Best Ron Kool Podcasts (2025)

By now, we're all pretty familiar with the classical manger Nativity scene. The baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Shepherds, and Wise Men. While the addition of the 'Wise Men' doesn't seem so odd or important to us today, to Matthew's audience, it would have been a radical proclamation that not only is this baby Jesus King of the Jews, but he is the Kin…

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Christmas Eve 2025 26:49

Play Pause

7d ago26:49

26:49

Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Shitty Song of the Year 2025 - Round 2 1:46:33

6d ago1:46:33

1:46:33

It's the FINAL CONCLUSION!!! A whole new panel of judges to go through what's left of this year's finalists!!! Red and Jodie invite Teresa, Mike, Pepper and Cayley to decide who gets crowned Shitty Song of the Year 2025!!!! Follow ALL of our judges ⁠on Twitter. Teresa Mike - WFOD Pepper - History Buffs Cayley - Once Over with Cayley Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pa…

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What's In a Name? | Matthew 1:18-21 34:18

4d ago34:18

34:18

Your name is an important part of your identity. It is the first bit of information others learn about you, and for some it is all they will ever know about you. In our story this Sunday, we see how Jesus received His name. And we'll discover how just the name of Jesus alone is good news to us, but more importantly, how the name Jesus is the hope o…

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Shitty Song of the Year 2025 - Round 1 2:06:05

13d ago2:06:05

2:06:05

IT'S TIIIIME!!!!! Shitty Song of the Year is here!! It's time to start eliminating some songs. And who better to help Jodie and Red do that, than a rogue's gallery of judges!!! CJ, Kate, Delvin and Bobby showed up and did their thing. We pick 'em apart, we talk shit, we laugh and we figure out who's gonna move on to next week!! So, grab some popcor…

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The Family Tree - Part 2 | Matthew 1:6-17 36:40

11d ago36:40

36:40

We began looking at what Matthew is telling us about Jesus in his genealogy last week, and we’re going to continue that this week. As Matthew continues to name ancestors, he continues to tell us who Jesus is and why He came. This week, we’ll look at some of the biggest failures and some of the quietest successes in the genealogy. - Pastor Ron Kool …

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2025 Christmas Special: The 12 Mistakes of Christmas 1:40:06

23d ago1:40:06

1:40:06

Ho! Ho! Ho-ly Shit!!! It's Christmas time again!!! That means we have to go through some of the Best of the Worst Christmas songs of all-time!!! We rummaged through Santa's sack and found 12, maybe 14 songs to celebrate this Holiday Season!! So, fire up the yule log, or light your menorah and listen to The 12 Mistakes of Christmas!! Follow us on Tw…

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The Family Tree - Part 1 | Matthew 1:1-6 31:27

18d ago31:27

31:27

Matthew is going to tell us the amazing story of Jesus the Messiah, the King of kings and the Savior of the world. He’s got so much to say. But he starts with a list of names—a genealogy. It’s not something that many of us find very interesting. And yet Matthew has a powerful message for us in this list of names. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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How Can There Be One True Religion? Part 2 | Defending Your Faith 53:35

22d ago53:35

53:35

In this second session on “How Can There Be One True Religion?” Pastor Ron Kool focuses on how Christians should respond when someone they love says, “I don’t believe what you believe anymore.” Instead of rushing into arguments, he urges us to pray first, pick a wise time and place, and be clear on our goals—whether that’s inviting them to rethink,…

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SSOTY 2025 Qualifier 2 1:27:41

27d ago1:27:41

1:27:41

Red and Jodie invited Chris James and Lucy Tightbox to whittle down the list of winners for this year's Shitty Song of the Year!!! Follow ⁠SSOTW on Twitter. Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the ⁠Discord⁠

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Getting Ready for Christmas | Psalm 130 33:55

25d ago33:55

33:55

In the wonderful Christmas carol Joy to the World, we sing the words, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” We need to do that! This morning, we begin the season of Advent—a time when we prepare room in our hearts for Jesus to come to us. Today, we begin by recognizing that, more than anything else, we need Jesus. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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Thankful for Hope | Thanksgiving 2025 31:30

28d ago31:30

31:30

Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on the goodness of God in our daily lives, provisions, relationships, and in God's faithfulness. This Thanksgiving, Pastor Morné Marais will share on being thankful for hope. Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Ron Carter: Maestro of the Low End Theory 24:45

1M ago24:45

24:45

Who is Ron Carter - On this episode Discover the extraordinary life of Ron Carter—legendary bassist, master cellist, and one of the most influential musicians of our time. This podcast takes you on a captivating journey from his roots in Detroit to the vibrant stages of New York, where he rose to iconic status. Experience Ron Carter’s groundbreakin…

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Exclusive Interview with Bo "Daddy" Harris 57:11

1M ago57:11

57:11

While you're waiting for the 2nd Qualifier, we thought we'd give you a special treat. Bo "Daddy" Harris stops by to hang out for a bit. We talk about his new music and recent tour.

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The Rhythms of Life | Numbers 28-29 36:02

1M ago36:02

36:02

We all have rhythms in our lives—patterns, certain times when we do certain things. This morning, we’ll see that God knows we need some of those patterns in our lives, as we look at the rituals, celebrations, and offerings that God called upon Israel to practice. And we’ll think about how those practices might impact our rhythms of life today. - Pa…

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How Can There Be One True Religion? | Defending Your Faith 55:36

1M ago55:36

55:36

Pastor Ron Kool opens by noting the enormous religious diversity in the world—over 11,000 religions—yet almost everyone falls into seven major groups, with Christianity and Islam comprising more than half of the global population. Using worldwide and North American statistics, he highlights the rapid rise of the religiously “non-affiliated” and the…

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Red Clay Strays VS Ami Bibabi VS R. Kelly 1:11:40

1M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Welcome to the FINAL MATCHUP of 2025!! This week, Red and Jodie are joined by Branden for a 3-way Wildcard Battle Royale!! Can Hootin' and Hollerin' beat a weird fetish song or a REALLY OUT OF POCKET song about "candy??" YOU be the JUDGE!! Prepare your earholes!! Red Clay Strays - People Hatin' VS Ami Bibabi - BBC Taki Taki VS R. Kelly - Sweet Toot…

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Curses and Blessings | Numbers 23-25 34:00

1M ago34:00

34:00

God's people are just about to head into the Promised Land, but are completely unaware of a threat behind the scenes. The prophet Balaam was hired to curse the Israelites and damage their relationship with the God of Israel. What we'll explore together this Sunday is how God can turn the intended curses of others into blessings, promises, and hope …

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Beyonce VS Taylor Swift 1:25:34

2M ago1:25:34

1:25:34

This week, Red, and Jodie are joined by Jake, the other half of The Fartmouth Podcast, to go through some Pop Music!! Can an annoying "drunk chick" anthem about being horny beat a song about a Vegas Dancer grinding through sequins and fake smiles?? YOU be the JUDGE!!! Beyonce - Drunk In Love VS Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl Listen to their …

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The Donkey | Numbers 22 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

God’s people are on the move and the nations around them are getting extremely nervous. They band together and call on a Prophet for Profit—Balaam. Balaam knows God and knows he should obey God. But, like us, sometimes it’s hard for Balaam to obey God when there is so much money on the line. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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Was Jesus Really God? | Defending Your Faith 1:00:52

2M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

In this session, Pastor Arek O'Connell explores the central Christian claim that Jesus is truly God. He begins by affirming that for Christians, the trustworthiness of Scripture matters deeply because so much rests on what it says about Jesus. He unpacks how the Gospels present Jesus claiming divinity—not only through his words, but through his mir…

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Barry Mann VS Jimmy Soul 57:50

2M ago57:50

57:50

This week, Jodie and Red are joined by John Jamingo from The Boomer Bunker Podcast, to go through some Oldies Music!!! Can a Frankenstein's monster of doo-wop, word salad nonsense beat a song about solid relationship advice on how to keep a woman? YOU be the JUDGE!!! Barry Mann - Who Put the Bomp VS Jimmy Soul - If You Wanna Be Happy Follow ⁠The Bo…

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Saved by Snakes??? | Numbers 21:1-9 31:18

2M ago31:18

31:18

In one of the strangest and most memorable stories in the book of Numbers, God sends salvation to His people—but it’s a bronze snake on a pole! The people at the time didn’t know it, but that snake on a pole would become a great picture of Jesus. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Halloween Edition: Etienne Sin VS Cute Is What We Aim For 1:37:44

2M ago1:37:44

1:37:44

This week, Red and Jodie are hijacked... uhh, I mean joined by Thyler from The Fartmouth Podcast to go through some Emo Music!! Can androgenous, jizz-raged, "N word" Emo beat pretentious, swoopy hair, long, stupid band name Emo? YOU be the JUDGE!!! Etienne Sin - Remember VS Cute Is What We Aim For - The Curse of Curves Follow The Fartmouth Podcast …

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Deep Sadness and Great Hope | Numbers 20 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

One of the lessons we’re learning about being in the wilderness with God is that the wilderness is a mixed bag. There are extremely difficult moments followed by instances of amazing grace. This morning, we’ll see that so clearly as we come to one of the saddest, most graceful chapters in the book of Numbers. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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More Rebellion | Numbers 16-17 36:17

2M ago36:17

36:17

What do we do when challenges to leadership arise from within? What should we cautiously consider before challenging our leaders? How do Godly leaders respond to challenges? How does the community caught up in the mess respond in a way that honors God? Regardless of the circumstances, all of us are called to submit to God's leadership. - Pastor Are…

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Can I Trust the Bible? | Defending Your Faith 49:41

2M ago49:41

49:41

Kristin Hileman kicked off a practical session on “Can I trust the Bible?”—framing it as the foundation for the whole "Defending Your Faith" series. After a playful fact-or-fiction opener, she shared Sean McDowell’s story to underline this: if we ask people to stake their lives on an ancient book, we need reasons, not circular claims. She defined w…

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Emerson Drive VS Brad Paisley 57:36

3M ago57:36

57:36

This week, Red and Jodie fly solo with no guest to go through some Country Music!!! Can a super pander-y song surrounded by conspiracy theories beat a coattail riding love song reimagining of a popular country band? YOU be the JUDGE!! Emerson Drive - My Kind of Crazy VS Brad Paisley - Old Alabama Follow ⁠ on SSOTW on Twitter. Listen to their show H…

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When Fear Overwhelms Us | Numbers 13-14 31:42

3M ago31:42

31:42

There are times when the challenges ahead of us feel overwhelming. As a person, a family, or a church, there are times when we feel like we don’t have what it takes to keep moving forward, to stay faithful to God in the face of the temptations and challenges ahead of us. Here’s something we need to know: We’re right! We can’t handle it. This mornin…

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Lionel Richie VS Kim Mitchell 1:05:36

3M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

This week, Red and Jodie are joined by The Duchess of NJ, Kate, to go through some 80's Pop/Rock! Can a slow, boring soundtrack song that involves Russians? beat a weird, wannabe rock song about soda??? YOU be the JUDGE!!! Lionel Richie - Say You, Say Me VS Kim Mitchell - Go For Soda Follow ⁠ on Kate on Twitter. Listen to their show HERE. Vote via …

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Where's the Beef | Numbers 11 36:29

3M ago36:29

36:29

It doesn’t take long for things to go bad for Israel. Up to this point in the book of Numbers, the people have been listening to and obeying God. But almost as soon as they hit the road, the complaining starts. God hears their complaints, and this morning, we’ll look at how God responded to their crabbiness. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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Defending Your Faith | Facing Hard Questions 47:37

3M ago47:37

47:37

Pastor Ron Kool introduced a new season of adult discipleship focused on apologetics—defending the Christian faith. He emphasizes that apologetics is about offering reasons for belief in Christianity and exposing weaknesses in alternatives, with the goal of strengthening believers and encouraging non-believers. He stresses that living out faith wit…

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Lord Len VS DAMAG3 57:37

3M ago57:37

57:37

This week, Red and Jodie are joined by Branden to go through some Rap Music!! Can a scream-y, gravel-y, gangster Demi Lovato look-alike beat Eminem in a wig and all his friends? YOU be the JUDGE!!! Lord Len - A Milli VS DAMAG3 - Put a Landlord in a LandFill Follow Branden ⁠⁠⁠on ⁠Twitter⁠. Listen to their show⁠ HERE⁠. Vote via ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠D…

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Learning to Trust God | Numbers 8-10 35:26

3M ago35:26

35:26

God knows that when we’re in the wilderness, it can be hard for us to trust Him. When things aren’t going well and the problems seem overwhelming, God knows that we will be tempted to believe that He forgot us. This morning, we’ll look at some of the gifts God gives His people to help us stay faithful to Him in the wilderness. - Pastor Ron Kool Sup…

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Wayne Newton VS Tim McCarver 1:02:32

3M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

This week, Red and Jodie are joined by Christian Bladt to go through some Jazz/Lounge Music!! Can a weird lounge song about abandoning your family beat a pretty good Frank Sinatra impression? YOU be the JUDGE!! Wayne Newton - Daddy, Don't You Walk So Fast VS Tim McCarver - On A Clear Day Follow ⁠Christian Bladt on Twitter. Listen to their show here…

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The Blessing | Numbers 6:22-27 33:37

3M ago33:37

33:37

As we journey through the wilderness of our lives, we need to know that we are not on our own. This morning we’ll see how God tells Aaron to “put His name” on the people through blessing them. This is perhaps the most important thing we need as we go out into our world. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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13 Purple Dragons VS Ron Jeremy 1:00:12

4M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

This week, Red and Jodie are joined by Delvon Cox to go through som celebrity music!!! Can a boring, rock wannabe song about stolen valor beat a B-List Diddy Party in rap music form?? YOU be the JUDGE!! 13 Purple Dragons - Head Down, Hopes Up High VS DJ Polo and Ron Jeremy - Freak of the Week Follow Delvin ⁠on Twitter. Listen to their show here. Vo…

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Organization | Numbers 2-3 30:17

4M ago30:17

30:17

As Israel gets ready for the journey through the wilderness, there is another matter they must take care of: how are they going to be organized? Who is going to go first? Second? Third? And who is going to camp where? And who is going to do what? These may seem like mundane details for us, but they have some extremely important lessons for us. - Pa…

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Gary LeVox( ft Akon + De La Ghetto) VS Lil Wayne(ft Bono) 1:09:01

4M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

This week, Red and Jodie have Mike from The Wheelbarrow Full of Dick Internet Radio Program (WFOD) to go through some Unusual Pairings, things that just don't go well together. Can a weird, tropical island-y reggaeton song about umbrellas beat a super repetitive song about "days?" YOU be the JUDGE!! Gary LeVox (ft Akon + De La Ghetto) - Hold the Um…

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Getting Organized | Numbers 1 & 2 32:22

4M ago32:22

32:22

You don’t just leave on a long trip. You’ve got to have some organization. You need to know who is sitting where and where you’ll be stopping for breaks. You need to be prepared for problems that may come up on the road. God’s people are the same way. God’s people are at Mount Sinai and getting ready to go to the Promised Land. But God has some fin…

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Everlast VS Billy Ray Cyrus 51:53

4M ago51:53

51:53

This week, Red and Jodie go through songs by artists they don't like. Can a sad, ridiculous attempt at a catchy song beat a pitiful, washed-up has-been, trying his best to stay positive song? YOU be the JUDGE!!! Everlast - What It's Like VS Billy Ray Cyrus - ASK Vote via ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord OR under the episode description on Spotify. Join…

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Witness While You Work | 1 Peter 3:15 36:13

4M ago36:13

36:13

As followers of Jesus, we want to tell others about Him. We want to bear witness to Him in our neighborhoods and school and with our friends. We also want to tell others about Him at work, but that can be a little tricky. This morning, we’ll look at how we might grow in our effectiveness in witnessing while we work. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the sh…

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SSOTY 2025 Qualifier 1 1:52:49

4M ago1:52:49

1:52:49

Red and Jodie invited Kate from The Boomer Bunker Podcast and The Artist Formerly Known as Bobby Booshay from The Show Formerly Known as The 50 Shades of Booshay Podcast to wittle down the list of winners for this year's Shitty Song of the Year!! Follow SSOTW on Twitter at @SSOTWShow Follow Kate and Bobby ⁠on Twitter at @DuchessNJ and @50shadesBoos…

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Love That Empowers | 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 36:07

4M ago36:07

36:07

So often we equate loving “the least of these” with doing something to or for them. However, the way Jesus interacts with “the least of these” in the Gospel shows that the most empowering way to love “the least of these” is to do life with them, helping them no longer see themselves as “least.” - Pastor Arek O'Connell Support the show…

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How to Love the Least | Matthew 25:31-46 40:36

4M ago40:36

40:36

Last week we saw that all of scripture testifies to the unique love, care, and relationship God has for “the least of these.” This week, we take a real, practical look at the passage and explore ways we can love “the least of these” here at Hillside and in our daily lives. - Pastor Arek O'Connell Support the show…

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Meet Me at the Waffle House... 36:22

4M ago36:22

36:22

Bonus episode time!!! We're giving you a free Hidden Track from the Patreon this week as we prepare for the first qualifier of the year!!! Enjoy!!!

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Gwen Stefani VS Bryan Martin 1:03:02

5M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

RED'S BACK!!! And this week, Red and Jodie have Branden on the show and duke it out over some Country Music!! Can a stupid Hick-Hop song about being a badass redneck beat a gros song about how great it is being famous and in love?? And what do you guys know about Love Stains?? Listen and find out!!! Bryan Martin - FAFO VS Gwen Stefani - Purple Iris…

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Loving the Least | Matthew 25:31-46 37:02

5M ago37:02

37:02

This week, we start a new 3-week series on what it means to love “the least of these” as Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew 25. But before we do anything to or for “the least of these,” we need to understand that we’re called to love “the least” because God loves them and identifies with them. - Pastor Arek O'Connell Support the show…

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Ending Our Prayers | Matthew 6:13 34:34

5M ago34:34

34:34

How do we end our prayers? Do we just stop? Do we say “Talk to you later?” Throughout the ages, the church has said that it is good to end our prayers by focusing on God and declaring that everything—the kingdom, the power and the glory—everything belongs to Him. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell