The Relevant Podcast

Today we're joined by worship artist and author Tauren Wells! This week he released his debut book talking about joy — a topic that gets largely overlooked (or misunderstood) in the Church. Plus, for those of you who've asked us to bring Slices back — you're in luck! And at the end of the show, it's a Memorial Day edition of One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we’re joined by genre-defying artist Cautious Clay, who tells us about the process behind his new album, The Hours: Morning! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz, two Christian hits have broken into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in over a decade, and we talk about why Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank are redefining industry momentum. Plus we have the notable news from all the TV up-fronts happening this week, and some surprising legislation that got filed this week. Plus, the crew reflects on the podcast’s 20th anniversary, the one-sided "rivalry" we had with Joel Osteen in the early years, and Jesse still being bitter about Osteen standing us up at the Nik Wallenda high wire stunt. And at the end of the show, the crew plays another round of One Has to Go—play along!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by author Mike Foster! We talk about his fascinating work around the 7 primal questions — it's an eye-opening conversation you can't miss. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a record-setting baptism event, to The Chosen's box office impact, to scientists that figured exactly when you become an adult (it's later than you think) and nobigdyl's big NPR Tiny Desk news. And yes, in the midst of all that Jesse and Marty come up with some fresh suggestions to pump up the Sunday morning church experience. At the end of the show, we have another edition of One Has to Go! And Derek might or might not be on a life-changing trip this week. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by indie worship artist Gracie Binion! We talk about her fight to create a pure, authentic worship space and how she’s carving out her own path in the Christian music scene. Plus, well, if you're not interested in the whole "can one gorilla beat 100 men" debate, just fast-forward to Gracie's interview, because that's half the show. (Not really. But kinda. And Cameron does have an unreal gorilla story.) In RELEVANT Buzz, we talk about the big recent moments from Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, nobigdyl is making waves again with his NPR Tiny Desk contest submission, and it turns out that 45% of guys 18-25 have never asked a girl out in person. We have some advice. At the end of the show, don't miss One Has to Go! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by one of our favorite worship collectives, One Voice! Co-founder Gospel Chidi joins us to talk about the band’s new album and how the group keeps the essential things essential. Plus, Jesse's back and Emily's out, so it's an all boy's episode — you've been warned. We cover everything from police Chick-fil-A deliveries to aliens being real to coverups of technology that could destroy the world. And at the end of the show, it's another edition of "One Has to Go"!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by worship artist TAYA, who just released her highly anticipated sophomore solo album. It came out of a chaotic, restless season of her life, from becoming a new mom to facing a cancer diagnosis, and she tells us all about it. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from what's really happening when you're rewatching your comfort shows, to some positive news about Bible engagement in our generation, to the news a new social network might be on the way. Plus, at the end of the show we have another round of "One Has to Go!"Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by none other than Jonathan Roumie, who you know as Jesus in 'The Chosen'! We talk about the highly anticipated season 5, and the challenges of bringing the humanity of Jesus to the big screen. Plus, after discussing Internet trolls we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from an unexpected moment of healthy boundaries on a hit dating show, to a new study showing a lot more people have decided to follow Jesus in the last 5 years than many realized, to the contestant on 'American Idol' that is taking everyone to CHURCH. And at the end of the show, we have "One Has to Go"!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by John Mark McMillan! He's dropping his new album, Cosmic Supreme, and we talk about his decision to step away from worship music for a decade while navigating a faith crisis, and his decision to step back into it as he’s reconstructing his faith. It’s a fascinating and vulnerable conversation. Plus, it's Jesse's birthday! We celebrate by playing a new game, "WWJD (What Would Jesse Do?)". Plus, we of course talk about the viral Marvin Sapp offering video and have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from some big Jesus box office news, to a new study that found fascinating links between prayer and neuroscience, and the story of the stranded NASA astronaut who still attended church each week while stuck in space!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by R&B legend Aloe Blacc! He has a new project out that not only has great music, but also makes a big impact. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, featuring everything from Chris Pratt explaining fasting to Stephen Colbert, to some surprisingly vulnerable talk about faith and emotional health in the women's Sweet 16, to the deeply Christian origins of basketball (God's favorite sport?). And lastly, NEW THEME SONG, WHO DIS? The evolution of the show continues, and we want to hear what you think! Hit us up on our new podcast IG account: @RELEVANTpodcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by worship leader Jenn Johnson! We talk about all the new stuff she's working on this year (like her first solo album), as well what it looks like to incorporate worship into all aspects of our lives. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from Denzel Washington's inspiring speech to the Colorado football team, to South Korea's unexpected approach to solving low birth rates, to Jonathan Roumie's very unexpected past acting gig. And at the end of the show we celebrate March Madness by picking our bracket based solely on the actual team mascots!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Blessing Offor! You might know him from The Voice or from his hit songs like “Brighter Days” and “Believe,” but beyond the music, Blessing has a mission and we talk to him about it. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from Detroit Pistons star Jaden Ivey, to a new study that figured out how long it takes your brain to break its phone addiction, to Christopher Nolan's new epic. And at the end of the show we have Ask the Cast Part Deux!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guest today is author and therapist John Eldredge! He’s written iconic books like Wild at Heart, and we talk to him about his latest, Experience Jesus. Really. You don't want to miss this conversation. Plus, if you like the intersection of faith and culture, this is the episode for you. We have deep dives on The Weeknd's surprising turn, Mumford & Son's worship era and Marvin Sapp's iconic Tiny Desk moment. Plus at the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by the man behind the new Amazon series "House of David" and a lot of the non-cheesy Christian movies that have come out over the last few years—Jon Erwin. We talk about his new project and his vision for the future of Christian content. Plus, the crew brings the week's Slices, ranging from the unsurprising fact no one watched the Oscar-nominated films, to the surprising faith story of the top college basketball team, to Gen Z's financial outlook (spoiler alert: it's stressful). And at the end of the show, we put the cast's fringe Florida knowledge to the test with the game "Is It a Florida Headline or Not?" Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by new Christian artist Joseph O’Brien, who made his mark on 'America's Got Talent' and has released some great music leading up to his label debut album this year. We talk to him about his journey, his new music and his top 5 Christian pop punk bands of all time. Plus, well, it's a weird one. If you like deep dives on napping culture, haunted mattresses, space camp, ducks running radio stations and ironic beaver names, this is the episode for you. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

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

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

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

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

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