Episodes

  • Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 618: Heaven Is Full of Criminals (A Fifth Week of Lent Reflection)

    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 618: Heaven Is Full of Criminals (A Fifth Week of Lent Reflection)
    Mar 27 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 618: Heaven Is Full of Criminals (A Fifth Week of Lent Reflection)

    In Episode 618 of Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), Rick Lee James shares a message recorded live during a hospital chapel service in the fifth week of Lent. Reflecting on Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard and the story of the thief on the cross, Rick explores the surprising and often uncomfortable truth that God’s kingdom isn’t built on fairness—but on radical generosity. Through humor, scripture, and an original song titled Heaven Is Full of Criminals, this episode invites listeners to consider what it means to be chosen, even at the last hour, and reminds us that grace is not earned—it is given. Whether you feel overlooked, late to the story, or simply in need of hope, this message offers a powerful reminder: there is still room for you.

    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
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    21 mins
  • Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 617: A Big Week: 10 Years of Hymns & Becoming a Chaplain

    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 617: A Big Week: 10 Years of Hymns & Becoming a Chaplain
    Mar 20 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 617: A Big Week: 10 Years of Hymns & Becoming a Chaplain

    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
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    14 mins
  • Episode 616: Faith Under Fire: Carl Ruby on Standing with Haitian Families in Springfield

    Episode 616: Faith Under Fire: Carl Ruby on Standing with Haitian Families in Springfield
    Mar 12 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 616: Faith Under Fire: Carl Ruby on Standing with Haitian Families in Springfield

    In this episode of Voices in My Head, I sit down with Pastor Carl Ruby to talk about what has really been happening in Springfield, Ohio, as our city has found itself at the center of national headlines and viral rumors about Haitian immigrants. Carl shares what he has witnessed firsthand while working closely with Haitian families—people of deep faith, resilience, and joy who have already endured tremendous hardship. We talk about misinformation, the impact it has had on our community, and how people of faith can respond with truth, compassion, and courage in difficult moments.

    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
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    17 mins
  • Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 615: James K. A. Smith

    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 615: James K. A. Smith
    Mar 4 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 615: James K. A. Smith

    In this episode of Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), I’m joined by philosopher and author James K. A. Smith—who invited me to call him Jamie—to talk about his new book, Make Your Home in This Luminous Darkness. We explore the wisdom of the Christian mystics and what they can teach us about living faithfully in seasons when certainty fades, and mystery deepens. Jamie shares how practices like solitude, silence, and contemplation help us resist the distractions of our tech-saturated world and rediscover our identity as beloved people of God. Along the way, I reflect on how these ideas connect with my work as a hospital chaplain—learning to be a non-anxious presence who listens deeply to the “living human document” in front of me.

    Get the book: https://a.co/d/00oKdg0j

    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
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    37 mins
  • Episode 614: From Parasocial to Personal: Mister. Rogers, Superman, and The Accessorized Bible with guest David Dault

    Episode 614: From Parasocial to Personal: Mister. Rogers, Superman, and The Accessorized Bible with guest David Dault
    Feb 25 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 614: From Parasocial to Personal: Mister. Rogers, Superman, and The Accessorized Bible with guest David Dault

    Hello, friends, this one is a fun episode for me because it’s a crossover between all three of my shows: Voices in My Head (through Rick Lee James Podcast), Welcome to the Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast, and Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality Podcast.

    If you listen to any of those, you already know my guest: David Dault. David and I have had ongoing conversations for a long time now about faith, culture, and the stories that shape us, and today we are centering that conversation around his excellent new book, The Accessorized Bible.

    We talk about how Scripture gets “accessorized” by our assumptions and our agendas, how interpretation has material consequences, and why reading responsibly means paying attention to the lives of the people most affected by our theology. And yes, because it’s us, we also get into Mister Rogers, Superman, and parasocial relationships.

    I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get into it.

    Get the book: https://a.co/d/012m4Sff

    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
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    48 mins
  • Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 613: The Simple Hymnal with Jered McKenna

    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 613: The Simple Hymnal with Jered McKenna
    Feb 18 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 613: The Simple Hymnal with Jered McKenna

    This week I’m joined by Jared McKenna, the creator of The Simple Hymnal—a musician-friendly hymnal designed to help modern worship leaders, guitarists, and small congregations sing the rich hymns of the church without fighting the format. We talk about Jared’s story (from growing up in the Trinity Hymnal world to leading worship for 15 years), why hymns are resurfacing, and what makes this hymnal so practical: comfortable keys, chord symbols, and a capo key for every song. We also discuss the deeper “why” behind hymn singing—strong melodies, sturdy theology, and the way hymn texts can carry across generations and musical styles.

    Get the Simple Hymnal Here: https://www.jeredmckenna.com/the-simple-hymnal

    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
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    29 mins
  • Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 612: Springfield Haitian Situation Update

    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 612: Springfield Haitian Situation Update
    Feb 11 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 612: Springfield Haitian Situation Update This week’s episode of Voices in My Head is a little different from what was planned. The scheduled interview has been rescheduled for next week, so I will use this time to share updates from my hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Over the past several weeks, our community has faced growing tension and fear surrounding Haitian neighbors living here under Temporary Protected Status. As a hospital chaplain, church member, and resident of this community, I share personal reflections on what I have witnessed firsthand — the faith, hard work, and humanity of people who came here seeking safety, and the anxiety many are now experiencing as uncertainty and hostility have grown. This episode is a pastoral reflection and a call to prayer, compassion, and remembrance, reminding us that behind every headline are real people made in the image of God. Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Music & merch: search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by: Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20 ----more---- Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album) VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES 🎸🎹 Available On ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS https://show.co/Lz0h35H https://show.co/Lz0h35H Thank you for listening! 10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Web Site: https://rickleejames.com PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video: Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify: https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa ----more---- Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album) VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES 🎸...
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    9 mins
  • Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 611: Ministry Transitions: Grief and Loss

    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 611: Ministry Transitions: Grief and Loss
    Feb 4 2026
    Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 611: Ministry Transitions: Grief and Loss Recorded live at Worship 4:24 at Cedarville University, Rick Lee James explores how ministry transitions carry real grief and loss, even when the change is good. He invites leaders to stop trying to “fix” people or rush past endings, and instead to name what has been lost, because unnamed grief often shows up in congregations as conflict, resistance, disengagement, or quiet sadness. Using Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s grief framework as a set of helpful lenses rather than a checklist, Rick walks through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, offering practical ways to recognize what might be happening beneath the surface when worship styles shift, beloved leaders leave, routines change, or familiar symbols disappear. Along the way he shares his own story of moving from decades as a worship pastor into full-time hospital chaplaincy, a faithful transition that still required honest grieving, and he grounds the conversation in biblical lament, reminding listeners that resurrection hope does not bypass Good Friday. Connect with Rick Lee James Website: RickLeeJames.com Music & merch: search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform Subscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by: Rick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast Get the Audiobook, Out of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms by your host, Rick Lee James, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0F45G6KWH?qid=1744142727&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=KEDVV78ASDMS52WQFD7W&plink=3YmaWg4y0HJ0Cjfc&pageLoadId=IaamycyuJR519uYD&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1%20 ----more---- Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new song - Whatever You Do VINYL SALE THUNDER by Rick Lee James ONLY $9.99. (Plus you get a free digital download of the album) VINYL SALE - “KEEP WATCH, DEAR LORD” BY RICK LEE JAMES 🎸🎹 Available On ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS https://show.co/Lz0h35H https://show.co/Lz0h35H Thank you for listening! 10% Off Everything Rick Lee James on Band camp Instructions Visit https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com At checkout use code: 10off Web Site: https://rickleejames.com PURCHASE ALBUM: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com SongSelect: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/6152291/advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing Downloadable Charts and More available from LIFEWAYWORSHIP.COM: https://worship.lifeway.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AdventHymn(Watching%2CWaiting%2CLonging)?versionId=93901&rowNum=0&searchString=Advent%20Hymn%20(watching,%20Waiting,%20Longing)#song-Parts Loop Community: https://loopcommunity.com/en-us/songs/advent-hymn-(watching%2C-waiting%2C-longing)-by-rick-lee-james-3892 Endorsements: “A perfect and needed addition to any Christmas playlist this year. Rick Lee James bringing home the Advent Message.” -CCM Magazine https://www.ccmmagazine.com/music-video/rick-lee-james-advent-hymn-watching-waiting-longing/ “I love Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing), which gives newness to the phrases of Isaiah. Watching, waiting, and longing is what we do now, and these songs help us do that in confidence. I anticipate that this album will be received as a great gift by many who will find their faith nourished and awakened by it.” –Walter Brueggemann (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary) "I've watched Rick grow as an artist and songwriter for many years. Congratulations brother on an excellent independent release." -Paul Baloche (Dove Award Winning Songwriter) "Rick Lee James is a poet and singer. You will not only enjoy listening, you'll be drawn into the source –Jesus." -Mike Harland RICK LEE JAMES INFO Web Sites: https://www.rickleejames.com Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/halls More from Rick Lee James Shine A Light In The Darkness Get The Single: https://rickleejames.hearnow.com/shine-a-light-in-the-darkness Music Video: Rick Lee James Playlist on Spotify: https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa ----more---- Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Don’t forget about our music sale on Bandcamp. Use the code “10off” on RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com to get 10% off your purchase. Blessings, Rick Lee James Email: Rick@RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James Get the new ...
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    36 mins