The RELEVANT Podcast

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

In this episode, host Cameron Strang, Derek, Emily and Marty discuss everything from home renovations to the impact of recent hurricanes to the challenges faced by communities in disaster relief. The conversation shifts to the music industry, particularly the issue of plagiarism in Christian music, before diving into an interview with Chris Llewellyn from Rend Collective about their new music and the exploration of worship. The episode concludes with Table Topics that go very, very sideways.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Derek's Home Renovations02:56 Hurricane Helene Impact 06:08 Disaster Relief and Community Support08:53 Christian Music and Plagiarism 18:20 Rend Collective's New Music and Worship Exploration35:05 Table TopicsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we’re joined by churchome pastors Judah and Chelsea Smith! We have a fascinating conversation about change and innovation — something they’re pretty known for. Plus, Cameron records during a hurricane, Jesse realizes he’s fantastic at bowling, and the cast debates the merits of pickleball versus racquetball. For RELEVANT Buzz, there’s a new study showing how young women are getting more liberal and young men more conservative, and movie theater owners are doing some crazy things to attract people again. And at the end of the show, we have a big announcement! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by author Lysa TerKeurst, who gives us a first look at her upcoming book about healing from a toxic relationship. Plus, the cast brings the week's Slices, we do a deep-dive into the impact of 2000s VH-1, and at the end of the show we have Pumpkin Spice Hot Takes!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by author and pastor Max Lucado for a fascinating conversation about the End Times. Don't miss it! Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering everything from Nate Bargatze's unexpected role in SNL's 50th season, to Caitlin Clarke's social media backlash, to "big news" about the 'Passion of the Christ' sequel. At the end, we have your hilarious reality show ideas, and prepare yourself, the cast talks a lot about their hair. Or lack thereof. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Carlos Whittaker, who has a new book tackling the benefits of unplugging from our phones because of some unexpected experiences he recently embraced. We talk to him about it all. Plus, the cast tackles the current state of the music industry and award shows (thanks, VMAs), as well as Kendrick Lamar name-dropping some Christian rappers in his new track, spy whales, and the role of AI in unemployment benefits. At the end of the show, because the Emmys were Sunday, they have a session of a TV-themed "Unpopular Opinions Roundtable," and somehow ended up in a deep dive of an obscure Ben Stiller film. Of course.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Drew Holcomb (sans neighbors) to talk about his new album that happens to drop today! Plus, the cast dives deep into the new Mormon housewives show (sorry), a little mention of the debate (nothing partisan, we promise), and the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering the big Nate Bargatze news, the reason why so many millennials are not having kids, and a true testament to getting back up after you get knocked down: the return of FireFest. At the end of the show, we have your feedback about '90s movies that still hold up!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by author and speaker Sarah Jakes Roberts, who tackles the uncomfortable topic of submission in our conversation, and a lot more. Plus, the cast tackles fall sports (fast-forward a few minutes if you have no interest, except Emily does somehow reference motocross and High School Musical), we have the week's Slices (which somehow discusses the Mr. Lagoon controversy?) and at the end of the show we test the cast's fall TV knowledge with the game "Docu-Drama or Docu-Dream?" It'll make sense, we promise. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by worship leader Aodhan King — you knew him from Hillsong Young & Free, and now he's just released solo music you need to hear. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a new movie that had a pastor on-set to pray over the shoot, to crazy chimp people. We also extensively cover '90s movies and how well they do or don't hold up, and at the end of the show we have your feedback!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by historian and author Dr. Jemar Tisby, who has a new book out today taking a closer look at forgotten heroes of faith who sought justice — don't miss it! Plus, we have the week's Slices — which covers everything from Suzanne Summers, to Big Fluoride, to MSG, to Lana Del Rey's very confusing dating history. You know, the important things facing our nation. Plus, Jesse makes a great case to eliminate time zones. And at the end of the show, we play College Football Follies!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Derek Johnson and Marie Elizabeth from Jesus Culture! The iconic worship group just released a new album and we have a great conversation about how to stay connected to the church through changing seasons. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering Chick-Fil-A's new streaming service, the massive curveball the pro-life movement got this summer, and an example of someone trusting AI just a little too much. At the end of the show, we have your feedback about the weird internet niches that show up in your social media streams!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy