The Saturate Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Stories from Tokyo, Japan Oct 14, 2026

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What happens when leaders shift from trusting their own abilities and instead live in dependence on the Spirit? Jeff Vanderstelt catches up with Yoshito Noguchi and Jon Cole, two church leaders in Tokyo, Japan. They talk openly about repenting of prayerlessness, and slowing down to walk at Jesus’ pace. They share what they're learning about missional communities where people can be honest, a way to study the Bible that teaches disciples to hear Jesus’ voice, and a heart to serve and collaborate with other churches.

Stories from Seattle Sep 30, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt sits down with Matt Broweleit of Together for Seattle to share what God is doing in their city. The work is slow and the needs are real, but through events in the city, pastors are connecting and starting to find they're not alone, a youth network is taking shape, leaders are gathering monthly to pray over the city, and people are meeting Jesus. Along the way, Matt offers encouragement for leaders everywhere: God is at work beyond what you can currently see, listen to the real needs of your neighbors, and come alongside the people already working for the good of your city.

Creating a Disciple-Making Culture Aug 19, 2026

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In this podcast episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Jared Pickney, a leader at The Crossing in Arkansas, about the importance of multiplying healthy disciples. Leaders are encouraged to prioritize their role as spiritual parents, helping people mature as disciples and experience the fullness of life that Christ has for them.

Church Planting in a Post-Christian Culture Aug 05, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Chris Synesael and Brett Donald, who are currently co-planting a church together in the highly secular context of Victoria, British Columbia. They've learned the necessity of shared leadership; the use of simple, transferable tools like BLESS rhythms; and the importance of equipping every believer to engage in spiritual conversations in their everyday lives. Successful ministry in a post-Christian culture requires patience, curiosity, and a focus on spiritual maturity within the core community before seeking to grow their church in size.

Becoming Good News Jul 22, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with authors Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz about their new book, Becoming Good News. They explore how neuroscience and story intersect to redefine the process of disciple-making. While traditional church programs often focus on semantic memory, the temporary storage of facts, they share that true transformation occurs within autobiographical memory, which integrates emotion and identity to shape how a person views their past and future. By framing the Christian life as a “Hero’s Journey,” the authors encourage believers to move beyond “enemy mode” and behavior modification toward a life of attunement with God, rooted in vulnerability and the restoration of our true identity in Christ. The disciple’s journey is a lifelong process of reinterpreting one’s personal story through the lens of the gospel, and shifting the focus from what a person does to who they are becoming in relationship with their Creator.

What We Find in the Dark Jul 08, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt speaks with author Aubrey Sampson. Aubrey shares some of her experiences of profound loss and grief, and how seasons of suffering can be disorienting for even mature disciples. She offers hard-fought insight with gentleness and relatability, without using insensitive optimism or saccharine platitudes. Aubrey has personally seen how dark nights of the soul can foster a deeper, more resilient intimacy with the Father.

Building Spaces of Belonging Jun 24, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Krista Breilh, the founder of the women’s ministry Live Salted in Seattle, WA. Krista shares the organization’s decade-long journey of building spaces of belonging centered on Jesus, and shares her desire to create intergenerational and multicultural communities where women can experience the joy of doing life with Jesus. She shares her own story of navigating her parents' divorce, and the challenges of leading a ministry while managing personal grief and professional transitions. This conversation highlights the power of vulnerability in leadership and the necessity of authentic spiritual communities.

Faithfulness in the Everyday Jun 10, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt hosts Brian Johnson and Rob Wegner to discuss the ways they've seen God at work in Kansas City. The conversation moves from what they've learned about healthy multiplication, to stories of incarnational ministry within neighborhoods and state prisons. While the work of disciple-making often feels slow and difficult, disciples are encouraged to make space for Sabbath, slowness, solitude, connection with the Father, and for God to give us eyes to see and ears to hear ways He's already at work all around us.

Living as Ambassadors of God’s Kingdom May 27, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Alex and Hannah Absalom about exploring a naturally supernatural life, living from the power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Alex and Hannah share that they feel called to teach disciples how to be open to the empowering presence of the Spirit in a way that is biblical, practical, and simple. This conversation serves to encourage and equip leaders and everyday disciples to live as delegated ambassadors of God's kingdom through listening prayer and bold obedience.

Indestructible Hope May 13, 2026

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In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Jesse Bradley, who shares his journey from professional soccer goalkeeper, to a career-ending health crisis, and how Jesus met him in an extremely difficult season. This experience has given him a passion to empower everyday disciples to bring the good news of Jesus to their own homes and neighborhoods. Looking forward, Jeff and Jesse talk about the upcoming World Cup as a pivotal missional opportunity to reach the global community. This conversation offers hope for the ways Jesus wants to give us all that we need in difficult and painful circumstances, and how He invites us to share that same hope and good news to those around us.

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