Regret Conversation: The Sacred Art by Diane M. Millis Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
16:0506/09/2022
242: Are you afraid of choosing wrong?
This conversation would be better had face to face and of course one episode won't eliminate the fear of choosing wrong. But it's a worthy conversation to at least begin here, especially considering how prevalent this fear is among many of us. Let's find clarity around what we're talking about when we say we're afraid of choosing wrong. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Holy Listening by Margaret Gunther Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
14:0130/08/2022
241: Write What You Know (And Other Life Advice)
C.S. Lewis once said to “always prefer the plain, direct word to the long, vague one. Don’t implement promises, but keep them.” What's true for language can also be true for life. Why make something complicated when it can be simple instead? Here are 3 common writing tips given to writers that can be applied to our whole life. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Use code TISH22 for 30% off Liturgy of the Ordinary at ivpress.com LitHub: Should You Write What You Know? 31 Authors Weigh In by Emily Temple The Art and Craft of Writing with Ann Kroeker I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
10:4823/08/2022
240: A Staying Prayer for Parents
Many parents are saying a big goodbye to their kids moving out of the house for the very first time. This prayer was written specifically with parents of college students in mind, but of course could apply for any parents, caregivers, or guardians sending young people out into the world. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
03:4018/08/2022
239: A Sending Prayer for College Freshmen
August is a month of change and one big milestone is moving out of the house to live on your own, whether for college, work, internships, traveling, or just because it's time. This one was written specifically with first-year college students in mind, but of course could apply for any young ones who are grown, moving away from home for the first time. Here's a sending prayer for the journey. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
03:1416/08/2022
238: State of the Podcast 2022
Five years ago this week, the first episode of The Next Right Thing released. In this five year state of the podcast episode, I’m glad to look back at our beginnings and share the importance of marking milestones. I'll ask (and answer) five questions to ask yourself when you have a milestone moment to mark. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Enter today's giveaway! The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson Episode 01: Become a Soul Minimalist Simply Tuesday by me! Amy Porterfield Podcast: Why Aren't You Taking Action with Brooke Castillo Episode 88: Come Away for Awhile Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
13:2609/08/2022
237: For When Things Are Changing (with John Freeman)
Today I’m eager to sit with John Freeman, my husband and partner for the last 21 years. We talk about some times of discernment and decision-making in our own marriage, how serving on staff at a church for over a decade prepared him for his work as a spiritual director and what’s on our minds as we prepare to send our twins off to college. If you find yourself standing on a threshold of change, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Learn more about John's current work Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 178: How to Find a Spiritual Director Episode 184: The Next Right Thing in Marriage with John Freeman Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode.
30:5802/08/2022
236: For When You Can't Figure God Out
What if there is no rush to figure out what we think and believe about everything? What if there's room for our growth and learning to take the time it takes? If you're feeling overwhelmed with the pressure to figure things out, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Use code TISH22 for 30% off Liturgy of the Ordinary at ivpress.com Psalm Readings on Spotify Get my weekly emails A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Find a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
09:2226/07/2022
235: On Grief and Healing with Amanda Held Opelt
Doing the next right thing is perhaps most necessary when we find ourselves in the midst of grief and loss. Today I’m glad to talk with author, speaker, and songwriter Amanda Held Opelt. She believes in the power of community, ritual, shared worship, and storytelling to heal even our deepest wounds. Amanda is well acquainted with grief after experiencing several years of profound loss, including the sudden death of her only sister, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans. Amanda explores the rituals of grief and what they can teach us about ourselves, our faith, and each other in times of deep loss in her new book, A Hole in the World. If you find yourself in the midst of the fog of grief or want to grow in your understanding of what grievers are going through, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: A Hole in the World by Amanda Held Opelt Amanda's Instagram account @amandaheldopelt Amanda's website Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
30:3319/07/2022
234: Psalm 23
A reading of Psalm 23 from the following versions: New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition), New International Version, and The Amplified Bible. This episode is part of the Psalm Summer series. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Psalm 23 (New Revised Standard Version) Psalm 23 (New International Version) Psalm 23 (The Amplified Bible) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
04:0212/07/2022
233: Psalm 121
A reading of Psalm 121 from the following versions: New Living Translation, New American Standard Bible, and The Voice. This episode is part of the Psalm Summer series. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Psalm 121 (New Living Translation) Psalm 121 (New American Standard Bible) Psalm 121 (The Voice) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
03:3405/07/2022
232: Psalm 103
A reading of Psalm 103, first from the New American Standard Bible, and then from the Common English Bible. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Psalm 103 (New American Standard Bible) Psalm 103 (Common English Bible) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
06:2828/06/2022
231: Psalm 91
A reading of Psalm 91, first from the New International Version and then from The Message. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Psalm 91 (NIV) Psalm 91 (The Message) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
04:5021/06/2022
230: Psalm Summer: A Series
We’re looking for God in the cracks of our lives, in the wide open spaces of our joys and the painful fissures of our brokenness. For the next several weeks I want to create some space for the Psalms to put some things to words that we might be too exhausted to articulate. Today I'll explain how it will work. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 214: Psalm 22 Episode 221: Psalm 46 Episode 190: Psalm 139 Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
08:4214/06/2022
229: A Blessing for the Graduates
For the most recent high school and college graduates, here's a short blessing for you as you do your next right thing in love. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
04:0407/06/2022
228: The Good and Beautiful You with James Bryan Smith
What is the soul and what is the impact of fame and success on it? Also, how can we cultivate a good and beautiful life with spiritual practices without sinking into judgment or legalism? Today I’m thrilled to talk to my friend, Dr. James Bryan Smith, who has been a theology professor at Friends University for several decades and was recently named the inaugural Dallas Willard Chair in Christian Spiritual Formation. Jim is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and a co-founding pastor of Chapel Hill UMC, in Wichita, Kansas. He is also a best-selling author of twelve books, most notably The Apprentice Series (InterVarsity Press), which includes The Good and Beautiful God as well as his most recent release, The Good and Beautiful You that we’ll talk about today. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Listen to Friends in Formation, a Renovaré podcast and today's episode sponsor The Good and Beautiful You by Dr. James Bryan Smith Learn more about my Summer Writing Intensive with hope*writers Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
32:4331/05/2022
227: Trust the Process with Stephanie Duncan Smith
How can you move forward when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, out of control, or like you’re doing it all wrong? My guest today brings simple advice with a nuanced angle inviting us all to trust the process. Stephanie Duncan Smith is a senior editor at Baker Books, where she coaches and champions authors to bring the best out of their message. She’s worked in book and digital media publishing for over a decade, developing bestselling and award-winning writers, and personally pens SLANT LETTER, an email newsletter for writers looking to deepen their craft and tend to the soul of their work which we plan to tell you all about. So what does it look like to trust the process in parenting, faith, and writing? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Find Stephanie on Instagram here and online here Get Stephanie's newsletter SLANT LETTER here Learn more about my Summer Writing Intensive with hope*writers Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
44:4724/05/2022
226: When Someone You Love is Indecisive
Maybe you're not the one who is chronically hesitant but someone you love seems to always struggle with making decisions. What’s the best way to help the indecisive along? How can you help them move forward in the midst of their hesitation? Great question. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 94: Ask the Second Question Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
09:0317/05/2022
225: Discerning Your Next Right Thing After High School
Today's episode is especially for high school students and those who love and advise them. As my twins prepare to graduate from high school, I've been thinking a lot about our past year and how we've helped them make decisions about their next right thing. This is the episode I wish I'd had a year ago and I hope it's helpful for you. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: A Million Little Ways by me! Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
27:5810/05/2022
224: Naming What Matters in Friendship, Life, and the Kitchen with Kendra Adachi
Today's guest is all about helping us to be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't. New York Times bestselling author, Kendra Adachi, shares her five-step framework for transforming every part of our kitchen based on her brand new book The Lazy Genius Kitchen. But since she is also my dearest friend, we'll talk a little about what matters in the kitchen and a lot about what matters in life. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Lazy Genius Kitchen by Kendra Adachi Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
45:0703/05/2022
223: How to Move Through Small Disappointments
Whether you're making plans to travel, to be with friends or family, or to host people at your house in your very own neighborhood, chances are you have some expectations for how things will go. So what do you do when the day comes, the trip is lovely, the food is great and the company kind, but you get stuck in a disappointment that you can't seem to shake? Sometimes our next right thing turns out differently than we thought, and even if it's not life threatening or earth shattering, we feel disappointment and we may not even know all the way why. Here's a way to move through it. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: A Rhythm of Prayer by Sarah Bessey Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
09:3626/04/2022
222: What's Saving My Life Right Now
It's the question Barbara Brown Taylor asks and answers in her memoir, Leaving Church, and one many of us have carried forward to ask and answer as well. The best questions are shareable and re-answerable and today I'll share my list of what's saving my life. Because when you are in a season of discernment and decision-making (which is almost always), it's helpful to name and celebrate where the life comes from. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor Episode 76: Create a Simple Morning Routine Episode 90: Start with this Simple Rhythm Episode 141: Redo Your Morning Routine Caffeine Eye Cream by The Inkey List Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 178: How to Find a Spiritual Director On Being feat. Gordon Hempton with Krista Tippett I Used to Be a Human Being by Andrew Sullivan Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
15:3419/04/2022
221: Psalm 46
May this simple reading of Psalm 46 be a reflection you can return to as you discern your next right thing in love. This Psalm is a reading from the New International Version. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
02:2612/04/2022
220: Our Favorite Yeses
When was a time you said yes and were so glad you did? I asked you that question last week and this week we’ll share your answers. We're celebrating your favorite yeses and a few of mine too. Listen in. We're also celebrating a huge milestone: We've sold 100,000 copies The Next Right Thing! I'm so glad I said yes to writing that book and I'm equally glad you said yes to reading it. Links + Resources From This Episode: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes A Million Miles In a Thousand Years by Donald Miller Say Yes by Scott Erickson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
17:0805/04/2022
219: 20 Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes to A Great Opportunity
How can we discern our next right thing when presented with a great opportunity? Is there a framework to follow when discerning when to say yes or when to say no? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 19: Choose Your Absence That Sounds Fun Ep. 375 with Kristin Chenoweth Miss Me with That by Rachel Lindsay Record your favorite "yes!" and share it with me here Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
18:4229/03/2022
218: A Story of Discernment with Jamin Goggin
What do you do when you work hard on something for years of your life, you believe you’re being faithful to your next right thing, and then you release your prayed for work into the world only to later learn new information that forces you to question what you worked so hard to offer? Author, pastor, and spiritual director, Jamin Goggin, had to wrestle with that very question and is here to tell the story. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Way of the Dragon or The Way of the Lamb by Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel Jamin Goggin on Twitter and online Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
47:0322/03/2022
217: An Early Spring Reflection
Two days a year, the earth from pole to pole receives an equal distribution of light and dark, day and night. The equinox is always around this time of year — spring for those above the equator, autumn for those below. How can we be balanced on the inside even when we're in full shadow or full light? How can we bring peace to the world even in the midst of chaos? What does equanimity mean for me today? As we approach the Spring Equinox, here is a short reflection. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Garden Maker by Christie Purifoy Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
05:4315/03/2022
216: How to Collect Your Favorite Quotes
We underline a quote because it mirrors, questions, or inspires something in us. But it does no good for us if we don't have a way of recording and organizing it for later use and reflection. Today I'll share my four bucket system for capturing and organizing my favorite quotes so that they might make a difference in my everyday life. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Say Yes by Scott Erickson When Everything's on Fire by Brian Zahnd Evernote The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Essentialism by Greg McKeown Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com.
21:3008/03/2022
215: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Spring
As we begin the slow transition from one season to the next, let's revisit a familiar framework in another Soul Minimalist’s Guide, this one specifically for spring. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 1: Become a Soul Minimalist Episode 34: Pick What You Like 10 Questions for Reflection & Discernment Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
14:2801/03/2022
214: Psalm 22
Sometimes you need someone to read to you words spoken by a sufferer in the midst of struggle, words without a filter or a reframe. Here is a simple reading of Psalm 22, a Psalm of individual lament that may perhaps be a strange kind of comfort for you if you're in the midst of your own struggle. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Psalm 22, read from the Common English Bible Other episodes like this one: Psalm 139 and Read Psalm 23 Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a copy of this, and every, transcript at emilypfreeman.com.
05:4322/02/2022
213: How to Make Embodied Decisions with Dr. Hillary L. McBride
What do you do when you feel like your decisions are running counter to your bodily experience? How can you know when you are living a disembodied life? My guest today has asked (and answered) these questions and more in her years-long work as a psychologist, a researcher, an author and a teacher. Dr. Hillary McBride is the author of the new release The Wisdom of Your Body where she writes about what it means to find healing, wholeness, and connection through embodied living. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Dr. Hillary McBride on Instagram and online The Wisdom of Your Body by Dr. Hillary McBride Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
36:1815/02/2022
212: How to Walk Out of A Room
Some rooms are not for us. Other rooms are not for us anymore. What do we do when a room we've walked into is no longer a room where we belong? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 138: Leave It Behind Episode 161: Change Your Mind Episode 162: Is It Time To Move On? Episode 174: Is It Time To Quit My Job? Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
11:2808/02/2022
211: The Daily Examen
What is the Daily Examen? How does it work? What is the purpose? And what does it have to do with discerning my next right thing? Today I'll share a spiritual practice that I’ve found to be personally transformative in my daily life. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 93: Borrow Prayers Episode 160: The Welcoming Prayer Episode 207: The Prayer of St. Francis Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 178: How to Find a Spiritual Director Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
12:1801/02/2022
210: What if You Could Trust Yourself?
When I asked readers to send in their episode suggestions related to discernment and decision-making, one common thread ran through them all. Today we'll take a step back and imagine what we want even more than a right decision. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Do you receive One Last Thing? If not, join the list here. Seasons of Your Heart by Macrina Wiederkehr Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
08:0825/01/2022
209: Find Life After the Death of A Dream with Scott Erickson
What do you do when you feel like your life hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would or the way you wanted it to? How do you keep going in the face of personal or vocational disappointment? My guest today has spent a lot of time not only thinking his way through the answer to that question, but he’s lived his way through it and has brought us along through his own stories, questions, humor, compelling art and now, his brand new book, Say Yes. I'm delighted to sit down with Scott Erickson, an artist who is working to give us a new visual vocabulary for the spiritual journey we're all on. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Say Yes by Scott Erickson (out January 25th!) Find Scott online and on Instagram Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
43:2718/01/2022
208: Hold the Tension Longer
What do we do when our next right thing is to wait for an indefinite amount of time or to hope in the face of what seems to be an impossible situation? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
13:0911/01/2022
207: The Prayer of St. Francis
One of the most helpful spiritual practices I’ve found in the last several years is borrowing the prayers of others when I can’t find words for my own. Today I’ll share one of my favorites and maybe it will be a favorite of yours too. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
06:5504/01/2022
206: What Worked in 2021
At the end of every year, I write down a list of what worked and what didn’t work that year. I’ll share my list of what worked for me this year as well as a few tips and resources for you if you want to make your own list. Listen in! Want help looking back before moving forward? Download these 10 Questions for Reflection and Discernment. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Episode 189: How to Use The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Receive my monthly letter by signing up here Gino Wickman's Entrepreneurial Operating System Traction by Gino Wickman Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner Lara Casey's Power Sheets (Cultivate What Matters) Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done Episode 163: Reflection as Activism Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 178: How to Find a Spiritual Director Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
22:5028/12/2021
A Christmas Blessing
A blessing for you and yours on this week of Christmas. You may recognize these words from last year’s version of The Quiet Collection and I hope they extend a welcome to you on this Christmas, when we mark the day God moved in and everything changed. Now, God is making all things new, in you and in me. Amen. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
04:5721/12/2021
205: 5 Strong Ways to Finish Regular
There are as many ways to approach the end of the year as there are people. Still, it’s easy to be fooled into thinking there’s just one right way to finish — Finish strong! they say. For anyone who feels like they might not be able to finish strong this year, your next right thing might be to just finish regular. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson 10 Questions For Reflection and Decision-Making The Quiet Collection (closes Wednesday, December 15!) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
12:4714/12/2021
204: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Christmas
A minimalist asks, "What am I holding on to?" A soul minimalist asks, "What has a hold on me?" Let's ease some of the decision fatigue that can come along this time of year with another Soul Minimalist’s Guide, this one specifically for Christmas. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 01: Become a Soul Minimalist Episode 181: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Summer Episode 193: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Autumn The Quiet Collection (all new for 2021!) The More of Less by Joshua Becker Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin Jr. Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com.
16:4007/12/2021
203: Introducing The Quiet Collection 2021
Chances are at some point during the next four weeks, you'll find yourself feeling extra frazzled, lonely, or distracted despite your best intentions. Here's the simplest way to quiet your mind during one of the busiest months of the year: the 2021 edition of The Quiet Collection is here and ready for you! I'll tell you all about it. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Quiet Collection for Christmas (all new for 2021!) The Lazy Genius aka Kendra Adachi The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas Shadow and Light by Tsh Oxenreider Come Lord Jesus Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.
11:0330/11/2021
202: Abuelita Faith with Kat Armas
What if the greatest theologians the world has ever known are those whom the world wouldn’t consider theologians at all? I'm glad to welcome theologian and author of Abuelita Faith, Kat Armas, who tells the stories of unnamed and overlooked theologians in society and in the Bible--mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters--whose survival, strength, resistance, and dedication to the next deeply right thing teach us the true power of love and faith. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Find Kat's work online and on Instagram Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com
34:0023/11/2021
201: Your Decision-Making Starter Kit
Our lives are endlessly complicated and our decisions are almost always laced with layers of nuance which is why it's always a challenge (one I love!) to create episodes about decision-making. Is it possible to share principles, perspective, and simple frameworks that are helpful no matter who you are or what decision you have to make? I say it is, or at least I try. Today I've curated the top 10 episodes to listen to if you're carrying a particular decision right now and could use some practical help to make it; a decision-making starter kit if you will. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 32: Stop Collective Gurus Episode 70: The Best Time to Make a Decision Episode 109: Wait Until the Morning Episode 113: Decide to Decide Episode 136: Decision-Making for Slow Processors Episode 172: Make These 2 Lists Now Episode 196: Why Your Pro/Con List Isn't Working Episode 162: Is It Time to Move On? Episode 168: Is It Time to Dream Again? Episode 174: Is It Time to Quit My Job? Episode 121: How to Discern and Decide Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode at emilypfreeman.com.
16:4916/11/2021
200: Ask Emily Anything! Celebrating 200 Episodes
Today’s conversation is between me and you—because today we celebrate 200 episodes of The Next Right Thing! What a gift it has been to be a small part of 200 of your Tuesdays. For the first time, I'm hosting an Ask Me Anything where you asked questions and I say words about my dream guests, my limited parenting advice, what the P stands for, and if I've ever thought about quitting. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 187: State of the Podcast 2021 Episode 115: Before You Decide, Halt Episode 189: How to Use The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Episode 172: Make These Two Lists Now hope*writers online writing community Episode 106: Let's Talk About Disney's Frozen 2! Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done Episode 71: Let Time Be Your Friend Episode 103: Look for the Children What Now? by Ann Patchett Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com.
31:2409/11/2021