If you’re a new Christian, where should you start—Bible reading, prayer, fasting, or worship? In this episode of The Upside Down Podcast, we dive into why prayer is the heartbeat of our walk with Jesus and how it shapes every other discipline. We also talk about the role of worship, scripture memorization, and fasting in building intimacy with God and strengthening your faith.

How can Christians pursue emotional health while staying rooted in Jesus? In this episode, we unpack the importance of mental and spiritual rhythms for followers of Christ, drawing inspiration from Pete Scazzero’s The Emotionally Healthy Leader and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

We share real stories about dealing with anxiety, depression, comparison, and shame — and how practices like Sabbath rest, slowing down, prayer, and community have brought healing. You’ll hear about naming emotions with honesty, overcoming unhealthy thought patterns, and finding freedom in God’s compassion and forgiveness.

Whether you’re battling burnout, struggling with unforgiveness, or just wanting to build healthier rhythms with Jesus, this episode offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom to help you grow.

Keywords: Christian mental health, emotional health, Sabbath rest, Pete Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, spiritual rhythms, overcoming anxiety, Christian podcast, discipleship, following Jesus

In this special bonus episode of The Upside Down Kingdom Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Conway, Director of Autism Ministry at North Way Christian Community, to talk about inclusion, belonging, and making the Gospel accessible to all. Sarah shares her personal journey into disability ministry, the importance of creating welcoming spaces for individuals with disabilities, and how the church can reflect Christ’s love by embracing every member of the body. We explore language, theology, practical steps toward accessibility, and the transformative impact inclusion has on individuals, families, and congregations. Whether you’re a church leader, parent, or simply curious about how to better love and serve others, this conversation is both eye-opening and encouraging.

How should Christians think about physical health—and what does it have to do with rest and joy?

In Episode 13, we start with a candid conversation about fitness, body image, and stewardship of our bodies, and then dive into a family vacation that sparked a deeper discussion:
Should we try to create more “perfect” moments—or see them as gifts?

We cover:

• Should Christians care about their physical fitness? Where’s the line between health and vanity?

• Loving others enough to speak truth about health without shaming

• The difference between true rest and simply escaping work

• Building healthy rhythms of Sabbath, simplicity, and relationships

• Why our culture’s obsession with busyness, technology, and entertainment leaves us empty

• How to find “thin places” where life feels close to heaven

If you’re longing for a healthier lifestyle—body and soul—and want to experience more of God’s peace in daily life, this conversation is for you.

In this powerful bonus episode of the Upside Down Podcast, host Juan sits down with Mike Bailey—husband, father of 11, and spiritual mentor—to explore a topic that’s rarely discussed in church circles: God’s design for family planning.Following up on Episode 7, we dive deeper into the biblical foundations, spiritual convictions, and personal experiences that led Mike and his wife to surrender control of their family size to the Lord. From financial fears to cultural pressure, Mike opens up about the journey, the sacrifices, and the undeniable blessings of trusting God—even in the most countercultural ways.

🔥 Topics Covered:

God's design for marriage and children

The role of faith and obedience in family decisions

Wrestling with birth control, finances, and societal norms

How to hear from God and follow His leading

The generational impact of raising children in the faith

Whether you're single, newly married, or years into parenting, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to reconsider what biblical surrender really looks like.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's navigating questions about faith, family, and following Jesus in a radical way.

In this powerful episode, we ask a bold and often overlooked question: Should Christians be praying for world peace? 🌎 Join us for a raw and thought-provoking conversation as we explore what the Bible really says about war, peace, suffering, and the purpose of prayer in today’s world.We dig into:Whether praying for global peace is biblical—or misguided 🙏The role of spiritual warfare and God’s justice throughout scripture ⚔️The rise of moralistic therapeutic Christianity in the modern church 🛐How the American church measures up in effectiveness 📉What it means to truly live on mission and disciple others 💬Real, practical insights into personal Bible study and daily quiet time 📖🔥Featuring honest reflections, references to Lord of the Rings 🧙‍♂️, revival, discipleship, and even spiritual leadership in an age of comfort, this is a deep-dive discussion that challenges Christians to pray with purpose, live with boldness, and grow in biblical literacy.

In this episode, we dive deep into real and raw Christian dating advice for young adults, college students, and high schoolers navigating relationships. Whether you're single, dating, or waiting on God, this conversation covers the practical and spiritual wisdom you need.We tackle:🔴 Common red flags in Christian dating (including missionary dating)📖 Why being equally yoked matters more than you think🕊️ How to wait on God’s timing without losing hope💡 The myth of "the one" and what biblical commitment really looks like🔥 What godly confidence is—and how to spot worldly arrogance in yourself and others💬 How to be honest and intentional in relationships🙏 Plus: A powerful, personal discussion on unanswered prayer, suffering, and trusting God's plan

In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the impact of Christian scandals, asking tough questions: Are public failures of pastors and worship leaders ultimately harmful or helpful to the global church? How do we navigate the fine line between accountability and Christian gossip in a culture obsessed with exposure and celebrity?We also explore the role of entertainment in the life of a Christian. Is binge-watching, scrolling, and social media numbing our spiritual lives? What’s the difference between meaningful rest and mindless distraction? We reflect on how entertainment can both connect and derail us from true discipleship.Lastly, we unpack the biblical model of Christian community in Acts 2 and ask: What should real Christian fellowship look like today? Is deep, interdependent community even possible in our fast-paced, individualized world?Whether you're a church leader, young believer, or someone wrestling with modern faith culture, this conversation offers biblical insight, honest critique, and a compelling vision for following Jesus with integrity.🙌 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a comment with your own question—we just might feature it in a future episode.