Rick Lee James Podcast Network

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 620: Beyond the Image: Where Is Jesus Really Found?

In this brief, early-morning episode of Voices in My Head, I reflect on the controversy surrounding an AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump in a Christ-like role, and why, while it’s troubling, it may not be the biggest issue we should be concerned about. I talk about how easy it is to get caught up in outrage, especially within our media echo chambers, while missing the deeper call of Jesus to care for the hungry, the poor, and the vulnerable—people I encounter every day in my work as a hospital chaplain. Rather than taking a partisan stance, I offer a pastoral challenge to all of us, myself included: to examine whether our lives actually reflect the love and humility of Christ, and to make sure we’re not so focused on images and symbols that we miss where Jesus says he truly is—among those most in need.

Connect with Rick Lee James

Website: RickLeeJames.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast) Episode 619: I Cheerfully Refuse

In this solo episode of Voices in My Head, I reflect on rest, recovery, and the quiet joy of being newly certified as a chaplain after years of work. I also share a heartfelt recommendation of I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger—a novel set in a broken world that somehow still points toward hope. Through story and reflection, this episode explores what it means to “cheerfully refuse” despair, choosing instead to live as people of hope, even in chaotic and uncertain times.

Connect with Rick Lee James

Website: RickLeeJames.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

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.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

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

In this episode, I share an update on a pretty significant week—reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of my album Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations and walking through what it actually takes to become a certified hospital chaplain. I talk about the long process, the interview, and what this milestone means moving forward, along with a few thoughts on calling, preparation, and what’s next for the podcast.

Connect with Rick Lee James

Website: RickLeeJames.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Hello Friends,

Ten years ago today I released an album called Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations.

It’s an album that came out of prayer books, hymnals, Scripture, and quiet moments with God. I wanted to write songs that felt like ancient faith meeting modern worship—songs that people could sing in church, in their homes, or in the quiet places of their lives.

The album opens with a song called “Christ Is Lord (Christ Before Me)”, which is based on the ancient prayer known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate.

One of the most beautiful lines from that prayer says:

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ within me…

The prayer is sometimes called a “lorica” prayer, meaning a breastplate—a prayer asking God to surround and protect us like armor in the spiritual battles of life.

When I wrote the opening track of the album, I wanted to capture that sense that Christ surrounds us on every side—before us, behind us, within us, and guiding every step we take.

And since St. Patrick’s Day is also the anniversary week of the album’s release, I thought it would be a good time to celebrate.

So for a short time…

🎶 St. Patrick’s Day Special

Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations

— CD Sale

For this week only you can get the physical CD for just $5.

👉 Get it here:

https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

If you already have the album, thank you. Truly. It means more than you know.

But if you’ve never picked it up—or if you’d like to give one to a friend—this is a great time to grab a copy.

The album includes songs like:

* Christ Is Lord (Christ Before Me)

* My Savior’s Love

* More Than the Watchman (Psalm 130)

* Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing)

* and more.

My prayer is that these songs continue to be what their title promises:

Hymns.

Prayers.

Invitations.

Songs that help us remember that Christ is before us, behind us, and with us wherever we go.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day,

Rick Lee James

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

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, its impact 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.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

Hi friends,

Just a quick note to let you know that today is Bandcamp Friday.

For the next 24 hours, Bandcamp waives its revenue share, which means more of every purchase goes directly to the artists you support. If you’ve ever thought about picking up one of my albums—or filling in a gap in your collection—today is one of the best days to do it.

You can visit my Bandcamp page here:https://rickleejames.bandcamp.com

A few places you might start:

• Hymns, Prayers, and Invitations — the album that turns 10 years old this month• Thunder — available on clear vinyl• My catalog of songs, hymns, and prayers written over the years for worship, reflection, and the journey of faith

If you already own the music, you can still help by sharing the page with a friend or posting about it today. Word of mouth has always been the most powerful way independent artists reach new listeners.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting the music over the years. It really does mean a lot to me.

Blessings,Rick Lee James

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

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.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

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.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

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.comEmail: [email protected]

Listen / SubscribeSubscribe, rate, and review Voices in My Head wherever you listen to podcasts.

Music & MerchBandcamp (music + merch): RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comStreaming: Search “Rick Lee James” on your favorite music platform or on Spotify https://t.co/S7nCRl0xqa

AudiobookOut of the Depths: A Songwriter’s Journey Through the Psalms (Audible):Audiobook Link

Special Offer10% off at Bandcamp: use code 10off at checkoutRickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com

Hosted byRick Lee James — Voices in My Head Podcast

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe