Upstream with Jim and Jon
174 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratingsFather and son conversations about following Jesus in post-Christian America. New episodes on the first Friday of the month.
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Episodes
Season 2, Episode 1 - We're Back!
April 05, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 80 MBWe are so excited to announce that the indefinite Upstream hiatus has come to a close! This time around the show will be monthly, and much more of a hang-out, where we just catch up and discuss what we have been learning this month. You can expect some more laid back vibes and production. We will be back here on the first Friday of each month for more father and son conversations, and hope you will join us! If you have any feedback at all on the new episode/format, we are dying to ...
Episode 147 - Goodbye For Now!
February 21, 2022 15:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBIn the final (for now) episode of Upstream, we go over our favorite episodes, things we're most proud of, things we struggled with, and what we have in store for the future! But more than any of that we express our gratitude, truly, for all of the listeners and supporters who've tuned in over these three years. It means more to us than you probably know, and we hope you continue to have your own meaningful conversations with those in your own circles. We love you guys - keep an eye o...
Episode 146 - The Listener Q&A Special!
February 14, 2022 15:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBIn our penultimate episode, we answer questions sent in by our wonderful listeners! Ranging from fun queries to some of the more serious variety, check this one out if you want to hear more of our opinions on various topics. We were thrilled with the number of questions we received and are so grateful for our regular listeners. We will talk to you next week for the final episode - an Upstream retrospective and 'what's coming next'!
Episode 145 - Truly, the Heart of the Matter
February 07, 2022 15:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBWe're back this week with an expanded discussion on a topic touched on in last week's episode: Are your thoughts and feelings related, and can you change them? We bring in more wisdom from Dallas Willard, as well as some personal breakthroughs to view this question from multiple angles. Stay tuned 'till the end for a very important update on the future of Upstream, and send us questions or comments you have for next week's Q&A Special!
Episode 144 - What Makes Up Human Nature?
January 31, 2022 15:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week we reflect on a chapter of Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard, where he lays out the six components that make up human nature. What happens when these components are in agreement, working together? What happens when they're askew? We explore this list, including the parts we emphatically agree with and the parts that might make us (or one of us; take a guess who) hesitate. Got a question for us? Send it our way! We would love to answer it in our upcoming 'Listener Ma...
Episode 143 - Jon's Thoughts on 'Lessons From the Saints'
January 24, 2022 15:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBThis week we have a Jon Thoughts for you, recapping Jon's biggest takeaways from Lessons From the Saints - a workbook by Maxie Dunnam - as well as some freshly-formed thoughts on C.S. Lewis' "Till We Have Faces." Jim will be back for next week's episode, see you then!
Episode 142 - The One Thing That Can Change Everything
January 17, 2022 15:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBWe've shared a number of mindfulness tips that we believe can change your life, and this episode might have our most powerful one yet. This tool has to do with managing your self-love and, merging this idea with our new perspective on culture, we think you can love people better than ever, and live out Proverbs 20:5 - "The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." Have an awesome week!
Episode 141 - Let's Talk About the Wrath of God
January 10, 2022 15:00 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBThe wrath of God is, for most people, an uncomfortable concept. Sometimes, when talking about wrath or judgment in a way to reduce anxiety on the topic, we can veer towards belittling or making light of it. So, without taking the teeth out of the Biblical truth of the matter, what is the deal with the wrath and judgment of God? Is there a way to view this reality that is both accurate, and gives people peace? Tune in this week to find out!
Episode 140 - What is Really Worth Fighting For?
January 03, 2022 15:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBHappy new year! In the first episode of 2022, we have part two of our conversation on "living as a pilgrim," using 2 Timothy as a guide to dive deeper into what that looks like, and walking through the many situations that might challenge that lifestyle. Got a topic you'd like us to discuss? Let us know!
Episode 139 - The New Year's Special
December 27, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBIt's that time again! At the end of last year (Episode 87) we discussed the potential of 2021 and some of our goals for the year. We are back to review the year, share some personal highlights, evaluate how we went about achieving our goals, and set new ones for 2022. We are so thankful for our listeners! Have some of your own goals for the coming year? We'd love to hear them.
Episode 138 - How to Be a Great American
December 20, 2021 15:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBJim's on his soapbox! After a frustrating interaction, he had a moment of clarity and this week brings you a list of six things you can do to be a great Christ-following American. Jon hears this list for the first time on-air, and will either talk him down or rage alongside him. We hope you enjoy this father and son conversation - have a great Christmas!
Episode 137 - A Fresh Look at 'Bearing Fruit'
December 13, 2021 15:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBIn another installment in our long-running "grace and works" conversation, this week we explore a new, fresh take on the metaphor Jesus uses in the gospels; that you will know a tree by its fruits. How can we use this image to reconcile the tension between the grace we know we are given, and the lifestyle standards we are called to? And what do we do if we are consistently falling short of those standards? Tune in to find out!
Episode 136 - What it Looks Like to Live by Faith
December 06, 2021 15:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBThis week Jim helps Jon break down two ideas he had recently inspired by the book of Hebrews; both concerning the nature of what it is to live by faith in a world that is only a shadow of the one that is to come. These metaphors have the potential to reshape some of our thoughts and questions about one of the great mysteries of our faith. Did they help you? Let us know!
Episode 135 - Exploring the Inner Life
November 29, 2021 15:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBEveryone has two lives: one that is observable from the outside, and one that exists primarily in your head; an ongoing conversation you have with yourself for your entire life. For many people, the inner life can be a place of constant frustration, where the ongoing monologue is a cycle of hurt, pride, and shame. But what if this inner life could not only be relieved of its pain, but become the source of all your peace, joy, and endurance. We believe this is absolutely possible, and...
Episode 134 - How Culture Gets Made
November 22, 2021 15:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MBCulture, whether healthy or unhealthy, always seems invisible. This makes any attempts to purposefully alter, or recreate culture frustratingly difficult. But what if you could directly affect the culture around you in very tangible ways? Or even create culture? Well in this episode, we break down a way for you to do just that!
Episode 133 - Where is the Abundant Life Jesus Promised Me?
November 15, 2021 15:00 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBThere seems to be a huge gap between the abundant, peaceful, overcoming life that Jesus promised and described in the New Testament and the life that most of us are living. What gives? In this episode Jim discusses the journey he is on to close that gap between the life the New Testament describes and the life he is actually living. Hopefully you can join the journey with him to the abundant life!
Episode 132 - Some Things are Just Plain Obvious
November 08, 2021 15:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBIn a moment of cohesion between ancient and modern wisdom, this week we discuss the shared theme of Romans 1 and Occam’s Razor: that almost always, the truth is right in front of our faces. As we navigate a world that seems to grow more complicated every day, how can we cut through the noise and seek real, powerful truth? We’ve got some ideas. Thanks for tuning in – let us know what your takeaway from this conversation was!
Episode 131 - Christianity is Not, and Never Has Been, the Majority Culture
November 01, 2021 14:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBThis week's conversation is about majority and minority cultures. Statistically, the majority of Americans still consider themselves Christians - so why is it that in regards to all other lifestyle statistics (marriage, finances, etc.) true Christ followers seem to be a small minority? And if they are a minority, how does that change their relationship to not only the larger secular public, but also other professing Christians? In a sequel to last week's episode, Jim and Jon discuss ...
Episode 130 - The Western Church is Dead, but You can Resurrect it!
October 25, 2021 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBJim and Jon have some tough love for the western Church this week. While the majority of Americans still identify as Christians, a cursory glance around the country will tell you that this is not entirely accurate - and the high profile Christians and churches you do see often have the aroma of anything but Christ. But we believe in the God of hope and this is far from a lost cause! What, then, can we do to reverse the damage, and contribute to the resurrection of the American Church...
Episode 129 - The Three Temptations You Must Overcome
October 18, 2021 14:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBInspired by 'In the Name of Jesus' by Henri Nouwen, this week's conversation takes another look at the temptations of Christ in the wilderness and reveals what those temptations truly meant - and how they are temptations we as disciples face every day whether we know it or not. We are huge fans of this concept and highly encourage you to listen 'till the end!
Episode 128 - The Gift Jesus Wants for You
October 11, 2021 14:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBGenerally, you can trust the words of a dying man. Or at least you know he chose the words he is saying to you very carefully. So, when we get to the Last Supper in John 17, and Jesus prays with His disciples for the last time before His resurrection, what He prays for must be extraordinarily important – and He decided to pray for you! And we believe the American church is entirely missing out on the gift that He prayed for us to have that day.
Episode 127 - Christian Influencers and Other Oxymorons
October 04, 2021 14:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBAs the public sphere grows both more crowded and more contentious, is it still possible for a Christ follower, being fully committed to a life of servitude and humility, to be a social media "influencer"? We discuss this question this week in light of some recent clarity Jon has had on his personal life calling, and further convictions on the posture that disciples should take when communicating - especially to the masses. Have opinions on this week's conversation? Let us know!
Episode 126 - A Whack on the Side of the Head
September 27, 2021 14:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBOuch! In this conversation, we each share three recent "whacks on the side of the head" we have had - meaning a sudden realization that provided a fresh way of viewing things. Each one has given us recent clarity on ways we can reach out to, serve, and empathize with those around us. Did one of these reach out and smack you, too? Let us know!
Episode 125 - What is Holiness?
September 20, 2021 14:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MBIf you asked a dozen Christ-followers you know to describe themselves in single words, chances are the word 'holy' would not come up once. And yet Scripture tells us not just to try to be holy, but that holy is already what we are! So what does this mean? Is holiness a way of living, or a state of being? And what does holiness look like in 2021? Let us know if you had a takeaway from this week's conversation!
Episode 124 - Are There People Whom God Hates?
September 13, 2021 14:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBResponding to a listener question this week, we address the few passages in scripture that, in English translations, refer to God hating certain people. In the context of Jesus' character and teachings, the thought of Father God hating any human is alarming! So what does scripture mean in these instances? And how do we reconcile these, or any other, conflicting Bible passages? We give our two cents on these questions in this episode. Thanks for listening.
Episode 123 - The Blind Spots of American Christianity, ft. Tim Southerland
September 06, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBExperienced missionary Tim Southerland joins us this week for a conversation on his experiences with faith in other countries and cultures around the world. What surprised him about Christians in these countries? What are some idiosyncrasies of American church culture that we don't even notice? Tim answers these question and more in this episode - thanks for listening!
Episode 122 - Finding the Humanity of The Other
August 30, 2021 14:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThanks for tuning in! We go deep this week with a multi-faceted conversation on those who believe different than us, and explore how these relatively small differences lead us to dehumanize, consciously or otherwise, our fellow man. We are called to love past the petty barriers between us, and when we do beautiful things happen! All feedback is welcome, we love hearing from you.
Episode 121 - A Guide to Finding Your Purpose, pt. 3
August 23, 2021 14:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBContinuing a conversation from episodes 115 and 116, this week we look at the lives of three amazing Christ-followers as case studies for what God can do in people with vastly different personalities, stories, and abilities. These practical examples showcase the variety of the Body of Christ, and how every one of us has a purpose we have been specifically designed for, with all our strengths and weaknesses. Our listeners mean the world to us, thanks so much for your time!
Episode 120 - The Un-American Response to Sinners
August 16, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBThis week we look at three different examples from the Gospel of Mark where Jesus interacted with those who were either socially outcast, physically crippled, or were caught in their sin. We discuss the lessons we can learn from Him here, and how these lessons often go against our individualist American values. Jim also shares a very powerful thought exercise that has enhanced his scripture reading. We love our listeners, see you next week for episode 121!
Episode 119 - Jon Thoughts, August 9
August 09, 2021 14:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBWith Jim out this week, Jon takes the mic for another round of Jon Thoughts! This episode he talks about time, its impact on our relationships with God, and how it affects our worldviews and values. Jim will be back next week for another father-and-son conversation - as always, thanks for listening!
Episode 118 - How to Know You're Ready for the Return of Jesus
August 02, 2021 14:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBThis week we dig deep in the three parables Jesus presents in Mathew 25, about His great return, to see how we can know we are ready for it. These include the parables of the ten virgins, the bags of gold, and the sheep and the goats. What is Jesus trying to teach us with these metaphors? How can we use them to enrich our own lives, and honor Him? Listen to find out! Talk to you next week.
Episode 117 - Why Would I Become a Catholic? ft. Jon Corcoran
July 26, 2021 14:00 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBWe welcome guest Jon Corcoran back to the studio this week to finish the story of his conversion to Catholicism, and ask some of the questions we had last time but didn't have time for. What appealed to him about the Catholic church that other Christian denominations didn't have? What was that process like? How does he feel about those other denominations now? Jon answers these questions and more! Thanks for listening this week, if you have any other questions for our guest let us kn...
Episode 116 - A Guide to Finding Your Purpose, pt. 2
July 19, 2021 14:00 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBAfter our last conversation about the Gift Passion Story assessment tool, Jon took the test and has brought back his results! This week we go over what the assessment told him, what the results may or may not mean, and how he can use them going forward. We hope this is helpful for you and your own results, after taking the free assessment at giftpassionstory.com. As always, thank you so much for listening!
Episode 115 - A Guide to Finding Your Purpose
July 12, 2021 14:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBFor episode 115, we talk over the challenges everyone faces with finding their purpose, the difference between purpose and meaning, and review yet another great assessment tool to help those who my be struggling in this arena. We would love to hear from our listeners, all feedback is welcome!
Episode 114 - What is a Disciple? Are You One?
July 05, 2021 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBFollowing our discussion on letting Jesus lead your life in a practical way, this week we talk about what the word "disciple" even means, and what it looks like to be one today. We also unpack a framework for self examination that can help you further your discipleship under Jesus. That model, and a link to the Examen prayer mentioned last week, can be found on our Instagram! We are so grateful for our listeners.
Episode 113 - Learning to Let Jesus Lead
June 28, 2021 14:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBThere is a big difference between considering Jesus to be, in a symbolic sort of way, your figurative leader, and placing him firmly, purposefully, as the leader of your life in a very real way. How do we go from the former, a way of frustration and disappointment, to the later, a way of adventure and fulfillment? Tune in this week to find out!
Episode 112 - What's the Deal with Faith and Works?
June 21, 2021 14:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBBack in the studio this week, Jim and Jon discuss the famously contentious passages found in the book of James concerning our faith and our works, or deeds. They both have a bit of a breakthrough in this conversation and are excited to share it. Jim also shares a great story from the recent Ladd family reunion, and Jon raves some more on one of his new favorite novels for Show and Tell. We are so grateful for our listeners, talk to you next time!
Episode 111 - Long Distance Family Dynamics, feat. Tim Ladd
June 14, 2021 14:00 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBJim and Jon come to you this week from vacation in Estes Park, Colorado! They are joined by the third Ladd man, brother and son Tim Ladd, to talk about the ways their spread out family has stayed connected and healthy despite some hefty geographical distances between them, and ways they could still improve. Story time is at the end of this episode, thank you to all of our listeners!
Episode 110 - Our Greatest Concerns for the Country
June 07, 2021 14:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBIt's been a wild few years for the United States. As the country continues to push on through times of almost unprecedented division, made worse by the lingering pandemic, Jim and Jon take a minute to discuss their individual concerns for their beloved home and native land. While we consider these serious threats to the nation, through everything we rejoice and trust in the sovereignty of our God. He is so good! Tune in next week for an episode abroad, as we record from Estes Park, C...
Episode 109 - Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life
May 31, 2021 14:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBThis week Jim and Jon discuss the power of your moment-to-moment thoughts, how they are the building blocks of not only who you currently are, but also will be in the future, and how to change these thoughts and break destructive behavioral patterns. We wish you a restful Memorial Day, and ask that you take a moment today to pray for our servicemen and women, and their families. Thank you for listening, we are so grateful!
Episode 108 - When Should a Christian Take a Stand?
May 24, 2021 14:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBOften through the New Testament, Christ followers are called to submit to the authorities over them, and not to treat any human as our enemy. But if there is a point where a Christian ought to oppose their rulers or fellow man, to take a stand, when is that? And how should they go about it in a way that resembles Jesus and is pleasing to God? We are passionate about this conversation and are excited to share it with you. Thanks for listening!
Episode 107 - How Does God View My Sin?
May 17, 2021 14:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBThis week, Jim and Jon are reunited! Join us as we talk about the nature of sin and how God sees it, and how your view on this, and other frameworks of your beliefs, can end up shaping your entire faith. Jim shares a story from his recent anniversary and Jon shows off one of his coolest book finds. Thanks for tuning in!
Episode 106 - Finding God's Help in Life's Disruptions
May 10, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBJon discusses how to find God's help when your life or faith become disrupted. Also a great book review and Jon offers Ulysses S. Grant a formal apology.
Episode 105 - Jim Thoughts, May 3
May 03, 2021 14:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBJim was abroad this week, so join him for a Jim Thoughts from Dallas Texas! He shares a list of ongoing convictions he has had lately concerning such things as the future of the church, and the depth of the love of God. Thank you for listening as we enter our second year of Upstream!
Episode 104 - Two-Year Listener Q&A Special
April 26, 2021 14:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBIt's officially been two years of Upstream episodes! We have had a great time sharing our conversations with you, and are so, so grateful for our listeners. If you didn't get a question in in time, still send it our way. If we don't make an episode out of it we will discuss it in another special like this one down the road. Here's to another year of Upstream!
Episode 103 - How do I Discover Who I Am?
April 19, 2021 14:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBIt’s another episode on identity! We have devised a model that may help you sort out your identity, who exactly you are, without relying on shifting, dynamic factors such as your career, abilities, etc. But instead of forgetting those factors completely, this model recognizes the powerful ways that God uses that information and experience in redeeming your story. We think it’s a great episode, tune in next week for our two-year anniversary special!
Episode 102 - Following Jesus is a Life of Tension
April 12, 2021 14:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBThe Gospel (and Jesus Himself) is full of tension in what it calls Christ-followers to do. Are we to sell all we have and give to the poor, or to leave an inheritance to our children's children? Are promised a prosperous, blessed life, or a life of servitude and suffering? We observe these tensions and more this week, and discuss the ways they can actually prove very powerful in our lives. Have a great week!
Episode 101 - Understanding the 'Anxiety Generation'
April 05, 2021 14:00 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MBIt is news to no one that we are in the middle of a mental health epidemic even more severe and long-lasting than that of COVID. Especially for those in the Millennial and Gen-Z generations, anxiety and depression are brutally common. In this episode, we review some data and theories from professionals of the field as to why that is, and share some wisdom on how to navigate these challenges if you yourself struggle here. Got any feedback? Leave it in the comments below!
Episode 100 - Why You Should do the 12 Steps
March 29, 2021 14:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBThe 12 Steps are famous as the curriculum for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and aim to help those in the grip of substance abuse to find their way out via submitting to Christ. But what if the truths found in the 12 Steps could actually be useful for every Christ-follower in their individual, personal battles with their sin nature? We explore that idea in this, our one-hundredth episode! We are so grateful for your time, see you next week.
Episode 99 - What is the Role of the Church in Culture?
March 22, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBEven before the COVID pandemic, the church's role in modern America has been in flux. This episode we break down the four ways that the church can interact with the greater national culture, what motivates each of those expressions of the church, the pro's and con's of each method, and the one we believe is the way Jesus intends for us and the people we are meant to reach. We are so grateful for our listeners, tune in next week for episode 100!