Conversations That Matter

Jon Harris

Christian, Traditional, Masculine

  1. 39 min ago

    A Christian Man's Guide to Ambition and Faithfulness

    How should Christian men think about ambition, success, influence, and vocation? In a culture obsessed with fame and personal achievement, Scripture points us toward something deeper: faithfulness. In this episode, I discuss why ambition is not the enemy, but why it must be directed by virtue, responsibility, and God's calling. We explore the importance of faithful men, local community, vocation, influence, contentment, and how to discern what God would have you build during your lifetime. This discussion is based on my latest Substack article, What Should I Do? A Christian Man's Guide to Ambition, Influence, and Faithfulness. If you have ever wrestled with questions about career, purpose, legacy, or whether you are making the most of your life, I hope this conversation helps. Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Why Ambition Matters 05:36 Defining Success 10:42 Faithfulness Over Fame 16:08 Vocation and Calling 21:54 Building What Lasts 28:17 Influence and Responsibility 34:06 Accepting Your Limits 39:11 Planning for Legacy 43:28 Final Exhortation Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. 1 day ago

    The Issue with Evangelicals for Fauci

    In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris revisits the COVID era through the lens of Anthony Fauci’s public statements and congressional testimony—including his decision to plead the Fifth. The discussion examines how many evangelical leaders and institutions responded at the time, the frequent use of Romans 13 and “love your neighbor” arguments, and which churches and pastors actually stood firm.Harris shares the key lessons he believes Christians should take from 2020–2021: good theology is only proven under pressure, the importance of thinking independently, and the value of leaders who refuse to bend conviction for social approval. The episode also covers current cultural observations on immigration and the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, the surprising success of country artist Ella Langley, recent Trump administration actions, listener questions, and a clear call to maintain integrity regardless of the cultural winds. 00:00 Fauci Clips Montage 02:00 Welcome & Why This Still Matters 05:50 What Evangelical Leaders Said About Fauci 10:00 Lessons from COVID: Theology Meets Reality 13:50 Churches That Stayed Open – The Real Heroes 18:00 Elites, Platforms & Parachurch Failures 21:00 Thinking for Yourself & Finding Courage 59:00 Immigration, Nigeria & Western Democracies 1:02:30 Ella Langley’s Chart Success 1:09:00 Trump Administration Updates 1:10:30 Listener Questions & Personal Notes 1:16:30 Final Takeaways from COVID 1:21:00 Closing & ETP Coffee Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. 4 days ago

    Does Sexual Sin Permanently Disqualify a Pastor? | Justin Peters

    Should a pastor who commits adultery, habitually views pornography, or commits another serious moral failure ever return to ministry? In this episode, I sit down with Justin Peters to discuss one of the most controversial questions facing the evangelical church today. We examine the biblical qualifications for elders, the meaning of being "above reproach," whether sexual sin permanently disqualifies a man from pastoral ministry, and how Christians should think about restoration. We also discuss examples frequently raised in these debates, including Steve Lawson, Mark Driscoll, Tullian Tchividjian, King David, and the Apostle Peter, while examining passages such as 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Corinthians 6, Proverbs 6, and 2 Corinthians 7. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation aims to drive listeners back to Scripture and encourage careful thinking about holiness, church leadership, repentance, and biblical accountability. 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Why This Conversation Matters 02:30 What Is Permanent Disqualification? 03:12 Qualifications for Elders and "Above Reproach" 05:17 Why Justin Peters Says Sexual Sin Permanently Disqualifies 08:12 Are Other Sins Also Permanently Disqualifying? 10:11 Mark Driscoll and Public Ministry 12:12 Patterns of Anger vs. Isolated Failures 13:26 Internal and External Consequences of Sexual Sin 15:32 Reputation, Reproach, and Public Ministry 17:03 What About David and Peter? 19:05 Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow 20:53 Encouragement for Christians Struggling with Sin 22:02 Pornography and Personal Responsibility 23:39 Is Permanent Disqualification Explicitly Taught in Scripture? 25:00 Final Reflections jonharrismedia.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. 5 days ago

    The Middle East Will Not Change Overnight: A Geopolitical Reality Check

    The Middle East is once again dominating headlines, but are the most popular narratives actually true? In this conversation, geopolitical strategist and author Martin Skold joins Jon Harris to separate internet myths from geopolitical reality. They discuss why Iran remains a long-term strategic challenge, whether America's alliance with Israel serves U.S. interests, the limits of the Abraham Accords, China's growing influence, the future of Middle East trade, and why simplistic explanations are attracting millions online. They also tackle the resurgence of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on the American Right, the dangers of scapegoating Israel for every global problem, and what a genuinely America First foreign policy should look like. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation provides historical context and geopolitical analysis that is often missing from today's online debates. Topics include: Iran and the future of the Middle East Israel and U.S. foreign policy Tucker Carlson's recent claims China, trade, and global power shifts Why internet narratives often miss the bigger picture The resurgence of anti-Semitism America's strategic interests abroad 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Why the Middle East keeps repeating itself 06:45 Popular online narratives about Israel 09:05 Is there reason for optimism? 13:30 Trade, China, and regional alliances 17:50 Does Israel drag America into war? 20:00 Tucker Carlson and the "merged militaries" claim 24:00 Why anti-Semitic narratives are spreading 29:00 Globalization and America's foreign policy establishment 36:00 China, manufacturing, and strategic competition 45:00 America's long-term geopolitical challenges 54:00 What an America First foreign policy should look like 1:03:00 Final thoughts Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. 25 Jul

    News Roundup: Rick Appleton, The Odyssey, Iran, Steve Lawson, & More

    This week on Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris examines the biggest stories shaping America, the church, and the wider world. Topics include: • The controversy surrounding The Odyssey and what it says about Western civilization. • Trump's response to the escalating conflict with Iran. • Claims about a U.S.-Israel military "merger" and why they are misleading. • The White House defending Christian athletes. • Jen Hatmaker's rejection of the doctrine of hell. • Michelle Leslie's critique of Jen Wilkin. • Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, and biblical discernment. • The Paige Patterson lawsuit update. • An extended analysis of the Rick Appleton case and what it could mean for conservative Presbyterianism. Join us each weekend as we review the biggest national, international, and evangelical stories from a distinctly Christian perspective. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 The Odyssey controversy and Western civilization 03:30 The Federalist vs. Gospel Coalition on The Odyssey 06:00 Data centers, AI, and conservative priorities 09:40 Trump's Iran strategy and Middle East update 13:10 Martin Skold interview preview 15:00 Tucker Carlson and the U.S.-Israel military claim 18:00 White House defends Christian WNBA player 19:00 Jen Hatmaker rejects hell 20:30 Michelle Leslie on Jen Wilkin 23:00 Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, and James 1 27:30 Paige Patterson lawsuit resolved 29:00 Rick Appleton case explained 39:00 Social media, biblical patriarchy, and Presbyterian controversy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. 23 Jul

    Can Great Movies Make a Comeback? | Jon Harris & Wade Stotts

    What makes a story timeless? Why are millions of people consuming 90-second "micro dramas" while classic films continue to inspire generation after generation? In this conversation, Jon Harris sits down with Wade Stotts of The Wade Show to discuss everything from rescoring Buster Keaton silent films to the collapse of modern entertainment. Together they examine why short-form content is reshaping attention spans, how Hollywood abandoned moral storytelling, and what families can do to cultivate a love for great art. The discussion also explores classic television, Westerns, Buster Keaton, the rise of Chinese-produced micro dramas, and whether our culture can recover an appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and stories that endure. Topics include: - Why Buster Keaton remains one of cinema's greatest artists - The explosion of Chinese micro dramas - How technology is changing the way we consume entertainment - Why classic Westerns communicated timeless moral truths - The rise of the anti-hero in modern storytelling - Raising children to appreciate great films and television - Can Hollywood recover, or is a new cultural renaissance needed? If you enjoy conversations about Christianity, culture, history, and the arts, subscribe for more episodes of Conversations That Matter. 00:00 Introduction and meeting Wade Stotts 01:08 Rescoring Buster Keaton films for a modern audience 05:01 Hollywood family history and classic cinema 06:59 The rise of Chinese micro dramas and "brain rot" entertainment 10:44 Why attention spans are collapsing 13:56 Politics, podcasts, and the culture of sensationalism 15:21 Raising children on timeless films and television 18:53 Why classic Westerns taught moral lessons 20:20 The hero, the anti-hero, and the decline of the Western 22:00 Can timeless storytelling make a comeback? Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. 21 Jul

    Should Christians Partner with Turning Point USA? A Pastor's Honest Take

    Should Christians work alongside Mormons, Roman Catholics, New Apostolic Reformation leaders, and others for political causes? Where is the line between prudent cooperation and compromising biblical truth? In this episode of Conversations That Matter, I sit down with Pastor Anthony Forsyth to discuss the growing ecumenical movement within conservative politics. Drawing from his own experience inside the movement now known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Anthony explains why biblical discernment matters more than ever. We discuss: Anthony's journey out of the New Apostolic Reformation The sufficiency of Scripture versus modern prophetic movements Turning Point USA and the challenges Christians face in political coalitions Charlie Kirk's legacy and the evangelical response How pastors should think about political engagement without sacrificing theological conviction Whether you are involved in politics, ministry, or simply trying to think biblically about our current cultural moment, this conversation offers important principles for faithful Christian engagement. Jon's Music: jonharristunes.com To Support the Podcast:  https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/ Become a Patron https://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast Substack: https://substack.com/@jonharris  Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989 Follow Jon on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/ 00:00 Why Christians Cannot Abandon the Public Square 00:35 Introduction to Anthony Forsyth 01:54 Leaving the New Apostolic Reformation 09:49 Dominion Theology and Political Power 13:05 COVID, Church Closures, and Political Engagement 20:57 Entering the TPUSA World 29:35 What Is Biblical Cooperation? 37:10 Where Should Christians Draw the Line? 46:18 Charlie Kirk, Conservative Coalitions, and Discernment 55:07 Final Thoughts Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Christian, Traditional, Masculine

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