Upstream with Jim and Jon

In this season finale, we go through the eight things we believe are necessary to build a life you love! We returned to Upstream a year ago and will now be taking a break to finish our individual book projects. We look forward to returning with more episodes this September. We would love to hear from you in the meantime - our original email address is struggling, so please use the contact form at jimandjon.com instead. You are the reason we do this, thank you for listening!

This week we reflect on the dozens of Christians we know (including ourselves) for whom real, lasting change feels nearly impossible. If we champion the redeeming Gospel of Christ, why is this? Are we doomed to wallow in our sin and shame until we are made perfect in eternity, or is there a better way? Armed with some wisdom from Dallas Willard, Jim will lead Jon (and you) out of this miserable sinner Christianity and into the bright sunny secrets of change. Thanks for listening! -NOTE- our business email, [email protected], is out of commission for the moment. If you'd like to reach us, and we hope you do, please use the contact form on our website.

Happy New Year! Recorded on New Year's Eve, in this episode Jim and Jon look back on 2024 and forward to 2025. Where did they succeed and where did they fail? What do they have hope for in the year ahead, and what do they dread? We hope you will join us in mindful reflection, and looking forward with expectancy. What is your Word of the Year for 2025? Let us know at [email protected]

Recording IN PERSON for the first time in months, Jim and Jon have a spoiler-free discussion of the recently released film Conclave. This movie, from a secular studio, seems to be asking the Church to have a conversation about ambition, faith, and certainty. What does it, and the world at large, seem to want from the Church? In what ways should the Church respond, whether it aligns with the desires of the world or not? Let us know your thoughts on the film and this discussion of it at [email protected]

Fall is upon us, and that means two things: cozy weather, and introspection! This month Jim and Jon talk about the importance of context, the fight against shame in one's relationship with God, and give advice to their younger selves. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy recording, and would love your feedback at [email protected]!

This month, we're talking about one thing and one thing only: Meaning, baby! How do you find meaning in a world that everyone around you claims, and lives as if, is meaningless? Jim and Jon have two points each on how they see meaning in their own lives, and give you tools to find it in your own. Weigh in on the Great Participle Fiasco of 2024 at [email protected]!

This month, Jim and Jon discuss lessons from the David narrative, take comfort in the will of God, and discuss ways to reach those in despair today. Thanks for listening to this extra long episode!

This week, Jim interviews Jon on things he's learning about marriage, anxiety, and the future, and gives his thoughts as well. Then they have a discussion about Christian excellence, and seeking to be the best you can at what you do while honoring God and keeping your heart right. So grateful for your time, thanks for listening!

Join us for an in-person special! In this bonus conversation, we explore more of our evolving thoughts on free grace salvation, and the mechanics of abiding in Christ. We also talk about the new film Horizon: An American Saga, and our favorite western movies of all time! Send us your favorite westerns, too, and join us on the first Friday of the month for the next full episode.

This month we talk about free grace, waiting on the Lord, Christian ambition, and more! Stay tuned for an in-person recording, with further discussion on free grace. Thanks for listening!