How should Christian men think about ambition, success, influence, and vocation? In a culture obsessed with fame and personal achievement, Scripture points us toward something deeper: faithfulness.In this episode, I discuss why ambition is not the enemy, but why it must be directed by virtue, responsibility, and God's calling. We explore the importance of faithful men, local community, vocation, influence, contentment, and how to discern what God would have you build during your lifetime.This discussion is based on my latest Substack article, What Should I Do? A Christian Man's Guide to Ambition, Influence, and Faithfulness.If you have ever wrestled with questions about career, purpose, legacy, or whether you are making the most of your life, I hope this conversation helps.Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Why Ambition Matters05:36 Defining Success10:42 Faithfulness Over Fame16:08 Vocation and Calling21:54 Building What Lasts28:17 Influence and Responsibility34:06 Accepting Your Limits39:11 Planning for Legacy43:28 Final ExhortationSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris revisits the COVID era through the lens of Anthony Fauci’s public statements and congressional testimony—including his decision to plead the Fifth. The discussion examines how many evangelical leaders and institutions responded at the time, the frequent use of Romans 13 and “love your neighbor” arguments, and which churches and pastors actually stood firm.Harris shares the key lessons he believes Christians should take from 2020–2021: good theology is only proven under pressure, the importance of thinking independently, and the value of leaders who refuse to bend conviction for social approval. The episode also covers current cultural observations on immigration and the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, the surprising success of country artist Ella Langley, recent Trump administration actions, listener questions, and a clear call to maintain integrity regardless of the cultural winds.00:00 Fauci Clips Montage02:00 Welcome & Why This Still Matters05:50 What Evangelical Leaders Said About Fauci10:00 Lessons from COVID: Theology Meets Reality13:50 Churches That Stayed Open – The Real Heroes18:00 Elites, Platforms & Parachurch Failures21:00 Thinking for Yourself & Finding Courage59:00 Immigration, Nigeria & Western Democracies1:02:30 Ella Langley’s Chart Success1:09:00 Trump Administration Updates1:10:30 Listener Questions & Personal Notes1:16:30 Final Takeaways from COVID1:21:00 Closing & ETP CoffeeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Should a pastor who commits adultery, habitually views pornography, or commits another serious moral failure ever return to ministry?In this episode, I sit down with Justin Peters to discuss one of the most controversial questions facing the evangelical church today. We examine the biblical qualifications for elders, the meaning of being "above reproach," whether sexual sin permanently disqualifies a man from pastoral ministry, and how Christians should think about restoration.We also discuss examples frequently raised in these debates, including Steve Lawson, Mark Driscoll, Tullian Tchividjian, King David, and the Apostle Peter, while examining passages such as 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Corinthians 6, Proverbs 6, and 2 Corinthians 7.Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation aims to drive listeners back to Scripture and encourage careful thinking about holiness, church leadership, repentance, and biblical accountability.00:00 Introduction00:57 Why This Conversation Matters02:30 What Is Permanent Disqualification?03:12 Qualifications for Elders and "Above Reproach"05:17 Why Justin Peters Says Sexual Sin Permanently Disqualifies08:12 Are Other Sins Also Permanently Disqualifying?10:11 Mark Driscoll and Public Ministry12:12 Patterns of Anger vs. Isolated Failures13:26 Internal and External Consequences of Sexual Sin15:32 Reputation, Reproach, and Public Ministry17:03 What About David and Peter?19:05 Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow20:53 Encouragement for Christians Struggling with Sin22:02 Pornography and Personal Responsibility23:39 Is Permanent Disqualification Explicitly Taught in Scripture?25:00 Final Reflectionsjonharrismedia.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Middle East is once again dominating headlines, but are the most popular narratives actually true?In this conversation, geopolitical strategist and author Martin Skold joins Jon Harris to separate internet myths from geopolitical reality. They discuss why Iran remains a long-term strategic challenge, whether America's alliance with Israel serves U.S. interests, the limits of the Abraham Accords, China's growing influence, the future of Middle East trade, and why simplistic explanations are attracting millions online.They also tackle the resurgence of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on the American Right, the dangers of scapegoating Israel for every global problem, and what a genuinely America First foreign policy should look like.Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation provides historical context and geopolitical analysis that is often missing from today's online debates.Topics include:Iran and the future of the Middle EastIsrael and U.S. foreign policyTucker Carlson's recent claimsChina, trade, and global power shiftsWhy internet narratives often miss the bigger pictureThe resurgence of anti-SemitismAmerica's strategic interests abroad00:00 Introduction01:20 Why the Middle East keeps repeating itself06:45 Popular online narratives about Israel09:05 Is there reason for optimism?13:30 Trade, China, and regional alliances17:50 Does Israel drag America into war?20:00 Tucker Carlson and the "merged militaries" claim24:00 Why anti-Semitic narratives are spreading29:00 Globalization and America's foreign policy establishment36:00 China, manufacturing, and strategic competition45:00 America's long-term geopolitical challenges54:00 What an America First foreign policy should look like1:03:00 Final thoughtsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris examines the biggest stories shaping America, the church, and the wider world.Topics include:• The controversy surrounding The Odyssey and what it says about Western civilization. • Trump's response to the escalating conflict with Iran. • Claims about a U.S.-Israel military "merger" and why they are misleading. • The White House defending Christian athletes. • Jen Hatmaker's rejection of the doctrine of hell. • Michelle Leslie's critique of Jen Wilkin. • Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, and biblical discernment. • The Paige Patterson lawsuit update. • An extended analysis of the Rick Appleton case and what it could mean for conservative Presbyterianism.Join us each weekend as we review the biggest national, international, and evangelical stories from a distinctly Christian perspective.00:00 Introduction00:30 The Odyssey controversy and Western civilization03:30 The Federalist vs. Gospel Coalition on The Odyssey06:00 Data centers, AI, and conservative priorities09:40 Trump's Iran strategy and Middle East update13:10 Martin Skold interview preview15:00 Tucker Carlson and the U.S.-Israel military claim18:00 White House defends Christian WNBA player19:00 Jen Hatmaker rejects hell20:30 Michelle Leslie on Jen Wilkin23:00 Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, and James 127:30 Paige Patterson lawsuit resolved29:00 Rick Appleton case explained39:00 Social media, biblical patriarchy, and Presbyterian controversySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What makes a story timeless? Why are millions of people consuming 90-second "micro dramas" while classic films continue to inspire generation after generation?In this conversation, Jon Harris sits down with Wade Stotts of The Wade Show to discuss everything from rescoring Buster Keaton silent films to the collapse of modern entertainment. Together they examine why short-form content is reshaping attention spans, how Hollywood abandoned moral storytelling, and what families can do to cultivate a love for great art.The discussion also explores classic television, Westerns, Buster Keaton, the rise of Chinese-produced micro dramas, and whether our culture can recover an appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and stories that endure.Topics include:- Why Buster Keaton remains one of cinema's greatest artists- The explosion of Chinese micro dramas- How technology is changing the way we consume entertainment- Why classic Westerns communicated timeless moral truths- The rise of the anti-hero in modern storytelling- Raising children to appreciate great films and television- Can Hollywood recover, or is a new cultural renaissance needed?If you enjoy conversations about Christianity, culture, history, and the arts, subscribe for more episodes of Conversations That Matter.00:00 Introduction and meeting Wade Stotts01:08 Rescoring Buster Keaton films for a modern audience05:01 Hollywood family history and classic cinema06:59 The rise of Chinese micro dramas and "brain rot" entertainment10:44 Why attention spans are collapsing13:56 Politics, podcasts, and the culture of sensationalism15:21 Raising children on timeless films and television18:53 Why classic Westerns taught moral lessons20:20 The hero, the anti-hero, and the decline of the Western22:00 Can timeless storytelling make a comeback?Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Should Christians work alongside Mormons, Roman Catholics, New Apostolic Reformation leaders, and others for political causes? Where is the line between prudent cooperation and compromising biblical truth?In this episode of Conversations That Matter, I sit down with Pastor Anthony Forsyth to discuss the growing ecumenical movement within conservative politics. Drawing from his own experience inside the movement now known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Anthony explains why biblical discernment matters more than ever.We discuss:Anthony's journey out of the New Apostolic ReformationThe sufficiency of Scripture versus modern prophetic movementsTurning Point USA and the challenges Christians face in political coalitionsCharlie Kirk's legacy and the evangelical responseHow pastors should think about political engagement without sacrificing theological convictionWhether you are involved in politics, ministry, or simply trying to think biblically about our current cultural moment, this conversation offers important principles for faithful Christian engagement.Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Why Christians Cannot Abandon the Public Square00:35 Introduction to Anthony Forsyth01:54 Leaving the New Apostolic Reformation09:49 Dominion Theology and Political Power13:05 COVID, Church Closures, and Political Engagement20:57 Entering the TPUSA World29:35 What Is Biblical Cooperation?37:10 Where Should Christians Draw the Line?46:18 Charlie Kirk, Conservative Coalitions, and Discernment55:07 Final ThoughtsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jon discusses the nature of scripture and how Christians should approach it. patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Donald Trump delivered a major speech on election integrity, announcing upcoming declassifications revealing foreign interference, especially from China, who accessed over 220 million U.S. voter files. In this video, I break down the key points: the need for photo ID and proof of citizenship, limits on mail-in ballots, massive vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure, and the statistical anomalies from 2020 (including the bellwether counties).I also discuss why election integrity is foundational for conservatives and Christians, the Save America Act, and why we should be encouraged that real action is finally being taken.patreon.com/jonharrispodcast00:00 – Intro: Trump’s Big Speech on Election Integrity  00:30 – Personal Experience with Loose Voting Standards  01:39 – The Save America Act: Photo ID, Proof of Citizenship, Mail-In Limits  02:57 – Trump’s Announcements: Declassification & China’s Role  03:42 – 220 Million Voter Files Accessed by China  04:59 – Intelligence Community Cover-Up & 2018 Meddling  05:19 – 270,000 Non-Citizens Registered to Vote  05:57 – Remembering 2020: Dominion, Smartmatic & Statistical Anomalies  06:22 – The 19 Bellwether Counties Breakdown (2000–2024)  08:50 – January 6th Context & Pennsylvania Legislature  10:34 – Hope for Real Answers Under Trump  11:02 – Don’t Automatically Distrust the Government  13:14 – Why Election Integrity Is the #1 Issue  16:56 – Moral & Biblical Perspective on Fair Elections  17:07 – Addressing Critics Like Thomas Massie  18:41 – Personal Update: Evergreen Conference & Upcoming Events  21:16 – Closing EncouragementSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jon Harris delivers a packed news roundup and cultural commentary episode. Starts with an inspiring white pill on young patriots watching Young Washington, covers Senator Lindsey Graham’s passing, Patriot Front’s July 4th march, Trump’s Mount Rushmore speech, Iran tensions, the Pope’s encyclical, Eastern Orthodoxy trends, and competing American narratives.Full of biblical insight, political realism, and encouragement to build families and institutions. Ends with Jon’s original song “Promised Land.”Jon's Music: jonharristunes.comTo Support the Podcast: https://www.jonharrismedia.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@jonharris Follow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00 Intro - Young Patriots & TPUSA Screening of Young Washington03:30 White Pill: Encouragement for Young People & America's Heritage07:40 News Roundup Begins + July 4th Break Reflections12:20 Senator Lindsey Graham's Death, Legacy & Conspiracy Talk22:45 Patriot Front July 4th March - Full Analysis & Optics35:50 Narratives Theme: Trump at Mount Rushmore vs Proposition Nation45:10 Celebrity Reactions & Patriot Front Discussion Continues55:30 Iran, Strait of Hormuz & Trump Administration Foreign Policy1:05:40 Pope's Encyclical & Christian/Religious News1:15:20 Eastern Orthodoxy Conversions, Sola Scriptura & Church Trends1:28:40 Q&A: Guardian Angels, Online Christians, Who is This Country For?1:40:20 Homeschool, American History & Building Institutions1:50:50 Final Encouragement: Marriage, Family & Having Kids2:02:30 Closing Song - "Promised Land" from Heritage AlbumSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy