The Next Right Thing

5,083

For the second-guessers, the chronically hesitant, or anyone who suffers from decision fatigue, best-selling author and host Emily P. Freeman helps create a little space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing in love. Because out of the thousands of decisions you make everyday, chances are a few of them threaten to keep you up at night. If you're in a season of transition, waiting, general fogginess or if you've ever searched "how to make a decision" on the internet, listen in.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • Erin Peet
    Thoughtful and Compassionate
    I’ve listened to this podcast for years and am so grateful for the thoughtful impact its had on my life!
  • annietags
    Part of my rythmn of life
    Can’t imagine my life without this podcast or without Emily. Honestly. Been following for years. Since the ‘Chatting at the Sky’ days when blogs were all the rage. Emily’s meditations are incredibly grounding and soothing in a world that can be at times scary and overwhelming. Thanks for doing what you do Emily. Thank you for helping us all to listen for Gods voice in our everyday.
  • Lauri Von
    The Lazy Genius Podcast
    Always good ideas in a thoughtful presentation. Highly recommend!
  • Marylandgal
    The next right thing took a wrong turn
    Reading the book and listen to the podcasts in spurts began a positive experience. It allowed me to take away nuggets that made sense and worked in my life. It took a horribly wrong turn when Emily P Freeman in her recent “What’s Saving My Life” podcast brought politics into the conversation and also preached on a quote from St. Teresa of Avila without an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. I really wanted this podcast to be a go to, but it became something very different from what I had hoped it would be.
  • AllisonCrews
    Saving my Life!
    As a super decisive person, I slammed into a huge wall when my world was turned upside down due to a family betrayal. This podcast has helped me rise from the ashes one next right step at a time. Thank you, Emily!
  • ReedPurposed
    Helped me so much in the early parenting days
    This podcast was my saving grace when my kids were little and I hardly had any quiet time to myself. Emily helped kickstart my days with encouragement and peace. I’m so grateful for this podcast and still recommend for people to go back and listen to the early episodes. They are pure gold.
  • One mom in Tacoma
    A companion of many years
    Emily is thoughtful and rich in content, delivery, and faithful discovery. I’ve been listening to her for many years and subscribe to her Substack post as well. I do this because I want to elevate beauty and truth in our world.
  • bekabobeka
    Keep Coming Back
    This is the podcast I’ve kept coming back to over the years because I trust Emily to be intentional with her words and provide encouragement and hope. I so appreciate the lack of ads in this show and the care she has for her listeners.
  • Gail_E
    A balm and gentle guide for the soul
    Emily’s podcast (as well as her books and other work) is such a balm to my weary soul, and is a guide that has helped my discernment more than I can say.
  • 7Angelica
    Life Giving
    The Next Right Thing is a breath of fresh air in a busy and often overwhelming world. As a therapist, I spend my days serving others, and this podcast has become an essential part of my self-care routine. Emily P. Freeman’s gentle, thoughtful approach to Christian spiritual direction creates a sacred space for reflection, clarity, and renewal. Each episode feels like a personal conversation, offering wisdom and practical steps to navigate life with intention and grace. Whether you’re seeking guidance for a big decision or simply craving stillness in your day, this podcast is a gift. I recommend to many of my clients.
  • WFKE
    Best of the best
    This podcast has been a spiritual lifeline for me. I can’t recommend it enough
  • athirkell
    My Favorite Quiet Guide
    Really appreciated the episode with Tracey Gee on her book, The Magic of Knowing What You Want. Emily finds such thoughtful people to interview!
  • SaraCEm
    Formative Year After Year
    As someone who makes decisions for a living, this podcast has been an inspiration and a breath of fresh air week after week for as long as I’ve been listening (6 years? I think). It keeps me going in hard seasons and reminds me to take big decisions one step at a time, always looking for just the next right thing (it’s usually a glass of water)
  • Heyitisanna
    Such a Calming Podcast
    My therapist recommended this podcast when I was struggling with making a specific decision in my life but listening to Emily P Freeman’s podcast has now become a weekly sacred habit!
  • haileyi25
    The only podcast I listen to regularly
    I’ve listened to The Next Right Thing since it launched in 2017 which I’m realizing is 9 whole years now. Emily’s voice and words have been and continue to be a guiding light for me in life. The reflections, questions, insights, and word of others she shares here have been hugely impactful on the way I approach the world and especially decision making in my actual life. I cannot recommend this podcast enough!
  • Hle—
    Thank you
    So thankful for this podcast
  • Cat Kirby Dixon
    This Worked for me!
    I started listening to this podcast regularly this year and it is one of the best choices I made! Emily is teaching me how to be more thoughtful and intentional in relationships and decision making. You won’t regret making time for her podcast! 😊
  • ZippyPup
    Soothing and deep
    Thank you for this source of calm and grounding.
  • jupitersfire7
    BeautiFULLY Placed🌱🌱🌱
    Mirrors my soul in knowledge & to Retain
  • Wyo2home
    Episode 285
    Psalm 40. Beautiful!
  • a plains
    Songs in the silence
    Whispers of gratitude to your bravery in sharing wisdom…Thank you…
  • KelsListens
    Questions to Ask? Yes, Please!
    Thank you, Emily, for saving the day once again. Direction, redirection, focus, refocus? Who doesn’t need that? Thank you. (Did I say thank you?)
  • kimberlyreedo
    Peaceful!
    Love this podcast. I will be going back and listening to older episodes during Emily’s break. Thank you for what you do!
  • Michelle the Change Architect
    Mindfulness for the moments
    Emily brings you to the present with grace, kindness, and action. Her words are inspirational, stories are REAL, and change is the necessary and needed action.
  • KristaRose135
    Practical and peaceful
    I’ve loved listening to Emily’s podcast and I’m half way through her new book. She points to peace amidst uncertainty in changing times and making decisions. I love the practical aspects she and her guests bring while reminding me to slow down, that things will be ok in the end. 100% Recommend!
  • Crowing Hen
    Win—win
    Emily Freeman as host and Parker J Palmer as guest equals a great conversation ! Just dear people in a wonderful discussion about life and living the process instead of living the product.
  • Fan from Hickory
    Vocation Clarity with Parker Palmer
    With your book launch you have managed to add the icing on the cake by inviting handpicked guests into your room. Your gift to listen & ask such thoughtful questions allows their souls to shine. Certainly my favorite thus far was with Parker Palmer. As someone in her seventies, I hope to remain curious how to serve in this “older room” when the body, mind & spirit aren’t quite as energetic as in days past. Thank you for your podcast & your new book which arrived at my door just in time to kick off spring in the foothills of North Carolina. Fan Smith
  • Tuckaway25
    Unsubscribing
    Have previously enjoyed Emily’s perspective and felt she was open and unbiased. Recent episode with Sharon McMahon was disappointing and reflects a concerning new direction for the podcast.
  • Dolw
    A podcast with a great vibe
    Emily, thank you for bringing this podcast to us. I love the decision making aspects which is greatly appreciated by this less than decisive person. However even more is the way Emily speaks, her calm demeanor, and the faithful portions are my favorite parts. Thank you for this podcast. One of my favorites.
  • magrest
    Slow Down and Be Present
    Emily has developed such a nice and doable process to help one reflect, consider, and then pursue life decisions big and small. We just need to be willing to “take the time” to sit and do that. While it is a challenge to do so, it is SO worth it. Life doesn’t want us to slow down, but we need to if we really are seeking a meaningful life journey. Thank you Emily for a resource to help us achieve that.
  • AshleySt0ne
    Not very good
    This podcast was recommended by a friend. It is honestly one of the worst podcasts I’ve ever heard. I struggled to get through the How to know what you want episode. She repeats herself and it takes forever to get to the point.
  • Another Jill
    An absolute must
    While I would not describe myself as one prone to waffling during decision making - so much of what Emily talks about resonates with me. If I could only listen to one podcast - this would be the one.
  • rebeccalynn773
    Simply the best
    Always excited for a new episode to drop. And always listen asap.
  • KaleyWood
    Brings peace
    Out of Al the things in our brains, Emily helps us quite the craziness and determine just the next right thing.
  • 168life
    My must-listen every week
    I anticipate and treasure each weekly release. I love Emily’s insights, and it has felt like a growing friendship with a person I will (most likely) never meet. Emily, your words matter. We’re growing alongside you.
  • abbymfox
    Space for My Soul
    I found this podcast years ago while huddled in a small storage room at work. I had just had a baby and this small space is where I would retreat to pump and listen to something short for entertainment. Little did I know that the rooms and situations would change over the years, but I would keep coming back because these 10-12 minute audio recordings created space for my soul to question and wonder and grow. Thank you for entertaining us with your thoughtful stories and reflections, which illuminate the path in front of each of us. Even just a little bit.
  • Emotionally Healthy Legacy
    What a wonderful Podcast!
    Emily, thank you so much for a wonderful show and for your commitment showing up for many years. You have such great valuable content here that is so helpful for anyone, especially Christians wanting to do The Next Right Thing! My favorite episode is 276. Why self-care isn’t selfish. Love that conversation! -Elizabeth
  • KristalJoy
    Breath of fresh air
    One of the most refreshing podcast’s I have listened to. I look forward to listening every time there’s a new one.
  • MargLCSW
    Thanks
    Thank you for your work and helping me put words to things I haven’t known how to articulate!
  • mihrllec
    Too long and drawn out
    How did this podcast get such great reviews? Listening to episode with interview with the couple who make music together..could it have been more drawn out? On and on about how they met and who said what..kept looking at timer to see when they would get to something of value to the listener. I feel like podcasters need to be aware of the time they are wasting in their episodes.
  • Kjjjhjjh
    Well now I’m crying
    I’ve been feeling the heaviness of a new season and confusion at how to move forward. I was using my next right thing journal and a list of episodes was recommended. Listening now and it’s balm to my soul.
  • MillieSC
    The BEST Podcast Ever!
    Episode 289, How to Get Relief from Information Overload, is easily my favorite episode, primarily because it’s so practical, so timely for me now as I try stepping away from my smartphone, and because of the well formulated questions and statements by Emily. I especially like the invitation to check social to determine what I’ve been seeking lately based on who I am following and to set boundaries on when and where I will check or not check my phone. After following this podcast for several years, it continues to be my favorite. Thanks to Emily for using her gifts and talents so well and for being so incredibly organized…the links and show notes are invaluable!
  • jerzygurl64
    Safe landing space
    Emily has been one of the few influential voices in my life for the past few years. She is a safe and familiar landing place when you need a literal rest. I love the Psalm Summers the seasonal recaps or just a nugget to keep in my minds rotation.
  • Alethia70
    The Next Right Thing
    LOVE THIS podcast..no podcast and author has been a more powerful voice in my life in the last few years
  • REWind516
    Great Nugget for the Week
    Emily P. Freeman has become a parasocial friend of mine. She’s kind, thoughtful, and honest. Her episodes range from five minute contemplative moments to 45 minute raw interviews. I love how she encourages and provides ways to bring the Lord into your daily life and the decisions you have to make within it.
  • debg5968
    Love everything about this podcast
    Amazing and calming amidst chaos
  • Ayn Fon
    Worth it
    Good job, thanks for this!
  • Beth Salas
    Refreshing …and soothing
    How did I just discover Emily p freeman’s space! It’s safe, refreshing and insightful
  • DBD So Cal
    Friendship
    I absolutely love this podcast and just about everything Emily P Freeman writes also! This Friendship series was wonderful & at a key time in my life. Thank You, Emily for everything you do!
  • seaseaknitter
    How I love the peace that Emily P Freeman Provides
    How I love the peace that Emily P Freeman Provides. A Step away from the loud noise of Daily life, deep lessons about the things that REALLY matter and the feeling that I’m talking with a dear friend. Thank you Emily.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.