Viral Jesus

Leave It All On The Track Jun 27, 2024

Today’s episode is our last episode of Viral Jesus.

125 episodes, thousands and thousands of downloads, and three years have brought us to this necessary ending. Viral Jesus was created to help us remember the power of our social networks. In this last conversation, Heather wants to talk directly to you, the listener, and remind you that you have influence.

Create the podcast. Write the blog. Email the book agent. Don’t stop creating. Someone is watching, listening, and learning from what you’ve experienced.

Don’t stop believing that your being faithful with what God has placed in your hand, truly matters. It’s not about whether or not we finish our race first. It’s about running in obedience and faithfulness to the race set before us. That’s what we hope you take away from Viral Jesus.

In this life, with your gifting, leave it all on the track.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Boonstra Lilly: Dealing with Insecurity Jun 20, 2024

Today’s episode with Natalie Boonstra Lilly is such an empowering conversation. Natalie shares her heart behind her latest book Insecure: My Story. She opens up about her deformity, and how it impacted her childhood and self-esteem.

Heather and Natalie also discuss how you know when you are supposed to share your story, waiting on God to open doors, and why it is important to find safe spaces when sharing intimate experiences publicly for the first time.

Heather also adds a tool to your toolkit with the suggestion of adding Manychat to your platform.

Guest Bio

At ten years old, Natalie Lilly was diagnosed with the extremely rare Madelung’s deformity and has grappled with insecurities throughout her life. But she knows God says she is fearfully and wonderfully made and strives to help others find the freedom she’s found in who Jesus says she is. Natalie is a master’s student, author, public speaker, and pastor’s wife. She is the author of Insecure: My Story.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

“Viral Jesus” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producer: Matt Stevens

Host: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill

Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens

Audio Engineer: Loren Joseph

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drew Dyck: Just Show Up Jun 13, 2024

Today’s episode with Drew Dyck encapsulates why we started this show. Heather had never met Drew in person, but his writing and Twitter have impacted her real life. It is incredible how our online presence can bring about real-life friendships and foster spiritual growth.

Heather and Drew discuss Drew’s latest book Just Show Up. Drew wants to remind you that God isn’t expecting you to do everything, or to change overnight. The gospel is an invitation to Just Show Up and engage with people and our own lives right where we are.

Heather also breaks down the latest Instagram algorithm update and explains why bait engagement is different from calls to action.

Guest Bio

Drew Dyck (M.A. Theology) is the author of multiple books, including Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets To Self Control From The Bible And Brain Science (2019), and Just Show Up: How Small Acts of Faithfulness Change Everything (2023). Drew is an editor at Moody Publishers and the former managing editor of Leadership Journal. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine, The Gospel Coalition, and CNN.com. Drew grew up in Canada and now lives in the Portland area with his wife, Grace, and their three children. They attend The Well Church Church in Portland. Connect with Drew at DrewDyck.com or follow him on Twitter @drewdyck.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lawrence: Understanding Our Rejection Patterns Jun 06, 2024

Have you ever wondered why you behave the way you do? Dr. Gary Lawrence says he thinks it has to do with the patterns of rejection we navigated in childhood. We all experience rejection, but we all survive that rejection differently. Dr. Gary believes that he has found some helpful tools that can help us break free of toxic patterns we may be repeating.

In today's episode Heather and Gary discuss how we can identify, isolate, and eliminate the root cause of most of our problems with rejection.

Heather also talks to creators about how to navigate the reality of not being cited for your work.

Guest Bio

Dr. Gary Lawrence is the author of ‘Rejection Junkies’. He and his wife Sylvia have spent their lives successfully leading others to “identify, isolate, and eliminate” the root cause of the emotional turmoil in their lives. Over 23 years of serving as the founder and director of New Life Dynamics Christian Counseling Center and 20 years as the host of his own radio show, Life Mastery Counseling with Dr. G, he has personally met with and coached more than 6000 clients and has overseen the counseling of another 10,000. He also serves on television, stage, and radio.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis May 30, 2024

Today’s episode is a must listen. Mary DeMuth is the author of We Too: How the Church can Respond Redemptively to Sexual Abuse, and spends the first half of this conversation walking Heather through her own story. Mary is committed to equipping churches with tools to be able to navigate these conversations with grace.

Mary and Heather also discuss how Scripture is a redemptive story that can encourage the most burdened, which is why Mary is so passionate about Bible reading.

Heather and Mary also navigate the importance of knowing the story of Scripture, which can help shape your own story in both grace and truth.

Guest Bio

Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, podcaster, and author of nearly 50 books, fiction and nonfiction, including We Too: How the Church can Respond Redemptively To The Sexual Abuse Crisis and her latest book, 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge. Mary lives in Texas with her husband of 33 years and is mom to three adult children. Learn more at marydemuth.com.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

“Viral Jesus” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producer: Matt Stevens

Host: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill

Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens

Audio Engineer: Loren Joseph

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Church Behind Bars Is Alive and Well May 23, 2024

Today’s episode highlights the work that is being done by Christians for the incarcerated. Heather sits down with the first female president of Prison Fellowship, Heather Rice Minus and discusses what work still needs to be done outside of prisons, and in our communities, to help incarcerated individuals transition after serving their sentence.

During today’s episode Heather also provides an update on Viral Jesus and requests your prayer for the future of the show.

Guest Bio

Heather Rice Minus is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JS Park: As Long As You Need May 16, 2024

Today’s episode is for the person navigating a season of loss or grief, and trying to figure out how long this ache will last.

JS Park is a chaplain who has served for nearly 10 years and has held pain for thousands of patients and their families. He believes that our need to rush past pain, only suffocates our grief, and that grief is a voice that needs to be heard.

During today’s episode Heather also provides an update on her life ministry, and professional journey.

Guest Bio

J.S. Park is a hospital chaplain, author, and online educator. For eight years he has been an interfaith chaplain at a thousand-plus-bed hospital that is designated a Level 1 Trauma Center. J.S. has an MDiv, completed in 2010, and a BA in Psychology. He also has a sixth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is also the author of As Long As You Need.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

“Viral Jesus” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producer: Matt Stevens

Host: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill

Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens

Audio engineering by Loren Joseph

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Farley: 101 Bible Questions And the Surprising Answers You May Not Hear in Church Apr 25, 2024

Are there certain questions you don't feel like you can ask in church about the Bible?

For today’s episode Heather sits down with Dr. Andrew Farley, a pastor and radio show host, asks him questions he often gets during his live radio show every night about the Bible. Andrew believes in grace, freedom, and the new covenant. If you have felt that religion offered you very little grace, less freedom, and didn’t talk very much about the beauty of the New Covenant, today’s episode is for you.

During today’s episode Heather also sits down with Brady Shearer for your social toolkit. Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and church software platform Nucleus. He helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Guest Bio

Dr. Andrew Farley is a bestselling author of nine books including The Grace

Message, The Naked Gospel, and Twisted Scripture. He most recently launched the

“Heartbeat of Faith” podcast on pray.com and released his newest book, 101 Bible

Questions. He serves as president of The Grace Message, hosts a live, call-in radio program every weeknight, is the lead pastor of The Grace Church, and has been recognized with several awards for his excellence in teaching. Andrew lives in Texas with his wife Katharine and their son Gavin.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ike Miller: Good Baggage Apr 18, 2024

Is there such a thing as Good Baggage?

For today’s episode Heather sits down with Ike Miller and discusses the baggage that we experience in our past that sometimes impacts our present and future. But, is it possible that seeing our parents' parent, or do marriage, or live out their faith, can reveal to us how we can do things differently? Ike believes that his upbringing is what gave him a passion to pursue a different path for himself. What if some baggage can be good?

On today’s social toolkit, Heather discusses Elyse Meyers and her apparent social media break after being targeted by Operation Watermelon. Operation Watermelon is where a group of internet users target a single creator and try to take over their platform by commenting en masse on the tragedy impacting the middle east between Israel and Palestine. Elyse Meyers shutdown her Tik Tok with over 7 million followers and many users suspect it is because she was targeted by this peer pressure tactic. Should influencers make statements on cultural issues? Heather discusses her thoughts on this and adds a tool to your social toolkit.

Guest Bio

Ike Miller is the founding and lead pastor of Bright City Church in Durham NC. Ike writes regularly about the intersection of theology and mental health. His newest book is titled Good Baggage.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad Hill: AI and Its Impact On The Church Apr 11, 2024

Welcome to part two of our two part series on technology, church and culture.

For today’s episode Heather sits down with Brad Hill who is the Chief Solutions Officer at GLOO, where they’ve just developed a new initiative that helps churches navigate AI. What is AI? How is it impacting church culture? And should we be concerned as Christians about its potential? Heather gets answers to these questions and more during today’s conversation.

Heather also discusses deepfake videos and AI manipulation as it relates to the Princess Catherine cancer video during today’s social toolkit. Here is an article Heather found by the Washington Post about conspiracy theories and AI.

Guest Bio

Brad Hill is the Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo, a technology platform for ministry leaders that recently launched its new AI & the Church Initiative to empower the Big C Church to navigate and engage AI responsibly. With partners like Barna, Carey Nieuwhof, YouVersion, and more, they’re initiating a connected conversation around AI and faith for Christians. Brad has been deeply involved in solving technology challenges for the Church for over 20 years.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John-Michael Bout and Jacob Valk: Breaking Free of Porn Addiction Apr 04, 2024

Welcome to part one of our two part series on Technology, Church and Culture. On today’s episode Heather finally has a conversation she has been wanting to have since season 1, and that is on the topic of pornography. According to the Youth Pornography Addiction Center, 93 % of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to internet pornography before the age of 18. To discuss porns impact and what resources may be available to help a user who wants to quit, Heather sits down with John Michael Bout and Jacob Valk who created the documentary Into the Light, which helps people navigate and break free porn addiction.

Heather also sits down with investigative reporter on technology and culture, Taylor Lorenz to discuss the 12-page bill, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, aimed to "protect the national security of the United States from the threat posed by foreign adversary controlled applications" like TikTok. Taylor walks us through what we need to know about the Tik Tok ban and adds another tool to our social toolkit, You can order her latest book, Extremely Online here.

Guest Bio

Jacob Valk holds a degree in Advertising from Mohawk College and a B.A. in Humanities from Brock University. He worked various roles in advertising/film in Toronto, co-produced the documentaries Ordinary Commission and Into The Light, and runs the podcast Chats Under The Sun. He is finishing an M.Div. at SBTS in Louisville, Kentucky, where he lives and works at the ReCenter homeless shelter.

John-Michael Bout holds a B.A. in Classics from Brock University and is working on an M.Div. at SBTS in Louisville, Kentucky. He co-produced Ordinary Commission and Into The Light. He is married to his lovely wife Jessica with their two sons Roman and Andrew.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel Marie Kang: The Matter of Little Losses Mar 28, 2024

Welcome to part four of our four part series, Advice From a Woman. In this episode, Heather sits down with Rachel Marie Kang and talks about the relatively invisible matter of little losses. Life is full of love, but it is also full of loss. Like paper cuts to the heart, every big and seemingly insignificant loss--the loss of friendships, faith, dreams, health, community, and everything in between--grieves us more than we think it will, and often more than we let on. Rachel Marie Kang invites you to see and be seen in the midst of your sorrow, your suffering--your story.

Heather also sits down with our social media expert, Brady Shearer, to talk through what tips and best practices he would recommend before someone starts a Youtube channel. Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools, a company that trains churches and leaders on how to navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Guest Bio

Rachel Marie Kang is a New York native, born and raised just outside New

York City. A mixed woman of African American, Native American (Ramapough Lenape Nation), Irish, and Dutch descent, she holds a degree in English with Creative Writing, and a minor in Bible. She is founder of The Fallow House and her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Ekstasis, Proverbs 31 Ministries, She Reads Truth, and (in)courage. Rachel is the author of Let There Be Art andThe Matter of Little Losses.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Meyer: Women, Work, & Calling Mar 21, 2024

It is time for part three of our four-part series, Advice From a Woman. Today, Christian women face multiple tensions between home and work, navigating complex gender dynamics in the workplace, and social pressure to hold together picture-perfect lives. Joanna Meyer addresses a critical gap in Christian women's discipleship by speaking to the roles we play in public and professional life.

Heather also adds another tool to your social toolkit as she discusses social media and how your employer or potential employer may be using it to learn more about who you are. The lines between our private and public lives can blur when we log online. Heather gives you a tip she thinks you should remember every time you post.

Guest Bio

Joanna Meyer is director of public engagement at the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, where she leads public events, hosts the Faith & Work Podcast, and founded Women, Work, & Calling. Her latest book is called Women, Work, and Calling, step into your place in God’s world.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Some links we discuss in this episode:

Viral reel:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsWHNOJgi_G/

Christianity Today Article:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/october/wilkin-women-ministry-leaders-church-staff-wages-lifeway.html

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kristen LaValley: Even If He Doesn’t Mar 14, 2024

It is time for part two of our four part series, Advice from a Woman. Today Heather sits down with Kristen LaValley. Kristen explains the problem with formulaic Christianity. Eventually God allows something to enter our lives that we never saw coming, and can’t put into a box. We have a choice in those experiences to either let our understanding of God crumble, or let go of all our preconceived formulas.

Also, if you are an aspiring author, and wanting to know how important social media is to your book proposal, Heather has some advice for you on today’s social toolkit.

Guest Bio

Kristen LaValley is a writer and storyteller whose words offer a refreshing perspective on faith and spirituality. She offers insights that intersect doubt and belief, hope and suffering, beauty and heartache. With a deep love for the Christian faith and willingness to explore its complexities, Kristen’s writing offers nuanced conversations that challenge readers to think deeply and wrestle with important questions. Kristen lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Zach, and their five children. Her latest book is called Even If He Doesn’t.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jenn Schultz: She’s Not Your Enemy Mar 07, 2024

In honor of Women’s History Month, today we begin a new four-part series called “Advice from a Woman.” In each episode, Heather will speak to a different thought leader to get her best advice on how to keep growing, praying, and choosing God in our everyday faith journeys.

On today’s show Heather sits down with Jenn Schultz, the author of She’s Not Your Enemy. Jenn says we lose something when, by default, we view other women as our competition. She walks us through strategies that will empower us to move beyond feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and self-protection. Her insights will help us reject unhealthy habits of comparison, as we pursue cultures of community and cooperation.

Social Toolkit: Just Like That

But first… Did you know that while 84 percent of all social media influencers are women, they are still making up to 30 percent less per post than men do, even when they have similar audience size and engagement rates? On today’s Social Toolkit, Heather puts on her communication professor hat and shares with you a tool to help you with negotiation. It’s called the power of likability.

Guest Bio

Jenn Schultz writes and speaks about messy faith, shaking off shame, and pursuing God’s purpose confidently. She is a wife and mom who reads too many books at once and loves decaf coffee. Jenn’s new book is She’s Not Your Enemy: Conquering Our Insecurities So We Can Build God’s Kingdom Together. Find her @jennschultzauthor on social media and at jennschultzauthor.com.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lana Silk: An Iranian Daughter’s Mission Feb 29, 2024

According to Charles Spurgeon, “Religion which costs a man nothing is usually worth nothing.” In her missionary and humanitarian ministry to Iran—including its persecuted Christians and scattered diaspora—Lana Silk has been learning the meaning of costly religion. This episode features Heather’s inspiring conversation with Lana.

Guest Bio

Lana Silk, the daughter of Lazarus and Maggie, serves as the USA chief executive officer of Transform Iran. In this role, she actively seeks to bring freedom to the people of Iran, transforming the nation into one which bears the image of Christ. Through ministry and humanitarian aid, she hopes that Transform Iran will create divine change in the lives of the Iranian people. Lana was born and raised in Iran before emigrating to the UK where she completed her education at Imperial College, London, gaining an honors degree in computer engineering. She later did postgraduate studies in marketing communication strategy.

With over 20 years marketing experience across all media, Lana has a passion to see small businesses and startups gain their voice in a competitive environment. She has also worked as a church minister, worship leader, and most recently a college chaplain, where she took further post-graduate studies in working with youth, with a focus on mental health and safeguarding. She is trilingual and considers it her life calling to represent and advocate for the people of Iran in the West. Lana currently makes the USA the base of operations for Transform Iran. She and her husband live in Ohio with their three children.

About Transform Iran

For more than 30 years, Transform Iran—formerly 222 Ministries—served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders, and providing aid to the persecuted. God has given Transform Iran a unique position in the Middle East to meet the spiritual needs of many Iranians. In addition to spiritual support, Transform Iran provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care, and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For information, visit transformiran.com.

Social Toolkit: Video Rules

But before Heather sits down with Lana, it’s time for Social Toolkit. This week Heather gives us a brief commentary on YouTube, Reels, and TikTok and the rise of video as a dominant medium for content. How’s your video competence? With social media algorithms increasingly favoring video, Heather encourages creators in the Viral Jesus community to stay alert to trends and how they might ultimately affect their content creation and discovery.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Kix: ‘You Have to Be Prepared to Die’ Feb 22, 2024

This week Heather is joined by journalist Paul Kix, whose bestselling book You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live takes readers on a sweeping tour of the chaotic streets of Birmingham, Alabama, in the spring of 1963. It’s the story of the pivotal ten-week campaign of marches, nonviolent resistance, and overnight jail stays that helped turn the tide on Jim Crow segregation. Who can forget the gut-wrenching photos and video clips from Birmingham during these days? The images of young Black students being assaulted by police dogs and water cannons went viral decades before the Internet was available to go viral on.

Paul walks Heather through his research on Birmingham, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and on King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference organization. He also calls attention to the important contributions of Civil Rights Movement leaders such as Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth (whose chracteristic maxim became the book’s title) and Dr. King’s chief of staff, Wyatt Tee Walker, who were often overshadowed by MLK’s immense fame. Paul’s book reveals how those ten weeks in Birmingham changed the trajectory of American politics, religion, and race relations.Sixty years later, the Birmingham story would also have a profound impact on Paul Kix’s view of his marriage and family. As a white man, married to a Black woman, with a daughter and twin sons who identify as Black, he was deeply affected by the 2020 murder of George Floyd as well as other incidents that appeared to devalue the lives of Black people. Out of his personal wrestling with those events, and hard questions from his kids, Paul found himself called to remember Birmingham 1963. When Paul originally started digging into the work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he was not a practicing Christian. But the faith of the men who led during the Civil Rights Movement, didn’t just inspire him intellectually, it also inspired him spiritually. This poignant interview sits at the intersection of faith and social justice.

Heather also welcomes back our resident social media expert, Brady Shearer, to discuss another tool for your Social Toolkit. This week, Brady shares ideas for repurposing weekly sermons into condensed content for podcasts and YouTube.

Guest Bio

Paul Kix is a journalist and author whose last book was The Saboteur, a bestselling and critically acclaimed true story of the most daring man in World War II. His writing has also appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, GQ, and ESPN The Magazine, among other publications. His latest book , You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live, is the subject of this episode of the podcast. He lives in Connecticut with his family.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Olusola: ‘I Thought God Was Crazy’ Feb 15, 2024

Welcome to the final episode of our three-part “Listening to Black Creators” series for Black History Month. On today’s show, Heather gets to sit down with Kevin Olusola, a member of the three-time Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Pentatonix. Kevin shares his story, which he credits solely to God and his call to “radical reliance.” Oh, Kevin acknowledges that he had to do his part by putting in the work to become a masterful musician; however, it was God who ultimately opened doors and provided incredible coincidences of timing that really were not coincidences at all.In this episode you will learn how Kevin went from medical school at Yale, to performing cello beatboxing for Yo-Yo Ma, to creating a viral video that landed him on a reality television show and eventually led to him becoming the fifth member of Pentatonix. This story is so wild only God could have orchestrated it.

But first, it’s time for Social Toolkit. Heather continues walking us through some of the obstacles facing Black creators online. Today, she focuses on algorithm bias and pay discrepancies.

Guest Bio

Kevin Olusola is a member of the Grammy Award-winning musical group Pentatonix, grew up in the small town of Owensboro, Kentucky, the son of a Nigerian psychiatrist and a Grenadian nurse. At an early age, Kevin began learning piano, cello, and saxophone. He performed at Carnegie Hall twice as soloist on the cello and saxophone and has appeared on NPR’s From the Top. Kevin enrolled at Yale University where he studied pre-med and East Asian Studies. He spent 18 months in Beijing becoming fluent in Chinese as a part of his Yale fellowship. While in college, Kevin began developing “cello boxing,” his innovative blending of intricate beatboxing with classical cello performances. And in 2009, he won second place in the “Celebrate and Collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma” international competition. Ma would call Kevin's cello-boxing version of “Dona Nobis Pacem” both “inventive and unexpected.” In 2011, Kevin’s “Julie-O” cello boxing YouTube video was featured by CBS, AOL, Huffington Post, and the Washington Post, among others. Kevin was also named one of 100 “History Makers in the Making” by NBC’s TheGrio and was hand-chosen by Quincy Jones to represent him in concert at the 2012 Montreux Jazz Festival alongside Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Ally Henny Won’t Shut Up Feb 08, 2024

On today’s episode Heather gets to sit down with author, speaker, and activist Ally Henny to discuss Ally’s latest book, I Won’t Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. Citing studies and anecdotal experience, Ally explains that in our society Black women are often made to feel like their very existence is too loud. Ally then walks us through some of the societal ways in which women are silenced, invites us to think critically about the presentations of women in Scripture, and challenges us to find our voice when the world tries to squelch it.

This episode is Part 2 of our three-part “Listening to Black Creators” series and speaking candidly to the Viral Jesus community in our Social Toolkit segment, Heather discusses the obstacles and injustices facing many Black creators on digital canvases such as TikTok and YouTube. From being cheated out of proper credit for their ideas to pay discrepancies in the field, Black creators are routinely dealing with the same systemic inequities that exist offline in their social networks. Heather challenges us to be mindful of “erasure.”

Guest Bio

Ally Henny is a writer, speaker, advocate-minister, and vice president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. She completed her MDiv from Fuller Seminary with an emphasis in race, cultural identity, and reconciliation, and she hopes to lead a church someday. Ally has been leading conversations about race on her social media and blog, The Armchair Commentary, since 2014, and her posts reach millions each month. She is a proud Chicago Southsider.

Also Mentioned in This Episode

•Here’s some backstory on how the Black teen creator of the Renegade dance was denied proper credit for her IP.

•The Renegade dance scandal was first exposed by journalist Taylor Lorenz, who specializes in the digital culture and social media beats. She appeared on Viral Jesus last fall.

•Check out Part 1 of the “Listening to Black Creators” series for Heather’s conversation with K.A. Ellis.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

K.A. Ellis: Theology for Real People Feb 01, 2024

On today’s episode Heather visits with theologian and author K.A. Ellis—the initials stand for “Karen Angela”—to kick off our three-part series for February, “Listening to Black Creators.” Mrs. Ellis, who was 42 when she married her husband Carl, talks about the experiences of single women in the church, as well as the true meaning of the word widow (it’s not just about the death of a spouse). She also offers practical wisdom for how to trust God’s faithfulness and Christ’s sufficiency when the way forward is anything but clear.

K.A.’s latest book is called Fannie Lou Hamer: The Courageous Woman Who Marched for Dignity. The beautifully illustrated tome is ostensibly written to introduce children to the famed Civil Rights heroine, but older readers will also be captivated by this colorful retelling of Hamer’s story. In just 24 pages, K.A. captures an indelible portrait of Hamer—the faithful Christian and defender of human dignity.

And don’t forget to check out the talk by K.A. that blew Heather away. Her message on “Loving the Widow” was given at The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 Women’s Pre-Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the message, K.A. references the book Spiritual Widowhood by Andy Mendonsa.

Elsewhere in the show, Heather also checks in with our favorite social media wiz Brady Shearer to get more tools for our Social Toolkit. Brady is the CEO of Pro Church Tools. His company helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Guest Bio

K.A. Ellis (Karen Angela Ellis) specializes in topics centering around World Christianity and Ethics, and she’s passionate about preparing the next generations to live faithfully under anti-Christian hostility. Mrs. Ellis teaches and disciples young people at her local church on Bible and Global Christianity, and is the Director of the Edmiston Center at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the Robert Cannada Fellow in World Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lingering in the Tension of Scripture Jan 25, 2024

On today’s episode Heather is joined by Kat Armas. Kat is a Cuban American theologian and author who specializes in seeing Scripture in new ways. Her lens for engaging with the Bible reminds us that there is always so much more to Scripture than we notice at first glance.

This week there’s also more of our new segment Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. Today, Danielle is sharing her delicious Chicken Piccata recipe, which you can find on her blog here.

Guest Bio

Kat Armas is a Cuban American writer and podcaster from Miami, Florida. She holds a dual MDiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a ThM at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her first book, Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence and Strength, sits at the intersection of women, de-colonialism, the Bible, and Cuban identity. She also explores these topics and more on her podcast, The Protagonistas, which centers the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other women of color in theological spaces. Kat is currently living outside of Nashville where she preaches regularly at Gracepointe church. Her second book, Sacred Belonging: A 40-day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture is available right now.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, includingI’ll See You Tomorrow andIt’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Holly Oxhandler: The Soul of the Helper Jan 18, 2024

On today’s episode Heather visits with researcher and licensed social worker Holly Oxhandler to discuss Holly’s latest book, The Soul of the Helper, in which she encourages caregivers and caretakers (both professional and nonprofessional) to recognize their need for stillness, rest, and spiritual renewal. Holly says helpers are prone to trying do it all and are likely candidates for burnout. She identifies seven stages that can help us see the sacred within ourselves, and that once we can see the sacred within ourselves, we can better see it in others.

Heather is also back with our new segment for January called Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. You may recognize Danielle from her regular appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Food and foodies are popular subjects among the Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube creators and influencers, so get ready to take notes. And if you like this segment, make sure to email us at HellotoHeather@gmail.com and let us know. Danielle’s latest cookbook is Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy. And you can find her quesadilla recipe here:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/viral-jesus/holly-oxhandler-soul-of-helper.html

Guest Bio

Dr. Holly Oxhandler is the associate dean for research and faculty development and an associate professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health and mental health, and is especially interested in whether and how mental and behavioral health therapists discuss their client’s religious/spiritual beliefs in treatment. Her latest book is called The Soul of the Helper: Seven Stages to Seeing the Sacred Within Yourself So You Can See It in Others.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Madison Prewett Troutt: The Love Everybody Wants Jan 11, 2024

On today’s episode Heather visits with Madison Prewett Troutt to discuss dating, waiting, and falling in love. You may recognize Madison from season 24 of The Bachelor, where she was a finalist. Madison made national news when she shared on the show that she was a virgin and saving herself for marriage. She later eliminated herself from the competition. Fans fell in love with Madison and her commitment to her Christian faith. Now she has written a book about dating and singleness to encourage other women. The Love Everybody Wants: What You're Looking For Is Already Yours is available wherever you buy Christian books.

This week Heather also debuts a new segment that will run all month called Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. Heather and Danielle connected at a conference last year and became fast friends. You may recognize Danielle from her regular appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show. If you do, you’ll know why there’s no one better to talk recipes, friendship, and current events with than this spirited woman. As for why she’s doing a food segment on Viral Jesus? Heather says she started cooking regularly over the Christmas break and discovered how much she loves it. She also knows that food and food photography is a popular subject among the creators and influencers out here in the land of Instagram and TikTok. So get your taste buds ready! If you like this segment, make sure to email us at HellotoHeather@gmail.com and let us know you’d like us to bring you more recipes and more of Danielle.

You can find Danielle's recipe and this episode's complete show notes here:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/viral-jesus/madison-prewett-troutt-love-everybody-wants.html

Guest Bio

Madison Prewett Troutt first stood out for her stance on relationships during her season on The Bachelor. Since completing the program, young women have continued to turn to Madi for relationship advice, which she talks about frequently on her social channels (3.2 million social followers). She was single as she started writing The Love Everybody Wantsand married her husband Grant Troutt last fall as she finished the manuscript. Although she shares for the first time some of their love story, her book isn’t a manual for how to get a boyfriend or a manifesto for getting married. It’s about understanding the foundations of love and your self-worth.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’llSee You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather’s weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Come and See’ Dec 26, 2023

This week, in the final installment of our Meditation Monday devotions for 2023, Heather explains why Christmas is an appropriate time to be finishing this series.

“Biblically speaking, there are 400 years of silence between the book of Malachi, which closes out the prophetic ministry of the Old Testament, and the words the angel spoke to Zachariah, who would be the father of John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus. Christmas is a reminder of the fulfillment of all the promises that happened despite that 400 years of silence.”

Though we now have the benefit of seeing God’s faithfulness on the other side of those 400 years of silence, it is challenging–often exasperatingly so–to have to wait on the fulfillment of God’s promises in real time. How do we maintain our faith in the midst of deafening silence? How do we keep following God when it’s not clear where he’s leading us?

Heather continues: “In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, when the disciples are approached by Jesus, they say to him, ‘Rabbi, where are we going?’ Come, he replies, and you will see. I think of this often. Even the disciples who walked with Jesus in the flesh often didn't know where they were going. Apparently, that is part of what it means to follow Jesus.”

Listen to Heather’s thoughtful message right now. And if it encourages you, please share it with others.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why We Choose Hope Dec 18, 2023

Today Heather shares a devotional that reminds each of us of the place of hope. She says hope is how she gets out of bed in the morning. Hope is how she leans into the tensions of this life. It requires our vulnerability, but it also provides us with strength to keep going.

Heather will be bringing you one more meditation next week to close out 2023. We hope these devotionals have challenged your mind, encouraged your heart, and strengthened your hands.

Today’s Scriptures, as rendered in the Christian Standard Bible, are Genesis 14:14 and Philippians 4:12:

“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken prisoner, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household…”
“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.”

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Planeta: Faith, Sex, and ‘The Bachelorette’ Dec 14, 2023

On today’s episode Heather sits down with Mike “Mikey” Planeta. You may recognize Mike as one of the contestants on season 17 of the ABC dating and relationship reality television series The Bachelorette featuring Katie Thurston. Mike was eliminated in week 6, right before the show’s hometown dates. He made national news when he revealed on the show that he was a virgin and saving himself for marriage. His celibacy was rooted in his Christian faith, and was a startling departure from the typical storyline we seen on reality television.

In this conversation Mike and Heather talk about his experience on The Bachelorette, how he stays grounded in his faith, and what the response was like to his appearance on the show.

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about the growing sentiment among many Christians that social media is inherently ill-equipped for doing good ministry. Brady’s tips will help remind us that social media is simply a tool that could be used with equal effectiveness for truth or harm.

Guest Bio

Mike Planeta was a contestant on the 17th season of The Bachelorette, which aired during the summer of 2021. He had a successful run as a Major League Baseball player before retiring to open a San Diego-based gym and fitness center for high school athletes. He can be reached via Instagram @mikeyplaneta or email mikeplaneta@yahoo.com.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Power of Showing Up Dec 11, 2023

Last week Viral Jesus hit 100 episodes. In honor of this milestone, Heather shares some thoughts on consistency, commitment, and patience.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aaron Armstrong: I’m a Christian. Now What? Dec 07, 2023

This is our 100th episode! Thank you so much for being a part of the Viral Jesus community. And a special thank you to those of you who have journeyed with us 100 times and back. In honor of episode 100, Heather shares a devotional thought about faith, consistency, and perseverance from Romans 4:19-22.

This week, Heather also sits down with author Aaron Armstrong. Aaron’s latest book is called I’m a Christian―Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ. Heather and Aaron discuss Aaron’s experience of converting to Christianity in adulthood, what a pastor did that helped Aaron feel a sense of psychological safety, and the questions Aaron thinks new believers may be asking.

Guest Bio

Aaron Armstrong is the author of several books for adults and children, a documentary screenwriter, ministry leader, and podcaster. A Canadian living in the United States, he serves at his local church as a community group leader and as a part of the preaching team. He and his wife, Emily, have three children: Abigail, Hannah, and Hudson.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barefooted Faith Dec 04, 2023

Today Heather shares a devotional message that reminds each of us that our circumstances do not correlate to God’s presence in our lives. Your circumstances are seasonal, situational, and circumstantial. They are not forever. They are not always. And they are not permanent.

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who is forever. God is with us, even when it feels like our prayer life is blocked.

Today’s Scripture can be found in Isaiah 20:2-4 in the Christian Standard Bible:

During that time the Lord had spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, take off your sackcloth from your waist and remove the sandals from your feet,” and he did that, going stripped and barefoot—the Lord said, “As my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, so the king of Assyria will lead the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, stripped and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame....”

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My Shepherd, My Lord Nov 27, 2023

Today’s devotion is for the person who doesn’t know what happens next. I have been reading the Psalms for the past few weeks during my devotional time, and I can’t stop thinking about Psalm 23. You know the one: “The Lord is my shepherd.”

Sit with what that means for a moment. For the Lord to be our shepherd, to actually be guiding each of our steps—waiting for us when we wander, picking us up when we stumble, leading us to refreshing waters that will nourish our souls.

Sheep are totally dependent on the protection of the shepherd. One of my favorite things that I learned about sheep is that the shepherds in the ancient East would sing or call to their flocks of sheep while those shepherds walked close beside and behind them.And so, because they would sing to them as they walked, the sheep would learn the voice of the shepherd who was guiding them on their path. The sheep would know their shepherd’s voice so well that even if they stopped for water near another shepherd’s flock, all their shepherd would have to do is sing his song, and his sheep would follow.

How much more should you and I know the voice of our Father in heaven?

To the person right now who doesn’t know what happens next … I’m going to be honest with you. I’m going through some things in my life as well, and I don’t know what happens next. I’ve had several months where I just don’t know. What is supposed to happen the next day? I am praying over and over for deliverance, and I’m seeing nothing.

So, what if it’s okay that we don’t know what comes next? What if it’s okay that we can’t see far down the road in our lives?Almost everyone I know right now is in some type of life transition—raising families, navigating job changes, caring for ailing parents. We are tired. We are overwhelmed. And we are just waiting … waiting to know where we’re going and what’s supposed to happen next.But what if it’s okay that we don’t know?

If we can learn in this season what it means to stick close to God—to know his voice and be guided by his hand—then I think we may discover that our good shepherd is all we need for what’s next.

Spend some time meditating on Psalm 23 this week:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live” (CSB).

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Petition to Praise Nov 20, 2023

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder of the power of gratitude. Did you know that gratitude and stress can’t live in the brain at the same time? If all of our prayers are simply us recounting our worry, have we really worshiped God? Heather invites you to make a list of five things you are grateful for this holiday season. And she exhorts us to “never stop looking for spaces in your life to praise God,” even amid our worries and petitions.

Today’s Scripture can be found in Psalm 33:1-5 in the CSB:

“Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones: praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the lyre; make music to him with a ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song to him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his work is trustworthy. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.”

Remember, Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023.

Thanksgiving blessings to you from the Viral Jesus team.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul Nov 16, 2023

This week, Heather sits down with writer Dorcas Cheng-Tozun to discuss how to navigate matters of social justice when you’re a reserved or highly sensitive person. Do you have to be an extrovert to inspire people to rally around community needs? Dorcas explains small, quiet ways you can make an impact.

In this episode Heather also addresses National Adoption month with Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical adoption agency in the country. Herbie has a special burden for vulnerable children, and he shares with us how Christians can obey God’s call in James 1:27— “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (NIV).

Guest Bio

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, and speaker. She is a former Inc.com columnist whose work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, the Unreasonable blog, The Entrepreneurial Leader, and dozens of other publications in the US and Asia. She currently serves as editorial director of the nonprofit Pax, which promotes peace and justice in the twenty-first century.

Dorcas’s work with various nonprofits, social enterprises, and faith-based organizations has given her opportunities to engage with a broad range of social issues toward solutions in the areas of homelessness, affordable housing, energy access, youth leadership, HIV/AIDS, and international development. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her social entrepreneur husband and two young sons. Her most recent book is Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the Meantime Nov 13, 2023

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will encourage you in whatever waiting season you may find yourself. There is often a period of waiting between an anointing and an appointing—that is, between the event of being selected for an assignment and the act of officially stepping into that new role. David’s wait was nearly 15 years. If you are experiencing what feels like a false start, today’s episode will encourage you.

Today’s Scripture can be found at 1Corinthians 9:24-27 and will be read using the Christian Standard Bible:

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brady Shearer: Shepherding Churches Through Digital Spaces Nov 09, 2023

This week, Heather sits down with Brady Shearer to talk about all the complexities of social media. Brady is a leader in the online ministry landscape, training churches on how to better navigate their social networks. Today he shares his best practices and tools for pastors, ministry leaders, and pretty much anyone hoping to grow their online presence. Brady, who lives and works in Canada, also shares his “origin story,” of how God redirected his steps and put him on the path to launching his own digital media company.

In this episode Heather also shares a testimony from an incident she experienced last week when her friend Vimbo landed her dream job as the executive director of Kuda Vana, an outreach ministry serving an orphanage and school in Vimbo’s native country of Zimbabwe. Learn more about Kuda Vana Partnership and make a donation here. Or contact the ministry’s new director of development, Ms. Vimbo Watson, at vimbo@kudavana.org.

Guest Bio

Brady Shearer is the CEO of Pro Church Tools. His company helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Making the Invisible Visible Nov 06, 2023

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together, in faith.

God is invisible because he is meant to be seen in his people. Anyone who has heard me preach has probably heard me say that, and I mean it. When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on us, his image bearers, because God has always chosen to make himself known through his people. That’s why we are called his image bearers. That’s why our lives and choices and decisions are so important.

I am telling you, when you really believe this, you cannot just “mail it in” in your life anymore. You start to realize that the way you talk and respond and treat people, it all matters. To be an image bearer is to reveal the image of God to the people who are around you. All you’re called to do is be faithful with the relationships, ministries, and assignments God has entrusted to you.

God chooses to co-labor with us in this world. There is a responsibility that comes with saying, “I am a Christian.” This is exactly what Dr. Scot McKnight was talking about in our conversation with him a couple episodes ago. This is what it means to be a Christian.

It’s an active process. It means I am choosing to walk in the way of the Lamb. Our prayer life shouldn’t just be us asking God to send us someone to help us; it should also be us asking God who he is sending to us for us to help.

Let me give you an example. One of my best friends was a new boss for an organization, and she found out that a veteran employee that was working for her hadn’t received a raise in 10 years. So, she went to the board and got a bonus approved and also doubled that worker’s PTO. When my friend told her team member what she had done for her, the woman started to cry. And do you want to know what? I’m pretty sure when this employee went home, she didn’t say, “God, thank you for this new boss.” I can almost assure you that she went home and said, “God, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for acting on my behalf.” And it was because my friend made God visible in her life. God is still active in the world. And he often shows up via the movements and actions of his church. He showed up in the movements and actions of my friend who fought for her worker, even though she didn’t have to. She decided, I’m going to walk in the way of the Lamb. I’m going to be faithful with the people God has placed in my hand.

And there is someone this week who will feel closer and more seen by God because of what you choose to say or do. I’m asking you to see people, be present for them, show kindness, open doors, make connections on behalf of someone else.When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on the church. It is an indictment on God’s people who have ceased to live lives that would make God visible to the world around them.My challenge to all of us this week is to make God visible in whatever sphere of influence you occupy. That is the call of the Christian, to be the hands and feet of our awesome God, who has chosen to be seen through his people.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” –1 Timothy 1:17, CSB

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taylor Lorenz: Extremely Online Nov 02, 2023

This week, Heather sits down with nationally renowned tech journalist Taylor Lorenz to discuss her bestselling book, Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet. Taylor, one of the earliest and most consequential reporters on the social media beat, catalogs the sociological story of the internet starting with how “mommy bloggers” changed the social landscape. Taylor helps us explore the world of content creation, how social power has usurped the gatekeepers, and why influencers are here to stay. She also shares a few of her favorite faith-based digital creators.

In this episode Heather is also joined by her best friend and co-blogger, Scarlett Longstreet, for a spirited Safe Space conversation inspired by Taylor’s book. Heather and Scarlett discuss why the term influencer has always made them feel uncomfortable. Is it about ego, or is it about misogyny?

Guest Bio

Taylor Lorenz is a technology columnist for The Washington Post’s business section covering online culture and the content creator industry. She was previously a technology reporter for The New York Times business section, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast. Her writing has appeared in New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Outside, and more. She frequently appears on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, and the BBC. She was a 2019 Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and is a former affiliate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. She lives in Los Angeles, and you can follow her @TaylorLorenz on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Extremely Onlineis Taylor’s first book.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let Us Pray Anyway Oct 30, 2023

“Prayer doesn’t change anything” is a sentiment Heather has heard often, even from Christians. Today, she shares a devotional reminder that will hopefully encourage you to pray confidently, no matter how dire the circumstance.

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, Heather is bringing you brief messages of encouragement to provide an extra boost for your week.Today’s Scripture begins with Daniel 9:23, where the angel Gabriel tells Daniel, “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” And in Daniel 10:12, the angel continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (NIV).

Daniel’s example of faithfulness inspires us to persevere in prayer. Keep circling, keep seeking, keep believing. The Lord is near, and our prayers to him matter.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scot McKnight: Rereading Revelation Oct 26, 2023

This week, theologian Scot McKnight walks Heather through what we may be misunderstanding about the Book of Revelation. McKnight, a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, tackles popular misconceptions about the mysterious final book of the Bible that both fascinates and frightens its readers. Drawing from his latest book, Revelation for the Rest of Us (written with Cody Matchett), McKnight shares what John means in his use of the images of dragons, lambs, and beasts; and how the symbolism of Revelation, which was so powerful in those ancient days of Rome, still speaks profoundly to the present day—though not necessarily in the way most of us think.

This conversation between two energetic communicators will have your rapt attention from beginning to end. In fact, this interview is so rich and packed with insight on how to be a better interpreter of Scripture that you will probably want to listen to it on repeat. McKnight challenges us to view Revelation not just as a novel assortment of visions and prophecies, but as a guide for radical discipleship and nonconformity to the world. But there is good news, says Dr. McKnight: Despite facing beasts, in the end, the Lamb wins!

In this episode Heather also shares what you, the Viral Jesus community, shared with her online. Testimonies are part of how we share our experiences and faith. They encourage others by sharing real-life examples of how we have experienced God. Thank you for sharing your testimonies with us.

Guest Bio

Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a world-renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the church. He currently serves as professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in suburban Chicago. He is a recognized authority on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and the New Testament. His books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. He is the author of The Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, The King Jesus Gospel, Revelation for the Rest of Us, numerous commentaries, and is now writing a sixteen-volume series of reflections called The Everyday Bible Study.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Wisdom of Backward Design Oct 23, 2023

Your life is not meaningless. This day actually matters. What if you were to see your life through the lens of backward design? How would it change your perspective?

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will stir your sense of purpose and remind you that God is always working for your good, even when it feels like you’re sinking backward into a quagmire of hopelessness.

Every Monday for the rest of 2023 Heather will bring you an encouraging word in under ten minutes. This week’s Scripture passage is Philippians 1:6, which says:

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Christian Standard Bible).

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karen Swallow Prior: Christian Culture in Crisis Oct 19, 2023

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus “honorary co-host” Karen Swallow Prior to discuss the origins of the evangelical movement’s PR troubles. And few thought leaders are better qualified to put the issue into a hopeful perspective than Karen Swallow Prior. Fun Fact: This is Karen’s third appearance on Viral Jesus, and the most of any of our guests so far.

Karen’s latest book, The Evangelical Imagination, is about how art, literature, and popular culture have helped push evangelicals into an existential crisis of sorts. And of course, social media, with its penchant for both joy and destruction, plays a role in this evangelical saga.

In her wide-ranging conversation with Heather, Karen brings sociological context to the recent talk of evangelical deconstruction; she makes the case for a return to virtue; and she offers a postmortem on purity culture, showing how its roots can be spotted in the pages of classic literature. This crackling, high-energy chat will leave you ready to get your copy of Karen’s book posthaste.

In this episode Heather also spends some quality time with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet for this week’s Safe Space segment. Today, Heather asks Scarlett, who is not a Christian, to share what she likes and dislikes about the Christian influencers that she follows.

Guest Bio

Karen Swallow Prior, PhD, is a reader, writer, and professor. She is the author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis (Brazos, 2023). She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, First Things, and Vox.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesus, Our King Oct 16, 2023

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that you belong to a King. Your life is never in the hands of a single individual, organization, or opportunity. We serve a sovereign and compassionate King. And Kings usually have more information than we do. They have a broader perspective, as well as resources that their servants can’t even fathom.

Today’s Scripture can be found in Psalm 47:1-2 in the Christian Standard Bible:

“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.”

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Esau McCaulley: Are We There Yet? Oct 12, 2023

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus Hall of Famer Esau McCaulley to discuss his powerful new book, How Far to The Promised Land, Esau explains why it is important to reexamine the idea of Black excellence, and he encourages us to remember that we are a part of a story that started long before us and will continue long after.

In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media, popular culture, and other random topics. Today they discuss what it’s like to maintain a close friendship with someone who possesses different values.

Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don’t share the same religion or ethnic background, but they’ve done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation.

Guest Bio

Esau McCaulley is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and theologian in residence at Progressive Baptist Church, a historically Black congregation in Chicago. His latest book, How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South, released in September 2023. He is also the author of the award-winning book Reading While Black and the children’s book Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit. He is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. His writings have also appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

God Is Not Superficial Oct 09, 2023

Today, as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Heather wants to remind us that our God is not superficial. He sees the unfair systems around us. He understands our struggles against inequality and injustice. He does not take our brokenness lightly. He will have the final word. But right now, we must find hope in the promise that God does not leave us alone in this tension.

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else.

Today’s Scripture verse is found at Jeremiah 6:13-14 and will be read by Heather from the Christian Standard Bible:

“For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is making profit dishonestly. From prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated my people’s brokenness superficially, claiming ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosanna Wong: ‘You Have a New Name’ Oct 05, 2023

Today Heather sits down for a heartfelt chat with Hosanna Wong, the best-selling author and spoken-word poet responsible for viral-video hits such as “I Have a New Name.” If you have ever struggled with issues of identity or self-worth, today’s episode is for you. Hosanna also shares her reflections on the complicated reality of grace, and how sometimes it feels like God’s grace isn’t fair.

In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space,a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media and popular culture. Today they discuss oversharing. How much is too much when it comes to sharing the details of your life online?

Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don’t share the same religion or background, but they respect each other and have done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation.

Guest Bio

Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have a New Name,” Hosanna shares in churches, conferences, prisons and other events around the world. She reaches across various denominations, backgrounds and cultures and her latest book is called You Are More Than You’ve Been Told.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

You can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Little by Little Oct 02, 2023

Today, Heather wants to remind you about the God of little by little. Welcome to the first installment in our Monday Meditation series. Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for morning worship or as listening material for your commute to work. And if you find it worthwhile, please share the episode to encourage someone else.

Today’s Scripture passage can be found at Exodus 23:29-30 and will be read using the Christian Standard Bible:

“I will not drive them out ahead of you in a single year; otherwise, the land would become desolate, and wild animals would multiply against you. I will drive them out little by little ahead of you until you have become numerous and take possession of the land.”

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Additional Links

You can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7 PM EDT at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your Brain Is Not Broken Sep 28, 2023

Today Heather sits down with José Bourget, assistant vice president for faith engagement at Andrews University, for an eye-opening conversation about the chills and spills of being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an adult. More than 8 million US adults are affected by the disorder. If you have ADHD, your brain doesn’t work in the same way that a neurotypical brain may process the world. It’s not all in your head.

José has learned that an important part of living with ADHD is understanding what it is, and what it isn’t. What is neurodivergence? What are “ADHD Monsters,” and why do ADHD brains create them? And what are the strategies neurodivergent people often employ to solve their problems? If you have been wondering what ADHD is, or how to better understand a loved one with ADHD, this episode is for you. José wants everyone with ADHD to remember, your brain is not broken.

In today’s episode Heather also welcomes back our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. In what may be a controversial opinion for some, Brady explains why congregations without access to good technology shouldn’t livestream their services. Whether you agree or disagree with his take, Brady’s tips will challenge you to think harder about your church’s use of streaming technology.

Guest Bio

José Bourget is the Assistant Vice President for Faith Engagement at Andrews University in Michigan. He has served as a university chaplain and pastor for over ten years.

Find José’s sermon here. He recommends Your Brain’s Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD by Tamara Rosier.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disrupting the Sanitized Savior Sep 21, 2023

Welcome to the final session of our three-part podclass “Disrupting American gods.” Today Heather sits down with hip-hop artist Kevin “KB” Burgess, as he unpacks the themes of his latest book Dangerous Jesus. KB wants us to meet a Jesus who questions the status quo, threatens those seeking to divide us, and teaches us radical love of others. This conversation also reveals how KB discovered his call to music and ministry. Plus, KB shares his perceptive analysis of how Christians are seen in today’s popular culture.

In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, our new segment where Heather and Scarlett share their candid takes on social media, popular culture, much more. Today they discuss the ethics and economics of featuring family in social media. Should parents who have monetized their platform, and who rely on their children as a source of content, pay their children? Let’s talk it out.

Guest Bio

Kevin “KB” Burgess is a Dove Award–winning rapper, speaker, and podcaster. With four full-length albums to his name—including 2020’s His Glory Alone, for which he won the Dove Award for Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year—the multi-hyphenate artist is an inimitable force on today’s scene. He has become a No. 1 hitmaker and has received critical acclaim for his studio releases with placement on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and top 5 on Billboard’s Top Rap Album Chart. KB is cohost of the popular podcast Southside Rabbi. His latest book is called Dangerous Jesus. Furthermore, HGA—a movement he spearheaded made up of multiethnic urban men and women from all walks of life—has amassed a loyal following around the globe. Although KB wears many hats, his greatest joy is being a husband to Michelle and a father to their three children.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Did the Bible Become a Political Prop? Sep 14, 2023

Heather sits down with writer, speaker, and theologian Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss her latest book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics. Today’s episode is part two of our three-part pod-class on “Disrupting American gods.” Kaitlyn will explain the history of using the Bible as a prop in American politics, and she’ll also share her illuminating definition of “Christian nationalism,” a term we have heard a lot of in recent years.

In this episode Heather also taps into lighter subject matter with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in this week’s Safe Space convo. This go-round, Heather and Scarlett debate the pros and cons of unfollowing people online.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Did White People Become White People? Sep 07, 2023

Today Heather sits down with Garrison Hayes, a content creator and former pastor, who has been called “TokTok’s unofficial history professor and documentarian.” As a scholar of forgotten Black history, and a talented filmmaker to boot, Garrison has garnered millions of views for his videos, including his much-talked-about TikTok on the history of whiteness. In fact, when Heather saw Garrison’s provocative overview of how white people became white people, she found it so fascinating that she asked him to come on the podcast to discuss it further. In their lively conversation, Garrison also reveals why he believes God designed the Sabbath to be an instrument of disruption.

This week marks the kickoff of “Disrupting American gods,” our latest pod-class series. Over the next three episodes, Heather and her guests will explore America’s uses and abuses of race, politics, and religion. This series will stretch your thinking and deepen your faith.

Elsewhere in this episode Heather also chats with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in our new Safe Space segment, where Heather and Scarlett discuss social media, popular culture, and other topics of interest. Today they discuss a TikTok by Julia Mazur that went viral over the weekend after she shared what her Saturday looks like as a 29-year-old single woman.

Guest Bio

Garrison Hayes produces innovative short documentaries for his community of 300,000+ followers on TikTok. He also has a massive Instagram presence with over 100,000 followers there. He explores the hidden or forgotten corners of Black history, faith, and politics, as well as his love of books.

Additional Links

Garrison’s TikTok on the history of whiteness: https://www.tiktok.com/@garrisonhayes/video/7258002292928974122?lang=en
Here is an article giving more context to this week’s Safe Space conversation about a young woman’s unexpectedly controversial viral video about the joys of singleness: https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/viral-29-and-single-tiktok-sparks-heated-debate-single-life-married-life
Sign up for Heather’s encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disrupting Hollywood with ‘Sound of Freedom’ Aug 31, 2023

Today Heather sits down with Jeffrey Harmon, the chief content officer of Angel Studios, to discuss the art, craft, and unconventional marketing strategies that have made both The Chosen television series and the film Sound of Freedomsurprise hits in their respective mediums. Based on the true story of a US government agent who quits his job to devote his life to rescuing children from global child traffickers, Sound of Freedom stars Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) in the lead role of Tim Ballard.

Jeffrey Harmon says a key goal of the film is to put a spotlight on the global movement to end the trafficking of minors by successfully distributing the film to a worldwide audience. But even as it outperforms erstwhile blockbusters like Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible, controversy and skepticism have surrounded Sound of Freedom, with some leaders of anti-trafficking ministries and organizations leaders concerned that it overly sensationalizes the real work of battling traffickers and rescuing abducted children. Other critics allege that it’s linked to the extreme-right QAnon conspiracy movement. Heather asks Jeffrey about the QAnon connections head-on. Tune in to hear his impassioned response to those questions and much more on how Angel Studios learned to make its projects go viral.

In this episode Heather also talks with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media and popular culture. Today, they talk about whether or not parents should take their kids to see Barbie. It was announced this week that the film became Warner Bros.’ best-selling global release of all time reaching more than $1.2 billion in sales.

Heather and Scarlett are totally different. They don’t share the same religion or background, but they’ve done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation.

Guest Bio

Jeffrey Harmon is a cofounder and Chief Content Officer of Angel Studios. He's also a cofounder of the Harmon Brothers advertising agency, which has helped clients drive over $350 million in sales with over 1.3 billion online views. Based in Utah, Jeffrey hails from a Mormon family—another topic of ardent discussion over the years in the evangelicals spaces that he often occupies.

Additional Links

For a free ticket to Sound of Freedom, go to angel.com/freeticketsYou can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TikTok Therapy: Red Flag or Green Flag? Aug 24, 2023

Welcome back Viral Jesus family! Many of you asked over the summer if you could have more mental health episodes so we wasted no time in giving you exactly what you wanted. Episode 1 of season 4 is here with an incredibly thoughtful and wise conversation with TikTok's favorite trauma therapist, Kobe Campbell.

*Trigger warning* Heather and Kobe do discuss mental health and trauma, and there is a point where Kobe discusses suicide. Heather also asks Kobe what her thoughts are on the dangers of TikTok therapy, and whether or not she thinks social media has created an oversimplification of therapy terminology that has been harmful to our generation. You will find this conversation incredibly insightful and we hope it also leaves you feeling hopeful about any trauma you’ve endured.

In today’s episode Heather introduces a new segment called Safe Space. This is where she sits down with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet to discuss social media and popular culture. Heather and Scarlett are totally different. They don’t share the same religion or background, but as BFFs they’ve done a good job of creating a safe space for both meaningful and casual conversation.

Guest Bio

Kobe Campbell is an award-winning licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author and transformative leader. She uses TikTok to create posts (that often go viral) about teaching people real-life applications for her clinical study. Her latest book is called Why Am I Like This? How to Break Cycles, Heal from Trauma and Restore Your Faith.

Additional Links

You can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mandy Majors: Raising Kids in a Digital World Jun 22, 2023

This is our last episode of season 3, and we are pulling out all the stops. If you are a parent trying to figure out how to raise your kids in the age of social media and nonstop technology access, this episode is a great place to start. Heather sits down with the award-winning author Mandy Majors to discuss three practical ideas for how to navigate the toils and snares of this digital age. Today’s episode concludes our “3 Things That Could Change Your Life” series.

If you’re jumping into our “3 Things” pod-class series for the first time with this episode, we encourage you to also catch part 1 with pastor and author Mark Batterson and part 2 with humorist and speaking coach Mary R. Snyder.

In today’s episode Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. Heather and Brady discuss why Facebook Reels may be the best-kept secret for reaching your audience and community.

Guest Bio

Mandy Majors is the author of the award-winning book, TALK, and Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World. She is the co-host of the podcast nextTalk. She is also a speaker and the founder of nextTalk, a nonprofit organization passionate about creating a culture of honest conversation in homes, churches, and schools to keep kids safe in a digital world.

Additional Links

You can sign up for Heather’s encouraging weekly email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm ET at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. And remember to mark your calendar for season 4 of Viral Jesus, coming your way August 24.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Tips for Becoming a Better Public Speaker Jun 15, 2023

Two communication questions Heather gets without fail every season are: How can I become a better public speaker? and How do I break into the Christian speaking circuit?

If one or both of these questions have ever crossed your mind, then this episode is for you.

Today Heather sits down with speaking coach Mary R. Snyder to discuss everything about public speaking—from working a stage, to finding your passion, to negotiating your pay. As a Christian entrepreneur, Mary also challenges her students to grow in their relationship with Christ even as they hone their public-speaking craft.

This episode is part two of our season-ending series, “Three Things That Could Change Your Life.” Last week pastor and best-selling author Mark Batterson gave us three words that have the power to transform our friends, enemies, and everyone in between. And today Mary Snyder shares her three tips for raising our public-speaking game.

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about the concept of feast or famine on social media. Brady’s tips will help you add more tools to your Social Toolkit.

Guest Bio

For over two decades, MaryR. Snyder has been paving the way in Christian event production. A speaker and coach herself, Mary is dedicated to helping others become successful public speakers through her podcast, Take the Stage, and course, Activate Your Speaking Career. Hear stories of influence from some of today’s most talented voices while learning how you too can turn your passion into a career with help from the expert. Visit www.maryrsnyder.com for more information.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Batterson: 3 Words That Could Change Your Life Jun 08, 2023

Today we launch our final pod-class series of the season: “Three Things That Could Change Your Life.” In this three-part series, we speak with three Christian thought leaders about their three areas of expertise and ask them to share simple strategies that everyday people can implement in their daily lives. We are thrilled to open this series with Pastor Mark Batterson, the bestselling author of The Circle Maker. Mark tells Heather why three simple words—Please, Sorry, and Thanks—have the power to change the lives of those who love you, those who hate you, and everyone in between.

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. Heather and Brady discuss why you should be making your online videos shorter. Brady’s tips will add more tools to your Social Toolkit.

Guest Bio

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 books, including Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everythingand Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More, as well as several books for children, including The Best Worst Day Ever, written with his daughter Summer Batterson Dailey. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill and have three children. Find him on social media @MarkBatterson.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I Think I Need a Therapist, Part 2 Jun 01, 2023

This is session 2 of our two-part pod-class series “I Think I Need a Therapist.” If you’re a stickler for listening to podcasts in their sequential order and you missed last week’s episode, you may want to hit pause and play session 1 first. But you’ll find the conversations valuable in whichever order you listen to them.

Today Heather sits down with family therapist Sarah Bontrager, a friend and former colleague from Heather’s Colorado Christian University days. In their candid conversation, Sarah talks about her own experience in therapy after her son Ben’s cancer diagnosis. Sarah also offers her perspective on how to know when you should see a therapist, the difference between clinical depression and situational depression, and navigating symptoms of anxiety.

In this episode, Sarah also shares a deeply personal testimony of an encounter she had with Jesus. What if, in your life, Jesus turns out to be exactly who he said he is? Sarah’s story will leave you with a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about online trolling. What do we do when someone posts something about us that’s insensitive or intentionally harsh? Brady’s tips will help you add more tools to your Social Toolkit.

Guest Bio

Sarah Bontrager is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an assistant professor of psychology at Colorado Christian University, and a PhD student in Philosophy of Performance Psychology. She is a Colorado native and lives in Golden with her husband of 22 years, Dr. Jeff Bontrager, and their four children—Ethan (20), Sam (15), Benjamin (13), and Isabella (10). Sarah has been in private practice since 2008 and is passionate about engaging authentically with relevant, pressing mental health and faith issues with teens, athletes, families, couples, and children. Her specialties include working with depression and anxiety, life-stage adjustments, performance issues, faith questions, parenting, trauma, grief, and family relationships. Outside of work, Sarah loves to cook, lead worship, and spend time with her friends and family, skiing, hiking, camping, and traveling.

Additional Links

Join Heather and Beth Moore at the next Living Proof LIVE event at National Church of God in Washington, DC, June 9 and 10. Buy tickets at https://www.lproof.org/events.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I Think I Need a Therapist May 25, 2023

Welcome back! After a two-week break, Viral Jesus is back and ready to serve you in a variety of ways this summer.

We are kicking off our first pod-class of summer today with the first episode of our new two-part series “I Think I Need a Therapist.” You will have plenty to chew on after listening to this episode. In the midst of what many are calling a national mental health crisis, young people are hurting, families are hurting, pastors and churches are hurting. Even some who once pooh-poohed therapists and psychology are recognizing their need for help. Today Heather sits down with critically acclaimed author and therapist Aundi Kolber to discuss strength, trauma, survival, and the slow miracle of being aligned with the Spirit of God.

Also, for this week’s Social Toolkit, Brady Shearer is back to give us the Three S’s of meaningful social media posts.

Guest Bio

Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) and author of the critically acclaimed Try Softer. Her latest book is Strong Like Water: Finding the Freedom, Safety, and Compassion to Move Through Hard Things—and Experience True Flourishing. Aundi has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. Aundi regularly speaks at local and national events, and she has appeared on podcasts such as The Lazy Genius with Kendra Adachi, Typology, Go and Tell Gals, and The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wintering Lessons May 04, 2023

In today’s episode Heather borrows author Katherine May’s metaphorical idea of “wintering” to describe the season of sadness that she’s recently been navigating. Winters can be long and harsh, but they also can be vital to the healing and renewal of an environment. Our spiritual winters are no different. If this year has added pain and anxiety to your life, you will want to hear the encouragement in this episode, as Heather points us all toward spring. She also shares the important dates you’ll need to know for the Viral Jesus summer series.

For this week’s Social Toolkit, Heather chats with digital creator Chaz Smith, who has amassed a massive social media presence with over 3.2 million followers across his YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels. Chaz will tell you about his latest project, an animated Bible series titled What Had Happened Was, and also share some helpful tips that will enhance your social toolkit.

Remember, Viral Jesus is taking a two-week break. But Heather will be back on May 25 with our first summer pod-class titled “I Think I Need a Therapist.”

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shannan Martin: Start with Hello Apr 27, 2023

In today’s episode Heather sits down with author Shannan Martin for the final installment in our four-part series “Who Is My Neighbor?” Shannan says don’t wait for community to just happen. Instead, she encourages us to become the type of neighbor that creates and inspires community. Heather and Shannan discuss practical ways we can better live out our calling as Christ followers, right where we are.

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about Meta allowing us to buy blue check mark verification on Instagram and Facebook. Should we pay for verification? Will it help you or hurt you? Brady’s tips will add more tools to your social toolkit.

Guest Bio

Shannan Martin is the author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places and her latest book, Start With Hello: (And Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors). Based in Indiana, she is a speaker and writer who works as a cook at The Window, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding its community.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hearing the Voices of Lament Apr 20, 2023

In today’s episode Heather shares part three of our “Who Is My Neighbor?” pod-class series. She is joined by QuaWanna Bannarbie and Bethany Rivera Molinar, two of the gifted contributors to Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice, a new book inspired by Psalm 37. In their candid conversation with Heather, QuaWanna and Bethany invite us to lean into the spiritual practice of lament and reflect on its power for both personal and social transformation.

If you missed it, please go back and listen to last week’s episode with author Karen González on “Seeing Our Immigrant Neighbor.”

This week Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, as he shares his thoughts on how to use good storytelling to stop the scroll.

Guest Bios

QuaWanna Bannarbie and Bethany Rivera Molinar are two of 29 Christian women of color whose writing forms Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice. Edited by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson and inspired by Psalm 37, with its outpouring of emotion about the human experience as an inspired starting place, these 29 women, representing an inclusive, intergenerational sisterhood of clergy, poets, entrepreneurs, creatives and more, make public their private stories. In so doing, they both model and offer a way to hold the tension of injustice and heartache with hope and love.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karen González: Seeing Our Immigrant Neighbor Apr 13, 2023

In today’s episode Heather sits down with Karen González for part two of our four-part pod-class titled “Who Is My Neighbor?” If you’re joining us fresh, make sure to catch last week’s episode where we opened the series with Native American Bible translator Terry Wildman.

This week, Karen challenges us to question our positionality as we engage with the stories we love in Scripture. “We will discover that we’re not Joseph; we’re Egypt.”

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, for this week’s Social Toolkit. Brady explains why he believes social media is not just a tool for ministry; it is ministry.

Guest Bio

Karen González is the author of The God Who Sees. She is a speaker, writer, storyteller, and immigrant advocate, who herself immigrated from Guatemala as a child. Karen is a former public-school teacher and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. For the last 13 years, she has been a non-profit professional, currently working for an organization based in Baltimore, MD, that serves refugees and other immigrants. Her latest book is called Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in our Christian Response to Immigration.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Retelling the Creator’s Story Apr 06, 2023

Today’s episode is part one of “Who Is My Neighbor?,” our latest pod-class series on faithful discipleship and what it means to truly love our neighbor. And, in case you missed it, be sure to listen to last week’s episode, where Heather revisits the parable of the Good Samaritan and explains why she chose “Who Is My Neighbor?” as this month’s pod-class theme.

This week, Heather is joined by minister and Bible translator Terry M. Wildman to discuss Terry’s work on First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament, as well as the inherent challenges of communicating Christianity’s good news to a community of people who have been historically marginalized and abused by white Christian leaders.

The First Nations Version is a retelling of the Creator’s story—the Scriptures—following in the tradition of the storytellers of these oral cultures. Many First Nations tribes communicate with the cultural and linguistic thought patterns found in their original tongues. This way of speaking, with its striking beauty and rich cultural idioms, still resonates in the hearts of First Nations people. In his ministry, Terry demonstrates the power of understanding our neighbors’ cultural contexts so that we can connect with them in more caring and authentic ways.

But first, for this week’s Social Toolkit, Heather chats with author and Bible teacher Alexandra V. Hoover about how to be faithful and effective stewards of our social platforms. Her latest book is the bestselling Eyes Up: How to Trust God’s Heart by Tracing His Hand.

Guest Bio

Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Taqui) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version. He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain Ministries, and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. He and his wife Darlene, live in Arizona.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who Is My Neighbor? Mar 30, 2023

In today’s episode Heather explains why she chose “Who Is My Neighbor?” as the subject for our next four-part, pod-class series, which starts next week. To help set the tone, Heather walks us through the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Using Kenneth E. Bailey’s book Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes as a framework, Heather challenges us to experience the explosive message of the parable in a way similar to how its first-century audience heard it.

Also, for this week’s Social Toolkit, Heather sits down with theologian Esau McCaulley to discuss the sensitive topic of gun reform in the wake of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville. How can Christians helpfully engage the topic? Esau contributed to the public conversation with his latest New York Times article: “How Can We Be a Country That Does This to Our Children?”

Guest Bio

Esau McCaulley is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and is the author of Reading While Black. His latest book is a memoir titled How Far to the Promised Land, and it is available for preorder now.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These Brothers Are ‘Just Different’ Mar 23, 2023

In today’s episode Heather sits down with brothers Darin and Jordan Starks, hosts of The Just Different Podcast, to talk about how they built an engaged podcast community. Darin and Jordan speak transparently and wisely about topics such as love, sex, purpose, and shame. They also share their experience with mentorship, finding their “why,” and why they believe God doesn’t need us to be perfect, just available.

Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer,, about how to handle trolls and negative comments on your page. Brady offers the acrostic R.I.D. as a handy guide to his three recommended options: Respond, Ignore, or Delete.

Guest Bio

Darin and Jordan Starks are brothers and hosts of The Just Different Podcast, a weekly show that covers everything surrounding faith, life, and culture. Their conversations feature the perfect combination of biblical truth, personal experience, real-life issues, and humor.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gen Z Needs Your Patience, Not Your Judgment Mar 16, 2023

In today’s episode Heather unpacks some of the key themes and learnings from the past four weeks of our “Lessons from My Mentor” pod-class series. She is joined by special guests Arleny Aquino and Xavier Thomas, two of her students at Andrews University, who share their reflections on mentorship and what they were most challenged and encouraged by in the Viral Jesus pod class. They also discuss what they believe college students and young professionals need most from older adults right now, and you may be surprised by what they have to say.

If you missed any of the “Lessons from My Mentor” installments, you can listen to them here: Week 1 with José Rojas, Week 2 with Christine Caine, Week 3 with Jo Saxton, and of course last week’s power-packed conversation with Beth Moore.

And for this week’s Social Toolkit segment, Heather sits down with author Chris Martin, whose new book, The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead, explores how social media is harming our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Martin is also editor of BibletoLife.com and content marketing editor at Moody Publishers. You can follow him on Twitter at @ChrisMartin17.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beth Moore: God Is Always Talking to Us Mar 09, 2023

Today’s episode concludes our four-part, pod-class series on mentorship. And what better way to finish than with godly wisdom and inspiration from another one of Heather’s favorite online mentors? We’re thrilled to welcome Beth Moore to Viral Jesus. Last week, Jo Saxton guided us through practical tips on what mentoring is, and why we need to cultivate environments that allow us to use our gifts. This week, in often emotional chat, Beth helps us to decipher the voice of God and explains why Scripture is crucial to that process. She also encourages all of us to look for opportunities to be mentors, even if we’ve never had one ourselves.

Heather also sits down with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, to learn about the strategy of inspiration over information when it comes to posting online content. Brady is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #ViralJesus with your comment.

Guest Bio

Author and speaker Beth Moore is a dynamic Bible teacher whose conferences take her around the globe. She has written numerous bestselling books and Bible studies. Her new memoir, All My Knotted-Up Life, debuted at No. 10 on The New York Times bestseller list. She is also the founder and visionary of Living Proof Ministries, based in Houston, Texas.

Join Beth and Heather in person, June 9-10, at Living Proof Live in Fort Washington, Maryland. Get tickets at www.lproof.org/events.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jo Saxton: You Need Space to Practice Your Gifts Mar 02, 2023

In today’s episode we continue with part three of our four-part pod-class series on mentorship. If you missed it, please check out last week’s episode with Christine Caine, where Christine cautioned us to not confuse platform with ministry. This week we sit down with Jo Saxton to gain some practical tips on what mentoring is, how we can get a mentor, and why we need to cultivate environments that let us use our gifts.

Heather also sits down to discuss the latest research on mentoring with Dr. Meryl Herr, director of research and resources at Fuller Seminary's Max De Pree Center for Leadership. She earned her MDiv and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and resides in Watkinsville, Georgia, with her husband and two sons.

Guest Bio

Jo Saxtonisan author, speaker, and leadership coach who has led ministries and non-profits, and pastored and planted churches. Jo isco-host of Lead Stories, a podcast that she does with her good friend Pastor Steph O’Brien. Jo and Steph share leadership stories and cover current issues with the aim of encouraging, equipping, and empowering leaders to discover all God has for them. She has written several books, including Ready to Rise and More Than Enchanting. Jo also has launched the digital program Leadership Coaching Community to help women develop their leadership skills and connect with other leaders around the world.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christine Caine: Don’t Confuse Platform with Ministry Feb 23, 2023

In today’s episode we present part two of “Lessons from My Mentor,” our four-part, pod-class series on mentorship. In part one, Heather introduced us to Pastor José Rojas, her personal mentor and a former White House advisor. This week we learn from author, activist, and evangelist Christine Caine in a power-packed conversation about what it means to trust God, pursue your calling, and lean into the development process of your own life rather than rush through it. Christine also tells us why she resists the concept of “influencers” and explains why a “platform” isn’t necessarily a ministry.

But first, Heather sits down with her friend Katlyn Giberson, director for digital marketing at the Christian and Missionary Alliance, to discuss Taylor Swift and whether fandom culture is a hashtag bless, or a hashtag mess. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Guest Bio

Christine Caine is a speaker, author, and activist who has been serving the local church globally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign, which works at the local, domestic, and international level to end modern-day slavery. They also founded Equip & Empower, a ministry that is mobilizing people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus. Propel Women is an initiative of the ministry dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. The ministry has also planted three life-giving Zoe Churches in Europe that are not only bringing the Gospel to the region, but also serve the most vulnerable through humanitarian outreach during times of crisis.Christine is the best-selling author of more than a dozen books and studies and you can tune into her weekly podcast or television program to be encouraged with the hope of Jesus wherever you are. Christine holds a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Senior Director of CT Media: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

José Rojas: Giving It All Away Feb 16, 2023

José Rojas went from a 1.7 GPA to a career at the White House and a lifetime of empowering others, including the host of this podcast. Today’s episode is part one of “Lessons from My Mentor,” our new four-part, pod-class series on mentorship. To kick off the series Heather sits down with Pastor Rojas, her personal mentor, to discuss the power of servant leadership. José recounts his ministry journey and explains how he learned the importance of using his influence to create transformative memories for others.

We also visit with our favorite social media whiz Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed. He responds to a critical comment on his social media post about whether or not Christians should even have a social media strategy. You do not want to miss Brady’s advice for how to create more engaging social media posts. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Guest Bios

Born in East Los Angeles, Pastor José Rojas serves as president of Puente Ministries, a ministry that exists to improve the cultures of organizations through the development of servant leaders. As a national leader, Pastor Rojas was called upon to work closely with the White House, serving under two US presidents to develop and implement a variety of humanitarian objectives that met the needs of millions of Americans. After serving in a presidential summit on volunteerism in 1997, Pastor Rojas worked with General Colin Powell to launch the national organization, America’s Promise Alliance, resulting in his office launching 70 tutoring centers for underprivileged children across the United States.

Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What We May Be Getting Wrong About the Image of God Feb 09, 2023

In today’s episode Heather puts on her professor’s hat to walk us through the social psychology behind why human beings are wired to exist in relationship with one another. Heather says this is where evolutionary biology and Christianity can agree, that human beings are social beings whose mental and spiritual wholeness depends on our connection to other people and our connection to God. We were created to exist in relationship.

This episode wraps up our thought-provoking “What You May Be Getting Wrong About God” pod-class series. If you’re coming in fresh, you can go back and listen to the first four installments here, here, here, and here.

We also visit with our favorite social media whiz Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed. He gives us a breakdown of how you can get someone to stop scrolling and engage with your content. Brady calls it the 3 C’s: common, care, and cliffhanger. Listen in to learn how to create stickier social media posts.

Guest Bio

Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About the Character of God Feb 02, 2023

In today’s episode Heather sits down with her friends Ty Gibson and David Asscherick to discuss what we may be getting wrong about the character of God. David and Ty walk us through Scripture and show us what has been there all along: God is love. What would happen to our evangelism and conversations if we, as a church body, truly started believing that this statement is true? You won’t want to miss this third and final conversation in our “What You May Be Getting Wrong About God” pod-class series.

Also, in a first for Viral Jesus, Heather chats with Christian comedienne Ellen Skrmetti about using comedy as a tool for life-changing communication. Ellen, whose Instagram Reels and TikTok accounts are bursting with clever and hilarious videos, has amassed nearly 100,000 followers and millions of views. The Second City alum reflects on the delicate balance between faith and humor, and she explains why “going viral” comes in many shapes and sizes.

Here are links to a few of the sermons that were referenced in this episode:

David Asscherick, This Is My Church?

Ty Gibson, Reimagining God

David Asscherick, Gospel Tribe

Guest Bios

Ty Gibson is a speaker/director for Light Bearers and pastor of Storyline Adventist Church. A passionate communicator with a message that opens minds and moves hearts, Ty teaches on a variety of topics, emphasizing God’s unfailing love as the central theme of the Bible. Ty and his wife Sue have three adult children and two grandsons.David Asscherick is a speaker/director for Light Bearers and ARISE co-founder and instructor. Since his baptism in 1999, David has traveled the globe preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He and his wife Violeta are the happy parents of two boys, Landon and Jabel.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About God’s Vision for the Church Jan 26, 2023

In today’s episode Heather visits with one of her favorite theologians, Joel Muddamalle, for an energetic and insightful conversation about God’s original vision for the church and how we often miss it. Joel unpacks what it means to be ambassadors for Christ in a fragmented world; he cautions us against letting social media divide our souls; and he reminds us that ethnic and cultural diversity in the church is a feature, not a bug. One of the big points Joel touches on is what he calls our commitment to “the sacred-and-secular divide.” What does it mean to be set apart as Christians, and what is our role in secular spaces? Joel’s biblically rooted perspectives will inform, surprise, and challenge you to delve deeper into God’s Word. (This is the second conversation in a three-part series that began with “What You May Be Getting Wrong About Biblical Womanhood.”)

We also visit with our favorite social media whiz Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed. He gives us a breakdown of the difference between the social graph algorithm vs. the discovery algorithm and why he believes we all need to ride whatever wave social platforms present us with. Brady is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Guest Bio

Joel Muddamalle serves as the director of theology and research for Proverbs 31 Ministries and Lysa TerKeurst. He’s also a member of the preaching team at Transformation Church with Pastor Derwin Gray. Joel earned a PhD in theology under professors Patrick Schreiner (NT) and Michael Heiser (OT) with an emphasis on Paul’s household language in Ephesians as it relates to the Old Testament. He loves studying and teaching the brilliant truths found in Scripture and unpacking how they relate to our everyday lives.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About Biblical Womanhood Jan 19, 2023

In this episode Heather begins our three-part series of conversations with evangelical thought leaders who are challenging us to reconsider some of our long-held beliefs about God. We’re calling this pod-class series “Things You May Be Getting Wrong About God.” If you missed last week’s episode, you may want to go back to hear Heather’s personal reflections on the theme and why she hopes you’ll join her on this journey. But be forewarned: As its title suggests, this pod-class series is designed to challenge and stretch you.

This week Heather sits down with Beth Allison Barr, the bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood. With a proven record of sparking intense but important conversations about the role of women in the church, Professor Barr is here to talk about what we may be getting wrong about how God sees women.

We also visit with social media expert Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed segment. He gives us three things we need to know before starting an online platform and explains why we shouldn’t try to go viral. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment.

Guest Bios

Beth Allison Barr (PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is associate professor of history and associate dean of the Graduate School at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. She is the president of the Conference on Faith and History and is a member of Christians for Biblical Equality. Barr has written for Christianity Today, The Washington Post, and Religion News Service, and is a regular contributor to The Anxious Bench, the popular Patheos website on Christian history.

Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What You May Be Getting Wrong About God Jan 12, 2023

It’s our first new episode of 2023, and Heather opens the new year by introducing our latest pod-class series, “Things You May Be Getting Wrong About God.” She shares thoughts from Isaiah 30, a passage of Scripture she’d been reading in worship that prompted her to confront some of her shortsighted ideas about how God was moving in her life. In addition to her own personal reflections, over the next few episodes Heather will talk to three different evangelical theologians about God’s active role in the world and in our lives.

In this episode, we also visit with Brady Shearer for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Brady discuss a trend in social media that signals what Brady calls “the collapse of curation on digital platforms.” Brady is the director of Pro Church Tools and church software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate digital media—“the biggest communication shift in 500 years.” (BTW, make sure to let us know your “#Blessed or #Mess?” thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comments.)

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Evans: When Misery Becomes Ministry Dec 15, 2022

In today’s episode Heather sits down with Jonathan Evans to talk about his latest book, Fighting Your Battles: Every Christian’s Playbook for Victory. In this conversation Jonathan describes a God who has often “unsettled” him. What do we do when life brings us conflict and disappointment instead of comfort and security? It starts, Jonathan says, by realizing that Christian maturity is not independence but dependence.

Jonathan, the son of Tony Evans and his late wife Lois, shares openly about his mother’s long battle with terminal illness and his family’s struggle with grief. He reflects on how he’s witnessed the truth of his mother’s words to him before she passed. She told him, “Your greatest ministry will come out of your greatest misery.”

In this episode, we also visit with college student and Viral Jesus intern Haley Hoskins for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Haley talk about a new study from the CDC that says 45 percent of high school students were persistently hopeless in 2021, they were unable to engage in regular activities. Heather asks Haley what role she thinks social media plays in her generation’s increased struggles with depression and anxiety. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Jonathan Evans is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Christian Leadership. He is a mentor, author, speaker, and former NFL fullback who serves as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks. As part of his commitment to developing the next generation of devoted Christian leaders, he travels the country speaking at churches, conferences, men’s events, banquets, and student-athlete events. Follow Jonathan and learn more about his journey on Facebook @JonathanBlakeEvans, and Instagram @JonathanBlakeEvans.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kara Powell: The Spiritual Promise of Generation Z Dec 08, 2022

In today’s episode Heather is joined by youth ministry expert Kara Powell to talk about Kara’s latest book, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. Kara will teach us how to connect with Generation Z, what they need in order to thrive spiritually, and how we can help them as they wrestle with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging.

But first we visit with Mandy Majors, author of Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World, for this week’s #Blessed. When and how should we give our kids their own screens? Heather and Mandy discuss practical guidelines for monitoring kids’ use of technology. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Dr. Kara Powell is a writer, researcher, and ministry leader who specializes in matters related to the church and youth discipleship. She is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of Growing With and Growing Young. Her most recent book is 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anh Lin: Letting Go to Grow Dec 01, 2022

This week, Heather sits down with social media influencer and Bible teacher Anh Lin to talk about all things YouTube and content creation. You’ll hear from one of the most dynamic content creators in the online lifestyle space about how she built her platform, what she discovered about handling burnout, and how being vulnerable about her failures helped save a life. Also, learn how Anh, a self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist,” deals with self-doubt and feeling like her content will never be good enough.

In this episode, we also visit with TikTok whiz Garrison Hayes for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Garrison talk about the creator fund on TikTok and the possibility of using the wildly successful video platform to stream podcasts. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Anh Lin is the founder of the faith and lifestyle blog Girl and the Word, and she’s the creator of a video devotional series called The Abundant Life, where you can watch over 30 videos with inspiring thoughts that encompass DIY projects, cooking, home decor, gardening, and more. Anh has amassed a massive YouTube following of nearly a half-million people with her unique style and approach.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lord of ‘Little by Little’ Nov 17, 2022

This week, we review and reflect on what we learned in our “pod-class” series on gaining self-confidence. Heather shares feedback from her listeners and reminds us that God often moves in our lives gradually—little by little—one small shift after another.

If you’re new to our pod-classes, you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather's preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. Then check out our first conversation of the pod-class with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence” followed by Heather’s chat with Jordan Lee Dooley on “Embracing Your Almosts.” And last week we heard from former Mrs. Universe Tori Hope Petersen on “Fostering Hope.” Now you’re up to date.

In this episode, we also visit with theologian Jared Stacy for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Jared talk about how to engage in conversations around politics at the Thanksgiving table. Check it out and let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Jared Stacy is a PhD candidate in Theological Ethics at the University of Abderdeen, where he is studying conspiracy theories and the American church. He’s served across the American south, and currently lives in Scotland with his wife Stevie and their three kids.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tori Hope Petersen: Fostering Hope Nov 10, 2022

Welcome to part three of our three-part “pod-class” series on gaining self-confidence. Heather visits with author Tori Hope Petersen to discuss Tori’s incredibly inspiring story of growing up in foster care, becoming a 4x track state champion, and eventually becoming Mrs. Universe. By the end of their lively and thoughtful chat, you'll understand a truth that drives Tori's ministry: “Healed people heal people.” In other words, we must use what God has given us to help others.

If you’re new to our pod-classes, you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather's preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. Then check out our first conversation of the pod-class with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence.” And last week Heather sat down with Jordan Lee Dooley with an episode titled “Embracing Your Almosts.” Now you’re ready.

In this episode, we also visit with Kyle J Britt. for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Kyle talk about what happens with Twitter now that Elon Musk has taken over and whether or not we should all remain users. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

Tori Hope Petersen’s experience in foster care as a former foster youth, foster care advocate, & foster mom fuels her life’s passion to advocate for those who society would consider the “least of these.” Her heart is burdened for the foster care community, foster youth, vulnerable youth, & suffering families. She and her husband Jacob founded Beloved Initiative in 2020, a nonprofit that seeks to change the narrative for youth in foster care. Her recently released book is Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family Through Foster Care.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordan Lee Dooley: Embracing Your Almosts Nov 03, 2022

Welcome to part two of our three-part pod-class series on gaining self-confidence. Heather sits down with author Jordan Lee Dooley to discuss what you should do when “almost” disrupts the life you thought God was calling you to. “Your greatest disappointment can be one of two things,” writes Jordan, “dead ends or defining moments.”

If you’re new to our “pod-class,” you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather’s preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. And then check out last week’s episode with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence.” Now you’re ready.

In this episode, we also visit with cyberparenting expert Mandy Majors for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Mandy talk about the new social media app BeReal and whether or not it’s an online community worth joining. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Guest Bio

JordanLee Dooley is the national bestselling author of Embrace Your Almost and Own Your Everyday and is the host of the top-rated podcast SHE. She is also the founder of the Own It Academy, a digital education company, and SoulScripts, a words company known for its phrase “Your Brokenness Is Welcome Here.” She has been featured in outlets such as Hallmark’s Home and Family, Forbes, Relevant Magazine, Thrive Global, That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs, Christy Wright’s Business Boutique, and more. Jordan has built a massive social media community of over 850,000 members.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda Pittman: Stand in Confidence Oct 27, 2022

This week, Heather is joined by her BFF Scarlett Longstreet for a #Blessed chat session on whether we should unfollow people who make us feel bad about ourselves online. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed.

Today is session one of our new pod-class series on gaining confidence. We will be doing this pod-class for the next three week. If you want to pause this episode, you may want to start with last week’s titled: “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where Heather sets the framework for the next three weeks.

In today’s conversation Heather sits down with Amanda Pittman to learn how to deal with criticism, how to offer compassion to others struggling with insecurity, and how to stand in our own confidence.

Guest Bio

Amanda Pittman is the author of Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-given Identity. She is a speaker, entrepreneur, and the founder of Confident Woman Co., a ministry that equips women to stand confidently upon the finished work of Jesus. Through Confident Woman Co., Amanda hosts retreats, conferences, online events, podcasts, videos and more.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Gaining Self-Confidence Oct 20, 2022

Kicking off this week’s episode, Heather sits down with Scarlett Longstreet to talk about whether or not we should be using filters on our photos. Are they hurting us? Are they making us insecure? Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Today is the pre-game show for our new pod-class series on “Gaining Self-Confidence.” Heather sits down to have a heart to heart with you, the listener, about the reality of life right now. It feels like everyone is waiting for a miracle, and it can be difficult to believe that there is a plan, when you can’t see it. How can we drink from the well of living water even when it feels like we are in a desert? Heather says you have to dig.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do the Next Right Thing Oct 13, 2022

This week’s episode begins with a consideration of a constant danger of online life—oversharing. Heather is joined by her husband, Seth Day (also known on Instagram as @originalsadking), for a lively #Blessed discussion of the subject. Are we saying too much on social media? What are some guidelines for making sure we don’t overshare? Does knowing so much about one another online help us connect in person more easily? Be sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

Then get ready for Heather’s recap of Viral Jesus’s first pod-class journey (and don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series, starting with “Everyone’s Exhausted”). Heather sits down to have a heart-to-heart with you, the listener, about what we have learned over the past six weeks. She explains the definition of healing, that it isn’t a linear process, and describes what our faith looks like, especially when we can’t feel it. You will not want to miss this candid conversation with Heather.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including,I’ll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seth Day: I’ll See You Tomorrow Oct 06, 2022

Kicking off this week's episode, on #blessed Heather sits down with Vimbo Watson and talks about online dating. Is this a wonderful blessing to our romantic lives or an absolute mess. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed.

As our pod-class journey on healing concludes, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with her co-author, husband, and best friend, Seth Day to discuss their new book, I’ll See You Tomorrow. What if it isn’t that our relationships are draining, as much as it is that we are entering relationships drained. How do we heal, from our unmet relational expectations? This episode is packed full of wisdom, and perspective.

Guest Bio

Seth Day is currently a full-time instructor teaching courses in Grief and Loss as well as Public Speaking. Seth has a MA in Human Service Counseling from Regent University, and is currently pursuing a second MA in Educational Psychology from Andrews University.

Seth is passionate about youth and young adult ministry, having served as a youth and young adult pastor in Denver, and working for several years in public schools with at-risk youth.

Seth resides in Saint Joseph, Michigan with his wife Heather, and their three beautiful children.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sheila Wise Rowe: Understanding Our Own Trauma Sep 29, 2022

Kicking off this week's episode, on #blessed Heather sits down Seth Day and talks about whether Christians should use anger as an online tool for engagement. Anger is one of the fastest emotions to go viral online, so when it is appropriate, and when is it pandering for reactions? Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed.

As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with author and trauma care specialist Sheila Wise Rowe. Sheila helps us understand what trauma is, what gaslighting is, and how we can recognize it, as well as some ways we can get unstuck.

Guest Bio

Sheila Wise Rowe has a Master's degree in Counseling and is active in local and international healing and reconciliation ministry. Sheila has over twenty-five years of experience as a Christian Counselor, Spiritual Director, Educator, Writer, and Speaker. Sheila is the author of Healing from Racial Trauma, and Young Gifted and Black.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sharon Hodde Miller: The Cost of Control Sep 22, 2022

Kicking off this week's episode, on #blessed Heather sits down with Sharon Hodde Miller and talks about online church. Is online church a blessing that is making us more connected as a body of believers? Or is it a mess that is disconnecting us? Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed.

As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss a concept Sharon calls “the cost of control". How is our need to control our lives, preventing us from living them?

Guest Bio

Sharon leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike, which they planted together in 2018. Sharon earned her M.Div. from Duke Divinity School, and her PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she researched the topic of women and calling.

In addition to writing for sites like Christianity Today, She Reads Truth, Propel, Relevant, and more, she is the author of three books: Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You, Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked And How God Calls Us to More, and The Cost of Control: Why We Crave It, the Anxiety it Gives Us, and the Real Power God Promises.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nona Jones: Killing Comparison Sep 15, 2022

Kicking off this week's episode, on #Blessed Heather brings in her best friend Scarlett Longstreet to discuss the new option on instagram of paying for subscription. Scarlett has been using the new paid subscribers model, and will walk you through the difficulties and blessings of getting your audience to pay for your content. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.

As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with Nona Jones and discusses where our insecurity is coming from, and how it may be impacting us, and our relationships.

Guest Bio

Nona Jones is considered a global thought-leader at the intersection of faith, technology and identity and has also served as a voice of hope and healing to victims of trauma due to her own history as a survivor of physical and sexual abuse. Her books are equipping people around the world to harness their potential toward realizing their purpose.

Killing Comparison is Nona's highly anticipated manual for how to live a life free from toxic comparison and feeling like you don't measure up. Success from the Inside Out is Nona's personal story of overcoming childhood physical and sexual abuse and the insights she learned while healing from the pain. From Social Media to Social Ministry is the Digital Discipleship Guide every Christian needs to read to use technology for Kingdom Building.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chanel Dokun: Life Starts Now Sep 08, 2022

Kicking off this week’s episode, Heather is joined by her husband, Seth, for another round of #Blessed.This time the pair explore the idea of buying social media followers. Is it ever a good thing? Is it even ethical? Have you ever thought about buying followers? Make sure to let us know your thoughts on the topic by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed.

As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to pod-class one with Katelyn Beaty last week) Heather sits down with author Chanel Dokun to learn how we can stop waiting for the lives we wish we had, and start living the life we have right now. Chanel’s expertise as a life coach and marriage and family therapist uniquely qualifies her to help us get a grasp on what we truly want out of life, and the energy to start going after it.

Guest Bio

Chanel is an author, life planner, and relationship expert trained in marriage and family therapy. She is the co-founder of Healthy Minds NYC, a thriving group therapy practice in Manhattan. Her new book is Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katelyn Beaty: Resisting Christian Idols Sep 01, 2022

In the second episode of Viral Jesus season 3, Heather discusses on #blessed the latest news out of The Village Church about Matt Chandler stepping down for a leave of absence due to an inappropriate relationship with a woman who wasn’t his wife in his DM’s on Instagram. Heather and Seth discuss the concept of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior for married people in the DM’s. If you have thoughts on this please @viralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and let us know.

In her conversation with author Katelyn Beaty, Heather listens to Katelyn explain the problems that arise when celebrity pastors experience some type of major failure. How do we help hold them accountable? How do we help people who feel their trust has been deeply abused by the covering up of abuse at their church institution? What does celebrity look like, and how does it function in churches? Should there be a thing such as Christian celebrities?

Heather and Katelyn want you to heal from toxic celebrity church culture, and maybe the best way to do that, is to admit what has gone wrong.

Guest Bio

Katelyn Beaty is a journalist, editor, and keen observer of trends in the American church. She has written for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, Religion News Service, Religion & Politics, and The Atlantic and has commented on faith and culture for CNN, ABC, and NPR. She is also a former editor for Christianity Today magazine. She is cohost of the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service) and she’s the author of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church

Mentioned in This Episode

Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Inappropriate Online Relationship

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone’s Exhausted Aug 26, 2022

It’s a brand-new season of Viral Jesus, and change is in the air. In this first episode of Season 3, Heather is joined by a surprise guest to help her introduce a new segment called #Blessed. It’s a fun and breezy look at headlines and ideas from the world of tech and social media. Heather also previews a new Viral Jesus formation project called “pod-classes” that will connect and build upon Heather’s weekly conversations with Christian creators, influencers, and thought leaders.

For the inaugural, six-part series of pod-classes, the theme is “healing.” And Heather invites us to join her on a journey toward renewal. Together we will take the pulse of our relationship with social media, interrogate our tendency for constant comparison, and learn how to make time to lift our sights away from the screen and “look a little higher.”

Mentioned in This Episode

Is It Even Possible to Be an Authentic Person Online?

Don’t Check Work Email on Vacation: Why Constant Connection Is Driving Burnout

Exhausted Nation: Americans More Tired Than Ever Survey Finds

Anxiety Grows Among Americans as Crisis After Crisis Spirals Out Of Control

Stress in America: APA Survey

Nearly Half of Americans Think They Are A Better Person Than Everyone They Know

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christina Edmondson: How to Stop Feeling ‘Othered’ Jul 07, 2022

In the last episode of season 2, Heather says goodbye (for now) to listeners, and lets you in on a little secret about what is coming up for season 3.

In this conversation, Heather and author Christina Edmondson discuss Christina’s work in anti-racism and diversity and inclusion. Christina brings up the value of affinity spaces, in allowing us to not feel “othered.”

Christina also discusses how social media is helping and hurting us in our cultural competence. Christina’s unique skill set in therapy as well as cross-cultural conversation, allows her to be uniquely skilled in how she discusses conversations around conflict resolution and confronting division.

Guest Bio

Christina Edmondson holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University, an MS degree from the University of Rochester in Family Therapy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hampton University.For over a decade, Christina has served in a variety of roles including recently as the Dean for Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University. Additionally, as a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator, public speaker, and mental health therapist, Christina is often contacted by churches to consult about leadership development, anti-racism, and mental health issues.

She is the coauthor of Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change and Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. Her writing has appeared in a variety of outlets, including Christianity Today, Essence.com, and Gospel Today magazine. She also co-hosts the critically acclaimed Truth’s Table podcast.

Mentioned in This Episode

Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation

Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change

Truth’s Table podcast

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn.

Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maryanne J. George: Still Talking to Jesus Jun 30, 2022

In this episode, Heather sits down with singer/songwriter Maryanne J. George of Maverick City Music to discuss what it’s like to work in the music industry. Maverick City has had an impressive rise to fame in the last couple years with the award-winning album Old Church Basement (their live collaboration with Elevation Worship) and performances at the 2022 Grammys and the BET Music Awards. Maryanne explains why faith has so deeply impacted her music, what her songwriting process looks like, and why she doesn’t believe in a “Christian vs. secular” dichotomy in music.

Guest Bio

Maryanne J. George is a dynamic worship leader, songwriter, and musician with Maverick City Music and is passionate about encountering the Lord through worship.

Mentioned in This Episode

The Bible Project, Scripture and Poetry

Tamela Mann, Take Me to the King

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Jensen: Discipleship by Screen Jun 23, 2022

In this episode Heather and Barna’s Joe Jensen discuss the idea that whether we like it or not, screens disciple. The latest research shows that people are hungry for community. People no longer just want content, they are craving connection. Heather and Joe look at the importance of churches starting with social media, but not ending with social media. We can’t be content to just watch pictures of other people’s worship. How do we inspire, but also then disciple, people into their own personal spiritual experiences?

Joe shares his heart for pastors and churches and why he thinks Jesus can’t be viral, until Jesus becomes vital to our personhood.

Guest Bio

Joe Jensen is Barna’s Vice President, Church Engagement, Joe Jensen is passionate about turning research into action. He is using his 20+ years of church ministry and executive leadership experience to engage and serve the global church and her partners with the insight and knowledge of the Barna Group

Mentioned in This Episode

The Gazette: Pastor Burnout: Who Helps the Helpers?

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

York Moore: From Angry Atheist to TikTok Evangelist Jun 16, 2022

In this episode Heather and York discuss his own testimony as well as his incredible story of his own conversion into Christianity. York grew up an atheist and remained so into adulthood, but he had an incredible experience of being called by God, and then surrendering his life to not just faith, but also evangelism while in College.

York shares with us what he believes the next generation is looking for, how we can be more effective in reaching them, as well as what the voice of God sounds like.

Guest Bio

York Moore is the National Evangelist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA. He has a massive TIK TOK presence with over 200k followers. He is the author of Growing Your Faith by Giving it Away and Do Something Beautiful: The Story of Everything and a Guide to Finding Your Place In It. He also recently co-authored Seen Known Love with Gary Chapman.

Moore is a frequently sought-after speaker and modern-day abolitionist who has given the invitation for faith at the last two Urbana Missions Conferences and has led over 10,000 students to faith in Christ through his teaching and preaching ministry coast to coast.

Mentioned in This Episode

When Americans Say They Believe in God, What Do They Mean? by Pew Research Center

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DeVon Franklin: It Takes a Village Jun 09, 2022

In this episode Heather and DeVon talk about his experience being raised one of three sons with a “village” of women supporting him after his father’s untimely death. DeVon also shares what he believes are some of the fair criticisms of Christianity, while encouraging people to follow after the model set before them in the life of Jesus Christ.

DeVon celebrates women as a crucial part of his own family, he says they were a pivotal piece in the success of his career, and he believes they hold a distinguished role in the celebration of the gospel.

Guest Bio

DeVon Franklin serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a dynamic production company in conjunction with Paramount Pictures and CBS TV Studios. His films have grossed over 175 million at the box office.

He’s the driving force behind some of Hollywood’s most successful inspirational films including BREAKTHROUGH, fantastic film with Chrissy Metz from This is Us, and MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN.

He is the author of It Takes A Woman and in this riveting and soul-stirring Audible Original, author and Hollywood insider DeVon Franklin introduces us to the women who raised him—a “village of love” that selflessly came together to shape him into the man he is today in the wake of his father’s tragic death. With this heartfelt memoir, Franklin inspires listeners to celebrate the universal power of women and embrace his village as their own.

Mentioned in This Episode

U.S. has world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households by Pew Research

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karen Swallow Prior: The Work is the Platform - Part II Jun 02, 2022

In this episode Heather and Karen continue their most downloaded conversation from last season. They discuss what it means to be called, as well as the difficult conversation of platforming as it relates to a person’s art. Is a following proof of your call? Are we somehow more talented when other people notice our gifts? Are the millions of lives who have not known notoriety somehow less valuable? Karen doesn’t think so. And this conversation will tell you why.

Guest Bio

Karen Swallow Prior is a Research Professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books and has contributed to numerous other books. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The Atlantic and The Washington Post.

Mentioned in This Episode

More than half of Americans think their life is worthy of a book deal by Chris Melore

Episode 6: The Work Is the Platform by Viral Jesus Season 2

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Khristi Lauren Adams: Platforms, Publishing, and Parables May 26, 2022

In this episode Heather and Khristi talk about how social media has removed the gatekeepers of the publishing industry. They discuss what it is like trying to break into the Christian market as Black women, as well as the importance of being thoughtful and intentional about what you post online. Khristi explores why she thinks her award winning book, Parable of the Brown Girl was so unique, as well as her hopes for other women who are trying to find their voice, and share their experiences with others. If no one else is telling you they believe in you, this episode will invite you to believe in yourself.

Guest Bio

Khristi Lauren Adams is a speaker, author, youth advocate and ordained Baptist minister. Khristi is the author of Parable of the Brown Girl. Parable of the Brown Girl has received awards for Best Young Adult Book from The African American Literary Awards and the New York Black Librarians Caucus. She is also the author of, Unbossed: How Black Girls Are Leading the Way. She works as Dean of Spiritual Life & Equity at the Hill School. She is the Founder & Director of “The Becoming Conference”, an annual conference and leadership cohort designed to empower, educate & inspire girls between the ages of 13-18. Khristi is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Advertising and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where she obtained a Master of Divinity degree.

Mentioned in This Episode

Powerful People Find Themselves More Inspirational by Kristene Quan

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brandon J. O'Brien: Scripture as a cross-cultural experience May 19, 2022

In this episode Heather and Brandon talk about how we often read our own cultural values, perspectives and assumptions, into the Biblical text, and forget that Scripture is actually a cross-cultural experience. This episode will help each of us be better readers and perceivers of the Bible.

Guest Bio

Brandon J. O'Brien has a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the co-author of Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, and is Director of Content Development and Distribution for Redeemer City to City, an organization that supports church planting in global cities.

Brandon is author of several books, the most recent of which is Not From Around Here: What Unites Us, What Divides Us, and How We Can Move Forward

Mentioned in This Episode

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Brandon J. O'Brien, E. Randolph Richards

Paul Behaving Badly by Brandon J. O'Brien, E. Randolph Richards

The Bible Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey

The Forgotten Jesus by Robby Gallaty

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katie Schnack: Standing in the Gap Decade May 12, 2022

Description/ Show Notes:

In this episode Heather and Katie talk about the difficulty of life transitions. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the reality of adulthood, while still kind of feeling like a kid, is it possible that it is because you are in the midst of your gap decade? The gap decade is that sometimes difficult transitional season young adults face in their twenties and early thirties, and it is in this space that our brains are overloaded with self-discovery, and transition. If this feels like chaos, it’s because it kind of is. If you or someone you care about is stumbling while navigating the pressures of their professional life and relational challenges, this episode will be a breath of fresh air.

Guest Bio

Katie Schnack is a writer and book publicist. Her articles have appeared in places like Hello Giggles, Relevant, Today.com and Scary Mommy. She is also the author of The Gap Decade, a book for young adults navigating that tough transitional season between young adulthood and adulthood.

Mentioned in This Episode

Forbes article titled: How to Handle Lifequakes and Life Disrupters by Richard Eisenberg

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashley Hales: Trading Hurry for Delight May 05, 2022

In this episode Heather and Ashley look at what it means to live a spacious life. In a time where our success often feels measured by our productivity, what benefit could there possibly be to slowing down? How can we cultivate better rhythms of rest, and how much are we missing by not being present with ourselves and each other? Ashley Hales will talk to you about what may be disrupting your healthy rhythms, and why Sabbath is so important for Christians to take seriously.

Guest Bio

Ashley Hales holds a PhD in English from the University of Edenborough, Scotland. She’s a writer, speaker, and host of The Finding Holy Podcast. Her writing has been featured in places like Christianity Today, Books & Culture, and The Gospel Coalition. She is the author of Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much (IVP) and her latest book; A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits.

Mentioned in This Episode

Princeton Study on seminarians and the Good Samaritan

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Faith of Black Women with Truth’s Table Apr 28, 2022

In this episode, Heather is joined by Ekemini Uwan and Michelle Higgins of the Truth's Table podcast to discuss what it's like to be a Black Christian woman today. They dive all the way in on topics like colorism, singleness and divorce, racial justice, theology, and nearly every hot button issue Black women may find themselves at the intersection of when navigating their life and their faith.

Ekemini and Michelle will help you see how faith can truly be the bedrock of your life, all while being honest about the difficulties each of them have experienced. This conversation will have you laughing, crying, and thinking critically.

Guest Bio

Ekemini Uwan, and Michelle Higgins, are two of the authors of Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love and Liberation.

Ekemini is a public theologian who received her MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. Uwan is a contributing member of the Aspen Institute’s Racial Justice and Religion Commission. She has appeared on MSNBC and NPR. Her writings have been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and HuffPost Black Voices, and her insights have been quoted by CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The New Yorker.

Michelle Higgins is senior pastor of Saint John’s Church (The Beloved Community) in St. Louis, where she co-founded Faith for Justice, a collective of Christian activists, and serves as board chair of Action St. Louis, a political home for Black communities in the St. Louis region.

Mentioned in This Episode

“The Hidden Figures of the Church” by Kathryn Freeman, Christianity Today

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danté Stewart: Making Space for Growth Apr 21, 2022

In this episode, Heather and Danté discuss something we often forget, that just as we have changed, we need to make room for others to grow and change too. Danté is open about the progression of his beliefs, and how he, as a Black man, has said things in the past about the Black experience that he regrets. Black literature was a major part of Danté’s faith and growth experience, which is why his book is so heavily sourced by Black writers. Danté brings a passion to every conversation he enters, as well as an invitation to grow and learn together. You will be encouraged, enlightened, and challenged as you listen to Danté explain what it means to shout in the fire.

Guest Bio

Danté Stewart is a writer and speaker whose voice has been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Sojourners, The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, Comment Magazine, and more. He is the author of the book Shoutin’ in the Fire: An American Epistle.

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tara Beth Leach: Learning to Be Undone Apr 14, 2022

What does it mean to be a radiant witness for Christ? In this episode, Heather talks to Tara Beth Leach about the difficulties of being a woman in ministry as well as the struggles of being a faithful Christian in increasingly divided times. Tara has endured attacks on her witness both online and offline but has continued to pour her heart into the work to which God has called her.

Despite the battered reputation of the North American church, Tara is optimistic about the church’s future. She is honest, reflective, and blunt about the present state of evangelicalism, while affirming the abiding hope that Christians have in Christ.

About Our Guest:

Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher, and writer. She speaks widely at conferences, retreats, and universities across America on church leadership, women in ministry, and the call to be a “radiant witness.” She is a pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook in the western suburbs of Chicago and previously served as senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (“PazNaz”) in Southern California. She is the author of Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry, and her latest book is Radiant Church: Restoring the Credibility of our Witness. Find her on Twitter @TaraBeth82.

Mentioned in this Episode:

“Americans No Longer Trust the Church, the Government or Even Big Money. Is There a New Power Rising?” by Heather Thompson Day, Newsweek.com

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich Villodas: We Were Made to Belong Apr 07, 2022

What happens when Christians are committed to Christianity without being deeply formed by God? That's one of many subjects explored in Heather’s wide-ranging conversation with New York-based pastor and author Rich Villodas. They also discuss the dangers of Christian celebrity-ism and the importance of living a life marked by humility, accountability, and surrender.

Plus, Rich reveals how he grew his social media presence, and why he is more careful with his posts now than when he first got online. This thought-provoking conversation will challenge and inspire you to be more intentional about your daily spiritual practices.

Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church in Elmhurst, Queens, with more than seventy-five countries represented in its congregation. Rich holds an MDiv from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, preaching, and writing on contemplative spirituality and justice-related topics. He and his wife Rosie have two beautiful children. His first book,The Deeply Formed Life, was a Christianity Today 2021 Book Awards winner. And his next book, Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World, releases in July.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tish Harrison Warren: Slow Answers to Hard Prayers Mar 31, 2022

In this episode, Heather talks with bestselling author Tish Harrison Warren about prayer and what it means to communicate with God during our seasons of suffering. Tish explains how sometimes your prayer life doesn’t need more words, but more silence. Tish’s honest insights will encourage you on how to navigate the vulnerability of the human experience, and how to keep praying even when God feels far away.

Tish Harrison Warren is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. She is the author of Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life (Christianity Today’s 2018 Book of the Year) and Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work, or Watch, or Weep (Christianity Today’s 2022 Book of the Year). She writes a weekly newsletter for The New York Times, and she is a monthly columnist for CT.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Felicia Wu Song: The Perils of Digital Discipleship Mar 17, 2022

“We love talking to leaders who are using social media for the common good,” says Heather, “but that doesn’t mean social media doesn’t have a dark side.”

In this episode, Heather invites you to learn about some of the existential dangers of social media from a leading scholar of digital technology. How do we use social media without allowing ourselves to be consumed by it? How does it impact our ability to be present with the people around us? Felicia Wu Song is the perfect person to guide us around the pitfalls and red flags, while also encouraging us to hang onto our humanity in this digital age.

Felicia Wu Song is a cultural sociologist of media and digital technologies who serves as a professor of sociology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. With degrees in history, communication, and sociology from Yale, Northwestern, and the University of Virginia, her research is oriented around the rapidly evolving world of digital technology and how the adoption of social media and digital devices fundamentally alters the landscapes of family, community, and organizational life. She is the author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Giboney: Love and Truth in the Public Square Mar 10, 2022

Justin Giboney is an attorney and political strategist in Atlanta, Georgia, who leads the AND Campaign as its cofounder and president. The AND Campaign is a coalition of urban Christians who are determined to address the sociopolitical arena with the compassion and conviction of the gospel. He’s the coauthor of Compassion (&) Conviction with fellow AND Campaign leader Chris Butler and former colleague Michael Wear.

In this episode, Heather and Justin unpack the myth that Christians must be conservative to be biblical or progressive to be loving. Justin’s work is committed to challenging the way Christians view politics. What if our current political lenses aren’t biblical lenses? Justin wants to help Christians do the difficult work of holistically interrogating their political beliefs.

Says Heather, “This episode will leave you encouraged about how we can be both engaged citizens and faithful disciples.” Find Justin on Twitter @JustinEGiboney.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Roberts Jr.: Their Religious Freedom Is Our Religious Freedom Mar 03, 2022

How did a Baptist pastor’s kid from a small town in East Texas become a trailblazer in the areas of peacemaking and international religious freedom? Bob Roberts Jr.’s faith journey has had many twists and turns, but ultimately it has been—to echo Eugene Peterson—“a long obedience in the same direction.” Things got real for Roberts when he realized his understanding of the gospel was too small and that his theological fidelity was useless if he wasn’t loving people.

Today, Roberts is the founder of GlocalNet, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing the church for transformation in the public square, and he’s co-founder of Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, an organization committed to creating international religious freedom through intentional cross-cultural relationships. He is frequently called upon by the U.S. Department of State, United Nations, U.S. Islamic World Forum, World Economic Forum, ambassadors, diplomats, and others for his groundbreaking work in this field. Roberts is also a church-planting expert, the senior global pastor at Northwood Church in suburban Dallas-Fort Worth, and host of the Bold Love podcast.

In this episode Heather and Dr. Bob discuss what religious freedom is supposed to look like and why religious freedom for others is religious freedom for yourself. They also explore how our fears often prevent us from being loving neighbors, and why interfaith communication is essentially quite biblical.

Says Heather, “Dr. Bob brought so much heart and wisdom to this conversation that you’re going to want to listen to it more than once.”

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kaitlyn Schiess: Political Engagement as Spiritual Formation Feb 24, 2022

Some people say you shouldn’t talk politics and religion in polite conversation, but author Kaitlyn Schiess would (politely) beg to differ. In fact, she’s written a book about the connections between faith and politics. Kaitlyn is a writer and a popular Christian voice on Twitter. A ThD student at Duke Divinity School (where she’s studying political theology, ethics, and biblical interpretation), she previously earned a ThM in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Kaitlyn’s book, The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, was released by InterVarsity Press during the last presidential election year.

In this episode, Heather and Kaitlyn discuss what it means to deconstruct false gospels, the difference between politics and partisanship, and the importance of using discernment in selecting the news sources we consume. Social media can be a really great place to build relationships with others, and Kaitlyn has done this so well, even while discussing difficult topics like theology and politics. She is a great resource for all of us on how we can do this better.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jemar Tisby: Deconstructing Christian Racism Feb 18, 2022

Historian Jemar Tisby is The New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and founder of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also cohost of the Pass the Mic podcast. Jemar’s most recent books are How to Fight Racism and How To Fight Racism: Young Reader’s Edition.

In this episode, Heather and Jemar discuss the complexity of racism within Christianity. Jemar shares ways that we can be better communicators regarding issues of racial justice. And Heather offers practical ideas for seeing and valuing the global Christian community.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sadie Robertson Huff: Who Are You Following? Feb 11, 2022

Sadie Robertson Huff is a Christian speaker, actress, and bestselling author. You may know her from the reality show Duck Dynasty, or her role in the movie God’s Not Dead, or the fact that she was the first runner-up on season 19 of Dancing with the Stars. Sadie is passionate about God and an effective communicator who regularly challenges her generation to wield their influence responsibly. Her latest book is Who Are You Following?: Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World.

In this episode, Heather and Sadie delve into Sadie’s experience of amassing a following of over 4.7 million people on Instagram. Does a platform that large change the type of content you create? Do the people we follow online affect how we see ourselves? Can people without platforms still be influencers? Heather and Sadie answer each of these questions—and more.

With millions of followers and a book about navigating the spiritual pitfalls of social media, Sadie Robertson Huff is the perfect guest for Viral Jesus.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Bessey: Keeping the ‘Social’ in Social Media Feb 03, 2022

In this episode, Heather talks to Canadian Christian writer Sarah Bessey about public platforms, human connections, and embodying the fruit of the Spirit. As the author of such bestselling books as Jesus Feminist and A Rhythm of Prayer, Sarah had built a vibrant community of over 88,000 people on Twitter. But last year she was forced to start over from scratch when her account was unexpectedly deleted. Today she has less than half her previous followers, but she’s steadily rebuilding. Most importantly, she’s learned that, even though they may have disappeared from her profile page, her community never left.

Sarah’s journey reminds us that social media is always, first and foremost, a social network. You can’t build followers without building relationships. Sarah’s social media setback will help you get back to the basics of what really matters: our connection to each other.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Season 2 of ‘Viral Jesus’ Jan 25, 2022

When she’s not teaching communication and social media in the classroom, author and Andrews University professor Heather Thompson Day is back in your podcast feed with all-new episodes of Viral Jesus.

Join Heather as she delves deep with Christian influencers and creators who are using their social media platforms to build community and share the gospel. You’ll hear their stories and learn their strategies for faithfully navigating digital spaces. This season’s guests include thought leaders such as Tish Harrison Warren, Justin Giboney, Felicia Wu Song, and Rich Villodas, as well as artists and pop-culture personalities like Maryanne George and Sadie Robertson Huff.

New episodes start on February 1. Share the Season 2 trailer, and subscribe to Viral Jesus today wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attention All ‘Viral Jesus’ Listeners! Tell Us What You Think Dec 07, 2021

Season's greetings! This is Heather Thompson Day, creator and host of the Viral Jesus podcast from Christianity Today. I hope you enjoyed listening to Viral Jesus' inaugural season as much as our team enjoyed doing it. What a blast it was to talk to some of today's most profound and prolific Christian communicators about how they engage with social media. Whether it's Erin Moon reflecting on the beauty of her Instagram friendships, Kevin Wilson sharing his secrets for TikTok evangelism, or Ed Stetzer dishing practical tips on content creation, Viral Jesus is a-one-of-a-kind podcast where we go deep with Christian influencers and ministry leaders to learn how they're using their social media platforms to build community and share the gospel.

We're currently in between seasons, but I can't wait to see you in early 2022 with all-new episodes. In the meantime, would you help us make Season 2 of Viral Jesus even better by taking a brief listener survey? Just go to MoreCT.com/vj-survey and answer our questions about who you are and what you like most about Viral Jesus. It shouldn't take more than five minutes. And as a thank-you, everyone who completes the survey by December 31, 2021, will be given the opportunity to enter our prize drawing for the chance to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards.

We realize this request is coming to you at one of the busiest times of the year, so thanks in advance for your attention. In a way, this is a perfect time for us to reach out to you. We are eagerly waiting for our next season to come. Advent is a time of waiting too, but it's also a time of preparation—of preparing our hearts to receive the ultimate gift of God's Son. May you experience the hope and joy of this in-between season of waiting and preparation.

Thank you for supporting Viral Jesus. We look forward to learning more about you through the survey. And be on the lookout for Season 2, coming in early 2022.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Episode: It’s Heather’s Turn! Nov 04, 2021

This bonus edition of Viral Jesus features our host, Heather Thompson Day. Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and has been a contributor for Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek and the Barna Group. She is also the author of It’s Not Your Turn: What to Do While You’re Waiting for Your Breakthrough. Heather is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University. She is passionate about supporting women, and runs an online community called I’m That Wife, which has over 200,000 followers. Heather’s voice has been featured by outlets such as The Today Show and the National Communication Association. She has been interviewed by BBC Radio Live and featured in Forbes.

In this episode, CT associate editor Kara Bettis turns the tables on Heather and serves as our special guest host. (Find Kara on Twitter @karabettis.) In a candid and inspiring conversation, Heather and Kara discuss Heather’s own social media strategy, including how she grew her Twitter followers to over 50,000 people in just a few years. They also discuss themes from It’s Not Your Turn, and what every content creator should know about waiting well.

Find Kara on Twitter @karabettis. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Esau McCaulley: ‘Jesus Is the Star of Our Show, Not Just a Solution to Our Problems’ Oct 28, 2021

This bonus episode of Viral Jesus features Esau McCaulley, author of the bestselling book Reading While Black. Esau is a prolific writer, theologian, and assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois.

Heather and Esau discuss Black interpretation of Scripture, social media popularity, and the importance of bringing personal integrity to your creative process. (This chat is a continuation of Esau’s earlier conversation with Heather from Episode One.) You can find Esau active on Twitter @esaumccaulley.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed Stetzer: Rising Above the Outrage Oct 21, 2021

This week Heather visits with her friend Ed Stetzer for a no-holds-barred conversation on the evangelical community’s often fractious online engagement with politics and culture. Ed is a professor and dean at Wheaton College, where he also serves as executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books on faith, leadership, and culture. He is regional director for Lausanne North America, editor-in-chief of Outreach Magazine, and is frequently interviewed by news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. He is also the founding editor of The Gospel Project, a curriculum used by more than 1.7 million individuals each week for Bible study.

Heather and Ed discuss themes from his most recent book, Christians in the Age of Outrage: How to Bring Our Best When the World Is at Its Worst. How can we be faithful ambassadors of Jesus in a caustic, divisive, and frequently irrational social media environment? Listen in to this stimulating discussion for helpful reflections on the church’s opportunity for outreach in this “age of outrage.” You can follow Ed on Twitter @edstetzer.

Also, in this week’s #GrowingViral, meet Quantrilla Ard, host of the blog The PhD Mamma. As a faith-based personal and spiritual-development writer, “Quanny” is on a quest to shine a light on the shadowy, hidden places in her own life while helping others do the same. Dr. Ard has a multidisciplinary background in public health and health psychology, professions that speak to her desire to address both the physical and spiritual needs of hurting people.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erin Moon: Spanx, Bible Binges, and the Beauty of Instagram Community Oct 14, 2021

This week, Heather is joined by Erin Hicks Moon. Erin is the resident Bible scholar on The Bible Binge podcast, host of the Faith Adjacent podcast, and senior creative at the Popcast Media Group.

Erin discusses her amazing journey in building authentic connections with thousands of women on Instagram using her honest humor and wisdom. She spills her trade secrets on growing an Instagram community and offers tips on how to not just use Instagram as a tool for yourself but to empower those around you to feel seen, heard, and known. You can find Erin on Instagram @erinhmoon.

Also, in this week’s #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet Benjamin Lundquist, host of the Rise and Lead podcast, where he shares rich practical insights and guest content to help listeners learn what makes great leaders great. Find Benjamin on Twitter @Benjaminlund and Instagram @benjaminlundquist.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Wilson, Chai Tea, and the Rise of Christian TikTok Oct 07, 2021

This week, Heather visits with Kevin Spencer Wilson, known online to his throng of followers as “Cross Culture Christian.” Kevin was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Sultanate of Oman when he was 12. Over the past 30 years, he has learned to speak three and a half languages and has traveled to 13 countries. He is currently a youth pastor in Oceanside, California, where he says he attempts to help his tribe think meaningfully about their lives so they can live their lives meaningfully.

Heather and Kevin discuss his explosive growth on TikTok (more than 200,000 followers in less than two years). This conversation will help you understand what it means to be a Christian content creator as well as how to bring yourself authentically to your content. Kevin has been exceptionally successful at thinking about what makes you who you are and trying to build bridges through celebrating what brings us together rather than what separates us. Kevin is practicing digital evangelism in a way he never thought possible—by conversationally sharing spiritual concepts with his audience as he makes a cup of chai tea, a symbol of hospitality deeply connected to his life in Sri Lanka. Find Kevin on TikTok @crossculturechristian.

Also, in this week’s #GrowingViral segment, we highlight the Pocket Pulpit podcast. Hosted by Sarah Kinzer and Hector Martinez, Pocket Pulpit explores questions surrounding social media ministry. What is it, and how do you do it effectively? If you love Viral Jesus, you will love Pocket Pulpit, too. Find Sarah and Hector on Twitter @kinzer_sarah and @seatexhex.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taylor Schumann: A Shooting Survivor Finds Her Voice Sep 30, 2021

Taylor S. Schumann says she’s always been a writer, but on a spring day in 2013 she became an activist, too. It was an otherwise ordinary afternoon at New River Community College in Christiansburg, Virginia, when a gunman’s bullet tore through her left hand, and she became a victim of yet another mass shooting in America. In the split-second moment of the shooting, and the long work of healing and trauma recovery that followed, her beliefs about gun reform, “thoughts and prayers,” and the role of the church in our nation’s relentless trend of gun violence were irreversibly altered.

In this episode, Heather and Taylor discuss life in the aftermath of gun violence. Through her story, Taylor invites us to meet the suffering around us with our whole-hearted attention. May we all resist the impulse to look away from an uncomfortable subject and instead listen intently to Taylor’s bold message. Find her at taylorschumann.com and on Twitter @taylorsschumann.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Clifford Stumme, also known as “the Pop Song Professor.” Clifford loves poetry and has decided to engage with culture by analyzing songs that top the charts and looking for their deeper meaning. Find Clifford on Twitter @CliffordStumme. He’s also the host of the podcast Obsessed.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raymond Chang: From Invisibility to Advocacy Sep 23, 2021

This week, Heather talks to Raymond Chang, president and cofounder of the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC). Ray is well known on social media for his bold voice on issues pertaining to faith, race, and justice. Ray also serves as a campus minister at Wheaton College, where he leads the school’s Discipleship Ministries program. He preaches and speaks around the country and has lived throughout the world (Korea, Guatemala, Panama, Spain, China). Find Ray on Twitter @tweetraychang.

In this episode Heather and Ray discuss political divisions in the church, the anti-Asian violence that made headlines earlier this year, and ways we all can keep a global mindset when worshiping with one another. Ray also explains how our faith calls us to address the sin of racism in the church and society.

And in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Sam Dumcum, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and duathlete who is an outspoken champion for mental health and for helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Find Sam on Instagram @samdumcum and on Twitter @SamDumcum.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Higgins: Finding Life Beyond ‘The Bachelor’ Sep 16, 2021

This week, former Bachelor star and Bachelorette contestant Ben Higgins joins Heather for an insightful conversation about the emptiness of fame, the criticism he faced as a Christian on a reality-television dating show, and why authentic connections with people are more important than having millions of social media followers.

Higgins is also garnering attention as an author. His new book, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You’re Seen but Not Known, explores his struggles with loneliness and insecurity, and shows how he finds ultimate hope in his connection with God. Find Ben on Instagram @higgins.ben.

And in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Vimbo Zvandasara-Zhou, creator of Between Believers, an online speed dating event meant to bring love and connection to people who are searching for it right from their phone screens. Vimbo created Between Believers after journeying through her own singleness during the pandemic. Find Vimbo on Instagram @betweenbelievers and on Twitter @ohvimbo.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kat Armas: Unmuting Women’s Voices Sep 09, 2021

What if some of our greatest theologians are the last people we’d consider theologians? This is the riveting question posed by author Kat Armas in her new book, Abuelita Faith. A second-generation Cuban American who grew up on the outskirts of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, Kat's earliest theological formation came from her grandmother—her abuelita—who fled Cuba during the height of political unrest and raised three children alone after her husband’s death. In her grandmother’s life, Kat discovered a bold expression of faith that has challenged, motivated, and inspired her in her own spiritual journey. Today as a writer, speaker, and podcaster, Kat shows us how voices from the margins—those often dismissed because of their gender, race, socioeconomic status, or lack of education—have more to teach us about following God than we realize.

In this episode, Heather and Kat discuss everyday theologians, the power of our family stories, and what we can learn from women in the Bible about survival, strength, and resilience. You will see quickly why Kat is one of Heather’s favorite social media follows. Find her at KatArmas.com and on Twitter @kat_armas.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Raquel Mentor. Raquel is a social media manager who helps people, churches, and brands share their value with online audiences. You can find Raquel active on Instagram @thementorlife and on Twitter @raqueljmentor.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Trolls Attack Sep 02, 2021

Social media spaces are full of mean-spirited and contentious personalities who thrive on antagonizing others. Listen in as Heather and her guest, theologian Ian Clary, discuss how to deal with social media bullies. They offer practical tips for focusing on your craft more than your critics. Ian also shares his formula for becoming an effective podcaster.

Ian Clary is an assistant professor of historical theology at Colorado Christian University. He is a fellow of the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies; the Center for Baptist Renewal; the Center for Ancient Christian Studies; and was recently a board member with the Davenant Institute. Ian also cohosts Into Theology, a podcast from The Gospel Coalition Canada.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Jessica Kisunzu, an assistant professor of organic chemistry at Colorado College. As an African American chemist, Jessica is passionate about mentoring Black students in the sciences. And she also finds time to share her musical gifts. She’s active on Twitter @JKisunzu, on Instagram @jkisunzumusic, and on her YouTube channel.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Work Is the Platform' Aug 26, 2021

Author, literary scholar, and social media dynamo Karen Swallow Prior joins Heather for an engrossing discussion on what it means to build a “platform.” They dive right into the debate that is taking over much of Christian influencer culture—is a huge social media platform a byproduct of pursuing one’s call, or is it the call itself? Karen explains what she believes it means to be truly “called” and questions the unhealthy desperation to be published that she sees among some writers. Warning: This episode may ruffle a few feathers, but it will also stir conviction!

Karen Swallow Prior is a research professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her books include Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books. She is co-editor of Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues and has written articles for Christianity Today, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Relevant, The Gospel Coalition, and many others.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Madison Hart. Madi is a lover of Jesus, books, and the great outdoors, and has created a blog that she hopes will make you feel less alone. You can find Madi and her blog on Instagram @M’s Inklings.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Virtual Friends Forever Aug 18, 2021

In this episode, Heather and her “online friend” Pastor Aaron Duvall discuss how to build genuine online friendships. They also explore the value of online Christian community—especially during the pandemic. Plus, Aaron reveals the story behind Weird Christian Twitter.

Aaron is the teaching pastor and director of communication at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post, New York, where he resides with his wife, Chera, and daughter, Harper. You can find Aaron active on Twitter @RevDuv.

Also, in the #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet photographer Autry Jones. He’s active on Instagram @autryjonescreative, where he publishes photos that share God’s beauty in everyday life.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Listening Channel Aug 12, 2021

This week, Heather introduces you to her good friend Justin Khoe. Justin is a church consultant and a self-taught video whiz who now has over 116,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. With series like “I’m Listening,” where he sits down with people who hold various opposing views and simply listens, Justin is turning YouTube into a spiritual laboratory for curiosity and understanding.

In this episode, Heather and Justin discuss what it really means to be passionate about your calling, how to engage your critics, and things every content creator should know before they start creating. In addition to YouTube, Justin is active on Twitter @jkhoe and has launched a rapidly growing TikTok presence.

Also, in the #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet Benjamin Young. Heather and Benjamin discuss his podcast, Guard the Gift, and how his passions for ministry and education intersect. You can find Benjamin active on Twitter @BJYoung1990.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Becoming a Better Social Media Neighbor Aug 04, 2021

This week Heather welcomes pastor, radio host, and social media expert Douglas Bursch. Doug copastors Evergreen Foursquare Church in Auburn, Washington. He earned his DMin from George Fox Evangelical Seminary with a dissertation focused on social media, and he opens up the topic for a lay audience in his latest book, Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It.

In an episode filled with candid insight and inspiration, Heather and Doug discuss online discouragement, platforming, the mystery of Twitter verification, and how to stay “fairly spiritual” even on contentious social networks. In addition to his Fairly Spiritual website, you can find Doug active on Twitter @fairlyspiritual.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet Joshua Wu. Joshua serves as a vice president for a global communications and data analytics firm. He is also the editorial director for Reclaim, the magazine of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. Follow Joshua on Twitter @joshswu.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Hosted and created by: Heather Thompson Day

Produced by: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Billion Views of Hope Jul 28, 2021

In this episode of Viral Jesus, Heather meets one of her online heroes, Kristina Kuzmic—mom blogger, YouTube storyteller, and author of Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still. Kristina was discovered by Oprah Winfrey in 2011 and crowned the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality-television competition Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star. Now, with over 1 billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill.

Listen in as Heather and Kristina discuss resilience, hope, and knowing your purpose. And follow Kristina’s adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, Pastor Aaron Duvall shares about his social media practices. Aaron is the teaching pastor and director of communication at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post, New York, where he resides with his wife, Chera, and daughter, Harper. You can find Aaron active on Twitter.

You can find Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Hosted and created by:

Heather Thompson Day

Produced by: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tweeting While Black Jul 20, 2021

This first episode of Viral Jesus, season 1, features Esau McCaulley, author of Reading While Black. Esau is a biblical scholar and assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois. In this episode, Heather and Esau discuss Black interpretation of Scripture, social media, and critics. You can find Esau active on Twitter.

Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Dorena Williamson. Dorena is the author of a set of children’s books that help parents introduce conversations of race and faith. Her books Colorfull, Thoughtfull, and Gracefull are books that every parent should have to teach kids how to be thoughtful and colorful rather than colorblind. You can find Dorena active on Twitter.

You can find Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

The show was created by Heather Thompson Day

Produced by: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing: Viral Jesus Jul 12, 2021

Viral Jesus is a podcast from Christianity Today about digital communication and the power of social connections. Join author and communication scholar Heather Thompson Day as she dives deep with ministry founders, content creators, and social media thought leaders to find out how they’re starting important conversations online and making their faith go viral.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices