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The UpWords Podcast

The UpWords Podcast

By Upper House

An initiative of 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.
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Evangelicals and Human Rights | Lauren Turek

The UpWords PodcastMay 17, 2021

00:00
01:10:58
Belonging & Inclusion | Rodney Hood

Belonging & Inclusion | Rodney Hood

We recently interviewed Rodney Hood, Chairman of the ⁠National Credit Union Administration⁠, on his views and hopes for inclusion and belonging in the workplace and the church. 

Rodney E. Hood is the Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration. He’s held that role since 2019. He’s also on the Board of Directors of NeighborWorks America, one of the nation’s largest affordable housing and community development organizations. Rodney has served for decades in both public and private roles in the finance sector.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@slbrownfoundation.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Jun 26, 202359:45
The End Times | Dan Hummel
Jun 12, 202301:00:26
Encountering Racial Injustice | Christine Jeske

Encountering Racial Injustice | Christine Jeske

Christine Jeske, our first three time guest, join our producer Jesse to talk  about her recent anthropological study on race and racism in the American church.  

Christine is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Wheaton College. Before joining Wheaton, she spent a decade in microfinance, refugee resettlement, community development, and teaching. She earned all of her degrees, including her PhD in cultural anthropology, from UW-Madison.  

She’s the author of three books including, The Laziness Myth: Narratives of Work and the Good Life in South Africa, which we talked to her about on all the way back on episode eight in February of 2021.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@slbrownfoundation.org⁠⁠⁠.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.


May 29, 202351:17
Art is Where You Are | Joel Sheesley

Art is Where You Are | Joel Sheesley

Jesse speaks with artist Joel Sheesly about Joel’s approach to and passion for art, especially art that depicts the everyday things and places we often take for granted.

Joel Sheesley is a painter and professor emeritus at Wheaton College and has had his landscape paintings displayed in galleries across the United States. He recently published a collection of his works in book form entitled A Fox River Testimony.  

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@slbrownfoundation.org⁠⁠⁠.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.


May 15, 202340:35
Christian Traditions: Anglicanism | Scott Cunningham

Christian Traditions: Anglicanism | Scott Cunningham

Dan sits down with Father Scott Cunningham of ⁠Christ Church Madison⁠ to learn about the Anglican tradition. Scott is a graduate of Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) and studied music, literature, and theology. He has served in the Anglican communion in America and England for almost two decades.

This conversation begins a new, intermittent series on UpWords where we explore different faith traditions with the aim of growing in understanding and shared vision for the University of Wisconsin and the city of Madison.

If you have ideas for traditions you'd like to hear us explore, please email us at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at ⁠⁠podcast@slbrownfoundation.org⁠⁠.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

May 01, 202301:14:12
Meet Our Newest Staff Member | Tony Bolos

Meet Our Newest Staff Member | Tony Bolos

Join us in welcoming our newest staff member, Anthony Bolos! We're excited to introduce Tony, our Director of Continuing Education, to the Upper House community in this conversation with Dan.  

Before joining Upper House, Tony served as the Executive Director of New Hope Peru, an organization that serves vulnerable children and families in southern Peru. Prior to that, he was a professor of philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) covering a range of subjects including Ethics, Philosophy of Science, and epistemology. Tony earned his Master’s and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh, an MA in Philosophy of Religion from Denver Seminary, and a BA in Biblical Studies from Crown College. He has published numerous articles and essays in philosophy. 

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at ⁠⁠podcast@slbrownfoundation.org⁠⁠.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Apr 17, 202355:14
Early Christians in the Roman Empire | Kyle Harper

Early Christians in the Roman Empire | Kyle Harper

In this episode, we listen to noted historian Kyle Harper as he speaks to an Upper House audience during our recent Geneva Forum on what life was like in the Roman Empire in the time of Christ.

Kyle Harper is the G.T. and Libby Blankenship Chair in the History of Liberty, Professor of Classics and Letters, and Senior Advisor to the President, all at the University of Oklahoma. Harper has been a Guggenheim Fellow and an Andrew Carnegie Fellow. He’s also a Fractal Fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. He is the author of 4 books including, “The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire”, which was first published in 2017 and provided a portion of the context for this presentation.  

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at ⁠podcast@slbrownfoundation.org⁠.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Apr 10, 202347:47
Christianity in India | Chandra Mallampalli

Christianity in India | Chandra Mallampalli

We recently welcomed Chandra Mallampalli, historian of religion and India, to Upper House. In this conversation we hear about his vocation as a historian and the dynamic history of religion in India, including the growth of Pentecostal Christianity in recent decades. Chandra talks with longtime friend and Upper House’s Fellows Program Director (and fellow historian) Eric Carlsson.

Chandra Mallampalli is the Fletcher Jones Chair of Social Sciences and Professor of History at Westmont College. He received his Ph.D. in South Asian History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  He is the author of four books and many scholarly articles. The basis for today's episode is Chandra’s recently released book, South Asia's Christians: Between Hindu and Muslim.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.



Apr 03, 202301:09:46
The Drive to Create | Wayne Roosa

The Drive to Create | Wayne Roosa

Upper House's Associate Director, Cam Anderson, sits down with his good friend and noted art historian and artist, Wayne Roosa, to have a conversation about what drives them to make art. They offer insights, concepts, and language that help all of us to rethink our own work in new and interesting ways.

Wayne Roosa is a University Professor of Art History Emeritus at Bethel University, as well as Chair of the New York Center for Art and Media Studies. He has written on art and art history, and is a painter with works displayed in galleries all over the country.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Mar 20, 202348:27
The 6 Conversations | Heather Holleman

The 6 Conversations | Heather Holleman

Conversations are happening everywhere! Even so, we often struggle to understand the person sitting across from us or to feel understood by them. We exist in a culture where everyone desires conversations and deep relationships, but they’re getting harder and harder to find.

Our guest today, English professor, author, and speaker Heather Holleman, offers a winsome entryway into practicing deeper and more meaningful conversations rooted in seeing all people as created in the image of God. Heather isn’t just a theorist of good conversation, she’s an expert at them herself. We hope you get a sense of her passion for real connection in this episode about her new book, The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Incivility.

If you're interested in going deeper into today's content, feel free to check out her free resources

Heather Holleman is an associate teaching professor at Penn State University. She is the author of numerous books on evangelism, communication, and Christian formation. 

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Mar 06, 202354:10
Sacred & Secular: UW’s Spiritual History | Dan Hummel

Sacred & Secular: UW’s Spiritual History | Dan Hummel

It's a flipped episode! Our producer, Jesse Koopman, while normally on the other end of the production desk, sits down with our normal host, Dan Hummel. As one of our two resident historians and Director of University Engagement at Upper House, Dan has been researching UW’s Spiritual History. In this episode, he shares about the rich narratives and compelling figures that he's uncovered, and how they fit into the larger story of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dan earned a B.A. and M.A. from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He’s the author of two books on American religious history. The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle Over the End Times Shaped a Nation  & Covenant Brothers: Evangelicals, Jews, and U.S.-Israeli Relations.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Feb 20, 202301:14:50
Faith and Journalism in China | Ian Johnson

Faith and Journalism in China | Ian Johnson

Dan talks to journalist Ian Johnson about his background, education, and growth into a world-class journalist and observer of modern China. Ian's reporting on China, captured in many articles and books including The Souls of China, offers nuanced insights on the evolution of spirituality in China, including the growth of Christianity, Buddhism, Daoism, and folk religions. We were fortunate enough to host Ian at Upper House last fall in partnership with two UW-Madison centers--the Center for East Asian Studies and the East Asian Legal Studies Center--where he talked about the stunning spiritual revival in China happening today. Watch that event on our Youtube page here.

Ian Johnson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, researcher, and senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Feb 06, 202348:56
Art in Service to the Kingdom | Ned Bustard

Art in Service to the Kingdom | Ned Bustard

We welcome artist Ned Bustard to the podcast. He sits down with Upper House Associate Director Cam Anderson for an in-depth conversation. They discuss how they both grew up as artists in the church, and about their struggles to discover how their callings fit into their faith commitments and communities.

Ned Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker. He is the creative director at Square Halo Books. He serves on the boards of the Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art and The Row House, Inc.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Jan 23, 202355:26
Gender Roles in the Home & Academia | Joy Qualls

Gender Roles in the Home & Academia | Joy Qualls

Upper House's Senior Writer, Susan Smetzer-Anderson, sits down with Dr. Joy Qualls to talk about Joy’s journey as a university professor, wife, and mother. Susan and Joy  share how the roles they play in their families and at work require them to be attentive to Christ’s call on their lives. 

Joy currently serves as an Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Associate Dean in the Division of Communication at Biola University. In addition to her academic affiliations, Joy serves on a national advisory committee for the Network for Women Ministers, which is part of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. She recently contributed to Power Women - Stories of Motherhood, Faith, and the Academy — the focus of today’s conversation.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Jan 09, 202349:13
Journalism as More Than Writing | Bob Smietana

Journalism as More Than Writing | Bob Smietana

Here at Upper House, we read our fair share of news on religion. Recently, Dan Hummel got the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Bob Smietana, one of the most insightful and distinguished reporters on religion in the country. Bob discusses how he got into the small, tight knit field of religion reporting and what makes it endlessly fascinating for him. Bob was a guest at Upper House to speak about his new book: Reorganized Religion: The Reshaping of the American Church and Why It Matters. You can check out the video of the event on our Youtube page here.

Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles, and features for many print outlets. He is currently a national reporter for Religion News Service.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Dec 26, 202201:18:31
Lemons & Advent | Kelley Nikondeha

Lemons & Advent | Kelley Nikondeha

Merry Christmas! In this episode, we explore some of the less discussed sides of the Advent story. Too often we abstract the Incarnation and forget that Christ was born into a time and place with major political, economic, and social strife. Mary and Joseph had to navigate a lot more than an unplanned pregnancy.

Practical theologian, author, and speaker Kelley Nikondeha joins our Director of Technology Dan Johnson for a conversation on her new book “The First Advent in Palestine: Reversals, Resistance, and the Ongoing Complexity of Hope.”  We listen in as she talks about the broader context of the world and region that Jesus was born into as well as some of the challenges Mary and Joseph would have faced in that time and place.

Kelley is a theologian and author with a degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a co-director of Communities of Hope, a community development enterprise in Burundi, and also serves as the theologian-in-residence for SheLoves Magazine.

We hope you enjoy this UpWords conversation and the rest of your advent season.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Dec 12, 202242:60
Colorblind Christianity | Jesse Curtis

Colorblind Christianity | Jesse Curtis

Many of us are taught that talking about race and racial identity in the church leads to division. Many of us would, and many still do, identify as “colorblind Christians” who didn’t see racial differences as relevant to the church.

Our guest today helps us understand that “colorblindness” has tended not to be a virtue, and is especially difficult to defend in a church context that has been shaped by American history. Historian Jesse Curtis has written a new book, The Myth of Colorblind Christians, that challenges the idea that there ever was a truly colorblind tradition of Christianity.

Jesse Curtis is an Assistant Professor of History at Valparaiso University. He received his BA in educational ministries from Moody Bible Insitute, his MA in history from Kent State, and his Ph.D. in history from Temple University. He’s the author of many peer-reviewed works as well as the book we discuss in today’s episode, The Myth of Colorblind Christians: Evangelicals and White Supremacy in the Civil Rights Era.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Nov 28, 202259:51
The Heart of Performance | Euimin Shin

The Heart of Performance | Euimin Shin

Upper House's Director of Program Curation, Melissa Shackelford, sits down with our very own artist in residence Euimin Shin for a conversation to explore what it’s like to be a Christian who is also a performing artist. 

Euimin Shin is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and she's the artist-in-residence at Upper House. Min grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and has also lived in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She moved to Madison in 2018 for her master’s degree at UW-Madison.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Nov 14, 202230:51
Science & Faith | Chris Dolson & Richard Lindroth

Science & Faith | Chris Dolson & Richard Lindroth

In partnership with Science for the Church, we listen in on a conversation between pastor Chris Dolson, who has embraced science in ministry, and professor Rick Lindroth, who is a committed scientist, and Christ follower.

Chris Dolson is Pastor Emeritus at Blackhawk Church in Madison, WI, where he was previously head pastor for 27 years. Chris holds a B.S. in Biology from Indiana State University as well as a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Gordon-Conwell Seminary.

Rick Lindroth has been a professor of Ecology at the University of Wisconsin Madison for 34 years. He holds a B.S. in wildlife biology from Iowa State University and a PHD in ecology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne. Rick has received many awards and honors for his work. He's been a member of Blackhawk Church since 1985.

Learn about the work that Science for the Church is doing to pair pastors and scientists, like the example of Chris and Rick, at scienceforthechurch.org.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Oct 31, 202244:53
The Power of Pilgrimages | Skye Doney

The Power of Pilgrimages | Skye Doney

The importance of pilgrimages in the history of Christianity is often overlooked. Even today, millions of Christians travel every year to visit historic sites invested with spiritual meaning and power. In this episode we talk to Skye Doney, a historian and scholar of Catholic pilgrimages in  nineteenth and twentieth-century Germany. Skye’s new book, The Persistence of the Sacred: German Catholic Pilgrimage, 1832–1937 (published this month by the University of Toronto Press), is a masterclass in cultural history—detailed and nuanced analyses of how people from all rungs of society experienced the sacred while on pilgrimage. We explore the pilgrimages and relics and ask how these practices relate to a broader religious context in the modern period.

Skye Doney is the director of the George L. Mosse Program in History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He earned his PhD in European History at UW-Madison. In addition to his new book, he translated, edited, and annotated Eva Noack-Mosse’s Holocaust memoir, Last Days of Theresienstadt (Madison, 2018). His articles have appeared in Journal of Contemporary HistoryThe Catholic Historical Review, and Environment, Space, Place.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Oct 17, 202257:22
Integrating Faith and Work | Matt Rusten

Integrating Faith and Work | Matt Rusten

A theme we return to time and again at Upper House is whole life integration. This means we desire to see Christians who have brought their faith to bear on every aspect of who they are: their minds and emotions, their actions, and their relationships—and also their work. It can often seem like the church is the primary way to serve God, but that’s not how the Bible portrays work.

In this episode, we hear from the executive director of the faith and work organization Made to Flourish. His name is Matt Rusten and he is sitting down with Upper House's executive director, John Terrill, to talk about the importance of “closing the gap between Sunday and Monday”—erasing the artificial lines many Christians draw between the church and work life, and between sacred and secular work.

Matt Rusten received his master of divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and has served in churches in North Dakota, the Chicago area, and Kansas City. Before entering his current role as exec director of Made to Flourish, he was pastor of spiritual formation at Blackhawk Church here in Madison.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Oct 03, 202244:16
Civic Friendship in Polarized Times | Angel Adams Parham
Sep 19, 202251:28
The "Good" Mother | Christina Lee Kim

The "Good" Mother | Christina Lee Kim

How does our thinking, expectations, social pressures we feel shape our roles in life? Upper House's Susan Smetzer-Anderson and Christina Lee Kim—author of an essay titled "The 'Good' Mother" (in a new book released by IVP, titled Power Women: Stories of Motherhood, Faith, and the Academy) honestly discuss the importance of unmasking the ideologies that compel our choice-making. Christina's authentic sharing of her own experience as a mother and professional academic—combined with her astute and research-based observations about powerful assumptions about motherhood that permeate families and cultures—make for a conversation that is both particular and broad in its relevance.

Christina Lee Kim is an associate professor of psychology at Biola University and a licensed clinical psychologist. In addition to teaching, she researches cross-cultural and multicultural psychology, mental health issues and the church, and Asian-American psychology. Dr. Kim and her husband and their three daughters reside in Fullerton, CA and are members of Crossway OC church, where Dr. Kim serves as one of the worship leaders.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Sep 05, 202248:36
How Does God View Work? | J. Richard Middleton

How Does God View Work? | J. Richard Middleton

Our tagline at Upper House is Think-Be-Do, which is a nod to our understanding that God cares deeply about us as whole people: what we think, who we are, and what we do. In this episode, Fellows Program Director, Eric Carlsson, discusses with biblical scholar J. Richard Middleton his personal journey exploring the concept of calling, and the advice he has for understanding what God is calling us to be and do.  

J. Richard Middleton is professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary and adjunct professor of Theology at Roberts Wesleyan College, both in Rochester, New York. He is widely published in religious journals and is the author of four books, including Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God, and A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.


Aug 22, 202239:57
Understanding Conscience | Peter Cajka

Understanding Conscience | Peter Cajka

We all have a conscience, but what is it and where does it come from? In this episode, Dan interviews fellow historian Peter Cajka, who has recently published Follow Your Conscience: The Catholic Church and the Spirit of the Sixties. In this conversation, we explore the history of Christian thinking about the conscience and the parallels and incongruities in the Catholic and Protestant perspectives.

Peter Cajka is Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on American Catholicism, the history of ideas, and the history of sexuality.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: Music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Aug 08, 202251:33
From the Vault: Speaking Peace in Conflict | Marylin McEntyre

From the Vault: Speaking Peace in Conflict | Marylin McEntyre

In this callback episode to 2020, we listen in on an interview with author Marilyn McEntyre, hosted by our Director of Programming, Melissa Shackelford. They discuss the immense power of words, and the ways in which they are used to high effect, but also often abused. They explored the effect of allusion, metaphor, euphemizing, and the ways in which we muddle distinct language from different contexts into one.

Marilyn McEntyre is an author and teacher who has taught for decades on a variety of topics related to writing, language, and the humanities. She’s written many books covering a wide range of topics including her book, “Speaking Peace in a Time of Conflict,” which is covered in part in this episode.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Jul 25, 202259:08
The Art of Preaching | William H. Curtis

The Art of Preaching | William H. Curtis

Preaching is one of those things that can often be hit or miss. A person can be captivated, moved and even changed, but other times you have to fight to stay awake after 10 minutes into a message. Powerful preaching is something this week’s guest specializes in. We hosted a recent event at Upper House “Thinking Theologically About These Times” and we took advantage of having the guest speaker, Rev. Dr. William Curtis, in-house to hear his story.

William Curtis is a native of Baltimore. Since 1997, he has served as the Senior Pastor at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Curtis holds degrees from Morgan State University, and Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Aside from being a pastor, he is co-owner of The Church Online, a technology, and full-service marketing firm that provides services all over the world.

This episode's guest interviewer, who you’ll hear first in the interview, is Dr. Marcus Allen, pastor of Madison’s own Mt Zion Baptist Church. Dr. Allen also serves on Upper House’s local advisory council and is one of our favorite partners in the city of Madison.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Jul 11, 202201:01:55
 A History of Modern Liberal Protestantism | Gene Zubovich

A History of Modern Liberal Protestantism | Gene Zubovich

Gene Zubovich, author of the new book, Before the Religious Right: Liberal Protestants, Human Rights, and the Polarization of the United States, sits down with Dan Hummel to explore the history of liberal Protestantism and its impact on American politics through the lens of social welfare, race relations, and international relations. They take a historical journey that touches on important leaders and ideas, and follow how the movement evolved through the second half of the 20th century.

Gene is an Assistant Professor of History at the University at Buffalo (part of the State University of NY schools) and holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkley. He completed his post-doctoral work at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Jesse Koopman, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Jun 27, 202201:04:41
From the Vault: A Theology of Soul Food | Adrian Miller
Jun 13, 202254:09
From the Vault: After Doubt | A.J. Swoboda

From the Vault: After Doubt | A.J. Swoboda

For this return of From the Vault (highlighting talks at Upper House), we're listening to a March 2022 event featuring theologian A.J. Swoboda. Swaboda argues that doubt and questioning, rather than signs of faithlessness, present us with an an opportunity to deconstruct and reconstruct our ideas and beliefs—to deepen in understanding about who we are and what we believe about God. For the video of this event, check it out here.

A.J Swoboda is an assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University, which is in Eugene, Oregon. He also leads a Doctor of Ministry program on leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. Swoboda is the author of several books, including After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith without Losing It (Brazos Press, 2021), the award-winning Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World (Brazos Press, 2018), and The Dusty Ones: Why Wandering Deepens Your Faith (Baker Press, 2016).

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

May 30, 202258:47
Through the Eyes of a Painter | Catherine Prescott

Through the Eyes of a Painter | Catherine Prescott

Susan talks with Catherine Prescott about the fascinating world of portrait painting and the intellectual and spiritual tensions that reside in the work. For more of Catherine's art, see her personal website.

Check out Catherine's recent Upper House talk, as well as the sessions by Alex Miranda, Wayne Roosa, and Asher Imtiaz.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

May 16, 202254:14
Faith in Leadership | Steve Preston

Faith in Leadership | Steve Preston

John welcomes Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill Industries, for a conversation that ranges from Steve's childhood in Janesville, WI to his leadership of U.S. federal agencies. On the way they explore how God enabled Steve, and enables each of us, to make unexpected career choices in the service of a higher calling.

Steve's April 2022 talk at Upper House is viewable here: "Leading through Crisis with Vision and Care."

Steve Preston is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, a federation of local organizations with over 125,000 employees. Previously, Steve headed two federal agencies during times of national crisis—U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Small Business Administration. He has also served as the CEO of two private corporations, and as the CFO of two Fortune 500 companies. Steve graduated from Northwestern University and holds an MBA from The University of Chicago, and is a native of Janesville, WI.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

May 02, 202259:22
Suffering & Beliefs about God | Cynthia Eriksson

Suffering & Beliefs about God | Cynthia Eriksson

Susan speaks with psychologist Cynthia Eriksson about the topic of suffering: how to make sense of suffering and ways social scientists have sought to understand the relationship between faith in God and coping with suffering. The conversation centers on a few forthcoming papers co-authored by Cynthia and then moves into a variety of topics.

Cynthia Eriksson is associate professor of psychology and chair of Fuller’s PsyD program Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. Many articles published that are accessible on Researchgate and through her own faculty page at Fuller.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Apr 18, 202253:01
Discernment & the Enneagram | Drew Moser

Discernment & the Enneagram | Drew Moser

Dan Johnson sits down with Drew Moser, who visited Upper House last month. They talk about on Drew's passion area, the Enneagram personality typology, and how deeper understandings of personality types can lead to stronger relationships and fuller lives. 

Drew Moser, Ph.D., is a certified enneagram teacher, a professional member of the International Enneagram Association, and Dean of Student Engagement and Professor of Higher Education at Taylor University. Drew's most recent book is The Enneagram of Discernment: The Way of Vocation, Wisdom, and Practice. His work on the Enneagram can be found at Type Trail, and Drew co-hosts his own podcast called Fathoms.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Apr 04, 202242:32
Church Planting and Renewal | Christopher James

Church Planting and Renewal | Christopher James

John sits down with Christopher James to discuss church planting in the twenty-first century, the challenges facing churches old and young, and ultimately their shared optimism and hope for church renewal. They discuss Chris's book, Church Planting in Post-Christian Soil (Oxford, 2016) and the Awaken Dane grant that Upper House is co-leading with Chris and Dubuque Theological Seminary, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, and the Collaboration Project.

Rev. Dr. Christopher B. James is Associate Professor of Evangelism and Missional Christianity at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. There he leads the Master of Mission and Discipleship degree. He holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Boston University School of Theology, a M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Wheaton College.

For more information about Awaken Dane and/or joining a future cohort, please contact Johnna Georgia at georgia@wichurches.org or by phone at (608) 837-3108 Ext. 29.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Mar 21, 202201:04:50
Cultivating Holy Imagination | Kerri Parker

Cultivating Holy Imagination | Kerri Parker

John sits down with Rev. Kerri Parker to discuss everything from Kerri’s childhood and education to her recent work with the Wisconsin Council of Churches on forming church responses to COVID-19.

Rev. Kerri Parker is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to leading the WCC, Kerri served as pastor of McFarland UCC in McFarland, WI and as executive director of YWCA Rock County in Janesville.

For more information about Awaken Dane and/or to join a future cohort, please contact Johnna Georgia at georgia@wichurches.org or by phone at (608) 837-3108 Ext. 29.

We mentioned at the top how we enjoy interviewing ministers at work in our community, such as John's conversation with Rev. Kirk Morledge from last year.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Mar 07, 202201:10:45
Crisis of Belonging | Parker Palmer

Crisis of Belonging | Parker Palmer

This episode features a recent conversation hosted virtually by the Awaken Dane initiative with noted author Parker Palmer. The discussion centers on belonging and the sense of lost belonging that pervades modern church life. Parker offers wisdom and examples from his own career on how churches can be agents of strengthening community and belonging today. Interviewing Parker are Phil Haslanger, retired pastor and journalist recently inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame, and Rebecca Cooks, Upper House's Hospitality and Student Enrichment Manager.

Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal. He is the author of ten books—including several award-winning titles—including: Healing the Heart of Democracy (2011) and Let Your Life Speak (1999). He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as thirteen honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, and an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press.

For more information about Awaken Dane and/or joining a future cohort, please contact Johnna Georgia at georgia@wichurches.org or by phone at (608) 837-3108 Ext. 29.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Feb 21, 202253:37
Morality in Wartime | David Harrisville

Morality in Wartime | David Harrisville

This week Dan talks to historian and UW-alumnus David Harrisville about his new book, The Virtuous Wehrmacht: Crafting the Myth of the German Soldier on the Eastern Front, 1941-1944 (Cornell, 2021). David's research examines the moral and religious worlds of rank-and-file German soldiers during World War II, raising profound questions about the ways humans justify their behavior and how religious commitment shapes action.

At the end of the conversation David mentions some recommended further readings on morality, war, and the Wehrmacht, hyperlinked here by author: Michael Walzer, Omer Bartov, Ben Shepherd, and Wolfram Wette. For digital maps made by David to accompany the book, see here.

David Harrisville is a graduate of Carleton College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned an MA and PhD in Modern European History. David has been a postdoctoral fellow at UW-Madison and a visiting assistant professor at Furman University. He currently works for Legal Services Corporation.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Feb 07, 202201:03:21
What is a Crisis? | Christine Jeske

What is a Crisis? | Christine Jeske

Featured for the second time on the podcast, Christine Jeske joins John to talk about the anatomy of a crisis, thinking through the concept both theologically and in relation to contemporary crises in our world. Christine calls Christians not just to work to survive, but to "ask God how to fully turn to him amid the dangers, the revelation, and the opportunities of a crisis." We also learn about unique insights of the field anthropology and Christine's wider field of work.

Christine Jeske is an associate professor of cultural anthropology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Her most recent book is The Laziness Myth: Narratives of Work and the Good Life in South Africa (Cornell, 2020) (see episode 8 of the podcast featuring a talk Christine gave about the book at Upper House). The topic of discussion in this episode is her article "What is a Crisis?" in When the Universe Cracks: Living as God’s People in Times of Crisis (NavPress, 2021).

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app and send us comments and suggestions at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.



Jan 24, 202253:57
Head, Heart & Habits | Justin Earley
Jan 10, 202242:06
Food & the Body of Christ | Kendall Vanderslice
Dec 27, 202144:39
Aging Faithfully | Alice Fryling

Aging Faithfully | Alice Fryling

Susan speaks with author Alice Fryling about her new book, Aging Faithfully: The Holy Invitation of Growing Older. The conversation ranges from "unlearning" old ways as we grow older to the beauty of rest and meditation. 

Alice Fryling is a spiritual director and author of numerous books on relationships and spiritual formation, including the popular Mirror for the Soul: A Christian Guide to the Enneagram. She and her husband, Bob, have two married daughters and four grandchildren. They live in Monument, Colorado.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Dec 13, 202151:52
A History of Interreligious Dialogue | Tal Howard

A History of Interreligious Dialogue | Tal Howard

Eric speaks with historian Tal Howard about Tal's new book, The Faith of Others: A History of Interreligious Dialogue (Yale University Press, 2021). They cover Tal's background with the study of history and then embark on the book's three main case studies of interreligious dialogue: Chicago's World Parliament of Religions in 1893, London's Conference on Some Living Religions within the Empire in 1924, and Vatican II's Nostra Aetate in 1965.

Thomas Albert (Tal) Howard is Professor of Humanities and History and holder of the Duesenberg Chair in Christian Ethics at Valparaiso University, where he is affiliated with Christ College, Valparaiso’s interdisciplinary honors college. He also serves as Senior Fellow for the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts. He is the author or editor of several books, including The Pope and the Professor: Pius IX, Ignaz von Döllinger, and the Quandary of the Modern Age (Oxford, 2017).

As an additional recommended reading with upper House connections, see Charles Cohen's The Abrahamic Religions: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2020). Chuck spoke about his book at Upper House in February 2020. The audio for that talk is available here.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Nov 29, 202159:38
Technology & Wisdom | Felicia Wu Song & Lea Schweitz

Technology & Wisdom | Felicia Wu Song & Lea Schweitz

Lea Schweitz (Upper House's Visiting Theologian for our Higher Pursuits Project) sits down with sociologist Felicia Wu Song to discuss technology, personhood, and spiritual practices, as well as Felicia's new book, Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age (IVP, 2021). 

Felicia Wu Song (PhD, University of Virginia) is a cultural sociologist of media and digital technologies, currently serving as professor of sociology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. 

Lea Schweitz (PhD, University of Chicago) is the co-founder of Nature120, a non-profit organization that provides nature play and airway therapy for children on Chicago’s west side and in the western suburbs; she also is the Director of Children’s Education for Yorkfield Presbyterian Church. Previously she was a tenured professor at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and directed the Zygon Center for Religion and Science.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Nov 15, 202154:59
God & Modern Art | Bruce Herman & Bobby Gross

God & Modern Art | Bruce Herman & Bobby Gross

Returning to our ongoing conversations with Christian artists, Bruce Herman and Bobby Gross discuss the insights of modern art on the nature of God and the human condition. Much of the conversation centers on the work of Philip Guston. Many of Guston's works, including those mentioned by Bruce and Bobby, can be viewed here.

Bruce Herman is a painter, speaker, and curator whose art has been shown nationally and internationally in Italy, England, Japan, and Hong Kong. His work is in many public collections, including the Vatican Museums in Rome, Cincinnati Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hammer Museum in L.A. His art and writings have been published in print and online journals. He holds the Lothlórien Distinguished Chair in Fine Arts at Gordon College. Bobby Gross is Vice President for Graduate and Faculty ministries at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Bobby is also the author of Living in the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God (IVP, 2009).

Bruce was part of the book launch events at Upper House for God in the Modern Wing: Viewing Art with Eyes of Faith, Cameron J. Anderson and G. Walter Hansen, eds. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2021). For video of Bruce's presentation at Upper House, see "Welcoming the Mysterious Stranger."

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Nov 01, 202154:33
Archeology in the Land of the Bible | Jodi Magness & Gordon Govier

Archeology in the Land of the Bible | Jodi Magness & Gordon Govier

In a partner episode with journalist Gordon Govier, we hear from Dr. Jodi Magness about her work as an archeologist in the land of the Bible. They cover Jodi's entry into the field of archeology and her research related to Qumran, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and synagogues. If you're interested in seeing Jodi in-person, she will be speaking at Upper House on October 23, 6:30pm on "More than Just Mosaics: The Ancient Synagogue at Huqoq in Israel's Galilee." Register here (this event is in-person with no recording or streaming).

Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the author of many books, including The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, winner of the 2003 Biblical Archaeology Society’s Award for Best Popular Book in Archaeology, and out now in a new second edition. 

Gordon Govier hosts The Book and the Spade, is a biblical archaeology correspondent for Christianity Today, and the editor of ARTIFAX, the biblical archaeology newsmagazine.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Oct 18, 202156:15
Art, Education & Evangelism | Steve Prince & Mike Winnowski

Art, Education & Evangelism | Steve Prince & Mike Winnowski

In this episode, Reverend Mike Winnowski, pastor at Geneva Campus Church in Madison, sits down with the distinguished artist, educator, and art evangelist Steve Prince. They discuss Steve's influences, his deep engagement with Black American history, and the importance of faith to his vocation. Steve was in Madison to help promote a new collected volume, co-edited by Upper House's Associate Director, Cam Anderson: God in the Modern Wing: Viewing Art with Eyes of Faith, Cameron J. Anderson and G. Walter Hansen, eds. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2021).

For more on Steve, see his profile page at the College of William and Mary, where he works as the Director of Engagement & Distinguished Artist In Residence.

For video of Steve's presentation at Upper House, see "Illuminating Black Faith, History, and Culture."

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Oct 04, 202101:07:31
Inside Upper House: UW's Spiritual History | Dan Hummel

Inside Upper House: UW's Spiritual History | Dan Hummel

In this concluding episode of our Inside Upper House series (for now), the script is flipped and Dan is interviewed by Cam Anderson, Associate Director of Upper House. Dan discusses the work he and others are doing to recover a spiritual or religious understanding of the history of the University of Wisconsin-Madison as part of a John Templeton Foundation-funded grant. The opinions expressed in this conversation do not reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.



Sep 27, 202130:50
Disrupted Ministry at UW-Madison during a Global Pandemic  | Dan Johnson

Disrupted Ministry at UW-Madison during a Global Pandemic | Dan Johnson

In this special episode, Dan Johnson, Director of Technology and Campus Ministry Engagement at Upper House, takes the reins as host as he reports on campus ministries at UW-Madison.

What happened when the global pandemic forced UW-Madison to pause its in-person instruction, suspending all campus ministries in the process? How has the pandemic affected ministry at UW-Madison?

Dan explores these questions with five campus ministries at UW-Madison. Dan talks with, in order of appearance:

These five ministers offer five different stories, perspectives, and reflections. They each reflect on the history of their ministries, March 2020 and the transition to virtual ministry, and what they have learned over the last 18 months. They each also discuss their hope for students at UW-Madison in the coming year.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Sep 20, 202142:37
Inside Upper House: Pathways | Susan Smetzer-Anderson

Inside Upper House: Pathways | Susan Smetzer-Anderson

Dan talks with Susan, Upper House's communications manager, on the unique way we understand our thematic areas of interest at Upper House. We call these our pathways. For more on the graphic designer of our pathways imagery, Ned Bustard, see his website here.

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Sep 13, 202118:22