The RELEVANT Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, we're joined by David Funk from Bethel Music! Plus, Cameron apologizes for us missing the last episode — a hurricane prevented it unfortunately — and you hear his inspiring tale of surviving on Brioche bread. Derek joins late because of Emily, and then we have Slices — covering Netflix's new live talk show, Tesla's innovations in robotics, which may or may not delve into a discussion of WALL-E's predictions for humanity, and the implications of dream communication technology. At the end of the show, we have a new game called Guilty Confessions, revealing the quirks and guilty pleasures of the hosts.00:00Introduction and Apologies03:07Hurricane Milton Experience and Aftermath09:46Time Zone Confusion and Late Arrivals12:11Home Renovations and Life Updates18:00The Unexpected Impact of Contractors on Home Life22:06Discussion on Sitcoms and Remakes27:01Netflix's New Live John Mulaney Talk Show34:10Tesla and Robotics Innovations38:58The Illusion of Automation43:27WALL-E and the Future of Comfort45:52Dream Communication: A Sci-Fi Reality?47:29David Funk: Worship and Community at Bethel Music52:57The Heart of Worship: Responding to God's Presence56:23The Unique Experience of Worship Nights01:00:07Guilty ConfessionsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode, we're joined by Dr. Francis Collins, a prominent scientist and Christian leader. We talk about the intersection of science and faith, exploring whether they can coexist and complement each other. He discusses the societal division regarding truth, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for Christians to take action in bridging divides and restoring trust in science and faith communities. We also have the week's Slices, which gets way too into birds and travel magic, and a very dumb stunt taken against a fake Taylor Swift guitar. And at the end we play "Would You Rather: Fall Edition"!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy