My guest today is Justin Gambino, an award-winning Texas-based singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in redemption, hope, and faith. After a troubled past that included an arrest at age 18, military service in the U.S. Navy, combat deployment to Iraq, and battles with PTSD and depression, Justin experienced a life-changing encounter with God that transformed his story. Today, he’s known for powerful songs like “Just Like Jesus,” “Courage,” and “Fighting On My Behalf,” and was named Christian/Gospel/Inspirational Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards. His latest worship project, Garden Of The Lord, invites listeners into a deeper, more personal walk with God. Justin, welcome back to Voices In My Head.

More about Justin Here: https://turningpointpr.com/2026/06/justin-gambino-to-deliver-first-ever-worship-set-garden-of-the-lord-july-17/

Website: RickLeeJames.com

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In this episode of Voices in My Head, I sit down with acclaimed author and songwriter Douglas McKelvey and singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Unspoken member John Lowry to talk about Every Moment Holy: Prayer Songsand their newest project, Anchoring the Heart in Hope. We talk about how prayers from the Every Moment Holy books became simple, endlessly loopable songs designed not for commercial success, but for meditation, prayer, grief, and the ministry of presence. Douglas and John share the stories behind the music and explain how these songs can bring comfort in moments of crisis, hospice, loss, and uncertainty while also cultivating hope in everyday life. As a hospital chaplain, I found myself especially drawn to the way these songs give us words to pray when we don’t have answers. We also talk about the upcoming Every Moment Holy Live tour, an experience that brings together music, prayer, storytelling, and visual art to create a shared journey through sorrow, grief, hope, and the promise of new creation

For more information about all Every Moment Holy: Prayer Song, visit this link: https://mailchi.mp/turningpointpr/pre-release-every-moment-holy-prayer-songs-2026-q3-anchoring-the-heart-in-hope?e=b6e6ddccfb

Website: RickLeeJames.com

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I recently joined Father Gerard on CFN Live from the Catholic Faith Network for a conversation about my song “Heaven Is Full of Criminals,” my work as a healthcare chaplain, and how chaplaincy has influenced my songwriting and life as an independent artist. Here’s the full conversation from August 11, 2026.

Blessings,

Rick Lee James

Website: RickLeeJames.com

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This week on Voices in My Head, i'm sharing an episode of my other podcast that I host with David Dault, Truth, Justice and the Way.

What happens when a superhero story trades redemption for revenge?

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman & Spirituality, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore one of the most surprising changes in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and ask what it reveals about heroism, justice, mercy, and the moral imagination. Comparing the film to Tom King’s original graphic novel, they wrestle with questions of violence, forgiveness, redemption, and whether we still believe people can truly change. Along the way, they reflect on Superman’s enduring example of hope, the power of storytelling to shape our moral lives, and why the best heroes call us not simply to defeat evil—but to become better people.

Rick shares the story behind his new single, “Heaven Is Full of Criminals,” featuring Phil Keaggy, and the surprising conversations it has sparked about grace, worthiness, and hope.

The theological inspiration behind the song includes the Good Thief, the possibility of redemption, and the question of whether God’s welcome extends farther than we imagine.

A spoiler-filled discussion of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrowand how its ending differs dramatically from Tom King’s acclaimed graphic novel.

Why the graphic novel’s ending offers a vision of redemption, while the film chooses an act of lethal justice.

The idea of redemptive violenceand why so many modern stories assume evil can only be defeated through killing.

Superman’s refusal to kill and why restraint—not power—has always been one of his defining virtues.

Whether James Gunn may be setting up a larger redemption arc for Supergirl as his new DC Universe unfolds.

Why stories shape our moral imagination, influencing what we believe is possible for heroes, villains, and ourselves.

Mark Waid’s famous criticism of Superman killing General Zod in Man of Steel, and why he insists, “That’s not Superman.”

Comparisons to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Odyssey, Avengers: Infinity War, and the Gospels as examples of stories that wrestle with hope, loss, and redemption.

Reflections on Pope Francis, Karl Barth, and the Christian hope that no one is beyond the reach of grace.

Why Superman continues to matter—not because he is the strongest hero, but because he refuses to let violence have the final word.

A closing reflection inviting listeners to consider how the stories we tell shape the people we become—and whether hope may be the bravest choice of all.

Website: RickLeeJames.com

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This week on Voices in My Head (The Rick Lee James Podcast), I share one of the most unexpected chapel services I've ever led.

Our scheduled speaker didn't arrive. I had no sermon prepared, no notes, and not even a Bible in front of me. As I played the opening worship song, I found myself praying, listening, and trusting that somehow God would provide a message.

Out of that moment came an impromptu reflection on the friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus and a fresh hearing of the words of John 3:16-17. What if, instead of hearing, "For God so loved the world," we imagined the name of someone we love in that verse? And then, what if we put our own name there?

Recorded live in our hospital chapel, this episode is a reminder that God's love is deeply personal, Jesus' invitation is still open, and sometimes the messages that touch us most are the ones we never planned to preach at all. Sometimes all we can do is show up, trust the Spirit, and begin with a song.

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This week on Voices in My Head, I'm sharing a chapel service I recently led at Springfield Regional Medical Center. Using the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina and reflecting on Romans 12:9–21, I explore what it means to offer the gift of presence to those who are suffering, drawing inspiration from Henri Nouwen’s A Spirituality of Caregiving. Along with prayer, scripture, and music—including a closing rendition of “Trust in God”—I invite you to join me in considering how God calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and walk alongside one another with compassion and grace.

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The Reverend: Narrated by Boyd Barrett

Unseen Existences: Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things

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When Everything’s on Fire

Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God

Beauty Will Save the World

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In this Pentecost-themed chapel service from Springfield Regional Medical Center, Chaplain Rick Lee James leads a gentle time of worship, prayer, and sacred listening through the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. Reflecting on Acts 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit, this service invites patients, families, caregivers, and listeners alike to slow down, listen deeply, and consider what word, invitation, or stirring God might be speaking into their lives today. Featuring music including “Fire” and “I Then Shall Live,” this quiet reflection centers on hope, compassion, understanding, and the Spirit’s power to bring people together across every difference.

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On this episode of Voices in My Head, I’m joined by theologian Hank Spaulding and his father for a conversation that spans three powerful and deeply connected books: The Gospel of the Incarcerated Christ, The Rhythm of Grace, and Between Two Gileads.

Together, these works explore some of the most pressing questions facing the church today. What does it mean that Jesus was executed as a criminal? What if holiness is less about performance and more about grace? And how should we respond when Scripture is used not to heal, but to justify power and control?

From reflections on incarceration and justice…

It’s honest, challenging, and ultimately hopeful.

Find the book they wrote together here: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385242016/the-rhythm-of-grace/

Bonus: See Hank speak at the 2025 Karl Barth Conference Here: https://youtu.be/SMSaNp1Zd-o?si=DrCozfXxBN9td0YX

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In this episode of Voices in My Head, I sit down with Ginny Owens to talk about her new EP Different Kind of Water, the creative journey behind her music, and the deeper spiritual questions woven throughout her songs. We explore themes of longing, letting go, faith conversations with those who believe differently, and how seasons of dryness can actually lead to meaningful creativity. Ginny also shares about life and ministry in New York City, the diverse musical influences shaping her work, and her upcoming book on courageous compassion and living out justice and mercy. It’s a rich, honest conversation about faith, artistry, and the courage it takes to keep seeking what truly satisfies.

Different Kind of Water is an intimate look into Ginny’s life, faith, and music. With songs that inspire and encourage, Different Kind of Water is sure to connect with listeners, no matter where they are on their journey.

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