Foundations: Episode 5: What Comes After—and Why Joy Can’t Wait

🎙️ Episode 5: What Comes After—and Why Joy Can’t Wait

Episode Summary

What happens when we stop treating this life like a waiting room?

In this episode, James Kiger takes on one of the biggest, most tiptoed-around topics: the afterlife. But instead of getting lost in speculation, we explore how our beliefs about what comes after quietly shape how we live right now.

Growing up, many of us were taught that life was a test—a trial run for what might come next. We learned to fear hell, to hope for heaven, and to see this moment as something to endure rather than to savor. But what if that’s not the point? What if joy isn’t something we wait for, but something we’re meant to wake up to?

What We’re Talking About

✅ Why life was taught as a test—and how that messes with our ability to feel joy now.

✅ What Jesus actually meant when he said, “I go to prepare a place.”

✅ The hidden cost of waiting for heaven instead of living fully here and now.

✅ Why the kingdom isn’t later—it’s already here—within you.

✅ What James really believes happens when we die—and why it doesn’t need to be scary.

✅ How we begin to remember that we are already divine—already enough.

Quotes from the Episode

“What if joy isn’t a reward for good behavior? What if it’s your birthright?”

“The kingdom isn’t coming later—it’s already here, right where you are.”

“You don’t have to wait for the afterlife to start living like you’re already divine.”

Reflection Prompt

If you weren’t waiting for heaven… what would you let yourself enjoy today?

Listen & Subscribe

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Links & Resources

🔗 Resources Page: https://www.faststart2college.com/RWRResources

🔗 Website: www.realwithoutreligion.com

📧 Contact: [email protected]

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Final Thought

This isn’t about discarding mystery or pretending we know everything. It’s about realizing that the kingdom of joy, peace, and freedom isn’t a someday dream—it’s here, now, waiting for you to see it. So stay curious. Stay grounded. And remember: joy can’t wait.