The Way Out of Cynicism

In another powerful conversation of the “Love & Clarity” season, Lisa Whittle sits down with Ian Simpkins, internet personality and Lead Pastor of Bridge Church in Nashville, to explore the deep truths of what it means to be an image-bearer of Christ versus a work-doer. Together, they tackle the tension between spiritual hunger and productivity, discussing how both intimacy and humility require intentionality. Ian opens up about the struggles of balancing family, ministry, and self-care while offering practical insights into building deeper connections with God and others. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of life, work, or faith, or are grappling with bitterness or isolation, this conversation will offer you hope and real-life tools to navigate those challenges. Listen in to discover how you can radically shift the way you live, love, and serve.Listen in to learn more:(4:00) How to stay spiritually hungry in ministry(7:49) The real challenge of true humility(14:34) Production vs. consumption in faith(20:16) Are you a “work-doer” or “image-bearer?”(32:58) What are the hidden effects of bitterness?(40:03) The difference between solitude and isolation(47:16) How listening can actually be an act of love(49:48) What is the last thing Ian would say about Jesus?RESOURCESThank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today. Mentioned in the episode:Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joeBridge Church: https://www.bridge.tvOne-on-One Coaching: https://www.lisawhittle.com/coaching-with-lisaConnect with Ian:Website: https://iansimkins.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iansimkins/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iansimkins1/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@iansimkins  Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Are you the type of person who tends to see the glass as “half-full” or “half-empty?” In a culture where cynicism is widely accepted, and even admired, it can be tempting for believers to fall into negative thought patterns as well. In this episode of the “Love & Clarity” season, Lisa exposes the hard truth about cynicism and skepticism – offering a deeper look at the meanings, motivations, and impacts of each. When trust is broken and life disappoints you, there is a way out of cynicism. Pull up a chair and listen in to discover lasting hope that cannot be shaken. What you’ll learn in this episode:(1:16) Optimism: A natural trait or an intentional choice?(3:43) How to distinguish cynicism from skepticism(6:28) What is at stake when you have a cynicism outlook(8:43) The secret ingredient to transform your thinking(10:46) What comparison and purpose have to do with cynicism(14:21) Lisa shares her own journey with cynicism and offers a way out RESOURCESThank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.  Mentioned in the episode:Sharron Miller: https://sheworships.com/Bob Goff: https://www.bobgoff.com/Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joe/Speaking: https://www.lisawhittle.com/speaking  Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Has a specific piece of your story – positive or negative – become a “label” you wear as your identity? Lisa sits down with long-time friend, Erin Kelly-Bean to discuss the truth about labels and what God has to say about them. Erin is a New York Times best-selling author, co-host of the Immeasurably More Podcast, and daughter of football legend, Jim Kelly. She shares her journey of growing up, “Kelly Tough,” her family’s experience of tragic loss, and her personal battles with addiction, eating disorders, and mental health. Erin explains the secret to her transformation and healing, and offers hope to anyone struggling in isolation and silence. If you’re ready to drop the labels and embrace your true identity in Christ - this episode is for you. Listen in to learn more:(3:55) What Erin experienced as the daughter of a Hall of Fame quarterback (7:17) How loss and tragedy led the Kelly family toward God (16:34) Erin’s battles with mental health and addiction (26:02) The role of treatment and medication (31:13) The path to healing and freedom (47:48) Why you don’t need to be defined by a label  RESOURCESThank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.  Mentioned in the episode:Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joe/Called Creatives: https://www.calledcreatives.comBook - Kelly Tough: https://a.co/d/c1as8yeBook - The Hard Good: https://shopstyle.it/l/bJp1lBook - Jesus Over Everything: https://shopstyle.it/l/bOa4E Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Do you have a love-hate relationship with social media? Perhaps you love the ability to laugh and connect with others, but hate the unhealthy habits and behaviors that come with it?  Continuing the “Love & Clarity” season, Lisa Whittle shares candidly about her own tug-of-war experience with social media, and peels back the curtain on how she plans to develop a healthier balance with the platforms in the future. If you’ve ever considered “saying goodbye” to Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok or any other digital tool – Lisa has a unique word of wisdom and encouragement just for you.   Listen in to learn more:(4:08) How the “game” of social media has evolved(5:48) Why having “fans” and “followers” can feel disingenuous(8:52) What would happen if every Christian left social media(10:15) How to know if you love social media too much(14:55) What the Bible says about things that “dominate” us(18:44) How Lisa got clarity about her social media habits(23:03) How to honor God and “say goodbye” to social in your own way RESOURCESThank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today. Mentioned in the episode:Dwell Bible App:  https://get.dwellbible.com/joeFrancis Chan:  https://www.crazylove.orgCalled Creatives : https://www.calledcreatives.com/  Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Have you ever found yourself wondering: “Should I stay friends with that person?” “Why did this friendship end?” or, “As a Christian, is it even okay for me to stop being friends with someone?” On this episode of the Love & Clarity season, Lisa Whittle dives deep into the subject of “breakups” – addressing the inevitable challenges that come when relationships are strained between friends, relatives, and even fellow churchgoers. Pairing Biblical truth with practical wisdom, Lisa offers guidance on how to provide healthy boundaries, how to set expectations, and how to determine if and when it’s time to “let go.” Lean in to discover how you can navigate relationships in a way that honors God and others. Listen in to learn more:(1:40) The importance of navigating painful breakups in a healthy way(3:08) What you’re really longing for in a true friend(5:35) Why division happens (and why it can be okay)(8:35) What it means to “go the distance” for a friend(13:22) How to identify and let go of an unhealthy friendship(16:23) What is God’s design for friendships(20:03) The difference between friendships and relationships Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today. RESOURCESMentioned in the episode:Dwell Bible App: https://get.dwellbible.com/joeYou and Me Forever: https://www.youandmeforever.org    Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Need clarity on how to approach issues and thought patterns about your physical body? Lisa talks friend-to-friend with Dr. Edie Wadsworth, a physician, speaker, life coach, writer, and natural health enthusiast about how a shift in your perspective can radically transform your body. Sharing vulnerably from her own health journey, Dr. Edie explains how your physical body is linked to your mental, spiritual and emotional health. She offers proof that it’s never too late to transform your health (yes, even in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond!), and shares hot takes on trendy health topics like magnesium, sunscreen, the aura ring and even “mouth tape.” Dive in for a conversation that could transform your body and your life…starting today.Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.  Listen in to learn more:(1:34) Lisa & Dr. Edie connect over fashion, raising adult daughters, and how to be a “girl mom”(9:35) Why Lisa chose Dr. Edie to speak on this subject and the experience she offers (13:16) How unhealthy patterns can wreak havoc on your body(16:58) Navigating perimenopause and menopause: what’s normal?(21:30) Why you shouldn’t give up on your body in your 40s, 50s, and beyond(23:23) Dr. Edie’s personal experience with prescriptions and what she had to re-learn(26:58) What kind of tools God offers to heal yourself(39:35) Why you don’t need to be the “strong one.”(45:22) Dr. Edie’s unfiltered responses to rapid-fire Q&A on health trends(53:49) The ONE thing you can do today to start your transformation RESOURCESMentioned in the episode:Theology of the Body Why We Sleep Connect with Edie: https://www.ediewadsworthcoaching.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ediewadsworthhttps://www.facebook.com/DrEdieWadsworth Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Have you ever felt as if the world is out of control? In those moments, it’s easy to feel helpless, overwhelmed, or even confused as to how to respond. In this brand new “Love & Clarity” season of the Jesus Over Everything show, host Lisa Whittle comes back on the microphone with fiery passion and purpose after an 8-month sabbatical from podcast production. Speaking with love and authority, she addresses an issue that is affecting the body of Christ in a profoundly negative way and offers a foolproof answer to the question: “How can we find Biblical clarity in these uncertain times?”Thank you to this season's sponsor, Dwell. Dwell is offering you 25% off yearly access to Dwell or 50% off of Dwell for life! Both are such incredibly low prices – it’s well worth it. Go to dwellbible.com/JOE to receive your discount today.  Listen in to learn more:(1:29) What God revealed to Lisa during her hiatus from podcast production(2:27) Why this season is titled “Love & Clarity,” and what topics to expect(6:03) What loyalty has to do with double-mindedness and instability(9:43) How we overcompensate when we feel the world is out of control(11:25) The dangers of “nuanced” religion and faith(15:30) The surest way to have a stable footing in these uncertain timesMentioned in the episode:Lisa Returns to Podcasting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeW_qlNY0MThe Hard Good - https://www.lisawhittle.com/good  Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

As a special bonus to complement Lisa’s four-part podcast series on Seeking Revival, this short audio resource highlights ten areas you must individually focus on in order to experience revival, with the last one being your “top revival need.” In Lisa’s words, “Revival can never happen without this one crucial thing…” Listen to the very end to join Lisa in a tender prayer, and discover the responsibility of the corporate church and individual believers to bring life-changing revival in your lifetime! Links I Want GodTake the Quiz: What Do You Want? Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

You may remember the famous words, “Houston, we have a problem,” shared by the astronaut crew of Apollo 13 to the ground team at NASA. In a similar way, the Apostle John wrote a letter to warn the church of Ephesus of some serious problems he identified (see Revelation 2). Concluding her four-part series on Seeking Revival, Lisa explores what the modern-day church can learn from this passage and how our situation mirrors Ephesus in many ways. Listen in to discover one key thing we’ve lost as a church, as well as the three non-negotiables we need in order to experience personal revival. Don’t miss one minute of this good news! Links I Want God Take the Quiz: What Do You Want? Connect with Lisa Website Lisa Whittle - Instagram Lisa Whittle - Facebook Jesus Over Everything - Instagram Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

  In life, we often look for a road map: what works, what doesn't, and how to get to our destination with the least amount of friction. In part three of the Seeking Revival series, Lisa shares a “revival roadmap” of sorts, offering four things that prevent us from experiencing God in a fresh and personal way. (Warning: As you listen to Lisa's insight and discover which “revival-killer” most resonates with you, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone!) This episode will inspire and encourage you to be an active participant in the move of God: recognizing that revival begins on a personal level long before it ever appears in the world around you.  Links Invite Lisa to Speak Take the Quiz: What Do You Want? Connect with Lisa Website Lisa Whittle - Instagram Lisa Whittle - Facebook Jesus Over Everything - Instagram   Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial