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Voices in My Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 637: The Faith We Receive   In this special episode of Voices in My Head, recorded during a hospital chapel service, I reflect on what it means to receive a faith that was handed down long before us and to pass that faith on to the next generation. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15 and the story of the Road to Emmaus, I explore how the Christian story is not something we create but something we enter into, a living tradition shaped by worship, Scripture, community, and the presence of Christ. Along the way, I share personal thoughts about teaching my son the faith, offer encouragement to those facing illness, grief, or uncertainty, and remind listeners that God meets us even in our most difficult moments. Through prayer, worship, and the timeless hymn Victory in Jesus, this service celebrates the hope of the gospel and the truth that, through Christ, each of us is invited to shine as a light in the world.     Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 636: East Meets the West: Kirk Sauers of The Wood Drake Sessions Rick Lee James welcomes Kirk Sauers of The Wood Drake Sessions back to Voices in My Head to talk about their new album, East to West. Together they explore songwriting, worship, Scripture, anxiety, depression, work, financial uncertainty, death, and the persistent human struggle to believe that we are truly loved by God. Kirk shares the story behind the album and its title track, rooted in Psalm 103 and the assurance that God’s love never fails. Listen to East to West and learn more about The Wood Drake Sessions: East to West | The Wood Drake Sessions.     Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) episode 635: Targets of Jesus   In this short, early-morning episode of Voices in My Head, I share some reflections from my reading of Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, particularly its observation that Jesus and His disciples often focused their ministry on those who were chronically ill, disabled, and marginalized. Drawing from my experiences as a healthcare chaplain, I talk about the many people I meet who long to be part of a faith community yet often feel excluded, overlooked, or underserved by the church. I reflect on what Scripture teaches about caring for those on the margins, from the Good Samaritan to the ministry of Jesus Himself, and I consider what it means for the church today to embody Christ’s inclusive love. Rather than offering guilt or criticism, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to greater awareness, compassion, and community, reminding us that every person bears the image of God and has an essential place in the Kingdom.         Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 634: The Politics of Jesus This episode of Voices in My Head explores “The Politics of Jesus” through Mark 1:15 and the announcement that the kingdom of God has come near. Drawing on Wendell Berry’s Jayber Crow and the work of John Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas, and William Willimon, Chaplain Rick considers politics not simply as elections and parties, but as the way human beings learn to live together. Jesus’ call to love enemies, serve rather than dominate, welcome the stranger, forgive, and care for the vulnerable becomes a vision for Christian community, especially in the hospital, where suffering strips away our labels and reminds us that every person deserves to be seen and heard. The message closes with the song “Shine a Light in the Darkness,” an invitation to choose love, blessing, and hope in a divided world.     Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 633: Sturdy Worship Music I’ve been struggling to put into words why so much of the worship music I’ve encountered in the church, especially over the last couple of decades, leaves me unsatisfied. I think this is why. I spend my days with dying patients, grieving families, people battling addiction, loneliness, and unanswered prayers. Could the songs we sing in our worship gatherings bear the weight of those realities? Many of our songs revolve around repetitive calls to praise and focus heavily on the worshipper’s actions: I sing, I praise, I shout, I declare, I come out of the grave, I dance, I get wild, etc… My concern isn’t that these songs call us to worship. Scripture certainly does that. But too many of our songs seem to have very little to say beyond that call. To be fair, there are exceptions. New works from Every Moment Holy, The Porter’s Gate, and CityAlight, among others, give voice to suffering, loss, doubt, and hope. They remind me that there are writers creating songs for people living through real life hardship. But those songs seem few and far between in the worship life of many congregations. The Psalms, Israel’s hymn book, give us language for lament, grief, repentance, waiting, and hope. They tell the truth about life while bearing witness to God’s faithfulness. I wish more of our worship music did the same. As a songwriter, when I write for congregations, I don’t want to write songs that simply work in a worship set. I want to write songs that can survive in hospital rooms, in the funeral parlors, in the midst of a divorce, or in the difficult transitions of life. I want to write and sing songs that mean something when the miracle doesn’t come, when suffering doesn’t go away, and when death is near. We need more songs that are sturdy enough for real life. To paraphrase the apostle Paul, I have not already attained this, but I press on. I hope other writers and music leaders will too.   02YwIfJL         Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 632: Phil Keaggy and John B. Hatch     On this episode of Voices In My Head, I’m joined by two very special guests, John B. Hatch and Phil Keaggy, to talk about one of the most remarkable albums in the history of Christian music: What A Day, by Phil Keaggy. John is the author of Oh What A Day!: Exploring the Genius of Phil Keaggy’s Iconic Debut Album, a fascinating deep dive into the story, faith, influences, musicianship, and creativity behind this groundbreaking recording. As I read the book, I found myself hearing What A Day with fresh ears, and I can only imagine what it will be like for those who have loved this album for decades to hear some of the stories and musical insights John has uncovered. Today, we get to talk about the album with the person who wrote the book about it—and the person who actually created it. John B Hatch and Phil Keaggy, welcome to Voices In My Head.   Get the Book Here: https://a.co/d/02YwIfJL         Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 631: Garden of the Lord with Justin Gambino   My guest today is Justin Gambino, an award-winning Texas-based singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in redemption, hope, and faith. After a troubled past that included an arrest at age 18, military service in the U.S. Navy, combat deployment to Iraq, and battles with PTSD and depression, Justin experienced a life-changing encounter with God that transformed his story. Today, he’s known for powerful songs like “Just Like Jesus,” “Courage,” and “Fighting On My Behalf,” and was named Christian/Gospel/Inspirational Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards. His latest worship project, Garden Of The Lord, invites listeners into a deeper, more personal walk with God. Justin, welcome back to Voices In My Head.   More about Justin Here: https://turningpointpr.com/2026/06/justin-gambino-to-deliver-first-ever-worship-set-garden-of-the-lord-july-17/       Rick’s Latest Single “Heaven Is Full of Criminals”     https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/heaven-is-full-of-criminals Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in my Head (the Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 630: Every Moment Holy with Douglas McKelvey and John Lowry   In this episode of Voices in My Head, I sit down with acclaimed author and songwriter Douglas McKelvey and singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Unspoken member John Lowry to talk about Every Moment Holy: Prayer Songsand their newest project, Anchoring the Heart in Hope. We talk about how prayers from the Every Moment Holy books became simple, endlessly loopable songs designed not for commercial success, but for meditation, prayer, grief, and the ministry of presence. Douglas and John share the stories behind the music and explain how these songs can bring comfort in moments of crisis, hospice, loss, and uncertainty while also cultivating hope in everyday life. As a hospital chaplain, I found myself especially drawn to the way these songs give us words to pray when we don’t have answers. We also talk about the upcoming Every Moment Holy Live tour, an experience that brings together music, prayer, storytelling, and visual art to create a shared journey through sorrow, grief, hope, and the promise of new creation   For more information about all Every Moment Holy: Prayer Song, visit this link: https://mailchi.mp/turningpointpr/pre-release-every-moment-holy-prayer-songs-2026-q3-anchoring-the-heart-in-hope?e=b6e6ddccfb “Heaven Is Full of Criminals” Hear Now       Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast Subscribe now Share

I recently joined Father Gerard on CFN Live from the Catholic Faith Network for a conversation about my song “Heaven Is Full of Criminals,” my work as a healthcare chaplain, and how chaplaincy has influenced my songwriting and life as an independent artist. Here’s the full conversation from August 11, 2026.   Blessings, Rick Lee James   Heaven Is Full of Criminals” Hear Now       Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast Subscribe now Share

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 628: Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 11: Supergirl - Redemption or Revenge?     This week on Voices in My Head, i'm sharing an episode of my other podcast that I host with David Dault, Truth, Justice and the Way. What happens when a superhero story trades redemption for revenge? In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman & Spirituality, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore one of the most surprising changes in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and ask what it reveals about heroism, justice, mercy, and the moral imagination. Comparing the film to Tom King’s original graphic novel, they wrestle with questions of violence, forgiveness, redemption, and whether we still believe people can truly change. Along the way, they reflect on Superman’s enduring example of hope, the power of storytelling to shape our moral lives, and why the best heroes call us not simply to defeat evil—but to become better people. In This Episode Rick shares the story behind his new single, “Heaven Is Full of Criminals,” featuring Phil Keaggy, and the surprising conversations it has sparked about grace, worthiness, and hope. The theological inspiration behind the song includes the Good Thief, the possibility of redemption, and the question of whether God’s welcome extends farther than we imagine. A spoiler-filled discussion of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrowand how its ending differs dramatically from Tom King’s acclaimed graphic novel. Why the graphic novel’s ending offers a vision of redemption, while the film chooses an act of lethal justice. The idea of redemptive violenceand why so many modern stories assume evil can only be defeated through killing. Superman’s refusal to kill and why restraint—not power—has always been one of his defining virtues. Whether James Gunn may be setting up a larger redemption arc for Supergirl as his new DC Universe unfolds. Why stories shape our moral imagination, influencing what we believe is possible for heroes, villains, and ourselves. Mark Waid’s famous criticism of Superman killing General Zod in Man of Steel, and why he insists, “That’s not Superman.” Comparisons to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Odyssey, Avengers: Infinity War, and the Gospels as examples of stories that wrestle with hope, loss, and redemption. Reflections on Pope Francis, Karl Barth, and the Christian hope that no one is beyond the reach of grace. Why Superman continues to matter—not because he is the strongest hero, but because he refuses to let violence have the final word. A closing reflection inviting listeners to consider how the stories we tell shape the people we become—and whether hope may be the bravest choice of all.   “Heaven Is Full of Criminals” Hear Now       Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: [email protected] Listen / Subscribe Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Music & Merch Bandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast Subscribe now Share

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 626: A Chapel Reflection on John 3:16 and the Invitation of Jesus   This week on Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), I share one of the most unexpected chapel services I've ever led. Our scheduled speaker didn't arrive. I had no sermon prepared, no notes, and not even a Bible in front of me. As I played the opening worship song, I found myself praying, listening, and trusting that somehow God would provide a message. Out of that moment came an impromptu reflection on the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus and a fresh hearing of the words of John 3:16-17. What if, instead of hearing, "For God so loved the world," we imagined the name of someone we love in that verse? And then, what if we put our own name there? Recorded live in our hospital chapel, this episode is a reminder that God's love is deeply personal, Jesus' invitation is still open, and sometimes the messages that touch us most are the ones we never planned to preach at all. Sometimes all we can do is show up, trust the Spirit, and begin with a song. Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 625: Lectio Divina and the Compassion of Christ   This week on Voices in My Head, I'm sharing a chapel service I recently led at Springfield Regional Medical Center. Using the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina and reflecting on Romans 12:9–21, I explore what it means to offer the gift of presence to those who are suffering, drawing inspiration from Henri Nouwen’s A Spirituality of Caregiving. Along with prayer, scripture, and music—including a closing rendition of “Trust in God”—I invite you to join me in considering how God calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and walk alongside one another with compassion and grace. Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 624: Brian Zahnd - Unseen Existences In this episode of Voices in My Head, Rick Lee James welcomes back author, pastor, and theologian Brian Zahnd to discuss his newest book, Unseen Existences: Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things. Together they explore heaven as a present reality rather than merely a future destination, the “serpentine spell” of modern materialism, the lifelong pilgrimage of conversion, and what it means to journey toward our true home in God. Brian also shares insights from his own experiences walking pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago, reflects on grace, judgment, and the formation of the soul, and discusses The Reverend, a companion piece to the book that was ultimately left out of publication. This conversation is an invitation to recover wonder, embrace mystery, and learn to see the world as charged with the presence of heaven. Follow Brian Zahnd on Substack: Brian Zahnd Founding pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri; author of eleven books, including: "The Wood Between the Worlds, " When Everything's on Fire," and "Sinner In the Hands of a Loving God."     The Reverend: Narrated by Boyd Barrett   Unseen Existences: Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things Unseen Existences (Book) Brian Zahnd Books Unseen Existences The Wood Between the Worlds Postcards from Babylon When Everything’s on Fire Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God Beauty Will Save the World Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Pentecost Chapel Service Springfield Regional Medical Center   RICK LEE JAMES MAY 23, 2026 In this Pentecost-themed chapel service from Springfield Regional Medical Center, Chaplain Rick Lee James leads a gentle time of worship, prayer, and sacred listening through the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. Reflecting on Acts 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit, this service invites patients, families, caregivers, and listeners alike to slow down, listen deeply, and consider what word, invitation, or stirring God might be speaking into their lives today. Featuring music including “Fire” and “I Then Shall Live,” this quiet reflection centers on hope, compassion, understanding, and the Spirit’s power to bring people together across every difference.   Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 623: Hank and Henry Spaulding On this episode of Voices in My Head, I’m joined by theologian Hank Spaulding and his father for a conversation that spans three powerful and deeply connected books: The Gospel of the Incarcerated Christ, The Rhythm of Grace, and Between Two Gileads. Together, these works explore some of the most pressing questions facing the church today. What does it mean that Jesus was executed as a criminal? What if holiness is less about performance and more about grace? And how should we respond when Scripture is used not to heal, but to justify power and control? From reflections on incarceration and justice… to a reimagining of holiness through beauty and grace… to a thoughtful critique of Christian nationalism and the misuse of passages like Romans 13, this conversation invites us to take a deeper look at the kind of faith we’re living and the kind of people we’re becoming. It’s honest, challenging, and ultimately hopeful.   Find the book they wrote together here: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385242016/the-rhythm-of-grace/ Bonus: See Hank speak at the 2025 Karl Barth Conference Here: https://youtu.be/SMSaNp1Zd-o?si=DrCozfXxBN9td0YX Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Email: RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Streaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa Audiobook Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible): Audiobook Link Special Offer 10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkout RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com Hosted by Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast