

Christian Wiman
Poet and editor whose work reflects on joy and suffering; appears reading and discussing poetry about moments of joy amid illness.
Top 10 podcasts with Christian Wiman
Ranked by the Snipd community

42 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 48min
Everything Depends on an Empty Tomb
Tim Keller, pastor and theologian known for clear apologetics; Kate Bowler, historian who wrote about cancer and struggling faith; Christian Wiman, poet exploring joy in suffering; Francis Collins, physician-geneticist who bridges science and belief. They reflect on the resurrection, how it reframes science and doubt, the place of bodies and suffering, and sudden moments of joy amid illness.

29 snips
Apr 12, 2026 • 39min
Doubt (Part I)
Christian Wiman, poet and Yale lecturer exploring belief through memoir and verse. Julie Exline, clinical psychologist studying spiritual struggle and doubt. They discuss how personal suffering and poetry shape belief. They examine doubt’s psychological effects, when questioning leads people away from religion, and clinical approaches to make uncertainty a constructive, questing stance.

16 snips
Apr 27, 2024 • 1h 8min
Against Despair (w/ Christian Wiman)
Poet and writer Christian Wiman discusses poetry's connection to reality and the relationship between life and art. He challenges traditional religious narratives and explores the intertwining of faith, illness, and art. The conversation delves into the transformative power of love, the intersection of faith and despair, and the role of poetry in conveying spiritual truths.

14 snips
Jan 20, 2024 • 52min
God is a verb: The mystical, existential poetry of Christian Wiman
Christian Wiman, author of 'Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair' and a professor at Yale Divinity School, shares his profound reflections on life following a rare cancer diagnosis. He discusses how facing mortality reshaped his perceptions of faith and poetry. Wiman explores the transformative power of suffering, revealing how it connects us all. He also dives into the contrasts between the Old and New Testaments, and the pursuit of meaning through art amidst despair. His insights intertwine personal anecdotes with deeper spiritual truths.

10 snips
May 4, 2026 • 1h 12min
Glimmerings: Miroslav Volf & Christian Wiman on Friendship, Faith & Letters That Pressed Them Both
Christian Wiman, poet and Yale teacher known for My Bright Abyss, and Miroslav Volf, Yale theologian focused on reconciliation, trade letters about language, hiddenness, and trust. They trace their friendship, the rules of their correspondence, and why big theological words slip free of meaning. They discuss divine attention, writing from a transplant room, the risk of faith, resurrection vs. suffering, and the value of small gatherings.

8 snips
Dec 18, 2020 • 11min
Christian Wiman — All My Friends Are Finding New Beliefs
Christian Wiman, a celebrated poet and professor at Yale Divinity School, shares his reflections on the friendships that endure through life's changes. He explores how differing beliefs and life choices influence personal relationships, particularly in midlife. Wiman's evocative poetry captures the complexities of love amidst doubt, urging listeners to cherish authentic connections. He delves into the intertwining themes of identity, spirituality, and the courage it takes to navigate transformations, reminding us that true friendship withstands the test of time.

4 snips
Sep 14, 2020 • 2min
Poetry Unbound — Season 2 Trailer
In this trailer, prominent poets Lucille Clifton, James Wright, Natasha Trethewey, Christian Wiman, and Layli Long Soldier give us a taste of the season's themes. They explore the transformative power of poetry in daily life, emphasizing its ability to foster compassion and connection. Each poet shares unique insights into their craft—highlighting memory, Indigenous identity, and the intersection of faith and literature. Expect a rich journey through influential voices and evocative themes that promise to inspire and uplift.

Oct 24, 2024 • 54min
179: Christian Wiman: Poetry Against Despair
Renowned poet Christian Wiman teaches at Yale Divinity School and is the author of "Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair." He shares his journey of living with cancer and how suffering fosters deep intimacy. Wiman delves into the transformative power of vulnerability and the complexities of faith and spirituality. He distinguishes between joy and happiness, emphasizing joy's spiritual depth. Through his lyrical insights, he highlights how poetry and art can heal and illuminate life even amid sorrow.

Mar 8, 2024 • 43min
Christian Wiman On God And Suffering
Christian Wiman discusses finding God through suffering and peeking into the divine through psychedelics. Other topics include his tumultuous upbringing, the value of poetry, and the comforts of modern life insulating us from ultimate questions.

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 8min
179: Unabridged Interview: Christian Wiman
In a poignant conversation, poet and Yale Divinity School teacher Christian Wiman, author of "Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair," reflects on his twenty-year journey with cancer. He discusses how suffering fosters an intimacy that enriches human connections and prompts deeper reflections on faith and doubt. Wiman delves into the complexities of joy versus happiness and the tension between personal spirituality and organized religion. His insights illuminate how sorrow can clarify life's truths, reshaping our understanding of love and existence.


