Upstream Podcast

A podcast for courageous priests, and the communities who support them. Send us your questions, feedback, and ideas: info@upstreampodcast.com

Upstream Podcast is a religion podcast hosted by Patrick Lencioni, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Patrick Lencioni hosts Upstream Podcast, a religion show with 18 episodes published.

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  Episode #17

  Rethinking Volunteers with Father John Riccardo

  Nov 28, 202535 minS1

  <p>What are some ways leaders in a parish can attract capable volunteers?</p><p>In episode 17 of the Upstream Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and guest Father John Riccardo explore a fundamental shift in how church leaders can view and utilize volunteers, emphasizing that the church is the Body of Christ and not a corporation. They assert that the biggest challenges are rooted in low expectations, treating volunteers generically, and creating a division between paid staff and unpaid volunteers. By raising expectations, discerning people's unique spiritual gifts, and holding everyone equally accountable to the mission of rescuing, renewing, and transforming the...

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  Episode #16

  What OCIA Really Means

  Sep 25, 202535 minS1

  <p>Pat is joined by his friends Fr. Austin Gilstrap, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake in Hendersonville, TN, and Fr. Michael Fye, pastor of St. Anne in Nashville, TN.  The three of them have a spirited conversation about OCIA and what it really means to initiate people into the Catholic church. They discuss the importance of excitement, depth, and timeliness in conducting spiritual formation, and explore the different ways that pastors can best serve the people joining their congregation. </p>

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  Episode #15

  Why Wait to Make a Change

  Jun 20, 202529 minS1

  <p>Pat and his friend Fr. Michael Andrade, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, CA, have a vulnerable and practical conversation about the challenges pastors face when taking over a new parish. They challenge the conventional wisdom of waiting to make changes and explore how immediate, prayerful, and intentional leadership fosters healthier transitions. Fr. Michael also shares his personal experiences of forming a supportive team, embracing criticism, and leading courageously for the good of the parish.</p>

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  Episode #14

  The Danger of Popularity

  May 21, 202550 minS1

  <p >Pat and Fr. Mike Schmitz tackle the tension priests encounter between being popular and being authentic. The conversation dives into the spiritual and practical dangers of avoiding conflict, the need for truth-tellers in leadership, and the importance of genuine relationships built on love rather than admiration. Together, Pat and Fr. Mike challenge listeners to choose truth over comfort, love over applause, and authenticity over approval.</p>

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  Episode #13

  Insights from the Bible Belt

  Apr 7, 202531 minS1

  <p>With an increasing yearning for unadulterated truth and an attraction to the beauty of the sacraments, more and more people are curious about the Catholic Church. Today, Pat talks with his good friend, Fr. John Riccardo from ACTS XXIX, about the importance of sharing the fullness of the Church with conviction and joy and without apology.</p> <p>...</p> <p>Check out all the great work that Fr. John and ACTS XXIX team are doing at actsxxix.org.</p>

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