Episodes

In this episode, Pastor Rudy Swigart shares openly about what it feels like to be spiritually directionless—adrift without clear vision or purpose—and how that affects our faith, habits, and health. We’ll explore: The causes ...

Why do so many Christians leave their church feeling hurt, misunderstood, or even offended? In this candid episode of Substance of Faith , we confront the reality that offense, whether justified or not, can poison our spiritu...

In this powerful and personal episode of Substance of Faith , we’re diving deep into a reality many Christians silently face: turning to alcohol, drugs, or other self-soothing behaviors when stress and burnout become unbearab...

Today on The Substance of Faith Podcast , Rudy Swigart tackles a critical yet often overlooked moment in church life: the departure of a beloved pastor. Whether it's a peaceful retirement, an unexpected firing, or a scandal, ...

In this sobering episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , Rudy Swigart explores the hidden pressures crushing pastors across the United States—and why pastoral care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity . From endless hours and...

In this week’s episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , Rudy Swigart speaks straight to the heart of the church—and the hurting. We’re diving into what it really means to be a safe church for those who are silently battlin...

In this heartfelt episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , Rudy Swigart shares a story that stopped him in his tracks— a story of relapse, redemption, and what it looks like when the church truly becomes a safe place for i...

In this soul-searching episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart dives into a topic that too often remains buried in the shadows of church life: lust and sexual temptation , especially among those in minis...

In this powerful and introspective episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart is joined by Randy Davis , a ministry leader and voice of experience in the world of addiction recovery and spiritual care. Toge...

In this episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , Pastor Rudy Swigart returns with a timely and vulnerable conversation about what’s often hidden behind the pulpit, burnout, exhaustion, and spiritual depletion in ministry. ...

In this episode of the Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart delivers a heartfelt exploration of overcoming life’s chaos and the unseen burdens of pastoral leadership. Reflecting on a past guest’s transformative jour...

Many churches today are stretched thin, financially, relationally, and spiritually, and the effects are showing up in both congregations and leadership teams. In this Memorial Day reflection, host Rudy Swigart honors the sacr...

In this episode of Substance of Faith , host Rudy Swigart shares a reflection on church transitions, spiritual trauma, and the emotional toll of unpredictable changes in leadership and culture within the local church. Drawing...

Many veterans carry invisible wounds: PTSD, addiction, depression, and spiritual oppression, that linger long after their service ends. In this episode, host Rudy Swigart welcomes retired Navy Senior Chief John Loretta for a ...

Many Christians experience church hurt, whether through leadership failures, betrayal, or spiritual wounding, and it can shake even the strongest believers. In this episode, host Rudy Swigart unpacks how to process church hur...

In this milestone Episode 10 of the Substance of Faith Podcast, Rudy Swigart sits down with Tim Holloway, a mentor, friend, and brother in Christ, for an unfiltered conversation about trauma, redemption, and the long road to ...

In this episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart takes a heartfelt and honest look at the role of dysfunctional family systems within the context of addiction and Christian recovery. Drawing from personal...

In this episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart delivers a crucial message for Christian families navigating the difficult waters of addiction and mental health. This episode is a lifeline for anyone lov...

In this episode of the Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart welcomes his longtime friend and spiritual brother, Mike Worley, to share a testimony that has deeply shaped his own faith journey. What unfolds is not jus...

In this episode of Substance of Faith , host Rudy Swigart speaks directly to those feeling buried under the weight of guilt, shame, addiction, trauma, depression, or spiritual exhaustion. With vulnerability, biblical truth, a...

In Episode 5 of the Substance of Faith podcast, host Rudy Swigart gets real about a question many of us wrestle with silently: When do you finally admit it’s time to get help? Whether you’re battling anxiety, addiction, unres...

In this episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart dives into the journey of faith, recovery, and transformation. Exploring the intersection of substance use disorders, mental health struggles, and the Chri...

In this episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart shares a powerful testimony of transformation through faith and recovery. He tells the story of Mike, a man whose battle with addiction began at the heartb...

In this episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast , host Rudy Swigart dives deep into the struggles that many Christians face in silence—addiction, trauma, and hidden sin. With a focus on breaking free from shame and stepping...