Turning to the Mystics with James Finley
Religion & Spirituality
About
Turning to the Mystics is a podcast for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. James Finley, clinical psychologist and Living School faculty, offers a modern take on the historical contemplative practices of Christian mystics like Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, John of the Cross among others. Leaning into their experiences can become a gateway to hope, healing and oneness. Together with Kirsten Oates from the Center for Action and Contemplation, they explore listener questions and examine their own paths as modern contemplatives in this beautiful and broken world.
Episodes
- Bonus: Fr. Richard Rohr on Thérèse of Lisieux
On this bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Fr. Richard Rohr about his connection to Thérèse of Lisieux. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation.
- Dialogue 3: The Holy Face
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten explore the significance of Thérèse's chosen name, The Holy Face. They discuss this in the third dialogue session of the podcast.
- Thérèse of Lisieux: Session 3
This episode, the third session on Thérèse of Lisieux, features James Finley reading from "Story of a Soul" by Thérèse and reflecting on its themes. The session concludes with a meditative practice.
- Dialogue 2: The Child Jesus
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten discuss the meaning behind Thérèse's moniker related to "The Child Jesus." They explore this topic as part of the "Turning to the Mystics with James Finley" podcast.
- Thérèse of Lisieux: Session 2
In this second session, James Finley delves into Thérèse of Lisieux's 'Story of a Soul' using Lectio Divina. He reads passages, reflects on key themes, and concludes with a meditative practice.
- Dialogue 1: The Little Flower
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten explore the simplicity of Thérèse, often called 'The Little Flower.' They delve into why she is referred to by this name.
- Thérèse of Lisieux: Session 1
In this episode, James Finley explores Thérèse of Lisieux's "Story of a Soul" through Lectio Divina, reflecting on its core themes and concluding with a meditative practice.
- Turning to Thérèse of Lisieux
This episode of Turning to the Mystics features James Finley and Kirsten Oates discussing the life and teachings of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. They explore how her ideas can be used for personal transformation.
- Coming Soon: Turning to Thérèse of Lisieux
The upcoming season of Turning to the Mystics will focus on St. Thérèse of Lisieux, starting March 16th, 2026. Recommended books for this season include "Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux" and "St. Thérèse of Lis…
- Brother Lawrence: Listener Questions
Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions about Brother Lawrence's teachings in this episode. The discussion focuses on topics from Season 12.
- A Coaching Session on Brother Lawrence
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer guidance from Brother Lawrence for one's spiritual path. This episode is part of the "Turning to the Mystics" podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation.
- Bonus: Carmen Acevedo Butcher on Brother Lawrence
On this bonus episode of Turning to the Mystics, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Carmen Acevedo Butcher. They discuss her translation of Brother Lawrence's Practice of the Presence. Carmen Acevedo Butcher is an award-winning trans…
- Dialogue 3: Mystical Lineage
Jim and Kirsten discuss Brother Lawrence's place in the mystical lineage. They explore his connections to Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross.
- Brother Lawrence: Session 3
In this third session on Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, James Finley explores themes from 'The Practice of the Presence' using the Lectio Divina method. The episode includes readings from Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s translation and a g…
- Dialogue 2: All for All
In this dialogue session, James Finley and Kirsten discuss the letters of Brother Lawrence. This episode is part of the Turning to the Mystics podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation.
- Brother Lawrence: Session 2
In this second session on Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, James Finley explores themes from 'Practice of the Presence' using the Lectio Divina method. The episode includes readings from Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s translation and a conc…
- Dialogue 1: Everything is Possible
In this episode, James Finley and Kirsten discuss the maxims of Brother Lawrence. This is the first dialogue session of the podcast "Turning to the Mystics with James Finley".
- Brother Lawrence: Session 1
In this first session on Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, James Finley explores themes from The Practice of the Presence using Carmen Acevedo Butcher's translation. The episode includes readings, reflection, and a meditative practice…
- Turning to Brother Lawrence
In this episode of Turning to the Mystics, James Finley and Kirsten Oates introduce the life and spiritual teachings of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection to explore how his ideas can transform daily life.
- Coming Soon: Turning to Brother Lawrence
Season 12 of Turning to the Mystics features Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, with the series beginning on September 8, 2025. Listeners are encouraged to read The Practice of the Presence, translated by Carmen Acevedo Butcher.
- Gabriel Marcel: Listener Questions
In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions regarding the teachings of Gabriel Marcel from Season 11.
- A Coaching Session on Gabriel Marcel
Jim and Kirsten review the season and discuss using Gabriel Marcel's work as guidance for a spiritual path in this coaching session episode.
- Bonus: Greg Sadler on Gabriel Marcel
In this bonus episode of Turning to the Mystics, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview philosopher Greg Sadler about the work of Gabriel Marcel, focusing on concepts of fidelity, hope, and love.
- Dialogue 4: Love
In this dialogue, James Finley and Kirsten discuss the theme of love as explored in the teachings of Gabriel Marcel.
- Gabriel Marcel: Session 4
In this fourth session, James Finley explores the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel through readings from Kenneth T. Gallagher's book, The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel. The episode incorporates the practice of Lectio Divina, reflections on the…
- Dialogue 3: Hope
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten discuss the theme of hope through the teachings and thoughts of Gabriel Marcel. This is the third dialogue in the series.
- Gabriel Marcel: Session 3
In this third session on the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel, James Finley reads and reflects on passages from Kenneth T. Gallagher's book, The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel. The episode concludes with a meditative practice.
- Dialogue 2: Fidelity
In this episode of Turning to the Mystics, James Finley and Kirsten discuss the theme of fidelity as explored in the teachings of Gabriel Marcel. They continue their season-long series examining Marcel's work.
- Gabriel Marcel: Session 2
In this session, James Finley explores the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel through readings from Kenneth T. Gallagher's The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel. The episode follows the practice of Lectio Divina and includes reflection and a meditati…
- Dialogue 1: Core Themes
In this first dialogue session, James Finley and Kirsten discuss core themes from the work of Gabriel Marcel. This episode serves as an introduction to their exploration of Marcel's writings for the season.
- Gabriel Marcel: Session 1
In this first session on philosopher Gabriel Marcel, host James Finley explores Marcel's core themes through readings from Kenneth T. Gallagher's work. The episode concludes with a meditative practice in the tradition of Lectio Divina.
- Turning to Gabriel Marcel
James Finley and Kirsten Oates introduce philosopher Gabriel Marcel at the start of Season 11 of Turning to the Mystics. They discuss Marcel's life and how his ideas can be applied to personal spiritual transformation.
- Coming Soon: Turning to Gabriel Marcel
Season 11 of Turning to the Mystics features Gabriel Marcel, with episodes starting on March 17, 2025. Listeners are invited to explore his work through Kenneth T. Gallagher's book and can submit questions to the hosts.
- T.S. Eliot: Listener Questions (Part Two)
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten answer listener questions regarding T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, continuing the discussion from Season 10 of Turning to the Mystics.
- T.S. Eliot: Listener Questions (Part One)
In this episode, Jim and Kirsten answer listener questions regarding T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, drawing from the teachings discussed in Season 10 of the podcast.
- BONUS: Stories of Pilgrimage
In this bonus episode, listeners share their personal stories of pilgrimage. Jim and Kirsten discuss these accounts in relation to themes from the book The Way of a Pilgrim.
- A Coaching Session on Four Quartets
Jim and Kirsten review the season and discuss using T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets as guidance for personal spiritual paths. This episode includes resources on meditation and Lectio practice.
- Bonus: Malcolm Guite on T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets (Part 2)
In this bonus episode of Turning to the Mystics, James Finley and Kirsten Oates continue their discussion with Malcolm Guite. The group focuses on T.S. Eliot's The Dry Salvages and Little Gidding.
- Bonus: Malcolm Guite on T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets (Part 1)
James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Malcolm Guite about the nature of poetry and the first two parts of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets. They discuss Eliot's exploration of time, place, and mystics, and how poetry gives form to the ineffab…
- Dialogue 4: Little Gidding
In this fourth dialogue session of Turning to the Mystics, Jim and Kirsten discuss the fourth quartet, Little Gidding. The episode is presented by the Center for Action and Contemplation.
- T.S. Eliot: Session 4
In this fourth session on T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, James Finley uses the practice of Lectio Divina to reflect on the spiritual essence of the poems, concluding with a meditation.
- Dialogue 3: The Dry Salvages
In this third dialogue session of Turning to the Mystics, Jim and Kirsten discuss the third quartet, The Dry Salvages.
- T.S. Eliot: Session 3
In this third session on T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets," James Finley reflects on the spiritual essence of the work using the practice of Lectio Divina. The episode concludes with a guided meditative practice.
- Dialogue 2: East Coker
In this episode of Turning to the Mystics, Jim and Kirsten engage in a dialogue focusing on the second quartet, East Coker.
- T.S. Eliot: Session 2
In this second session, James Finley examines the poetry of T.S. Eliot, specifically his work Four Quartets, through the practice of Lectio Divina. He reflects on the spiritual nature of the text and concludes the episode with a meditation.
- Dialogue 1: Burnt Norton
In this episode of Turning to the Mystics, Jim and Kirsten engage in a dialogue focusing on "Burnt Norton," the first of the Four Quartets.
- T.S. Eliot: Session 1
In this episode, James Finley introduces the work of T.S. Eliot, specifically focusing on Four Quartets. Through the practice of Lectio Divina, he reflects on the spirit of the text and leads a meditative exercise.
- Turning to T.S. Eliot
James Finley and Kirsten Oates introduce the tenth season of Turning to the Mystics by discussing the life of T.S. Eliot and how his poetry can facilitate personal and spiritual transformation.
- Coming Soon: Turning to T.S. Eliot
The tenth season of Turning to the Mystics, hosted by James Finley, will focus on the work of T.S. Eliot. The season is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2024.
- A Way of a Pilgrim: Listener Questions
In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions about the teachings of the Way of a Pilgrim, reflecting on topics covered in Season 9 of the podcast.