Arianna Molloy | Healthy Calling: Breaking Free from Workaholism and Finding True Rest

PREPPED with James Spencer, PhD

What does it truly mean to live out your calling? In this special crossover episode from the Thinking Christian podcast, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Arianna Molloy, professor of organizational communication at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling. Together, they explore the difference between calling, vocation, and personal orientation, and why our primary calling should always be to love God and others.
From confronting workaholism and job idolatry to resisting the subtle ways power and culture shape our work habits, Dr. Molloy offers practical wisdom for keeping the “Caller” at the center of our calling. The conversation moves into deeply relevant territory—negative self-talk, spiritual commodification, the importance of rest, and intentional pre-Sabbath rituals that cultivate humility and guard against burnout.
Through biblical reflection and actionable strategies, this episode challenges us to approach work as an act of worship, avoiding the pitfalls of performance-based identity, and embrace a balanced, God-centered view of vocation.
(00:03) Exploring Work Calling and Passion
(12:28) Navigating Spiritual Commodification and Workaholism
(19:21) Maintaining Healthy Work-Lifestyle Balance
(32:32) Mastering Sabbath Rest and Reflection
(41:17) Breaking the Cycle of Burnout
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