Updated my review from seven years ago. I appreciate the current editing so Nathan's sounds aren't as distracting as they once were in the earlier episodes. However, these newer episodes are hit or miss for me. Some weeks contain great spiritual insights that are essential to formation. Other times (like today), both Nathan and the guest seem caught in some kind of ivory tower (especially if the guests are professors)--another words just out of touch. This week was a wonderful example, the guest is a seminary professor and author, and is going through a tough time and is now questioning if we are collectively going through community grief. All we have to do is look at the millennia of people before us and understand the answer to this is a resounding "yes!" When are we as a community NOT grieving?! I would love to hear from less academic people on the podcast from time to time. Or perhaps roundtable with a boots-on-ground Chaplain or full-time parish minister to balance out white tower academics Nathan finds.

Over the past year I’ve grown to love this podcast and look forward to every new episode. I find Nate’s questions of his interviewees to be very thoughtful and open me up to learning about new thought leaders and topics in the spiritual formation space.

This was an exceptional episode. I very much appreciated it as it really resonated in my heart. I don’t always need to be challenged or fed provocative food, though the thoughtful and gentle way Life With God serves such is always appreciated. Many times I simply need a little help sinking into the Word and meditating on my Lord. It felt like I was sitting with a friend who had just said, “Hey, I had a thought the other day, and I’d like to share it with you and hear what you think…” This particular podcast episode hit the spot. Thank you. There was mention of possibly making more of these type of episodes. Let me encourage you, please do!

Even as toddlers, after parties and too many sweets and junk food, my children would actually say “ No, I think I need some REAL food”…. . We ALL do !!! Thank you Nathen, for always offering us Soul Nourishing Food , without rushing ,and serving it with attention to contents, detail and simple lovely presentation.! Its always a delicious and enriching meal with gracious friends..what a gift ! Gail Mann

This podcast is a favorite. It always offers words of wisdom and encouragement. Thank you

Thank you for this place of solace! I appreciate it!

Thank you for these wonderful podcasts and welcome back, Nathan. I appreciated your introduction at the beginning. You beautifully put into words some of the same difficult struggles I have been going through the last couple of years. It brought me peace to identify the emotions and realize that this is part of life and God can use it for my good.

It was really bad sorry 😥

Fills my soul with joy! Thank you!

Each time I listen I am encouraged by the unhurried and deep conversation Nathan has with his guests. Excellent podcast. Thank you!

It’s hard to think of a good enough, high-praise word to title this review! I was so glad to find this podcast in 2021. I went back and listened to older ones as well. Nathan’s soothing voice, fantastic topic questions, and as another reviewer said, his style of getting out of the way and letting the guest talk- combine to make a rich and worthwhile (!) experience for us. In pandemic world which has spiraled into so many other heartbreaking issues and events, a visit w/ Nathan (and his guests) really is that calm and quiet yet very thoughtful place to park oneself for a half hour or so. I’ll also add that this podcast is a great introduction into a more contemplative faith life, if you’re interested. Nathan, my only complaint is that the podcasts are not being released as often. :(Please know that although you’ve been doing this podcast work for a long time, others of us are STILL most appreciative and grateful for finding our way to you, even more recently. (IE please don’t quit!!!!!)

I was ill recently, and binge listened to the Renovaré podcast as I lay in bed. Every episode was rich, warm, and like sitting in this incredibly deep conversation between two good friends. It was like a warm blanket and, at the same time, provocatively interesting with moments of profound wisdom. And it is free! The real gem I came to realize is Nathan. Oh, my goodness! Nathan is fantastic as an interviewer. He should give lessons on listening, asking good questions, and allowing pause and flow. He is so generous and does not need to steal the show and show, as I notice many interviewers do. He gets out of the way, so the person interviewed is on display but in a very unobtrusive and non-threatening way that seems to help the speaker relax and just be themselves. I am also so drawn to his humility and curiosity. He often admits when he doesn’t know what something means without the slightest embarrassment, and his curiosity is spot on. He asks the questions I want to know or didn’t know I wanted to know, often opening up a whole new range of ideas and thoughts. The Renovaré podcast is like a gem with all its facets! Turn it one way and another, but the reflections never dim. Thank you for this most excellent gift that makes me feel like I’ve entered into the kingdom of Light.

Grateful for the tender mercy of encouragement and exemplary lives of genuine and honest friends of Jesus. Increases my faith and desire to live with God more deeply.

A friend recommended the Renovare book club and in looking for the club, I found the podcast and YAY it’s now a favorite. Every episode gives me new food for thought. The content is varied and plunges into something I’m either already thinking of, or, even better, need to be thinking of or acting on. The best part is that Nathan, the host, has a very inviting and calm voice. He poses great questions to the guests and leaves ample pause without forcing ideas or an agenda.

I really do love this podcast!

Great content

Check around 7 minutes in you have two tracks layered on top of each other.

Very spiritually nutritious, but host says "mmhmm, mmhmm" too much.

I can’t believe I hadn’t left a review for this podcast before. It has been a favorite for a long time. I love having a regular dose of Renovare’s ministry in my ears :) I recommend it a lot!

I often find myself smiling while listening to the Renovaré podcast. Other times I am wiping away a tear. Listening is always time well spent and very refreshing. I am grateful for the Fosters and all those connected with Renovaré.

I am so thankful for the Foster fellas. This podcast brings out the ways that the disciplines are practical in 2019.

Thanks so much for doing this, Nathan and Renovare team. It has really helped me go deeper with Jesus and has given me more to experience as well as learn in my Christian walk. Blessings to you!

I especially like listening to this podcast at work. I have one ear bud in listening to my Christian brothers and sisters converse on Renovare and the other ear open to the people working around me. To say the least, what I am hearing is a stark contrast! This podcast is a helpful way to keep your mind on the good, true, and beautiful. The Renovare Podcast really adds to my daily spiritual formation, and a fun, spirit-filled way to pass the time. Bravo!

Engaging, enlightening, inspiring, this podcast is the one I most look forward to each week! I have been a faithful listener for nearly two years since I discovered this gem in the podcast hinterlands. Renovare is an ecumenical ministry founded by Richard Foster, pastor and author of Celebration of Discipline, one of the most important Christian books of the 20th century. Richard and his team including Dallas Willard and others came together over two decades ago to start a ministry whose sole (or soul—pardon the pun!) intention is spiritual formation in the individual and in groups, churches, etc. i have been a huge fan of Foster’s and. Willard’s writings, so when I discovered this podcast whose emcee, interviewer, narrator is Nathan Foster, whose warmth and passion for the week’s topic radiates throughout each episode, like a friend sitting right there with you in the family room or at your local coffee shop. The topic varies each week and is usually centered around an author, singer/songwriter or someone with an engaging story about what led them to growth in grace. And occasionally Nathan will take us in a different direction with a guided contemplative prayer or other creative spiritual practice! No, I am not related to anyone on the Renovare team, nor do I know any of them personally. I am simply a Christian trying to walk the straight and narrow who needs encouragement for the journey and found it here in this excellent podcast!

Love it. Listen almost daily. I’ve listened to many 4-5 times. Mimi Dixon, Richard Foster, and Chris Hall are my favorite interviews. Thanks for doing this!

I love renovare and all the work they do and this podcast lets me feel like I'm tuned into what's going on.

Renovare podcasts are full of stimulating ideas, wise ways to live, and pure delight! Nathan Foster (the current host) knows how to ask great questions and to join the conversation while still keeping the spotlight on the guest. These are relaxed, not stuffy. Chuckles are welcome. Chris Hall will inspire you to read Athanasius on the Trinity. Jan Johnson will nourish your soul as she leads you in a Lectio Divina session. Robert Moore will discuss a bit of Lewis' favorite book that he authored - Till We Have Faces. (It's also my favorite Lewis book, but you almost never hear it mentioned. So I thoroughly enjoyed Moore's comments.) I've even found good music, like Chad Lawson's Songs of Prayer and fresh interpretations of Bach. One of my mentors said that you can tell if thoughts/words are alive if they produce ideas in yourself. I find ideas flowing by the end of a podcast. And I dare say, so will you!

Nathan does a great job of keeping the conversation informal but also providing deep reflection on ministry and life through his interviews.

This is a wonderful podcast that has helped me draw closer to understanding spiritual formation and transformation in my life. Listen to any of the podcasts on the unhurried life and your life shall be changed! :)