The UpWords Podcast

Upper House
  • 5.0 (13)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

An initiative of SLBF STUDIO at Upper House in Madison, WI. Through conversations with thinkers, scholars, and leaders, we explore the life of the mind and the questions of soul--to enrich our university, our community, and the Church.

  1. 1D AGO

    REPLAY: The Jailhouse Lawyer

    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 Project, Calvin shares his journey from incarceration to exoneration and ultimately earning a law degree at age 60. Moderated by journalist and ordained minister Phil Haslinger, this conversation explores the brokenness of the justice system, the transformative power of advocacy, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Guests: Calvin Duncan – Jailhouse lawyer, law school graduate, co-founder of the New Orleans Innocence ProjectSophie Cole – Criminal justice reform advocate, co-founder of the Visiting Room ProjectModerator: Phil Haslinger – Journalist and ordained minister Topics Covered: Wrongful conviction and the flaws in eyewitness testimonyLife inside Angola Prison and the role of jailhouse lawyersThe fight for access to legal records and justice reformReentry challenges after incarcerationFaith, resilience, and the meaning of advocacy Resources & Links: https://slbf.org/eventshttps://slbf.org/studiohttps://www.visitingroomproject.org 📙 Book: The Jailhouse Lawyer by Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull (Penguin Random House, 2025) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771367/the-jailhouse-lawyer-by-calvin-duncan-and-sophie-cull/

    1h 3m

  2. NOV 3

    Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History | Tal Howard

    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: ·     The intellectual history of “religion” and “secularism” ·     Case studies from France, Turkey, Mexico, the Soviet Union, and Albania ·     The ideological legacy of Marxist-Leninist thought ·     How secularist ideologies have impacted religious minorities ·     A comparison with Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age 🔗 Resources: ·     Broken Altars by Tal Howard (Yale University Press) https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300263619/broken-altars/ ·     Previous Upwards episode with Tal Howard (2021) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VKb21hmXYuFhCzB3RodKv?si=-f8_LzsMRnWp3ekfu8x0Hw 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, academia, and public life. 🌐 Learn more at https://slbf.org/studio

    47 min

  3. OCT 27

    Democracy from Local Love to Global Justice: Christian Citizenship in Action | Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

    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 and compassion both locally and globally. Topics Covered: Why democracy matters for people of faithThe biblical call to seek justice for the vulnerableHow Christians can engage in civic life without placing ultimate hope in politicsThe global struggle for freedom and the role of American ChristiansHigher education’s role in forming democratic citizens Guest Bio: Nicole Bibbins Sedaca is a seasoned advocate for democracy and human rights, with experience at the State Department and Freedom House. She brings a deep understanding of global democratic movements and a strong Christian perspective on civic engagement. Resources & Links: Learn more about the https://slbf.orgConnect with Nicole Bibbins Sedaca via the George W. Bush Institute - https://www.bushcenter.org/ Links to previous episodes on Citizenship: Christian Citizenship in a Pluralistic World | Chris Seiple Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upwords-podcast/id1537044590?i=1000720569822 Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eXhXf3DdII63mc97NIlaq?si=Tqx8q4vGSgWKI2G7FhEOPgYouTube = https://youtu.be/ndD4NTT8kLQ Faith, Citizenship, and Dissent: Lessons from 18th–19th Century Britain | Michael Rutz Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upwords-podcast/id1537044590?i=1000722513294Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cwJ9pjDQZBp5hxRDVoUMR?si=38433acca24c40b4 Christian Citizenship and the Early Church | Gar Anderson Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upwords-podcast/id1537044590?i=1000726874819Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/088w4Ne0lxQSStKsp9senx?si=87caaabc653943b3YouTube = https://youtu.be/tdE4uw2KokY

    48 min

  4. OCT 22

    The Art of Asking Better Questions | J.R. Briggs

    In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Daniel Johnson welcomes author and leadership coach J.R. Briggs to discuss his new book, The 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. J.R. shares personal stories and practical frameworks, including the four levels of good questions—from basic information to transformational depth. He also reflects on how Jesus modeled question-asking, why curiosity is essential for Christian formation, and how leaders can use questions to foster flourishing in their communities. Key Topics: Why questions are essential for spiritual growth and leadershipThe four levels of good questionsHow to ask better questions of God, ourselves, and othersStories of transformation through questions, including the powerful example of Daryl DavisPractical questions for leaders at every level Resources Mentioned: The Art of Asking Better Questions by J.R. Briggs (IVP, 2025) https://www.ivpress.com/the-art-of-asking-better-questionsHearts & Minds Bookstore (Byron Borger)The Six Conversations by Heather HollemanPsalms of lament and the role of questions in Scripture Connect with J.R. Briggs: https://jrbriggs.com@jr_briggs on social media Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vu0qW7mQrWo

    39 min

  5. OCT 13

    Formed to Lead | Jason Jensen

    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 aroma of the gospel. Drawing deeply from Luke chapters 1–4, Jason shares how the life of Jesus offers a radically different leadership model rooted in identity, character, and calling. He discusses the personal disciplines that have shaped his journey, including Ignatian spirituality, Orthodox iconography, therapy, and the daily examen. Jason also reflects on his pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago and the importance of discerning signposts in leadership vocation. This rich conversation invites listeners to reimagine leadership as participation in God’s story, where we are called to be faithful secondary characters in the divine drama. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical guidance for leading with integrity and grace. 📘 Form to Lead is available now and includes group discussion guides and spiritual exercises for deeper engagement. https://www.ivpress.com/formed-to-lead

    51 min

  6. OCT 6

    Reinventing Protestant Germany | Brandon Bloch

    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 leaders to Nazism, and how post-war Protestantism positioned itself as a moral compass in rebuilding German democracy.  🧠 Topics Covered  Brandon’s academic journey and early experiences in Berlin The religious landscape of Germany in the early 20th century Protestant responses to the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism The Confessing Church, Bonhoeffer, and the myth vs. reality of resistance Lay women and local resistance efforts during WWII Post-war Protestantism and its role in moral reconstruction The church’s stance on denazification and human rights Protestant identity, conscience, and democratic values in West Germany Comparative reflections on secularization in Germany vs. the U.S.  📚 Key Takeaways  Protestant churches were deeply intertwined with the German state pre-WWI and faced identity crises post-1918. Initial enthusiasm for Nazism among Protestant leaders gave way to internal conflict over racial policies and church autonomy. Resistance efforts were often led by laypeople, especially women, rather than prominent pastors. Post-1945, Protestant churches leveraged their moral authority to influence democratic reconstruction and human rights discourse. The concept of “conscience” became central to Protestant political engagement in West Germany. German secularization differs from the American model, with churches maintaining public roles despite declining private religiosity.  🔗 Resources & Mentions  Reinventing Protestant Germany by Brandon Block — Harvard University Press https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674295438  Peter Kaika’s book Follow Your Conscience Doris Bergen’s work on military chaplains and Nazi crimes Kirchentag (German Protestant lay assembly) Martin Niemöller’s famous quote: “First they came for the communists…”  📍 Where to Listen  Find this and over 150 other episodes at slbf.org/studio

    51 min

  7. SEP 30

    Reclaiming the Christian Worldview | J. Richard Middleton

    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 how that concept has evolved, been misunderstood, and often distorted over time. Drawing from his seminal work The Transforming Vision (1984) and his forthcoming book Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws: The Christian Worldview in a Conflicted Age, Middleton challenges listeners to move beyond tribalism, cultural conformity, and rigid doctrinal packages. Instead, he invites us to embrace a biblically rooted, lived orientation toward the world—one that is shaped by grace, community, and spiritual formation. Topics include: The difference between worldview as a lived orientation vs. a set of ideasHow cultural norms have overtaken biblical foundations in many churchesThe role of deconstruction and reconstruction in spiritual growthWhy diversity in Scripture points to a deeper unityPractical questions to help uncover and reshape your worldview Whether you're a student, pastor, educator, or curious seeker, this episode offers rich insights into how we see the world—and how Scripture invites us to see it differently. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/y20HygPRXWE. 🔔 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

    44 min

  8. SEP 22

    How Leaders Lose Their Way | Peter Greer

    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 dive into the habits, mindsets, and relationships that help leaders finish well. 🧭 Key Topics Covered Mission Drift & Leadership DriftBuilding on his earlier book Mission Drift, Peter explains how both organizations and individuals can lose sight of their purpose.Writing Your Eulogy & Resignation LetterPeter shares how these two exercises helped him recalibrate his identity and leadership priorities.Misguided Pursuits: Achievement & PowerThe dangers of idolizing success and influence, especially in mission-driven work.The Role of Speed & Isolation in DriftHow hurry and lack of authentic relationships contribute to leaders losing their way. Whether you're a senior leader or a rising one, this episode offers practical wisdom and soul-searching reflection. Peter’s insights challenge us to slow down, build authentic relationships, and stay rooted in purpose. Leadership isn’t just about achieving—it’s about finishing well. Peter Greer is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global nonprofit working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty in 29 countries around the world. Peter’s favorite part of his role is spending time with the remarkable entrepreneurs HOPE serves. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School, Peter has co-authored over 15 books, including Lead with Prayer, Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, he lives with his wife, Laurel, and their four children in Lancaster, PA.   📚 About the Book Title: How Leaders Lose Their Way Author: Peter Greer Publisher: InterVarsity Press Year: 2025 Website: HowLeadersLoseTheirWay.com 🔗 Resources & Links 📖 Purchase the book from InterVarsity Press = https://www.ivpress.com/how-leaders-lose-their-way🌍 Hope International = https://www.hopeinternational.org/🏛️ S.L. Brown Foundation = https://slbf.org/📺 Watch this episode on YouTube = link fourth coming

    46 min
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About

An initiative of SLBF STUDIO at Upper House in Madison, WI. Through conversations with thinkers, scholars, and leaders, we explore the life of the mind and the questions of soul--to enrich our university, our community, and the Church.

Information

  • Creator
    Upper House
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Upper House
  • Show Website
    The UpWords Podcast

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