The UpWords Podcast

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , host John Terrill sits down with theologians David Buschart and Ryan Tafilowski, co-authors of Worth Doing: Fallenness, Finitude, and Work in the Real World . Together, they explore a more universal theology of work that speaks to all professions—not just those with high agency or prestige. The conversation dives into: Why most faith-and-work discourse over...

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , host Rebecca Cooks sits down with Dr. Christine Jeske—professor, researcher, and author of Racial Justice for the Long Haul: How White Christian Advocates Persevere and Why . Christine shares compelling stories and research on what sustains hope and commitment in the pursuit of racial justice. From personal experiences to systemic challenges, we explore why...

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , host Daniel Johnson sits down with film critic and author Abby Olcese to explore how movies can deepen our spiritual rhythms throughout the church calendar. Abby shares insights from her book,  Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies , discussing how films like  The Last Jedi  and  Paddington  reflect themes of hope and joy during...

Forgiveness isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a process that touches every part of our lives. In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , host Jean Geran sits down with Father Chad Magnuson, an Anglican pastor and PhD in psychology, to explore the spiritual and practical dimensions of forgiveness. Drawing on years of counseling and research, Chad shares why forgiveness can be challenging, how faith and...

What happens when artificial intelligence enters the sanctuary? In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , host Daniel Johnson talks with author and researcher Todd Korpi about his new book, AI Goes to Church (InterVarsity Press, 2025). They explore how AI is already shaping the church, the ethical and theological questions Christians must wrestle with, and how technology can be used to foster—not f...

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging—and liberating—virtues we can practice. In this episode of  The UpWords Podcast , host Jean Geran, sits down with Dr. Robert Enright, a pioneer in the scientific study of forgiveness and the founder of the International Forgiveness Institute. Bob shares his remarkable journey from asking a “dangerous question” about the purpose of his research to becoming...

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , we sit down with Byron Borger, owner of Hearts & Minds Bookstore, for a rich conversation about Advent—the season of waiting, longing, and hope. Byron shares personal stories, spiritual insights, and a curated list of Advent resources, from devotionals and theological reflections to family-friendly reads. Whether you’re seeking depth, beauty, or practic...

In this powerful replay from a live event at Upper House, we hear the extraordinary story of Calvin Duncan, a man wrongfully convicted at age 19 and sentenced to life in Louisiana’s Angola Prison. Over 23 years, Calvin became a jailhouse lawyer, fighting for his own freedom and advocating for countless others. Joined by criminal justice reform advocate Sophie Cole, co-founder of the Visiting Room...

Historian Tal Howard joins host Dan Hummel to discuss his new book Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History (Yale University Press). This episode dives deep into the global history of secularism, examining how different forms—passive, combative, and eliminationist—have shaped societies and, in some cases, led to state-sponsored violence against religious communities. 📚 Topics include:...

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast , host Jean Geran speaks with Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute and former Executive VP at Freedom House. As part of our series on Christian citizenship, Nicole shares her insights on how faith intersects with democracy, the importance of religious freedom, and the role Christians can play in promoting justice...

In this episode of  The UpWords Podcast , host Daniel Johnson welcomes author and leadership coach J.R. Briggs to discuss his new book,  T he Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and a Deeper Faith  (IVP, 2025). Together, they explore how asking thoughtful questions can transform relationships, deepen spiritual formation, and strengthen leadership....

In this episode of  The UpWords Podcast , host John Terrill sits down with Jason Jensen, Vice President of Spiritual Foundations at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and author of  Formed to Lead: Humility, Character, Integrity, and Discernment . Together, they explore a transformative vision of Christian leadership—one shaped not by power or platform, but by spiritual formation, humility, and the...

In this episode, Dan Hummel sits down with historian Brandon Bloch to explore his new book, Reinventing Protestant Germany . The conversation traces the complex role of Protestant churches in Germany from the Weimar Republic through the Nazi era and into the post-war reconstruction. Block shares insights into how religious nationalism shaped political ideologies, the nuanced responses of church le...

In this episode of  The UpWords Podcast , host Susan Smetzer-Anderson sits down with J. Richard Middleton, Emeritus Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University. With decades of scholarship spanning theology, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Middleton offers a compelling exploration of what it truly means to hold a Christian worldview—and...

In this conversation, host Daniel Johnson welcomes author and leader Peter Greer, who discusses his latest book,  How Leaders Lose Their Way: And How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You . Drawing from decades of leadership experience and research, Peter explores the subtle and often invisible forces that cause leaders to drift from their mission, values, and integrity. The episode is a deep...

In this thought-provoking episode, host Jean Geran sits down with guest Gar Anderson to explore the concept of  Christian citizenship  through the lens of the  early church . Drawing from Gar’s recent lecture in Oshkosh, the conversation delves into how early Christians—most of whom lacked formal citizenship—navigated life under the Roman Empire. Rather than seeking political power, they transform...

In this rich and inspiring episode, host Daniel Johnson welcomes back guest Byron Borger to discuss transformative books for the fall season. Byron shares a curated list of titles that speak to theology, culture, education, memoir, and spiritual formation—perfect for students, readers, and lifelong learners. The conversation explores how books can shape our faith, deepen our understanding of cultu...

In this episode, host John Terrill welcomes Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels to discuss their new book,  Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work . Drawing from extensive research, including surveys of over 16,000 people and nearly 300 interviews, Elaine and Denise explore how Christians can live out their faith in the workplace with integrity, courage, and compassion. 🧠 Key To...

In this episode, host Jean Geran speaks with guest historian Michael Rutz about the historical experience of British Protestant dissenters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Drawing from his book  The British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics and Empire, 1790–1850 , Dr. Rutz explores how dissenting Christian communities navigated issues of religious liberty, education, social activism, and citizenshi...

In this episode, host Daniel Johnson sits down with Craig Detweiler — author, filmmaker, theologian, and Dean of the College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University — to explore the intersection of faith, storytelling, and technology. From his formative experiences with classic cinema to his work in Hollywood and academia, Craig shares how theology and filmmaking can be harmoniously integrate...

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Jean Geran sits down with Dr. Chris Seiple, a renowned global leader in the fields of human rights, diplomacy, and religious freedom. Together, they explore what it means to be a responsible Christian citizen in today’s polarized world. Through the lens of “covenantal pluralism,” Chris shares insights from decades of experience working at the intersecti...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Upword Podcast, host Dan Johnson sits down with Mark Matlock to explore the shifting spiritual landscape in America. Drawing from his latest book, Faith for the Curious , and years of research with Barna Group, Mark unpacks the rise of the “spiritually curious” — a growing group of people who are open to spirituality but not necessarily aligned with traditi...

In this episode, host Daniel Johnson sits down with Michael Huerter, author of  The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online Era . Michael shares insights from his research and ministry experience, exploring how churches can faithfully navigate the evolving landscape of digital and hybrid worship. From theology to technology, embodiment to community, this conversation off...

In this episode, host Susan Smetzer Anderson sits down with acclaimed author Mitali Perkins to explore the intersection of art, justice, vocation, and faith. Drawing from her latest book,  Just Making: A Guide for Compassionate Creatives , Mitali shares her journey as a Bengali American writer, her passion for justice, and how creatives can sustain their work in a chaotic world. Together, they ref...

This special episode of The UpWords Podcast features clips from talks given at Upper House in the Spring of 2025. Upper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation. We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation...