UpStream

 Why does the Bible sometimes feel difficult to connect with—and how can it become real and meaningful in everyday life? This week on Upstream , Joy sits down with John Thomason of Buckeye Christian Church to talk about practical ways to engage with Scripture, grow deeper in faith, and experience God’s Word in a fresh way. Whether you’ve read the Bible for years or are just getting started, this c...

Why does suffering happen—and how do we keep our faith when life hurts? On this episode of Upstream , Joy sits down with Joannie DeBrito from Focus on the Family to talk about the many forms suffering can take, from grief and loss to anxiety, disappointment, and seasons of uncertainty. Together, they explore practical ways to navigate pain, how faith can shape our response in difficult moments, an...

Navigating a parent’s cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult journeys a family can face—especially when that parent is your mom. In this episode of the Upstream Podcast , Joy talks with Ashley Chickerella from Take Heart Cancer Community about her personal experience walking through her mom’s cancer journey. Ashley shares what it was like from diagnosis to treatment, the emotional highs and...

AI is everywhere—and our kids are growing up with it faster than we can keep up. Joy sits down with Emily Washburn to talk about how parents can navigate Artificial Intelligence with their children in healthy, thoughtful ways. From understanding the risks to setting boundaries and having meaningful conversations, this episode equips parents to guide their kids with confidence, wisdom, and intentio...

When a relationship with your child starts to feel distant, the pain can be overwhelming and the questions endless. Where did things go wrong? How do you reach out without pushing them further away? And is there hope for healing? In this episode of the Upstream Podcast , Joy sits down with Glenn Leutchens from Focus on the Family to talk honestly about navigating strained or distant relationships...

In today's episode, Joy speaks with Joel Wharton & Ashley Chickerella of Take Heart Cancer Community about how Cancer has impacted their lives, and how they got involved with Take Heart. If you or someone you know is battling Cancer, this episode is for you! Now, let's go UpStream.  To Connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ Learn more about Take Heart Cance...

In today's episode, Joy talks with Greg and Julie Murray about their experience dealing with ALZ through Julie's Mom. They share the first initial signs, and what it was like walking through her passing. If you are or have been impacted by ALZ, this episode is for you.  To connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encour...

In today's episode, Joy sits down with Brenda Craft as she shares her journey of caring for her Husband Kelly as he battled ALS, and how they navigated the tough moments, and appreciated the good ones. If you or someone you know has dealt with the loss of a spouse, this episode is for you. Now, let's go UpStream.  To Connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ A dev...

In today's episode, Joy speaks with David Mahan, Policy Director with the Center for Christian Virtue. They walk through the causes in declining marriage and birth rates, and why limiting screen time for your children is a necessity.  Connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 m...

It can be a challenge when your child cuts you off completely for reasons either known or unknown. In today's episode, Joy talks with Brenda Huerta, a counselor with Focus on the Family on how to handle the broken relationship with your child, and how to help restore the bond.  Connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encour...

1 in 5 Americans deal with Mental Illness annually. In today's episode, Joy talks with Tracie Bayer, from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as she walks through her own personal battles, and how her faith helped her through some of her darkest moments.  Connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out fo...

Navigating your role in your blended family can be tough. In this episode, Joy talks with Deanna Thayer, a blended family Coach with Focus on the Family about how to handle discipline, roles, and the emotions that come with being in a blended family.  Connect with a River Chaplain - https://riverradio.com/chaplains/ A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer...

In this follow-up episode of Upstream , Joy continues the conversation with Adam Holz from Plugged In—this time, diving into the complex world of teens and social media. From the pressure to curate a perfect life to the constant comparison game, today’s teens are navigating challenges no generation has faced before. Adam unpacks how social platforms impact identity, mental health, and relationship...

 In this episode of Upstream , Joy sits down with Adam Holz from Plugged In to talk about something every modern parent wrestles with—screen time. From tablets at the dinner table to toddlers mastering YouTube faster than their ABCs, we dive into how screens are shaping the minds and hearts of young children. Adam shares research, real-life examples, and practical wisdom to help parents set health...

Pregnancy loss is a pain that often goes unspoken—but the emotional toll is deep, lasting, and real. In this episode of Upstream , Joy sits down with Dr. Joannie DeBrito to talk candidly about the mental health struggles that can follow a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Together, they unpack the weight of grief, the silent battle with depression, and how to find hope and healing through faith and c...

On this episode of Upstream , Joy sits down with Brenda Huerta to talk about the often unspoken transition from being a hands-on caretaker to becoming a steady guide in the lives of adult children. Brenda shares personal stories, unexpected challenges, and the quiet beauty of learning to let go while staying deeply connected.  A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, &...

 In this episode of UpStream , Joy talks with Lisa Anderson from Focus on the Family about the often-overlooked topic of unwanted singleness. Together, they unpack the heartache, hope, and faith that can come with longing for marriage while navigating life solo. Whether you're in this season yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation offers empathy, wisdom, and a reminder...

In this episode of UpStream, marriage and family therapist Jeremy Keaton reveals how pornography fundamentally violates the nature of marriage. "Marriage is supposed to be like a blank canvas where couples co-create their own beautiful picture," Jeremy explains. "Pornography introduces outside colors and shapes – it contaminates what should be sacred between two people." Perhap...

 On this episode of UpStream , Joy sits down with Lisa Anderson from Focus on the Family to explore how the Church approaches singleness. They talk about the unique challenges and opportunities singles face, how churches can better support and include them, and why singleness isn’t a waiting room—it’s a calling. Whether you're single, married, or leading ministry, this conversation offers fre...

In this episode of Upstream , Joy is joined by Lisa Anderson from Focus on the Family for an honest conversation about caring for aging parents living with dementia . As the roles between parent and child begin to shift, many adult children find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory filled with emotional, practical, and spiritual challenges. Lisa shares her own personal journey of walking alo...

In this episode of Upstream , Joy sits down with Geremy Keeton from Focus on the Family to discuss his deeply personal and transformative book, Aftershock: Overcoming His Secret Life with Pornography: A plan for recovery . Together, they unpack the devastating impact pornography can have on individuals, marriages, and families—and the hidden toll it takes on mental, emotional, and spiritual health...

In this episode of Upstream , Joy sits down with Dr. Danny Huerta from Focus on the Family to dive into one of the most talked-about parenting decisions: home school vs. public school . What are the key differences? How do you know what’s right for your child? And how can parents stay grounded and confident in their choice?  A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, &am...

In this episode of Upstream , Joy welcomes Dr. Joannie DeBrito from Focus on the Family for an honest conversation about mental health —and how it's being shaped by the constant stream of social media and news . Together, they unpack the emotional toll of living in a hyperconnected world, the anxiety that can come from information overload, and the subtle ways digital content influences our m...

In this episode of Upstream , Joy Tolle welcomes Dr. Robert Paul, Vice President of the Focus Marriage Institute with Focus on the Family. As a licensed professional counselor and accomplished author, Dr. Paul shares insights on restoring marriages in crisis through programs like Hope Restored intensives. Learn about the impact of group therapy, the power of vulnerability in healing relationships,...

In this episode of Upstream , Chaplain Joy Tolle continues her conversation with Dr. Paul from the Focus Marriage Institute, affiliated with Focus on the Family. They discuss his book Nine Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage and the most damaging misconceptions that can undermine a relationship. Dr. Paul shares personal insights from his own marriage, the importance of teamwork, and practical ste...