UPD Podcast

The neuroscience of following Jesus feat. Dr. Chuck Coker

What happens inside your brain as you grow closer to God?Dr. Chuck Coker joins Andy and Jonny to explore the connection between neuroscience and spiritual formation, why following Jesus is a process rather than an instant transformation, how we learn to recognize God's voice, and why failure may actually play a role in spiritual maturity.They also discuss fear and anxiety, prayer, humility, discipleship, community, legalism, forgiveness, and what it looks like to develop a genuinely deeper relationship with Jesus.

Shawn Ryan exposed the lie about success

What happens when you finally get the success, attention and recognition you thought you wanted… and it still feels empty?After hearing Shawn Ryan talk about stepping away from the noise, metrics and praise to hear God, Jonny and Andy wrestle with success, identity, distraction, smartphones, spiritual discipline and what it actually takes to become still before God.Can you hear God if you never get quiet enough to listen? And are the things you’re chasing actually producing joy, or just keeping you busy?

He spent 6 years in demonic darkness. Then Jesus rescued him.

Jose Lopez spent years living a double life — building an alter ego named "Jeremith Raince" that pulled him deeper into occult rituals, necromancy, pornography addiction, and a satanic subculture he says nearly consumed him. In this raw conversation, Jose sits down with Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb to unpack what a satanist actually is, how childhood trauma and an absent, angry father set him on this path, and the moment everything changed — a message from a stranger online that led to a dramatic encounter with Jesus in his own bedroom. This episode dives into identity, trauma, addiction, spiritual warfare, and radical redemption. If you or someone you love is caught up in a similar dark identity, this testimony is proof that transformation is possible.

Inside a year-long Christian addiction recovery program

We sit down with Jeremiah Cordovano (Fresh Start Ministries) to find out what it was like growing up alongside recovering addicts and alcoholics, his own path through the Army and into nonprofit board leadership, and how Fresh Start's year-long, faith-based program walks men through four phases: recovery, redemption, restoration, and reintegration. The conversation covers identity, purpose, military transition, family involvement in recovery, and the practical realities of long-term treatment, halfway housing, and life after addiction.Learn more or get involved at https://freshstartministries.com/This episode is part of UPD Podcast's Finding Freedom series, exploring addiction recovery through the lens of faith, community, and lived experience.#AddictionRecovery #FindingFreedom #FreshStartMinistries #ChristianRecovery #UPDPodcast #SoberLiving #FaithAndRecovery #MinistryLife #PurposeAfterAddiction #VeteranTransition

The Science of P*rn Addiction feat. Dr. Trish Leigh

Neuroscientist Dr. Trish Leigh joins Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb to break down the brain science behind pornography and sex addiction. Dr. Leigh explains how early exposure rewires the brain's reward pathways, why the average age of first exposure has dropped to 8 years old, and how a "supernormal stimulus" leads to dopamine desensitization, erectile dysfunction, and compulsive behavior. She introduces her concepts of strain brain and drain brain, walks through the brain's rewiring timeline, and shares practical strategies — including dopamine stacking, accountability, and emotional intelligence — for anyone seeking freedom from porn addiction. Dr. Leigh is the author of Mind Over Explicit Matter and founder of the Desire Rewire program.Learn more about Dr. Leigh's work at http://drtrishleigh.com/This episode is part of UPD Podcast's Finding Freedom series, exploring addiction recovery through the lens of neuroscience and Christian faith.

Addiction, anger, and second chances feat. Shattered Darkness Podcast

In this episode of the UPD Podcast, Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb sit down with Mitch Benner and Cash Case from the Shattered Darkness Podcast ( @ShatteredDarknessPodcast ) to talk about their personal journeys through addiction, mental health struggles, and finding recovery through faith.Mitch and Cash open up about hitting rock bottom, going through rehab, and the long road to rebuilding their lives, marriages, and families. They talk honestly about anger, shame, and the mental health challenges that came with recovery — and how their faith became the foundation for lasting change.

Is AA biblical? We uncover the truth

Most people don't know the 12 steps of AA came straight out of a Bible study group in the 1930s. Two guys who lived through addiction break down the real, faith-rooted history of AA — and why "just stop drinking" never works.

The Sin of Empathy | A Conversation with Dr. Joe Rigney

Why are so many Christian men struggling to lead their families, churches, and lives? In this episode of UPD Podcast, Dr. Joe Rigney joins Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb to discuss biblical manhood, soberminded-ness, leadership, emotional sabotage, spiritual warfare, responsibility, and the controversial ideas behind The Sin of Empathy. Together they unpack Adam and Eve, David and Bathsheba, biblical leadership, discipleship, Bible reading, and how men can stop reacting emotionally and begin leading with courage, conviction, and wisdom. Whether you're a Christian, skeptic, husband, father, pastor, or young man searching for purpose, this conversation offers practical and biblical insight into becoming the man God calls you to be.

Spiritual Warfare and the Reality of Following Jesus (plus our Ten Commandments recap)

What happens after someone gives their life to Christ? Why do so many people walk away from faith shortly after salvation? In this episode of UPD Podcast, Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb discuss spiritual warfare, addiction recovery, shame, mentorship, discipleship, church community, and the reality of following Jesus. From personal stories of sobriety and brokenness to conversations about demons, spiritual attack, accountability, and the power of Christian mentorship, this episode offers practical wisdom for new believers, skeptics, and anyone searching for purpose, healing, and truth.

The 10th Commandment | You shall not covet feat. Sam Powell

The desire never fully goes away. David knew it. Samson knew it. Solomon knew it — and they all fell anyway.So what do you do with it?

The 9th Commandment | You shall not bear false witness feat. Pastor Matt Sanders

In a world of spin, manipulation, and headline outrage, trust is collapsing, and it’s fracturing community. In this episode of Untrained Philosophical Discussionists, Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb sit down with Pastor Matt Sanders to unpack the ninth commandment: “Do not bear false witness.”This is not just “don’t lie.” It’s about how truth can be weaponized, how gossip and slander destroy people, and why a “small” exaggeration can poison your integrity. They break down the original courtroom context (no cameras, no forensics, no receipts) and why your reputation and words were literally life-or-death in ancient communities, then bring it straight into modern life: comment sections, social media, politics, and the temptation to stay silent when someone is misrepresented.

The 8th Commandment | You shall not steal feat. Fr. Daniel Hickman

Most people think "thou shalt not steal" is about taking someone else's stuff. The Bible goes much deeper. In this conversation with Father Daniel Hickman, we explore the Eighth Commandment, trust in God, generosity, discipleship, greed, gossip, stewardship, and the hidden ways we take from others without realizing it. Whether you're a committed Christian, skeptical of faith, or simply searching for truth, this episode will challenge how you think about money, purpose, relationships, and what it means to follow Jesus.

The 7th Commandment | You shall not commit adultery feat. Pastor David Loveless

“You shall not commit adultery.” Seems obvious. Until it isn’t.In this episode of our Ten Commandments series, Jonny Hanson and Andy Lamb sit down with Pastor David Loveless, who went viral after publicly confessing to cheating on his wife while leading a thriving church.This is not a theoretical conversation. It is raw. It is honest. And it is deeply redemptive.To see more of David's story, head to https://davidloveless.com/

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The 6th Commandment | You shall not murder feat. Pastor Jake Sweetman

With special guest Pastor Jake Sweetman (Cathedral in Los Angeles)The sixth commandment seems simple: “You shall not murder.”You probably think you pass the test.Jesus disagrees.

The 5th Commandment | Honor your father and mother feat. Pastor Mike Standish

What does it really mean to honor your father and mother? In this episode, we unpack the fifth commandment and confront one of the most misunderstood teachings in the Ten Commandments. Does honoring your parents mean blind obedience? What if they failed you, hurt you, or were never spiritually healthy? We explore biblical honor vs obedience, boundaries, generational impact, and the promise attached to this commandment. Whether you’re a committed Christian, deconstructing your faith, or skeptical about authority altogether, this conversation will challenge how you think about family, responsibility, and spiritual maturity.

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The 4th Commandment | Keep the Sabbath holy feat. Pastor Luke Lezon

Are Christians misunderstanding Sabbath, rest, and burnout? Pastor Luke Lezon from Quay Church helps us unpack what the Bible actually says about work, rest, masculinity, purpose, and why so many men today feel exhausted, distracted, anxious, and disconnected. From burnout culture and productivity obsession to pornography, social media addiction, and the rise of Gen Z returning to church, this conversation explores how biblical rhythm, discipline, and delight in God might be the missing piece modern culture is searching for.

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The 3rd Commandment | You shall not take God's name in vain feat. Pastor Mike Price

Is the third commandment about more than using God's name as a swear word?In this episode of our Ten Commandments series, Jonny Hanson, Andy Lamb, and Pastor Mike Price from Grace Church Orlando unpack what “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” actually means.

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The 2nd Commandment | Graven images & modern idols feat. Father Jim Sorvillo

What are modern graven images, and how do you know if something has quietly taken God’s place in your life?

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The 1st Commandment | You shall have no other gods feat. Pastor Mike Adkins

The Ten Commandments can feel ancient, even outdated. But in this first episode of our Ten Commandments series, Andy Lamb, Jonny Hanson, and Pastor Mike Adkins (Grace Church Orlando) unpack why the first commandment is not just a rule, it’s a rescue.Exodus 20 starts with relationship, not a threat: “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” We talk about why God starts there, how slavery shapes identity, and why “no other gods before me” is the foundation for every other command.We also connect the ancient world’s transactional gods to modern idols like money, success, security, relationships, and control. If an idol is anything that competes with your affection for God, then it also demands sacrifice. The question is: what is your life sacrificing to right now?

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Why “just going to church” isn’t enough

What is the church actually supposed to be and why do so many men feel stuck, disconnected, or uninvolved? In this episode, we answer real questions about faith, purpose, serving, and community. From the biblical definition of the church to why most people never take the next step, this conversation challenges passive belief and calls you into something deeper. Whether you're a Christian, skeptic, or just exploring faith, this will push you to rethink what it really means to follow Jesus and live it out.

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