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Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

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Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
1862 reviews
This podcast has
185 episodes
Language
English
Date created
2020/01/07
Latest episode
2026/10/19
Average duration
41 min.
Release period
16 days

Description

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.

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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Turning to the Mystics with James Finley podcast


Emily Dickinson: Session 2
2026/10/19
This is the second session which focuses on Emily Dickinson. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from Emily's poetry, reflects on core themes, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Edited by Thomas H. Johnson, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠ Emily Dickinson by Cynthia Griffin Wolf, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until December 03, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Dialogue 1: Tell It Slant
2026/10/12
In this first dialogue session, Jim and Kirsten will focus on two of Emily's poems, There's a certain Slant of light, and Tell all the truth but tell it slant, introducing the mystical way of seeing into which Emily can draw us. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Edited by Thomas H. Johnson, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠ Emily Dickinson by Cynthia Griffin Wolf, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠here. ⁠⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until December 03, 2026.
Emily Dickinson: Session 1
2026/10/05
This is the first session which focuses on Emily Dickinson. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from Emily's poetry, reflects on core themes, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Edited by Thomas H. Johnson, which can be found ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠ Emily Dickinson by Cynthia Griffin Wolf, which can be found ⁠⁠here. ⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until December 03, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Turning to Emily Dickinson
2026/09/28
Welcome to Season 14 of Turning to the Mystics. This season we are turning to the poetry of Emily Dickinson for spiritual guidance. In today's episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates cover the life and person of Emily and discuss how we can work with her ideas to transform our lives. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. The transcript for this episode can be found here.⁠ The books we will be using this season are: The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Edited by Thomas H. Johnson, which can be found ⁠here.⁠ Emily Dickinson by Cynthia Griffin Wolf, which can be found ⁠here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until December 3, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Coming Soon: Turning to Emily Dickinson
2026/09/14
Season 14 of Turning to the Mystics will continue with our next mystic, poet Emily Dickinson Our journey begins on September 28, 2026. Resources: The books Jim will be referencing this season are: The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, Edited by Thomas H. Johnson, which can be found here. Emily Dickinson by Cynthia Griffin Wolf, which can be found here.
Thérèse of Lisieux: Listener Questions (Part One)
2026/06/15
In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer Season 13 listener questions, which focus on the life and teachings of Thérèse of Lisieux. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. Find out more about the Turning to the Mystics book series here. Connect with us: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
A Coaching Session on Thérèse of Lisieux
2026/05/11
In this special episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer a way for us to turn to Thérèse of Lisieux for guidance on our own spiritual path. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/ ⁠Thank you!
Bonus: Fr. Richard Rohr on Thérèse of Lisieux
2026/05/04
On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Fr Richard Rohr about his special connection to Thérèse of Lisieux. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher who bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism and traditions of action and contemplation. Founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, Father Richard teaches how God’s grace guides us to our birthright as beings made of Divine Love. He is the author of numerous books, including The Universal Christ, The Wisdom Pattern, Just This, and Falling Upward. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/⁠ Thank you!
Dialogue 3: The Holy Face
2026/04/27
In this third dialogue session, Jim and Kirsten will focus on the meaning behind Thérèse's second chosen name, The Holy Face. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at https://cac.org/support-cac/ Thank you!
Thérèse of Lisieux: Session 3
2026/04/20
This is the third session which focuses on Thérèse of Lisieux. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from the John Clarke translation of Thérèse's Story of a Soul, reflects on core themes, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/ Thank you!
Dialogue 2: The Child Jesus
2026/04/13
In this second dialogue session, Jim and Kirsten will focus on the meaning behind Thérèse's chosen moniker related to "The Child Jesus." Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Thérèse of Lisieux: Session 2
2026/04/06
This is the second session which focuses on Thérèse of Lisieux. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from the John Clarke translation of Thérèse's Story of a Soul, reflects on core themes, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. ⁠⁠St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Dialogue 1: The Little Flower
2026/03/30
In this first dialogue session, Jim and Kirsten will focus on the depths of Thérèse's simplicity and why she's often referred to as "The Little Flower". Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Thérèse of Lisieux: Session 1
2026/03/23
This is the first session which focuses on Thérèse of Lisieux. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley reads passages from the John Clarke translation of Thérèse's Story of a Soul, reflects on core themes, and finishes with a meditative practice. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠here⁠, and ⁠here⁠. St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!
Turning to Thérèse of Lisieux
2026/03/16
Welcome to Season 13 of Turning to the Mystics. This season we are turning to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux for spiritual guidance. In this episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates cover the life and person of Thérèse and discuss how we can work with her ideas to transform our lives. Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. The transcript for this episode can be found here.⁠ The books we will be using this season are: Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Third Edition, translated by John Clarke, which can be found ⁠here⁠, and ⁠here⁠. ⁠⁠St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series), edited by Mary Frolich⁠ Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠ We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 15, 2026. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at ⁠⁠https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/⁠⁠ Thank you!

Podcast reviews

Read Turning to the Mystics with James Finley podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
1862 reviews
★★★★★
Inorani 2026/10/05
Emily Dickinson’s Mysticism
I have loved every season of Turning to the Mystics but I really appreciate including the lives and mystical poetry of Emily Dickinson (and T.S. Eliot...
★★★★★
Akron follower 2026/08/13
Akron Proud
The love and depth that James Finley adds to these sessions on the mystics moves me to tears at times. The beauty of the teachings that has endured ...
★★★★★
Annmarie Boo 2026/05/31
This is it for me
This is my favorite podcast, and indeed, the only one I need. I listen to the episodes over and over, and continue to learn from them each time. ...
★★★★★
Find the Joy 2026/05/24
deep gratitude
There are no words that can fully express and describe the deep gratitude and love that I feel in my heart for Returning to the Mystics podcast I hope...
★★★★★
RosiePose Ko 2026/05/04
Life saving grace
Of all the many thousands of podcasts available - this is THE ONE I cannot miss! Thank you James and Kirsten! ❤️❤️❤️ The coverage of the various m...
★★★★★
Difelt 2026/02/05
Dynamic Duo
James and Kristen are fabulous together. My favorite podcast by far. Thoroughly enjoying this slow walk looking intimately at Brother Lawrence. Thank ...
★★★★★
GramyDonna 2026/01/12
Beyond kindergarten Christianity
Is Richard Rohr says many of us are still at that kindergarten level with our Christianity and these podcasts, any of them from the center of action a...
★★★★★
Baraka Barb 2025/10/05
Beautiful!
I finally know what “truth is beauty, beauty truth” means. Such wisdom and compassion in these teachings.
★★★★★
Things Are Messy 2025/08/19
Stretches My Understanding
Display has such beautiful phrasing and speaks with enormous compassion toward the listener. I learn a lot and my spirituality does as well.
★★★★★
Lchatain 2025/06/03
One of the greats
Finley is a treasure. He explores the teaching of the Mystics in a Down To Earth style grounded in extensive scholarship and personal experience of t...
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