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 Project
• Sophie Cole – Criminal justice reform advocate, co-founder of the Visiting Room Project
• Moderator: Phil Haslinger – Journalist and ordained minister

Topics Covered:

• Wrongful conviction and the flaws in eyewitness testimony
• Life inside Angola Prison and the role of jailhouse lawyers
• The fight for access to legal records and justice reform
• Reentry challenges after incarceration
• Faith, resilience, and the meaning of advocacy

Resources & Links:

• https://slbf.org/events
• https://slbf.org/studio
• https://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/

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Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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

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CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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 faith
• The biblical call to seek justice for the vulnerable
• How Christians can engage in civic life without placing ultimate hope in politics
• The global struggle for freedom and the role of American Christians
• Higher 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.org
• Connect 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=Tqx8q4vGSgWKI2G7FhEOPg
• YouTube = 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=1000722513294
• Spotify = 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=1000726874819
• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/088w4Ne0lxQSStKsp9senx?si=87caaabc653943b3
• YouTube = https://youtu.be/tdE4uw2KokY

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CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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 leadership
• The four levels of good questions
• How to ask better questions of God, ourselves, and others
• Stories of transformation through questions, including the powerful example of Daryl Davis
• Practical 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-questions
• Hearts & Minds Bookstore (Byron Borger)
• The Six Conversations by Heather Holleman
• Psalms 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

Send us Fan Mail

CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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

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CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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

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Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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 ideas
• How cultural norms have overtaken biblical foundations in many churches
• The role of deconstruction and reconstruction in spiritual growth
• Why diversity in Scripture points to a deeper unity
• Practical 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.

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CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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 Drift
• Building on his earlier book Mission Drift, Peter explains how both organizations and individuals can lose sight of their purpose.
• Writing Your Eulogy & Resignation Letter
• Peter shares how these two exercises helped him recalibrate his identity and leadership priorities.
• Misguided Pursuits: Achievement & Power
• The dangers of idolizing success and influence, especially in mission-driven work.
• The Role of Speed & Isolation in Drift
• How 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

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CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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 transformed society through radical love, community care, and allegiance to Christ.

Gar and Jean discuss:

• The historical context of citizenship in the Roman Empire
• The difference between patriotism and indifference in Christian political engagement
• Jesus’ teaching on rendering to Caesar and God
• Lessons from Paul’s use of Roman citizenship to expose injustice
• Practical examples of loving one’s neighbor in everyday life

📚 Recommended Resources

Books Mentioned:

• Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Wilken (Oxford University Press, 1984)
• The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark (HarperOne, 1996)
• Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado (Baylor University Press, 2016)
• Strange Religion by Nijay Gupta (Brazos Press, 2023)
• The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider (Baker Academic, 2016)

Ancient Text Highlighted:

• Letter to Diognetus (c. 125–150 AD) — A second-century Christian apology describing the distinctiveness of Christian life and allegiance. Link = https://storage2.snappages.site/6X3R8B/assets/files/The-Epistle-to-Diognetus.pdf

Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned

·     Christian Citizenship in a Pluralistic World | Chris Seiple (August 4, 2025) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1fedbb2c-6c00-47d3-bc40-a1cc9a367d84/

·     Faith, Citizenship, and Dissent: Lessons from 18th–19th Century Britain | Michael Rutz (August 18, 2025) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8fa1fc18-402f-4271-afc8-9e4bf9a73c13/

🔗 Watch & Subscribe

🎧 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast on your favorite podcast app to stay updated.

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Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour

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 culture, and equip us for meaningful engagement in the academy and beyond.

➡️ 📚 Featured Book Recommendations

🎓 For Students & Educators

• Why Study History? by John Fea (Baker Academic, 2024)
• Learning to Love: Christian Higher Education as Pilgrimage by Alex Sosler (Falls City Press, 2023)
• The Art of Asking Better Questions by J.R. Briggs (IVP, 2025)
• Everything is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness by Bobby Jamieson (Penguin Random House, 2025)

🌍 On Culture & Theology

• The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life by Benjamin Quinn & Dennis Greeson (B&H Academic, 2024)
• The Core of the Christian Faith: Living the Gospel for the Sake of the World by Michael Goheen (Brazos Press, 2025)
• Culture Making by Andy Crouch (IVP, 2008)
• He Shines in All That’s Fair: Culture and Common Grace by Richard Mouw (Eerdmans, 2002)
• Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview by Albert Wolters (Eerdmans, 2005)

🕊️ Spiritual Formation

• Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World by A.J. Swoboda & Nijay Gupta (Brazos Press, 2025)
• You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul by Jared Ayers (NavPress, 2025)

👥 Memoirs & Personal Narratives

• I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (Convergent Books, 2018)
• Full of Myself: Black Womanhood and the Journey to Self-Possession by Austin Channing Brown (Convergent Books, 2025)
• The Exact Place by Margie Haack (Deep River Books, 2012)
• Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono (Knopf, 2022)

💬 Key Themes

• The Gospel of the Kingdom and its cultural implications
• Christian higher education as a journey of love and formation
• Asking better questions as a spiritual and relational practice
• Engaging culture thoughtfully and faithfully
• The power of memoirs to cultivate empathy and self-reflection
• Slowing down to deepen theological understanding and resilience

🔗 Resources & Links

• Hearts & Minds Bookstore = https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com
• SL Brown Foundation = https://slbf.org

Send us Fan Mail

CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.

This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour