Best Pop Disciple Podcasts (2025)

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Do Less with Less: Bill Harrison on Leadership Lessons for a Shrinking Church 1:11:53

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21h ago1:11:53

1:11:53

What does leadership look like when the church is shrinking? In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with Rev. Dr. Bill Harrison, president of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon and author of Leadership in a Shrinking Church. Harrison shares candid insights from his own journey—from growing up in a fundamentalist tradition to leading in ecum…

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120 Petra - No Doubt 1:25:44

9d ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Jay and Clifton battle fatigue, confusion, and surprisingly funky bass lines as they revisit Petra’s 14th studio album, No Doubt.By Clifton Stuckey

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Chad Brooks on Practical Tools for Normal-Sized Churches 56:00

8d ago56:00

56:00

What does it really mean for a church to be “healthy”? In this episode, Loren sits down with Chad Brooks—United Methodist congregational vitality strategist and author of Is My Church Healthy? Drawing on his years of experience as a church planter, pastor, and denominational leader, Brooks challenges common assumptions about growth and health. He u…

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Episode 133: How to Help Your Kids Process the Loss of Charlie Kirk 38:08

9d ago38:08

38:08

In this somber episode, we reflect on the tragic and violent loss of Charlie Kirk. Just hours before he was killed, Charlie shared his favorite verse—Romans 8:28—a verse that has become a guiding light for many through the grief and confusion left in the wake of his death. Our hope with this episode is to give parents some tools for walking through…

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Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr. on Navigating Ministry Without Losing Yourself 51:28

18d ago51:28

51:28

How do pastors and church leaders navigate ministry when the battles feel relentless? In this episode, Loren talks with Bishop Jeffrey V. Dudley Sr.—retired Air Force chaplain, pastor, and leadership coach. Drawing from his decades of service in the military and the church, Bishop Dudley shares candid reflections on leadership, spiritual practices,…

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Reimagining Seminary and Church Vitality — Insights from Doug Powe 39:03

22d ago39:03

39:03

What does it mean to lead the church toward vitality in a time of disruption, decline, and shifting cultural landscapes? In this episode, Loren sits down with Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., President of Phillips Theological Seminary. Recorded live at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this conversation explores how semina…

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Episode 132. The Lie of Best-Selfism 58:31

22d ago58:31

58:31

This episode tackles the cultural lie of Best-Selfism — the belief that personal happiness and fulfillment should be the highest priorities in life, often at the expense of faith and family. Host Amy Davison argues that this ideology, endorsed by celebrities like Tom Brady and various influencers, is a destructive blend of emotionalism, self-help, …

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119 Puller - Roadside Monument Split EP 1:24:40

22d ago1:24:40

1:24:40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk_xuO48oAI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI7LO5vONRs&t=1505s&ab_channel=slint https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://calmcollapse.bandcamp.com/album/mirrored-nature https://calmcollapse.bandcamp.com/album/mirrored-natureBy Clifton Stuckey

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Safeguarding the Church: Integrity, Healing, and Hope - Insights from Lisa Compton and Taylor Patterson 51:51

29d ago51:51

51:51

What does it mean to build safer, healthier churches in a world where abuse and misuse of power have left deep scars? In this conversation, Loren talks with Dr. Lisa Compton and Taylor Patterson, co-editors of Skills for Safeguarding: A Guide to Preventing Abuse and Fostering Healing in the Church. Drawing on decades of counseling and trauma work, …

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118 Noggin Toboggan - Snapcase 1:45:57

1M ago1:45:57

1:45:57

Jay and Clifton get swept off in a sugar-crashing rush by Noggin Toboggan’s Snapcase, a record that asks: what if MXPX had no oversight except a youth pastor?Also check out our appearance on the Jesus Stole Our Movies podcast, with former guests Donovan and Zac, where we discuss The Last Temptation of Christ!…

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Revival, Renewal, and the Future of the Disciples – Live from GA with Dennis Sanders 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

Recorded live from the 2025 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN, Loren is joined once again by pastor and podcaster Dennis Sanders for a candid conversation about the state and future of the denomination. They reflect on what’s changed since past gatherings, the unique role and challenges of General Assembl…

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Episode 131. ROARing Through K-Pop Demon Hunters 1:01:26

1M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

In this episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast, Hillary, Amy and Alexa analyze the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters using their ROAR method: Recognize the message, Offer objective discernment, Argue for a healthier approach, and Reinforce through discussion, discipleship, and prayer. With the film gaining popularity among teens and younger a…

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Drew Crowson and the Parish Model Approach to Church Planting 53:47

1M ago53:47

53:47

What does it take to start a brand-new church in one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Drew Crowson, an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Dallas planting a church in Celina, Texas—a city where 800 new residents arrive every month and there’s never been an Episcopal congregation. Drew shares h…

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117 This Train - You're Soaking In It 1:14:21

2M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Jay and Clifton get lured in by a punky Amy Grant cover, only to wake up in a double wide with pink flamingos, Mr. Rogers, and some surprisingly solid songwriting.By Clifton Stuckey

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Pop, Purity, and Power: Joelle Kidd on Unpacking Evangelical Influence 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

What happens when Christian faith gets filtered through purity rings, YA fiction, and pop-punk soundtracks? In this episode, co-host Martha Tatarnic welcomes writer and journalist Joelle Kidd to discuss her new book, Jesusland. Joelle shares her experiences growing up in a conservative Christian school and how the teachings she received influenced …

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Episode 130: Can Christians Judge? 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

In this episode, we tackle a hot-button question that’s tripping up Christians left and right: Can Christians judge? And if so, how do we do it well and teach our kids to do the same? We dive into this by unpacking the recent backlash against Chip and Joanna Gaines for featuring a homosexual couple on their new show and Chip's comments that Christi…

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Faith, Spectacle & the Business of Church: Marti & Mulder on Schuller’s Enduring Influence 51:04

2M ago51:04

51:04

What can we learn about the future of the church by looking back at Robert Schuller? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. speaks with sociologists Gerardo Marti and Mark Mulder about their new biography, The Church Must Grow or Perish: Robert Schuller and the Business of American Christianity. Together, they explore how Schuller’s entrepreneurial vi…

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Loren & Martha Live from Canada: Faith, Loss, and Life in the Middle Years 1:06:10

2M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

What does faith look like in the middle of life? In this special in-person episode of podcast, co-hosts Loren Richmond Jr. and Martha Tatarnic reflect on the spiritual realities of middle age. Recorded together in St. Catharines, Ontario, they explore how faith changes through grief, caregiving, shifting theology, and the evolving nature of ministr…

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116 Slick Shoes - Rusty 2:23:54

2M ago2:23:54

2:23:54

Jay and Clifton return to Clifton's favorite punk band, Slick Shoes, for their debut album, Rusty!By Clifton Stuckey

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Walking into Sorrow: Andrew Root on Evangelism in the Age of Despair 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

What if the most faithful act of evangelism isn’t preaching—but sitting with someone in their grief? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with theologian and returning guest Dr. Andrew Root to explore what it means to practice evangelism in an age defined by despair. Drawing from his latest book, Evangelism in the Age of Despair: Hope Beyond t…

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Rethinking Seminary for the Next Generation: Bekah Buchterkirchen on Innovation, Inclusion, and Formation 48:36

3M ago48:36

48:36

As seminaries face shrinking enrollments, rising costs, and shifting demographics, what models of theological education will carry the church forward? In this episode, Loren talks with Bekah Buchterkirchen, a writer, speaker, and former dean of students with nearly a decade in Christian higher education. Drawing from her experiences in seminary lea…

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May Young on Biblical Lament as Resistance, Resilience, and Hope 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

What if the path to hope isn’t found in overcoming pain, but in naming it? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. speaks with Dr. May Young, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University and author of Walking with God Through the Valley: Recovering the Purpose of Biblical Lament. Together, they explore why lament—too often overlooked in…

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115 Buck - Buck 2:33:05

3M ago2:33:05

2:33:05

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL272A23B9EAABAC03 https://www.facebook.com/buckdetroit/ https://downthelinezine.com/cue/buck_enterprises https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/2021/06/13/buck-ska-is-the-limit/ https://www.christianmusicarchive.com/album/buck https://www.amazon.com/Logic-Enemy-Out-Time/dp/B000OYCGYA https://www.youtub…

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The Scandal of Ordaining Women: the Legacy of the Philadelphia Eleven with Margo Guernsey 1:02:34

3M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

What happens when a group of women dare to follow their calling—despite being told they can’t? In this compelling episode, Martha Tatarnic speaks with documentary filmmaker Margo Guernsey about her powerful film The Philadelphia Eleven, which tells the story of the first women ordained as Episcopal priests in 1974. Margo reflects on her own evolvin…

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Future Focused Church with Raymond Chang 39:06

3M ago39:06

39:06

In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Raymond Chang—pastor, writer, and Executive Director of the TENx10 Collaboration at Fuller Seminary. As co-author of Future Focused Church, Raymond shares a hopeful, grounded vision for how churches can embrace change, cultivate culture, and lead the next generation with clarity and purpose. Drawing fr…

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Episode 129. How Dads Can Disciple Their Kids with Shane Winnings 44:28

3M ago44:28

44:28

Welcome back, Mama Bears—and this week, we’re tagging in the Papa Bears! In part two of our conversation with Shane Winnings (Army vet, former cop, and now CEO of Promise Keepers), we go full throttle into what it means for men to lead their families biblically—as protector, provider, and priest. Spoiler alert: this isn’t just about paying the bill…

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114 Steve Taylor - Squint 2:38:34

3M ago2:38:34

2:38:34

https://www.instagram.com/excompod/ https://open.spotify.com/show/5WYfTqA2EK48nfcdC1PL8S?si=507d06949fe24d29By Clifton Stuckey

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Leading with Grace: Suzanne Nadell on Navigating Faith, Media & Polarization 50:44

4M ago50:44

50:44

How can the church learn from the newsroom? In this episode, Loren welcomes veteran journalist and media executive Suzanne Nadell to explore what faith leaders can gain from the world of communications. Drawing from her decades of experience in newsrooms across the country, Suzanne reflects on her own faith journey as a preacher’s kid, the challeng…

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Renewing Christian Institutions: John Hawthorne on Fearless Leadership in a Changing Culture 1:01:27

4M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

What if Christian colleges—and churches—stopped being driven by fear? In this episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren sits down (literally, in person) with sociologist and Substack writer John Hawthorne to talk about his new book The Fearless Christian University. Drawing on nearly four decades in Christian higher education, John outlines wh…

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Episode 128: What every Dad needs from his Family, Church, and Brothers in Christ With Shane Winnings 51:44

4M ago51:44

51:44

This month, we're turning the spotlight on our Papa Bears—and what better way to kick it off than with Shane Winnings, the new CEO of Promise Keepers! In this episode, we dive into Shane’s powerful testimony—from military life and law enforcement to full-time ministry—and his heart for helping men stand firm in their God-given identity. We talk abo…

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113 Disciple - My Daddy Can Whip Your Daddy 1:35:35

4M ago1:35:35

1:35:35

We did it! After a long, slow descent into Christian music-induced madness, we've finally found where the sea floor drops off into oblivion thanks to an album so aggressively dull, so devoid of anything resembling intrigue or artistic value, that it’s left us staring into the yawning void of our own psychosis. Congratulations to Christian music’s c…

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Money, Mission, and Ministry: Grace Pomroy on Church Sustainability 59:40

4M ago59:40

59:40

Can your church pay the bills and follow God’s call with integrity? In this episode, Loren talks with stewardship educator and sustainability strategist Grace Duddy Pomroy about how churches can embrace bold, faithful financial models without compromising their mission. Grace offers insights drawn from her national research and latest book on reima…

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From Resurrection to Real Estate: John Cleghorn on Church Land for Community Good 52:34

4M ago52:34

52:34

What if your church property wasn’t a burden—but a blessing to your neighbors? In this episode, Loren talks with John Cleghorn about the growing movement of churches reimagining their buildings and land to address the affordable housing crisis. Drawing from firsthand experience and national trends, John explores how faith communities can embrace a …

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Episode 127. Cub Tales and Mom Fails 23:48

4M ago23:48

23:48

Hey Mama Bears! In this special episode, we’re lightening things up with a hilarious and heartfelt collection of real-life “mom fails” and kid shenanigans straight from our own community. From toddlers cleaning toilets with sriracha to spontaneous airport throw-up disasters (yes, really), this episode is all about laughing through the chaos and rem…

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112 Black Cherry Soda - Grin 1:28:18

4M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

https://youtu.be/kbQKs3dV-yE?si=uITkyNhR6IzR1bS_ https://cmnexus.org/profiles/Black_Cherry_Soda https://downthelinezine.com/cue/black_cherry_soda https://www.discogs.com/release/2285596-Black-Cherry-Soda-Grin https://boottohead.com/bth101.html https://palmbeachbookery.com/products/black-cherry-soda-grin https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.co…

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Healthy Calling: Arianna Molloy on Burnout, Purpose, and Redefining Work 53:24

5M ago53:24

53:24

What if burnout isn’t the end of your calling—but an invitation to reimagine it? In this episode, Loren talks with Dr. Arianna Molloy, author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work, about how our deepest exhaustion can reveal what matters most. Drawing from her own journey and years of research, Arianna offers insight for leader…

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fuck Spotify 1:32

4M ago1:32

1:32

If you listen to our podcast on Spotify, it might be time to change thatBy Clifton Stuckey

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TikTok Pastor: Bethany Peerbolte is Reimagining Church Online 59:02

5M ago59:02

59:02

What happens when your most meaningful ministry happens through a smartphone screen? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. welcomes Rev. Bethany Peerbolte—a self-described “TikTok Pastor” and the founding leader of Our Tapestry, a fully digital church community. With over 280,000 followers online, Bethany creates content that helps people declutter h…

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Episode 126. Gather Moms - A Vision for Biblical Motherhood 41:45

5M ago41:45

41:45

Hey Mama Bears! In this special episode, we’re turning the tables a bit. Instead of pouring out more theology and apologetics for parenting (don’t worry—it’s coming!), we’re pouring into you. We sat down with Kate Henderson and Rebecca Bradford from Gather Moms, a gospel-centered ministry equipping moms to be intentional, supported, and rooted in b…

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111 Puller - Sugarless 2:00:41

5M ago2:00:41

2:00:41

https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://open.spotify.com/artist/234Gp7UTsuxdJxNsusLSE8?si=QiEoXHPoSZqwM_q-R6Na4A https://youtu.be/nvIWChfB66U?si=14dxXQ6wtGMNLjms https://youtu.be/-uQ89CgBLhU?si=lnuOYxLIbaR-uHip https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://web.archive.org/web/20010811220029/http://www.pullerrock.com/history.…

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Clint Schnekloth on Why Progressive Churches Matter 52:38

5M ago52:38

52:38

Is progressive Christianity losing its soul by abandoning church, worship, and leadership? In this episode, Loren talks with Pastor Clint Schneckloth to explore why faith communities, worship, and theological grounding still matter in progressive spaces. Clint pushes back against the tendency to dismiss church as irrelevant or harmful, offering a v…

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Martha & Loren Talk Christian Leadership Across the US-Canada border 57:31

5M ago57:31

57:31

In this episode of the Future Christian podcast, hosts Martha and Loren engage in a personal check-in, discussing Loren's vocational transitions and the challenges of navigating ministry outside traditional roles. They then delve into the current state of Canada-US relations, exploring the emotional and economic implications of a perceived trade wa…