From Wall Street to the Jesuits: Father James Martin on Prayer & Pivoting with Peace

In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Andrew sits down with James Martin—Jesuit priest, bestselling author, and editor-at-large at America Media—to talk about calling, career pivots, and learning to pray in the middle of uncertainty. Before joining the Jesuits, Father Jim worked in corporate finance after graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, but a growing restlessness, and the writings of Thomas Merton, led him to a radically different path. Together they explore discernment, suffering, spiritual dryness, and how ancient prayer practices can steady us during seasons of change.

Thought-Provoking Quotes:

“God not only wants you to make good decisions, good and healthy and life-giving and faithful decisions, but God will help you make those good decisions.” - Father James Martin

“We say in the Jesuits: trust your heart, but use your head too, or trust your head and use your heart too.” - Father James Martin

“I think many people believe that everyone else has an easier time praying than they do.” - Father James Martin

“Imagine saying you’re friends with someone, but you never spend any time with them. Sometimes that’s how we treat our relationship with God.” - Father James Martin

“Fame certainly doesn’t solve everything, right? It doesn’t solve your problems. And in fact, it can sometimes make them worse.” - Father James Martin

“I really don’t think God sends us suffering to test us or to punish us. But I do think suffering is just part of the human condition.” - Father James Martin

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Work in Progress by Father James Martin
Learning to Pray by Father James Martin
In All Seasons, For All Reasons (Volume 1) by Father James Martin

In All Seasons, For All Reasons (Volume 2) by Father James Martin
Give Us This Day daily prayer and reflection resource

*Watch this interview on Andrew’s YouTube channel!

*All episode music is by Andrew Osenga.

Guest’s Links:

Father James Martin’s Facebook

Father James Martin’s Instagram

Father James Martin’s X

Connect with Andrew:

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How to Remember by Andrew Osenga

Hold the Light by Andrew Osenga

*The Pivot is produced in conjunction with Four Eyes Media.