The J.John Podcast

Latest Episodes:

When Courage Calls // Facing the Canon with Dr Sarah C. Williams Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Dr Sarah C. Williams, a historian with deep Christian roots as the granddaughter of evangelist Tom Rees and daughter of Jennifer Rees Larcombe.

Trained in history at Oxford University, Sarah brings a rich historical perspective to faith and society, with a particular focus on the life and legacy of Josephine Butler and her impact as a pioneering social reformer. In this conversation, she reflects on Butler’s courage and convictions, and what they can teach us today about faith in action, especially for women sensing a call to preach and lead.

Sarah also shares from her own life, including the loss of a child, and how that experience has shaped her understanding of grief, faith, and hope alongside her study of history and Christian witness.

Why I Still Believe // Facing the Canon with John Lennox Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John speaks with Professor John C Lennox, mathematician, author and Christian apologist. Together, they discuss his new autobiography and book "God, AI and the End of History", drawing out reflections from his life and faith story as they explore what Christianity means at its core.

Rhythm, Faith, and the Big Stage // Facing the Canon with Migdalia van der Hoven Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Migdalia van der Hoven, a professional drummer whose journey began in Mexico, growing up in a Christian and musical family and playing in church from the age of eight. After studying at Berklee College of Music, she went on to build a career performing at the highest level, including in London’s West End. In this conversation, Migdalia reflects on the realities of life behind the scenes; balancing her work as a musician with being a wife and mum, and the challenges of holding together family life, faith, and a demanding career. Named Mexican Woman of the Year in 2022, her story offers an honest look at calling, perseverance, and what it means to stay grounded while navigating a busy and creative life.

Can Prayer Change a City? // Facing the Canon with Debra Green Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Debra Green, who shares of encountering God in a deeply personal way on her wedding day. After going on to pastor Ivy Church in Manchester, Debra became increasingly aware of the challenges facing her city, once labelled “Gunchester,” and began gathering hundreds of churches to pray. In this conversation, she also shares from her own family life, including the arrest of her son during her time in leadership, and the remarkable story of prayer, worship, and his encounter with God while in a police cell. Debra shares about her work through Redeeming Our Communities and the story behind her book 'Way Maker;, co-written with her son Josh.

The Jaw-Dropping Beauty of Jesus // Facing the Canon with Gary Wilkerson Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Gary Wilkerson, who reflects on a remarkable family heritage of Christian ministry, from a chaplain in the American Civil War to generations of revivalists and church leaders. As the son of David Wilkerson, Gary shares the story behind his father’s ministry, including his work with young people in New York, the well-known account of Nicky Cruz, and the founding of World Challenge, which Gary now leads as President. In this conversation, he offers insight into the ongoing work of World Challenge in supporting and resourcing the global Church, and reflects on themes from his book The Jaw-Dropping Beauty of Jesus, based on the book of Hebrews, exploring a deeper understanding of Christ and its relevance for faith today.

Profit into Purpose // Facing the Canon with Sir Peter Vardy Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Sir Peter Vardy, who shares his journey from leaving school with just one O Level in Music to building a major car dealership business employing over 6,000 staff and selling around 200,000 cars each year. Although he grew up in a Christian home, it was after leaving school that his faith became personal and began to shape the way he approached both life and work. In this conversation, he reflects on running a business with clear Christian values, and how, through The Vardy Foundation, he has supported the building of schools in England, helped launch Safe Families for Children, and contributed to the work of organisations such as Mercy Ships.

Reinventing Church // Facing the Canon with Stuart Bell Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Stuart Bell, whose ministry spans more than 50 years, beginning as the son of a Methodist local preacher and playing in a Christian band, The Advocates. What started with discipling young people grew into Alive Church, now across six locations, and the Ground Level Network, connecting around 80 churches with a vision to reach communities “from the Humber to the Wash.” In this conversation, Stuart reflects on what it means to “reinvent church” today, while also sharing from personal experience, including his book Mud in the Eye and the challenges of leading through difficult seasons and questions around healing.

Something Brewing in Scotland // Facing the Canon with Peter Anderson May 27, 2026

Show notes

J.John sits down with Peter Anderson, Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Church in Edinburgh, to explore the journey of building a church from humble beginnings to a thriving, multi-community movement. Starting with just 30 members after four years, Peter shares how City on a Hill has since grown to reach hundreds across seven communities. In this honest and inspiring conversation, he reflects on the tension of holding onto a big vision while facing the challenges of a small reality. Peter also opens up about the powerful culture of prayer among church leaders in Edinburgh and what it looks like to witness signs of a spiritual awakening across Scotland today. If you’ve ever wrestled with slow progress, big dreams, or staying faithful in the early stages, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

Follow Peter Anderson on Instagram: @peteedinburgh.

Visit the church website: cityonahill.org.uk.

Find his book 'Foundations' at https://amzn.eu/d/0bTYOZ6X

I Discovered Gratitude // Facing the Canon with Girma Bishaw May 20, 2026

Show notes

This week, J.John is joined by Girma Bishaw, who shares his powerful story of growing up in Ethiopia and his journey of faith. Girma reveals how someone who wasn’t fully living out their own faith still played a significant role in helping him discover the grace and love of Jesus. Girma shares about the 'Gratitude Initiative', an organisation that aims to change our culture by resourcing and gathering communities to talk about and practise gratitude.

Follow the Gratitude Initiative on Instagram: @ukgratitude.

Visit their website: gratitudeinitiative.org.uk.

Find his book 'The Gratitude Way' at https://ivpbooks.com/the-gratitude-way.

Signs, Wonders & Evangelism // Facing the Canon with Daniel Chand May 13, 2026

Show notes

Before meeting Jesus, Daniel believed that he was “on fire for the devil,” living a life far from God. But everything changed when he faced a possible prison sentence. In that pivotal moment, he surrendered his life to Jesus and experienced the overwhelming freedom of having sin, shame, and condemnation lifted from his shoulders. This week, J.John sits down with Daniel Chand, an inspiring evangelist whose powerful story of redemption is now impacting lives around the world. From darkness to purpose, Daniel is witnessing incredible signs and wonders through his ministry. You won’t want to miss this honest and hope-filled conversation.

Follow Daniel Chand on social media: @evangelistdanielchand.

Visit his website: wljm.org.

Find his books and resources at https://dcmi.org.uk/shop.

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