Jesus Over Everything

What does it actually mean to be defiant as a follower of Jesus — and why are Christians so often the most offended, entitled people in the room? In this episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with Nirup Alphonse, founder and lead pastor of LIFEGATE Church in Denver and author of Defiant Lights, for a conversation that is as convicting as it is encouraging. Nirup unpacks what biblical defiance actually looks like, why entitlement is the seed of every offense, how social media has confused popularity with spiritual authority, what it really costs to pastor a...

What if the exhaustion you feel has nothing to do with your schedule and everything to do with your soul? In this episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with author, entrepreneur, and podcast host Cleere Cherry Reaves for a conversation rooted in her new book Rooted, Not Rushed. Cleere makes the case that our hurry is rarely just about pace  – it’s about identity, what we’ve anchored our worth to, and how much of ourselves we’ve built on the need to produce. Together, Lisa and Cleere get honest about why we confuse faithfuln...

What does one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars have to say to anyone who is tired, waiting, and wondering if God is coming back for them? In this episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with Dr. N.T. Wright, author of over 80 books and senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall Oxford, for a conversation rooted in his new book Into the Heart of Isaiah: The Meaning and Message of Isaiah 40 through 55. Dr. Wright unpacks the two great themes running through Isaiah’s central poem, what biblical comfort actually meant to people in e...

What is the church missing when it comes to singleness, and what would it actually look like to get it right? In this episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with storyteller, singles ministry advocate, and author Sekou Browne for one of the most honest and needed conversations about dating and singleness in the church. Sekou unpacks why physical and relational chemistry is not unspiritual, what the gender imbalance in the church is doing to single men and women, why telling singles to “just stop looking” is bad theology, and what the church could learn from...

The Jesus Over Everything podcast exists for one reason: honest, unhurried conversations about what it actually looks like to put Jesus first: in your relationships, your doubts, your big questions, and the ordinary and complicated moments of everyday life. This brand new season brings more of exactly that. More real talk. More wisdom from people who have lived it. More of the conversations you didn’t know you needed until you were twenty minutes in and couldn’t stop listening.

Kicking off the season is one of Lisa’s oldest and most beloved podcast guests: Annie F. Downs...

What do you do when your voice is misunderstood, or when the pressure to stay silent feels louder than the call to speak? In this final episode of the Jesus Over Everything Summer Reset series, Lisa Whittle sits down with New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and self-described "fire-breathing preacher" Lisa Bevere for a conversation that is as timely as it is convicting. From a major cross-country move to going gray to navigating the tension between the fear of man and the fear of God, Lisa Bevere speaks with the hard-won clarity of a woman who has learned to...

How do we honor people well who aren't living our same reality? In this Summer Reset episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle takes on the assumptions, stereotypes, and casual phrases that quietly communicate to single people in the church that their life is somehow less complete, and to married people that everyone shares their experience. From the well-meaning Instagram post telling single friends to "get yourself a husband who..." to the thoughtless question asking parents if they're planning more children, Lisa makes the case that we are far more self-absorbed in our conversations than we realize...

What does it mean to truly draw near to God? Not as a method or a spiritual technique, but as a settled confidence in who he is and how he feels about you? In this Summer Reset episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with author, speaker, and renowned radio host Susie Larson for a conversation rooted in Susie's book, Closer Than Your Next Breath. Susie draws on the story of the Israelites, brain science, her own 30-year battle with chronic illness, and the transforming power of pondering God's love to make the case that...

You may have heard it said: "Jesus may be in your heart, but grandpa is in your bones." It's a statement that captures something real about family history and its hold on us, but is it actually true? And is it biblical? In this Summer Reset episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle takes on one of the most talked-about and least-understood topics in Christian culture: generational sin. Drawing from personal Bible study, scientific research on epigenetic inheritance, and her own family history, Lisa unpacks what the Bible actually says (and doesn't say) about generational sin, what...

What if the missing piece in every body conversation you've ever had wasn't a new program, a better routine, or the right expert, but a theological foundation you never knew you were missing? In this special Summer Reset episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, we're sharing something a little different: a conversation that was so good, we had to bring it here. This is the premiere episode of Season 11 of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, where Lisa co-hosted alongside Candace for a full season dedicated to body, soul, and faith. In it, Lisa introduces the concept of whole...

Is self-care selfish or is neglecting yourself the real problem? Continuing the Summer Reset series on the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle tackles one of the most loaded terms in modern culture and offers a distinction that changes everything: it's not whether you practice self-care, it's what the end goal of your self-care actually is. Lisa answers listener questions directly – including her personal take on Botox, lip injections, hair extensions, and eyelash enhancements – before getting to the heart of what she really wants to talk about: four red flags that signal self-care has crossed into self-obsession, and what it l...

Continuing the Summer Reset series on resetting your body, this conversation picks up where the last episode left off – not with behavior modification, but with the deeper question underneath it all: How do we actually see ourselves, and where did that story come from? Alisa Keeton has spent 35 years at the intersection of faith and wellness, and what she brings to this conversation isn't a program, it's a framework. Alisa unpacks the way chronic stress rewires the brain, the way childhood shame messages shape our relationship with food, and the way the body was designed not to be worshiped or...

What do you see when you look in the mirror, and what story have you been telling yourself about your body? Continuing the Summer Reset series on the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle steps into one of the most personal conversations she has ever had on the show, drawing from her own experience with disordered eating to offer a spiritual perspective on what it means to pursue genuine freedom in the body. Speaking not as a clinician but as a Bible teacher, Lisa identifies two specific ways we stay stuck, and the one question from John 5 that cuts...

Is God real? According to Lee Strobel, that question is Googled more than 200 times per second, making it one of the most pressing questions of our time. In this Summer Reset episode of the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle sits down with atheist-turned-teaching-pastor and New York Times bestselling author, Lee Strobel, for a conversation rooted in his book, Is God Real? 

Strobel shares his own journey from unbelief to faith, tackles the question of suffering head-on, and addresses how to talk with children or teens who are walking away from faith. Intellectual honesty and genuine belief a...

What was the Acts 2 church meant to be? And how far have we drifted from it? Continuing the Summer Reset series on the Jesus Over Everything podcast, Lisa Whittle tackles a topic her own audience asked her to address: cliques, popularity dynamics, and comfortable social circles that quietly take root in the very place designed to be their opposite. Drawing on real messages from listeners, teachings from top theologians, and a challenge rooted in Matthew 28, Lisa makes the case that playing church – surrounding ourselves with people who look, act, and think just like us – is more than a social prob...

Continuing our Summer Reset series on the Jesus Over Everything show, this conversation between Lisa Whittle and renowned researcher and author Dr. George Barna focuses on a foundational question: What does it mean to have a biblical worldview, and what’s at stake if we fail to pass one on to the next generation?
 

The data Dr. George Barna brings to this episode is the kind that should wake every believer up. A biblical worldview isn't formed by accident: it’s built in homes, modeled in churches, and lived out in the daily rhythms of faithful adult...

Ever feel like your soul needs a vacation? You’re in the right place. The Jesus Over Everything Summer Reset is a collection of our favorite hot-topic discussions and unfiltered episodes with Lisa Whittle and friends. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving into what it looks like to truly reset your mind, your body, and your soul – all with Jesus at the center. 

Kicking off the first four episodes on resetting your soul, this show starts with a hard and honest question: Is comfortable Christianity even real? Lisa Whittle doesn’t think so, and she’s not...

Join Lisa Whittle for an honest look at the quiet ache many women in the church experience—an ache that often goes unnamed and unspoken. Lisa shares her own experiences and those of countless women who have felt their gifts, confidence, and leadership misunderstood or suppressed. She addresses the damaging misconception that women’s competence is arrogance, and emphasizes how Scripture celebrates women who are decisive, courageous, and influential. Lisa encourages women to stand firm in their calling, to reject false guilt, and to trust in God's justice and timing. This episode calls the church to recognize and honor the...

Have you ever encountered a policy that made you feel suspicious, unsafe, or undervalued simply because of your gender? Continuing the podcast mini-series, “WOMEN,” Lisa Whittle shines a light on how fear-driven policies—intended to protect—can sometimes send damaging messages to women, making them feel like “risks” rather than beloved members of God's family. She explores the true cost of viewing women through a lens of suspicion, revealing how these messages can quietly erode identity, trust, and unity within the church. If you’ve ever wondered how to reconcile safety with biblical truth, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen i...

Join Lisa Whittle for an honest and courageous conversation about why the church must stand up and lead differently in today’s cultural climate. In this episode, she unpacks the subtle ways fear-based messaging—whether through policies or social media narratives—can diminish women’s identity and value in the church. Lisa discusses how the church’s response to trends like "SkinnyTok" and the pressure to "stay small" often reflect a deeper issue of fear and a lack of biblical clarity. She calls the church to move beyond reactive policies and instead embrace a theology rooted in trust, respect, and the bi...

In this powerful continuation of the “WOMEN” podcast mini-series, join Lisa Whittle for an honest and heartfelt reflection on biblical womanhood. In this episode, she unpacks how our identity as image-bearers of God shapes our understanding of womanhood, emphasizing that women are not lesser or secondary, but equal in dignity and purpose. Lisa discusses the importance of stewarding our spiritual gifts—whether prophecy, teaching, or service—and how the church’s health depends on men and women working together in mutual respect. Addressing the cultural gender wars, Lisa passionately calls believers to reject division, champion unity, and embrace the biblical v...

Join Lisa Whittle in this compelling kickoff episode of her new podcast mini-series, "Women," as she interviews Dr. Preston Sprinkle about what the Bible really says regarding women in leadership. From the complexities of Pauline texts to the leadership roles of women in the early church, this conversation emphasizes the importance of thorough biblical investigation, cultural understanding, and humility. Preston shares how his own journey from a complementarian background to a more nuanced view was shaped by years of diligent study. This episode encourages believers to pursue biblical literacy and respectful dialogue, recognizing that this issue divides and heals...

In this closing episode of the “Come Back to God” mini-series, Lisa Whittle challenges believers to see themselves as carriers of revival—everyday revivalists who live intentionally in God’s presence. She reminds us that revival isn’t reserved for history books or revival meetings of the past; it’s for today. Drawing inspiration from the Azusa Street revival and other historic moves of God, Lisa challenges us to seek God intentionally, even through simple actions like reducing phone use to pray more. She emphasizes that revival begins in us and flows outward—impacting our families, workplaces, and communities. Practical step...

Continuing the “Come Back to God” mini-series, Lisa Whittle builds on previous discussions about where revival begins and how it moves from wild gatherings into the streets. Authentic revival isn’t confined to church walls; it’s about lives changed so profoundly that their transformation influences entire communities and even culture. Using powerful biblical and historical examples—such as Pentecost and the Welsh Revival—Lisa illustrates how revival’s true fruit includes lifestyle changes, justice, and community renewal. She emphasizes that lasting revival requires humility, love, ongoing repentance, deep discipleship, and persistent prayer. Lisa encourages listeners to reflect on where God want...

In part two of the "Come Back to God" podcast mini-series, Lisa Whittle challenges the culture of "revival hype" and invites listeners to consider revival's deep, holy roots. While stadiums and tents may symbolize revival, Lisa emphasizes that true revival is about heart transformation—marked by conviction, discomfort, and unity. She reflects on biblical examples like Pentecost and the Moravian Revival to highlight the importance of unified prayer, confession, and God's presence. Lisa encourages us to seek authentic revival—not for show, but for lasting change—and invites listeners to reflect on how they can foster revival within their own he...

Join Lisa Whittle for a special four-part podcast mini-series inspired by her latest Bible study, “Come Back to God,” as she unpacks the biblical and personal foundations of revival. Whether you’re new to the concept or have been longing for a fresh move of God, Lisa offers practical insights and encouragement to help you experience revival starting deep within your own heart. This series emphasizes that revival is accessible to everyone — it begins with a surrendered, hungry heart and grows into a powerful movement of God’s Spirit working through you.

Listen in to learn more:

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In this final episode of the "Your Body" mini-series, Lisa Whittle shares her journey toward discovering real success—defined by biblical truth rather than cultural standards.  This isn’t about perfection or meeting worldly standards. It’s about understanding who we are in Christ and living from that truth. When our minds are renewed and our hearts aligned with Scripture, lasting freedom becomes a reality. (Curious to learn more about whole body theology? Grab a copy of Lisa Whittle’s Bible Study - Body & Soul.)

Listen in to learn more:

(0:39) Defining triumph

(3:53) What a water s...

Many of us grow up with confusing or incomplete messages about our bodies—maybe even messages that conflict with Scripture. But there’s hope. When we ground our view of ourselves in biblical truth, we can live with confidence, purpose, and purity—not just outwardly, but from the heart. In this third episode of the “Your Body” mini-series, Lisa Whittle unpacks what it truly means to see our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and how living in biblical truth can transform our view of health and wholeness.  
 

Listen in to learn more:

(:43) A personal st...

Trauma isn’t always dramatic—it’s personal, and it leaves its mark. When we ignore or minimize what we’ve been through, we miss the opportunity to invite God's healing into those wounded places. In this second heartfelt episode of the “Your Body” mini-series, join Lisa as she explores how embracing our trauma with biblical truth can ultimately bring glory to God and help us step into the freedom He offers.

Listen in to learn more:

(0:43) A personal story from Lisa 

(7:54) The stigma counseling used to carry

(8:46) Defining trauma

(9:43) Comp...

Have you ever found yourself reacting strongly to something, only to realize it’s more about a past wound than the present moment? In this first episode of Lisa Whittle’s podcast mini-series on, "Your Body," Lisa opens up about the power of triggers—those moments that send us into a spiral of hurt or shame—and how understanding their roots can set us free. Drawing from her personal experiences and whole body theology, Lisa shares four practical ways to confront triggers and begin a journey toward lasting freedom.

Listen in to learn more:

(3:01) Defining triggers...

Have you ever felt that serving in a bigger capacity equates to a more significant calling? Or questioned your purpose in ministry?  With insights drawn from over 25 years in ministry, Lisa reflects on her past mindset about pride and entitlement, reminding us that serving God faithfully—regardless of how big or small the platform—is what truly matters. Uncovering the deeper truths about humility and fulfillment in serving, this episode encourages you to rethink what ministry means, whether it’s in front of thousands or just a few. Discover how to serve with the right heart motives… wherever God has place...

Have you ever thought that staying married was simpler than it truly is? In this insightful and at times humorous episode of the Jesus Over Everything show, Lisa Whittle engages with author and comedian Harrison Scott Key about the real-life complexities of marriage, as detailed in his book, How to Stay Married. 

With a mix of humor and vulnerability, Harrison discusses how the writing process forced him to confront the hard truths in his life, especially surrounding his marriage, which faced the test of infidelity.

Listen in to learn how honesty can become a way t...

Have you ever felt like your beliefs about God and your experiences of Him are worlds apart? In this special guest episode of the “I Used to Think” season, Lisa Whittle invites Pastor Steve Cuss to explore the complex relationship between our expectations and the reality of God’s love. Drawing insights from his book, “The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space Between Our Beliefs and Experience of God,” Steve and Lisa delve into the struggles of doubt, vulnerability, and the importance of authenticity in the faith journey. Discover how you can confront your misconceptions, embrace the gifts God provides...

Do you often find yourself taking on the emotional burdens of others? In this compelling episode of the “I Used to Think” season, Lisa Whittle dives deep into the topic of empathy—specifically, why we sometimes rush to carry the traumas and pains of those we love, even when it's not our responsibility.

Lisa shares personal insights that illuminate the fine line between compassion and overstepping boundaries. Discover four signs that indicate when your empathy has crossed the line and explore practical ways to support your loved ones without taking on their struggles. Listen in to learn how to...

Have you ever felt you had to put on a mask to fit in or meet others' expectations? In this powerful episode of the "I Used to Think" season, Lisa Whittle sits down with KayDianna MacKenzie, whose journey as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and social media personality vividly illustrates the struggle between societal pressures and authentic self-expression.

What you'll learn in this episode:

(0:45) - Meet KayDianna and how her journey unfolded on social media
(2:50) - The transition from rookie to veteran on the DCC team
(5:00) - KayDianna’s unexpected path to recognizing God’s pl...

Have you ever felt that keeping your family’s secrets equates to love? In this compelling episode, Lisa Whittle discusses how the lines between secrecy and privacy can often blur within families. Through her own personal experiences, Lisa reveals the lie that loyalty means covering for others’ sins. With candidness and vulnerability, she emphasizes the importance of bringing the truth to the forefront and allowing God to work in the midst of our family dynamics. Keeping secrets can weigh heavily on our souls—this isn’t the freedom Jesus desires for us. If you find yourself wrestling with the complexi...

Ever feel like you need to downplay your accomplishments to be truly humble? Do you ever worry that sharing your passions and talents makes you appear prideful or self-focused? Lisa Whittle gets super honest in this episode, sharing how she used to believe minimizing her work and giftings was a sign of humility. Unpacking the difference between "false humility" (where you focus on not talking about yourself), and true humility (where you focus on recognizing your true identity and purpose in Christ). Lisa shares her own personal experience with both. Get ready to learn how Holy Spirit self-awareness can...

**LISTENER NOTE: This conversation contains details of physical abuse and childhood trauma. We encourage you to listen with care and discretion.**

Have you ever questioned whether the love of God truly extends to you, especially in the midst of personal pain or trauma? In this poignant and inspiring episode of the “I Used to Think” season, Lisa Whittle welcomes Pastor Maria Durso, who bravely opens up about her tumultuous past, revealing how the transformative power of God’s love can heal deep wounds from childhood loss, physical abuse, alcoholism and more. Together, they delve into the essential relati...

Have you ever felt inundated with Biblical information, yet still unsure about your grasp of Scripture? Has a lack of understanding ever created a lack of confidence in your faith? In this enlightening episode of the “I Used to Think” season of Jesus Over Everything, Lisa Whittle examines why biblical literacy may not be the primary issue facing believers today but rather a deeper crisis of faith.

Drawing from current research to highlight how this crisis is shaping the Western church, Lisa unpacks four ways believers are affected by this problem, and offers one crucial question you must...

Is there something you used to think—perhaps about faith, life, or relationships—that you now see differently?  In this brand-new season of the Jesus Over Everything show, titled “I Used to Think,” Lisa Whittle unpacks popular misconceptions she’s held in her own life and offers insight on how God can transform perspectives over time.

Opening the season by tackling the sensitive subject of women and anger, Lisa shares vulnerably from her own experience and examines the difference between those who express their anger and those who suppress it.

Lisa reveals how she used to believe...