The RELEVANT Podcast

Episode 1237: Amanda Cook Feb 21, 2025

Today we're joined by worship artist Amanda Cook, who just released her new project 'SURVEY: Part 2'! We get into her heart and purpose behind the live series. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering Ariana Grande's challenge to the music industry to prioritize artists' mental health (and Derek and Marty's hot takes on that), some eye-popping stats about betting on the recent Super Bowl and what they might mean, and some big news for 'The Chosen.' And at the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast, which gets fully off the rails.

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Episode 1236: Jonathan Pokluda Feb 18, 2025

Today we're joined by pastor and author Jonathan Pokluda for a fascinating conversation about spiritual warfare! And speaking of fascinating conversations — don't miss the science and space talk in Slices. And yes, we also cover trivial stuff like Emily's 4th grade field trip gone wrong and Cameron's FOMO. At the end of the show, we have your hilarious feedback about iconic movies.

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Episode 1235: Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins Feb 14, 2025

Today we're joined by one of the biggest producers in music history — Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. We talk about his career, his new Christian hip-hop label and more. Plus, after our Valentine's Day banter, we have this week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a surprising survey of Christians' attitudes toward refugees to Tim Robinson's new movie that we're pretty excited about. At the end of the show, don't miss our Valentine's game — Is It a Love Song or Worship Song? (Marty doesn't do well.)

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Episode 1234: Judah Smith Feb 11, 2025

It's episode 1234 (it happens like once a millennium), and we're joined by pastor Judah Smith! We have an unexpected conversation about faith and mental health you don't want to miss. Plus, we deal with Jesse's tech issues (and tech avoidance) and bring the week's Slices: The Church of England's big stance against gluten-free communion (Jesse has a very thoughtful take that unfortunately gets undercut at the last minute), as well as a new AI that will help you do even less in this remote work era (no, we're not advocating for it). At the end of the show, we have your feedback about core family memories ... and somehow it becomes all about the movie 'Flubber.'

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Episode 1233: Elevation Worship's Chris Brown Feb 07, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Brown of Elevation Worship to discuss their latest acoustic project, the formation of a new worship supergroup, and the journey of being known (by us) as “the good Chris Brown.” In RELEVANT Buzz, we dive into Doechii’s surprising Grammy speech about faith and sobriety, Patrick Mahomes’ bold Super Bowl faith statement and Lauren Daigle’s big Super Bowl moment. Plus at the end, the crew crowns the ultimate Super Bowl snack with a hotly contested bracket showdown.

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Episode 1232: Tyler Staton Feb 04, 2025

Today we're joined by Portland pastor and head of 24-7 Prayer USA, Tyler Staton! He has a new book out about the Holy Spirit, and our convo is a must-listen for any believer. Plus, the cast talks about the spontaneous journey Drew Holcomb's recent podcast interview sent Cameron on, and we have the week's Slices — from a secretive deep sea base project, to Gen Z ghosting job offers, to last year's most-binged show being revealed (we're disappointed in you, America). And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about your "favorite" weird, real laws!

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Episode 1231: Andy Mineo Jan 31, 2025

We're joined by Christian hip-hop icon Andy Mineo, who's taken a few years away from the spotlight and is now coming back with a new focus that he tells us all about. Plus, we take minute to highlight the amazing new stuff our very own cast is putting out lately — you won't want to miss that — and we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, from the new Jelly Roll Brandon Lake collab, to boygenius' Lucy Dacus' love for Rich Mullins, to our thoughts on the upcoming final season of 'The Righteous Gemstones.' At the end of the show we have a round of Table Topics that gets into some Christian childhood nostalgia that you don't want to miss!

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Episode 1230: Ian Morgan Cron Jan 28, 2025

Today we're joined by author and psychotherapist Ian Morgan Cron. You know him as the "Enneagram guy," but today we talk about a very different topic: addiction and recovery. He opens up about his own journey with it, and makes a pretty compelling case that it's something we all deal with at some level. Plus, after the cast does a deep-dive into the Moment lip-reading is having, we have the week's Slices — Jesse makes a compelling case for a new national anthem, Emily brings up some weird driving laws, and Derek takes things completely sideways with some new AI advancement news. And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about new holidays you'd like to see added to the calendar!

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Episode 1229: Johnnyswim Jan 24, 2025

Today we're joined by one of our favorite duos, Johnnyswim, who are FINALLY releasing a new album! We talk to them about the vulnerability of the project, how they overcame some big physical and emotional challenges over the last few years, and some great advice they have for the rest of us. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering the major Jesus aspect of the college football championship, the Grammy-winning artist who's suing Travis Scott for stealing her Christian song, and more. And at the end of the show, we have "Hot Mic Hot Takes"—don't miss it!

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Episode 1228: Jinger Duggar Vuolo Jan 21, 2025

Today we're joined by '19 Kids and Counting' alum, Jinger Duggar Vuolo! She's taken a very different path since the show, and we talk to her about the trap of people pleasing so many of us find ourselves in. Plus, the cast comes up with ideas for making the best of this time of year, we have the week's Slices — from an interesting clue about the new Greta Gerwin 'Narnia' movie, to the president of Bumble's prediction about the future of online dating. And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about the best relationship advice you've gotten!

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Episode 1227: Drew and Ellie Holcomb Jan 17, 2025

Today we're joined by Drew and Ellie Holcomb, who release a highly anticipated album together next week — and you get the first listen. Plus, Marty updates us on the situation in LA, and we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from an NBA star talking boldly about his faith to a closer look at the Church in China, to Mel Gibson's latest update on "Passion of the Christ 2: Electric Boogaloo." And at the end of the show we have a segment you do not want to miss: "25 to Life Lessons"!

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Episode 1226: Dr. Sarah Hensley Jan 14, 2025

Today we're joined by Christian psychologist and relational expert, Dr. Sarah Hensley. She breaks down attachment styles and how they impact our relationships — it's a must-listen! Plus, we have the week's Slices, from Meta's announcement about removing fact-checkers, to Marvel possibly making a major change with Black Panther movies, to a surprising report that college costs (and loans) are dropping. And at the end of the show, we have your 2025 predictions!

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Episode 1225: King's Kaleidoscope Jan 10, 2025

Today we're joined by one of our favorite bands, King's Kaleidoscope! Chad Gardner talks to us about their new experimental project that you need to check out. Plus, the cast talks about taking risks in art — not just music, but movies and more — and we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a big announcement from Rolling Loud, to Jesus showing up in the college football bowl season and more.

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Episode 1224: Connor Price Jan 07, 2025

Today we're joined by breakout artist Connor Price! He's a content creator, musician and actor — someone who is doing it all and blowing up right now. Plus, it's our first episode of the new year and we'll admit, it's a little chaotic. For Slices, Marty brings some sort of Apple update (we think?), Emily talks about her excitement for plans to create a moonbase and Derek talks about a new AI-powered cruise ship on the way that he's super excited about. At the end of the show, we have your feedback on what directors you'd like to see take on what stories next.

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Episode 1223: Chris Durso Dec 31, 2024

It's our last episode of 2024, and we're joined by pastor Chris Durso, who's leading a new kind of faith community in NYC. Plus, the guys lean into the new year conversation, having a vulnerable talk about resolutions (or lack thereof), Mike Foster's primal questions and the importance of embracing new approaches to life in 2025. Plus, we have the week's Slices, including Christopher Nolan's surprising new project, a new podcast that's exploring the tension between reality and faith, and of course a Big Lots update. And at the end of the show we have your feedback about the best advice you've gotten on social media!

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Episode 1222: Nate Bargatze Dec 24, 2024

It's our Christmas episode and we're joined by the biggest comedian in the world — Nate Bargatze! He just hosted a primetime CBS variety show last week and today debuts his new standup special on Netflix, and here's here to tell us all about both (plus, what it's like hosting SNL). Also, the cast brings the week's Slices — including some creative justice at a WingStop, some crazy music news and more — and at the end of the show we play "5 Second Rule: Christmas Edition"! It's a fun one.

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Episode 1221: Christine Caine Dec 20, 2024

Today we're joined by one of our faith heroes — author, speaker and advocate Christine Caine! We have a conversation we can all use at the end of 2024: How to reflect on the past with joy and look to the future with hope. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from comedian Matt Rife's surprising baptism announcement, to the unorthodox place Gen Z is getting their financial advice, to comedian Dustin Nickerson making his Tonight Show debut. At the end of the show, we have your feedback about when the timeline broke!

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Episode 1220: Girls Gone Bible Dec 17, 2024

Today we're joined by Angela Hall and Arielle Reitsma, co-hosts of the hugely popular Girls Gone Bible podcast! We talk to them about why they started the show and how they've stayed grounded with such quick success. Plus, the cast does a deep dive on pledges and the appeal of the Amish (yes, really) and for Slices, we cover the tangible benefits of not knowing everything that's happening all the time, as well as the shocking number of young adults not going home this Christmas to avoid family conflict. And at the end of the show, we have Christmas Quandaries Pt. 2!

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Episode 1219: Housefires Dec 13, 2024

Today we're joined by one of our favorite worship collectives, Housefires! We talk to them about their new project, spontaneous worship, mission and more. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from the first Christian presence at the world's largest hip-hop festival, to the Pope's advice for pastors' sermon lengths, to the surprising thing that inspired Jalen Suggs and an unexpected Orlando Magic win. At the end of the show, we have your feedback about your unexpected Spotify Wrapped results!

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Episode 1218: Bob Goff Dec 10, 2024

Today we're joined by author/lawyer/hero Bob Goff — one of our all-time favorite guests. Do NOT miss our conversation about creating intentional whimsy in our lives. Plus, we have the week's Slices, which include an unorthodox measure churches in England are using to attract new congregants, as well as Emily's report on the state of dating in 2024 (spoiler: it's bleak). But Jesse lifts our spirits with the news a certain chain restaurant is coming back decades after a nasty Hepatitis outbreak. (Yes, it's connected.) And at the end of the show we have a new game, Christmas Quandaries, where we solve very real-life holiday dilemmas.

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Episode 1217: Joel Houston Dec 06, 2024

Today we're joined by one of the most influential people in modern worship — Joel Houston! We have an exclusive conversation about his new experimental worship project, AMXNRADIO and how it took shape over the last few years. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering some interesting trends revealed in Spotify's Wrapped this week, how Gen Z is the most in-debt generation yet, and how Forrest Frank's ascension is going to another level in 2025. And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about the trends you think are overhyped (like pickleball?).

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Episode 1216: Mark Batterson Dec 03, 2024

Today we're joined by author Mark Batterson, who talks to us about recapturing wonder and the power that comes from looking for small miracles. Plus, the crew relives some Thanksgiving highlights, we have the week's Slices — from Pizza Hut trying too much, to Denzel's unforgettable Gladiator press junkets — as well as "Would You Rather? Christmas Edition!" And no matter what, don't miss the hilarious outtake at the end ...

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Episode 1215: Matt Redman Nov 27, 2024

Worship icon Matt Redman joins us for our Thanksgiving episode! We talk to him about his new Christmas EP and why don't we sing about this year-round? Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz covering everything from the viral Jameis Winston clip to the deeper trend of why celebs are more boldly speaking out about their faith these days, to why some major universities are making college free, to TikTok announcing some kinda crazy analog plans. Plus, at the end of the show we have Turkey Table Topics — conversation starters to help you just in case your family holiday convos get a tad awkward this weekend.

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Episode 1214: Riley Clemmons Nov 22, 2024

Our guest today is Riley Clemmons! You probably know her from hits like “Fighting for Me” and “For the Good," and now she's just released a new Christmas project. Plus, we talk a lot about the Congressional alien hearings happening right now (even if it's not your thing, trust us it's a very thought-provoking conversation). Then we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz covering everything from big news from the Elton John 'Tammy Faye' Broadway musical, Coachella's questionable line-up announcement, Jesse's thoughts about pickleball, and a first look at nobigdyl's new acoustic hip-hop album. At the end of the show, we have your feedback about dream travel ideas!

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Episode 1213: Jim O'Heir Nov 19, 2024

Today we're joined by Jim O'Heir, or as you know him, Jerry from 'Parks and Rec'! He has a new book out chronicling the behind-the-scenes of the show, and he gives us some good dirt on today's podcast. Plus, we have Slices, covering everything from the craziest attempt at a new Cabinet post, to an explainer of this whole B4 movement, to Warner Bros. auctioning the most epic vehicles ever. And at the end of the show, we have your most pressing Thanksgiving questions!

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Episode 1212: Mike Todd Nov 15, 2024

Today we're joined by pastor and author Mike Todd to talk about a pretty important topic — overcoming trauma and finding freedom. Plus, Derek and Cameron tell us about their trip to the Colorado mountains, and we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz covering everything from The Onion doing the greatest troll of all time to doom spending to Jim Gaffigan's new special. At the end of the show we have your feedback about weird features you want to see in cars!

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Episode 1211: Eugene Cho Nov 12, 2024

Today we're joined by Eugene Cho for an eye-opening conversation about food insecurity in America and what Christians can do to help. Plus, the cast brings their usual ridiculousness, like the fact Jesse literally voted for someone based on how cool their nickname was, to crazy AI stuff and a lot more. And at the end of the show, don't miss the hilarious new game: "Is It a Real Holiday Tradition?"

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Episode 1210: CXMMXNS' Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan Nov 08, 2024

Today we're joined by former Hillsong United members Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan! They've just launched a new worship collective called CXMMXNS and we talk to them about their vision and why they’re excited about the future of worship. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz covering everything from the Christian rapper who will be on the new season of Hustle & Flow, to why Taylor Tomlinson got kicked off a Christian comedy tour, to a new study that says Gen Z loves staying home (and why that might be good for their health). And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about the weirdest things you've bought on the TikTok Shop!

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Episode 1209: Chad Veach Nov 05, 2024

Our guest today is Chad Veach! He's the pastor of LA's Zoe Church and the author of books like "Worried About Everything Because I Pray About Nothing” and his latest, “I Bet You Think This Book Is About You.” We talk about pride and humility, and why it’s something Christians today can’t ignore. Also, the cast tackles the prosperity gospel, golf, Jesse's curious love of pranks, and the impact of celebrity culture on accountability. We also have the week's Slices — covering the major governmental intervention into broken McDonald's ice cream machines and a viral Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest that captivated New York City. At the end of the show, we have 'Would You Rather: Holiday Edition'!

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Episode 1208: Gallant Nov 01, 2024

Today we're joined by alt-R&B artist Gallant, who just released a fantastic new album. He opens up to us about stepping out from his label to become an independent artist, the freedom he finds through his work, and how faith and spirituality have been a source of inspiration for him. Plus, the cast delves into the evolving landscape of fame in the digital age, the significant number of Christians opting out of voting this year, the plateauing of the 'Nones'—which turns into a can't-miss conversation—and Marty drops a new album today! And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about your weirdest hobbies.

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Episode 1207: Benjamin William Hastings Oct 29, 2024

Today we're joined by worship artist Benjamin William Hastings! You probably know him from his years with Hillsong United, but now he's releasing some amazing solo music. We talk to him about his new project — and what he means when he says he's a "recovering Deconstructionist." Plus, it's an all-boys episode (we're sorry) and things go predictably off the rails. We have the week's Slices, and at the end of the show we have another edition of Ask the Cast!

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Episode 1206: Malcolm Gladwell Oct 22, 2024

In this episode we're joined by author Malcolm Gladwell, who talks to us about pro-social contagion and how small groups can drive significant societal change. The cast also announces the podcast's shift to one show a week, and Jesse reveals his harrowing Speed-esque car troubles. The conversation then shifts to Slices — including the impact of social media on mental health and concluding with a discussion on the ethical implications of AI-generated worship music, questioning the authenticity and spiritual impact of AI-generated content. And at the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast! A lot happens.

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Episode 1205: Bethel Music's David Funk Oct 15, 2024

In this episode, we're joined by David Funk from Bethel Music! Plus, Cameron apologizes for us missing the last episode — a hurricane prevented it unfortunately — and you hear his inspiring tale of surviving on Brioche bread. Derek joins late because of Emily, and then we have Slices — covering Netflix's new live talk show, Tesla's innovations in robotics, which may or may not delve into a discussion of WALL-E's predictions for humanity, and the implications of dream communication technology. At the end of the show, we have a new game called Guilty Confessions, revealing the quirks and guilty pleasures of the hosts.