Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

Have you ever found yourself grasping for a quick fix—work, food, social media, or endless productivity—to ease the discomfort of life? What if true healing and freedom don't come from trying harder, but from surrendering more deeply? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, host Gem Fadling sits down with Ian Morgan Cron—bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest—to talk about his new book, The Fix. This fresh and deeply personal exploration of the Twelve Steps goes far beyond addiction recovery. It's an invitation for all of us to embrace a more honest, grace-filled, and spiritually awake life. Whether you’re feeling stuck, tired of surface-level fixes, or longing for true transformation, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and gently invite you to something deeper. 🌿 Key Topics Include: Uncovering our hidden addictions and coping mechanisms Why surrender—not willpower—is the true beginning of change The wisdom and grace of the Twelve Steps How shame gets in the way of healing, and how grace restores Building spiritual "muscle memory" through daily practices A path to healing that integrates therapy, spirituality, and real-life transformation 🎧 Listen in for a conversation that might just be the invitation your soul has been waiting for. Guest Bio: Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest. He’s widely known for his work integrating psychology and spirituality, especially through the lens of the Enneagram. Ian is the author of The Road Back to You and his latest book, The Fix, offers a transformative look at the Twelve Steps as a spiritual path for everyone. With warmth, humor, and vulnerability, Ian invites readers and listeners alike to a life of deeper honesty, healing, and grace. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt the ache of unmet expectations in your relationship with God? Does the faith you imagined seem different from the reality you’re living? In this episode, I sit down with Steve Cuss, author of The Expectation Gap, to explore the space between what we believe about God and how we experience Him in our everyday lives. Steve invites us to dive into the gaps that often hold our assumptions, fears, and doubts—and shows us how transformation can happen right there. Through our conversation, we will learn: How to identify the stories we tell ourselves about God and why they matter. Practical ways to shift our perspective and experience greater freedom, trust, and intimacy with God. The three common gaps that can create frustration in our faith journey: God’s particular love, God’s visceral presence, and our spiritual progress. Insights from systems theory that can help us navigate the complexities of faith and leadership. Simple, yet powerful practices like reflection and adding ourselves to our conscious list of relationships to foster growth and wholeness. If you’re wrestling with disappointment, control, or longing for a deeper connection with God, this episode is for you. Steve, a pastor, author, and sought-after speaker, also shares insights from his book Managing Leadership Anxiety and how systems theory has shaped his approach to faith and leadership. Join us as we unpack practical tools and meaningful shifts to help you navigate the complexities of faith and deepen your walk with God. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with your friends and colleagues! About Steve Cuss: Steve Cuss is a pastor, author, and speaker who is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of faith, leadership, and relationships. He is the author of The Expectation Gap and Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs. Steve is known for his practical approach to faith and leadership, using tools from systems theory to guide individuals and organizations toward greater health and transformation. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Gem visits with Dr. Alison Cook, a renowned expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, to discuss her groundbreaking 3-step process for finding the freedom we crave. Many of us struggle with complex emotions and feelings that seem impossible to untangle. Instead of addressing these emotions with care, we often fall into the trap of guilt-tripping or gaslighting ourselves. Dr. Cook shares a powerful approach to breaking this cycle—offering practical tools and insight for embracing your emotions and moving toward healing. Together, we explore the importance of self-awareness, how to stop dismissing your feelings, and the transformative process of naming, framing, and braving your emotions. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to Stop Gaslighting Yourself – Learn why so many of us dismiss our own feelings and how to move past the cycle of self-doubt. The Power of the 3-Step Process: Naming, Framing, Braving – Discover Dr. Cook’s transformative approach to understanding and healing complex emotions. Creating Space for Healing – Understand the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and embracing both/and thinking to move forward with clarity and courage. Guest Bio: Dr. Alison Cook is a trusted psychologist, author, and speaker known for her expertise in integrating faith and psychology. Her latest book, I Shouldn’t Feel This Way, offers a compassionate and practical framework for navigating complex emotions. With years of experience helping individuals discover emotional freedom, Dr. Cook is a sought-after guide for those looking to understand and heal from within. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Anxiety has a way of driving us—pushing us into constant busyness and keeping us stuck in worry about the future. But living in a non-anxious way isn’t about ignoring our problems—it’s about trusting a deeper reality that surrounds us. In this episode, we reflect on the journey with anxiety and how Jesus' words in Matthew 6 continue to shape our understanding of peace. Together, we’ll explore: 🌱 The difference between wise preparation and anxious striving🌱 How to break free from worry about tomorrow and stay present today🌱 What it truly means to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness If you’ve ever found yourself caught in cycles of worry, this episode is for you. Jesus is not laying down the law about your anxiety—He’s inviting you into the peace of His presence. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you have someone in your life who helps you discern the GOs and STOPs along your journey? In this episode, Gem reflects on the powerful role of wise guides—whether a spiritual director, life coach, or mentor—and how they can offer a wider perspective and discernment that’s hard to achieve on our own. She explores the benefits of verbalizing struggles and desires, helping bring healing and wholeness. Gem also dives into the importance of having trusted relationships, like a spiritual friend, to hold space for you in a non-judgmental way and how this can foster growth and clarity. Reflection Points: Reflect on one of the six powerful questions mentioned in the episode. Choose one to ponder, pray, and journal. Notice what emerges. Of the six types of wise guides Gem listed, which one do you most feel the need for? How might you connect with the support you need? Spend some time with God in prayer, letting Him know of your desire for a trusted, wise guide. Tune in for an episode that invites you to consider who might be guiding you through the complexities of life and how you can find the support you need. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s will isn’t a code to crack—it’s a friendship to cultivate. How do we discern God’s will in our lives? Is it about finding a hidden answer, or is it something deeper—a way of life shaped by attentiveness, trust, and friendship with God? In this episode, Alan sits down with seasoned spiritual director and author Trevor Hudson to talk about his latest book, "In Search of God’s Will: Discerning a Life of Faithfulness and Purpose". With over 50 years of experience as a pastor and spiritual guide, Trevor invites us into a wiser, more spacious approach to discernment—one that moves us away from anxiety and into deeper relationship. Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How discernment differs from decision-making ✨ Why listening for God’s voice is key to spiritual growth ✨ Practical exercises for recognizing God’s guidance in daily life If you’ve ever wrestled with knowing where God is leading you, this conversation is for you. ___________________________________________ Trevor Hudson is a widely respected spiritual director, pastor, and author with over 50 years of experience in ministry. A native of South Africa, Trevor has spent his life helping others deepen their relationship with God through spiritual formation, discernment, and contemplative practice. He has written numerous books, including: In Search of God’s Will: Discerning a Life of Faithfulness and Purpose Beyond Loneliness Discovering Your Spiritual Identity His work emphasizes the importance of listening for God’s voice, living with attentiveness, and embracing a life of love and service. Trevor is known for his warm, pastoral presence and his ability to make deep spiritual truths accessible and practical. Through retreats, teaching, and mentorship, he continues to guide individuals and communities toward a more intimate walk with God. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you really need? And what would it look like to engage life with a deeper sense of agency and self-compassion? Today on Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem is joined by professional counselor and best-selling author Aundi Kolber, whose new book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days, invites us to embrace the transformative power of kindness toward ourselves. We’ll explore how early experiences shape the way we suppress our needs, why it’s so hard to name and honor what we truly feel, and how practicing softness can actually make us stronger. In this conversation, you’ll learn: ✨ How our past experiences shape the way we engage with our needs and emotions ✨ Why self-compassion is a powerful (and often overlooked) tool for transformation ✨ A simple prayer or body practice you can use in moments of stress Join us as we dive deep into what it means to cultivate resilience, trust, and a deeper friendship with God—even in the hard places. ________________________________ Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), trauma-informed therapist, and best-selling author of Try Softer and Strong Like Water. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Aundi integrates psychology, faith, and neuroscience to help individuals experience emotional healing and resilience. She is passionate about empowering people to move toward wholeness by learning to honor their needs, trust their inner wisdom, and cultivate a life of deep compassion. Through her writing, speaking, and therapeutic work, Aundi offers a refreshing invitation to wholeness—one that prioritizes gentleness, self-compassion, and deep connection with God. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when your prayer feels dry? When it feels like you're just saying words into the air, wondering if you're actually connecting with God? In this episode, we’ll explore this common struggle, drawing from Thomas Green’s When the Well Runs Dry to uncover how prayer can move beyond effort and become more about encounter. What You’ll Learn: Prayer is a Relationship: Discover how prayer deepens when it becomes less about what you do and more about what God does in you. Our Image of God is not God: Learn how our assumptions about God can limit our prayer life, and how questioning these assumptions can open us to a deeper connection. Genuine Spiritual Growth Prefers the Ordinary: Find out why spiritual growth often happens in the mundane moments of life, not just during dramatic or exciting prayer experiences. Prayer vs. Introspection: Understand the fine line between talking to God and simply talking to yourself in prayer, and how to move beyond self-focused prayer. Beginners Try Too Hard in Prayer: Explore how prayer matures from a laborious effort to a natural, flowing encounter with God, and why it's important to let go of early-stage striving. Join us as we dive into these insights and learn how to deepen your communion with God, even in the dry seasons of prayer. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Gem reflects on a powerful moment from a difficult season in her life when she found hope in a simple yet profound image: a long, dark tunnel with a pinhole of light in the distance. This light became a symbol of God's presence, reminding her that even in the darkest moments, His light is enough to guide us forward. She explores the invitation from Psalm 27:4 to dwell, gaze, and seek God, unpacking each of these spiritual practices and how they bring us closer to Him. Through reflection and personal insights, this episode encourages you to embrace God's presence in the everyday moments—dwelling in His love, gazing upon His beauty, and seeking His guidance with a childlike heart. Tune in and discover how these simple practices can deepen your connection with God and His sacred presence in your life. In this episode, you'll reflect on: How can we find hope and God's presence even in dark or uncertain seasons of life? What are some practical ways to engage with the spiritual practices of dwelling, gazing, and seeking God? How can cultivating a childlike wonder and expectancy transform our spiritual journey? Resources and Links: Psalm 27:4 Psalm 139:7-10 Marina Abramović’s The Artist is Present ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Alan talks with Steven Lawson, creator of the Monk Manual, a daily planner inspired by monastic wisdom. Together, they explore how we can live with more purpose, productivity, and presence, moving beyond the chaos of busyness to truly engage each moment. Steven shares how we can align our daily actions with our values, creating a life that is more intentional and deeply fulfilling. Rather than rushing through our days, he emphasizes that slowing down can lead to deeper productivity and stronger, more meaningful connections. Steven also offers practical strategies, like the Monk Manual and his PAR method (Prepare, Act, Reflect), that can help us live with greater clarity and presence, even in a fast-paced world. What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between busyness and productivity and how to focus on what truly matters. The importance of living intentionally and deeply, rather than just rushing through life. Practical tools, including the Monk Manual and the PAR method (Prepare, Act, Reflect), to cultivate presence and find balance in a fast-paced world. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.