Best Ascent Movement Podcasts (2025)

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Faith at the Table: How Community Dinners Sparked Renewal with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler 52:06

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11d ago52:06

52:06

In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we talk with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler about how a simple nudge from God grew into monthly community dinners that meet a real need in their rural town. What began with a few faithful people has become a lay-led ministry that’s strengthening relationships, feeding neighbors, and renewing the church’…

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Satisfied: Repairing the World Through "Enoughness" 24:26

5h ago24:26

24:26

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on December 03, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Jenny Solomon, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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A Pathway to Gratitude 26:31

9d ago26:31

26:31

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on November 24, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Shefa Gold

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Faith on the Ground: Lessons from Disaster Relief and Rural Life with Tim Schwartz 48:28

2M ago48:28

48:28

What happens when a heart for missions meets the quiet rhythms of rural life? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with Tim Schwartz, a Pennsylvania pastor whose calling to short-term mission work has led him into all kinds of disaster relief efforts across the country. Tim shares how serving in places of crisis has reshaped hi…

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Sukkat Shalom: The Guest House of the Heart, Two Years Post-October 7 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on October 9, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Moving with the Flow: Receiving Wisdom Through Descent and Ascent 25:05

2M ago25:05

25:05

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 29, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabba Mira Neshama Niculescu, Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabba Dr. Mira Neshama Weil

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Strength and Creativity in the Rural Church with John Crowder 45:25

2M ago45:25

45:25

What makes a rural church thrive in the face of challenges? In this conversation, we explore the strengths, creativity, and opportunities that rural churches carry into their communities—and how they can lean on faith to navigate the obstacles before them. Our guest is John Crowder, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in West, Texas, and author o…

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Finding Steady Ground: Rootedness Before Rosh Hashanah 24:52

2M ago24:52

24:52

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 19, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Jenny Solomon

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Seeing Ourselves Through the Eyes of Love 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 15, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Sam Feinsmith

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Belovedness in Elul: Small Shifts, Sacred Returns 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 11th, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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The Pause That Transforms: From Reactivity to Response 24:45

3M ago24:45

24:45

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 5th, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Alison Cohen, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Seeking the Face Through Stillness and Breath 24:52

3M ago24:52

24:52

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 2, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Dorothy Richman, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Calling, Renewal, and Healthy Ministry with Dave Peppler 52:31

4M ago52:31

52:31

Retired pastor and ministry coach Dave Peppler shares lessons from over 20 years in rural ministry, from guiding a congregation through closure to helping churches rediscover their unique calling. He offers practical insights on pastoral health, the value of bi-vocational ministry, and trusting that the God who calls is always sufficient to equip.…

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Tables, Testimonies, and Transformation — Rural Stories of Dinner Church with Jon Davis and Greg LeMaster 50:02

4M ago50:02

50:02

In this episode, we hear from Jon in Florida and Greg in Virginia—two rural leaders using Dinner Church to reach their communities in powerful ways. Jon shares how a simple outdoor meal in a town of 700 became a bridge across division. Greg describes how his church now gathers at fairgrounds and homes, empowers lay leaders, and even partners global…

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Presence Over Performance: Brad Roth on Flyover Church, Failure, and Faithfulness 53:21

5M ago53:21

53:21

In this rich and reflective episode, we talk with pastor and author Brad Roth about the heart behind his latest book, Flyover Church. Brad shares a compelling vision for ministry in rural places—one grounded not in programs or performance, but in presence, patience, and the power of story. We explore the difference between task-based and presence-b…

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From Social to Spiritual: A Conversation with David Blackwell 54:11

5M ago54:11

54:11

In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with David Blackwell for a candid conversation about one of the most important — and sometimes most challenging — parts of ministry: helping relationships move from social connection to spiritual depth. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we share honest reflections, stories, and que…

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Helping Rural Churches Show Up Online with Chris Morton 1:05:03

6M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

In this episode of Rural Renewal, Chris Morton shares simple, practical ways rural and small churches can improve their online presence—without needing a big budget or tech team. From claiming your Google listing to using Facebook like a town bulletin board, Chris explains how digital engagement today is the new front porch. You’ll learn why hospit…

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From Maintenance to Mission: Church and Community Renewal with Dean Miller 49:52

6M ago49:52

49:52

Dean Miller joins the podcast to share how churches can move from maintenance to mission—especially in rural and challenging contexts. Drawing on his pastoral experience, Dean encourages leaders to listen deeply, build community partnerships, and rethink success in ministry. He highlights stories of churches making a real difference by focusing on …

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Be Still and Know: Movement in the Stillness 23:37

6M ago23:37

23:37

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on May 28, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Shir Meira Feit, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Becoming a Vessel for Blessing 23:51

6M ago23:51

23:51

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on May 21, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rebecca Schisler

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Bridging Generations: Empowering Rural Churches for Tomorrow with John Upton & Brandon Shook 56:03

7M ago56:03

56:03

In this episode we explore leadership and mission in rural ministry. First, John Upton reflects on his journey from missionary work in Taiwan to leading the Baptist General Association of Virginia, emphasizing the importance of presence, trust, and adaptability in leadership. Next, Brandon Shook of Fusion USA discusses connecting college students w…

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The Gentle Covering: Atonement as Healing Practice 23:55

7M ago23:55

23:55

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on May 07, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Jenny Solomon

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Building Hope: A Rural Pastor’s Journey into Mental Health Ministry with Corey Laughary 1:01:23

7M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

What happens when a small-town church becomes a lifeline for mental health support? Since 2004, Corey Laughary has served as pastor in the rural community of Palouse, Washington, where he and his church have stepped into the mental health gap. In this episode, Corey shares how they’ve built a mental health ministry team, offered Youth Mental Health…

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Church on the Edges: From Barns to Parks, God is on the Move with Heather Jallad, Theresa Colomba & Tony Gray 51:06

8M ago51:06

51:06

What happens when the church leaves the building? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we hear from two sets of leaders who are reimagining church in unexpected places. Heather Jallad shares how Fresh Expressions are flourishing in rural spaces—around dinner tables, in parks, even barns—through simple, relational gatherings rooted in deep …

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The Spiritual Power of Waiting 27:01

8M ago27:01

27:01

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on April 08, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Yael Shy

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A Passover Meditation for Holding Bitter and Sweet, Tears and Hope 25:51

8M ago25:51

25:51

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on April 09, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Dorothy Richman, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Faithful Presence in Unexpected Places with Amy Hall & Russell Goodrich 49:40

8M ago49:40

49:40

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of creative and faithful ministry. Russell Goodrich shares how Cape Charles Baptist Church went from near closure to becoming a vibrant community hub—serving over 130 kids each summer through Splash Camp and transforming lives through local partnerships. Amy Hall shares her journey from religious tra…

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Dreaming Big in Rural Ministry with Tim Brown & Allen Jesse 47:03

9M ago47:03

47:03

What does it mean to dream big in a rural setting? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Tim Brown and Allen Jesse share how small-town churches can make a big impact. From disaster relief efforts after severe flooding to building networks for struggling rural pastors, they explore the power of community-driven ministry. Hear how Tim connec…

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Enough is Enough 24:33

9M ago24:33

24:33

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on March 17, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Responding to Hate as a Vessel of Love 25:33

9M ago25:33

25:33

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on March 12, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Thawing Out 22:18

9M ago22:18

22:18

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on February 27, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Kohenet Keshira haLev Fife

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Making Space for the Sacred in Turbulent Times 25:53

10M ago25:53

25:53

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on February 5, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Dorothy Richman

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Permission to Pause: What's in a Name? 25:57

11M ago25:57

25:57

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on January 15, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Alison Cohen

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Entering the Precious Circle 23:35

11M ago23:35

23:35

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on January 03, 2025. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Shefa Gold, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Unlocking the Light: Meeting the Darkness with Mindfulness 24:05

11M ago24:05

24:05

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on December 23, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Zac Newman, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Sunrise, Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset 24:30

1y ago24:30

24:30

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during a free IJS Meditation Sit on November 13th, 2024. To join these FREE meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Jenny Solomon

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A Blessing for Entering the Night 28:53

1y ago28:53

28:53

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during a free IJS Meditation Sit on November 6th, 2024. To join these FREE meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Sukkot: Finding Joy in Impermanence 25:19

1y ago25:19

25:19

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on October 14, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Chloe Zelkha, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Holding our Heartbreak on October 7 26:30

1y ago26:30

26:30

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on October 7, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Being a Living Amen: Showing Up for Life, Moment by Moment 27:17

1y ago27:17

27:17

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 16, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabba Dorothy Richman, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Finding Shelter in the Storm 22:53

1y ago22:53

22:53

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 9, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Jenny Solomon

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Holding Heartbreak in Silence 26:30

1+ y ago26:30

26:30

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on September 3, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Josh Feigelson

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Sight and Insight: the 'I' as a Mask and a Window 22:59

1+ y ago22:59

22:59

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on August 29, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By David Gottlieb, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Making Space to Respond, Not React 28:25

1+ y ago28:25

28:25

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on August 22, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Full Moon, Full Hearts in Av: Practicing with Shema 26:51

1+ y ago26:51

26:51

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on August 19, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Jenna Zadaka

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When the Walls Fall in 28:06

1+ y ago28:06

28:06

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on July 24, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell

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Deveikut ("Cleaving"): Grounding our Lives in Awareness of the Divine 25:07

1+ y ago25:07

25:07

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on July 17, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Rabbi Shefa Gold

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Sitting into Shabbat 22:24

1+ y ago22:24

22:24

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on July 12, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius

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No Degrees of Separation 25:32

1+ y ago25:32

25:32

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on July 11, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Genevieve Greinetz, Rabbi Marc Margolius

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Sitting into Tammuz: Holding our Heartbreak with Love 26:36

1+ y ago26:36

26:36

The meditation featured in this episode originally took place during the IJS Daily Online Meditation Sit on July 8, 2024. To join these FREE daily meditations live, sign up here. Visit jewishspirituality.org to learn more about the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.By Rabbi Marc Margolius, Jenna Zadaka