In the middle of a busy day, I love to take a break and listen to a podcast while I go for a walk.  This is something that I look forward to each and every day.

My favorite Christian podcasts feel like self-care for my soul.  The amazing podcast hosts teach me about God and my faith, encourage me, and inspire me.

Here are six awesome podcasts that are definitely worth checking out!

The Next Right Thing – Emily P. Freeman

Emily P. Freeman’s mission is to help you “make space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing, in love.”  This is a podcast for those who struggle with decision fatigue and for those who simply crave a little more white space in their lives.

Each short episode (typically 10-15 minutes) includes a brief story or reflection, a prayer, and a simple, next right step.  After listening, you’ll leave feeling more relaxed, refreshed, and reflective.

Related: Do The Next Right Thing – Lessons Learned from Emily P. Freeman

Emily has one of the most soothing and pleasant voices I’ve ever heard (one listener compared it to the audio equivalent of having your mother rub your back), and she has a way with words.  She makes even the most ordinary story sound incredibly beautiful.

Listen to: Become a Soul Minimalist

Things Above – James Bryan Smith

The title of this podcast comes from comes from Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not earthly things.” 

The host, James Bryan Smith, offers glorious thoughts that are beautiful, good, and true.

It’s no secret that our thoughts matter.  It is our thoughts that dictate our emotions, our actions, and ultimately, the course of our lives.  We can choose to focus on negative thoughts that leave us feeling terrible, or we can set our minds on positive, uplifting thoughts from above.

Related: Things Above – Lessons Learned from James Bryan Smith

Many of us spend our days watching the news, scrolling through angry Facebook and Twitter feeds, and consuming non-stop negative information.

Try this podcast if you’d like a little more positivity and joy in your life.

Listen to: The Finality of the Cross

Unhurried Living – Alan and Gem Fadling

“Busy is a matter of calendar, but hurry is a matter of soul.” – Alan Fadling

I LOVE this quote.  As an impatient, Type A person, this resonates with me on so many levels.  Alan and his podcast co-host/wife, Gem Fadling, explain that we do not hurry because we’re busy.

When we’re busy, we can work at an efficient, steady pace without being hurried.  Hurrying doesn’t come from a busy calendar – it stems from anxiety and stress.  We hurry because we’re afraid that we don’t have enough time to get everything done.

It is entirely possible to be a busy person who works efficiently without being a hurried, frantic, anxious person.  Alan and Gem will walk you through how to do this.

Listen to: The Welcoming Prayer

Elevation – Pastor Steven Furtick

If you’ve ever thought church was boring, listen to this podcast.  Steven Furtick is the pastor of Elevation Church in North Carolina.  Elevation also has numerous other locations and a huge online following.

Pastor Furtick makes every sermon interesting, relatable, and inspiring.

Related: 7 Inspiring Steven Furtick Quotes That Bring Faith to Life

I guarantee that you will never feel bored listening to his sermons!

Listen to: The Way of Escape

Proverbs 31 Ministries – Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson

Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit ministry that helps women to know the truth and live the truth.  Every episode is packed full of biblical wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice.

My favorite episodes are the “Therapy and Theology” series led by Lysa TerKeurst (President of Proverbs 31 Ministries), Joel Muddamalle (Director of Theology for Proverbs 31), and Jim Cress (Lysa’s personal counselor).

These conversations – which weave together theology, psychology, and real life – are always fascinating and insightful.

Listen to: 5 Ways to Cultivate Peace in a Culture of Chaos

Cultivate a Good Life – Becky Higgins and Becky Proudfit

I wouldn’t really call this one a “Christian” podcast – it’s more of an intentional living podcast – but the hosts reference their faith frequently.

Becky Higgins (creator of Project Life) and Becky Proudfit both belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  While I am not Mormon, I still find the majority of what they say about their faith to be relatable and helpful.

This is definitely one of my favorite podcasts ever.  Listening to the Beckys chat about life feels like having a conversation with your best friend and your life coach at the same time.

They often tackle difficult subjects, but they still manage to make every episode uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring.

Listen to: The Beckys Get Coached by Jody Moore