What are the big questions in your life? Where are you on the spiritual journey? Do you have people in your life who listen to your deepest questions, with contemplative presence and compassion? <br /><br />SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney hosts conversations on spiritual direction, guidance, contemplation, and community. This podcast offers a wide range of perspectives, stories, and conversations about the contemplative, healing modality of spiritual companionship, across a wide range of religious traditions and vocations. Discover the benefits of spiritual companionship and deep listening.
SDI Encounters
Claim This Podcastby SDI - The Home of Spiritual Companionship
4.6(19 reviews)
116 episodes
Updated Monthly
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
63
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality58
Social0
YouTube86
Engagement85
Podcast Overview
What are the big questions in your life? Where are you on the spiritual journey? Do you have people in your life who listen to your deepest questions, with contemplative presence and compassion? <br /><br />SDI Creative Director Matt Whitney hosts conversations on spiritual direction, guidance, contemplation, and community. This podcast offers a wide range of perspectives, stories, and conversations about the contemplative, healing modality of spiritual companionship, across a wide range of religious traditions and vocations. Discover the benefits of spiritual companionship and deep listening.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/19/2020
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63
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality58
Social0
YouTube86
Engagement85
8
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0
Good Performance
11
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Episode Length
18 minutes
Performing excellently!
needs improvement
Publishing Consistency
Every 17 days
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Recent Episodes
July 20, 2026
PREVIEW: Insights for Deep Listening and Spiritual Presence - Scott McRae on the Tao and the Art of Spiritual Companionship
On this brief episode we talk about SDI's upcoming webinar series, The Tao and the Art of Spiritual Companionship. The Tao and the Art of Spiritual Companionship: Insights for Deep Listening and Spiritual Presence $79.99 Many spiritual companions are meeting people who feel exhausted, anxious, polarized, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by uncertainty. In moments like these, techniques often matter less than the quality of our presence. The Tao Te Ching points us towards flourishing and fulfilling life, without explanation. This ancient Chinese wisdom tradition invites us into a way of living and listening that flows with life. It points us toward something that spiritual directors sense: that the deepest accompaniment happens not when we do more, but when we release into a vital presence. This three-part series draws from seven essential Taoist themes into conversation with the practice of spiritual direction. Together we’ll explore a fresh framework for deep listening that helps you accompany people with less striving and more trust. We’ll explore not only how we accompany others, but how we inhabit our own inner life. Each session weaves together reflection, dialogue, and practical application. Rather than simply adding another technique, this series helps cultivate the inner posture from which meaningful spiritual companionship naturally flows. Anyone can participate in an SDI webinar! If you’re not a member, just contact us at office@sdiworld.org for your pricing. https://www.sdicompanions.org/product/the-tao-and-the-art-of-spiritual-companionship/ --- Scott McRae has been offering spiritual direction and training for over 25 years and continues to provide ongoing educational resources through the Spiritual Direction Learning Lab. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he holds an M.Div. from Yale University. Scott’s professional journey has spanned church and campus ministries, hospital chaplaincy, and leadership roles, all of which have shaped his approach to spiritual guidance. With three decades of experience training chaplains and spiritual directors, he brings deep wisdom and practical insight to his work. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Scott enjoys life with his wife, Melanie, their adult daughter, and their wonderfully quirky rescue dogs. He finds great joy in long walks, meaningful conversations, and fostering spiritual growth in others.
January 30, 2026
Spiritual Companions - Standing Together in Community
Dear Community, During these deeply disturbing, harrowing and convulsive times, what are spiritual directors and companions to do? How can we respond? Please listen to this episode for a special message I wanted to share with all of you. We need to stand together as a community, faithful to our calling and practice, because spiritual direction and companionship heal, and are needed now more than ever. Warmly, Rev SeiFu, and the SDI Team
December 16, 2025
Cinema Divina with M Freeman
Cinema Divina is the creative, contemplative practice of media artist and writer M Freeman. M re-imagines the ancient ritual of sacred reading or lectio divina in today’s audiovisual vernacular as Cinema Divina—a contemplative screening process designed to increase access to one’s deeper wisdom, healing, and peace. SDI is hosting a 2-part webinar with M Freeman, where we will practice Cinema Divina together in an online spiritual companionship setting, offering an inspiring blend of relaxation and spiritual imagination. In this podcast chat, we have a really wonderful conversation with M on the origins of Cinema Divina, what folks can expect in doing the practice with them, and other fun things that arise when two spiritual companions sit down together and open up about creative life. You can also visit M's website to learn more about their work in the world.
116 total episodes available
Recent guests on SDI Encounters
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Christina Roberts
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Matt Whitney
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Lucy Abbott Tucker
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Rev SeiFu Singh-Molares
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Philip Carter
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presenters
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Kō Sam Tullman
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Larry J Morris III
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is SDI Encounters?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates monthly.
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This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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