Best Josh Elkin Podcasts (2025)

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#39 - Connie Vogelmann—Bee, Beeing, Beeen: A Cleansing Space Flight 1:05:24

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7h ago1:05:24

1:05:24

What does it mean to exist? In a world where humans are essentially replaced by bees that have evolved in their sentience and capabilities (primarily in space travel, as they already were super capable), that’s a question for them to deal with. Anyway/fortunately, designer Connie Vogelmann is the captain of the cosmic journey that is this show’s 39…

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318. How Podcasting Can Transform Discipleship and Church Ministry with Angie Elkins and Haley Malone 35:26

6h ago35:26

35:26

In today’s digital age, the ways we disciple and equip others are constantly evolving. While Sunday gatherings and small groups remain central, new tools are opening doors for deeper connection and ongoing conversations. One of those tools—podcasting—has become a powerful medium for ministry, offering leaders fresh opportunities to disciple, teach,…

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317. Mastering Small Group Leadership: Strategies for Building Community, Guiding Discussion, and Multiplying Disciples with Mary Wiley and Joel Polk 39:23

20d ago39:23

39:23

Every small group leader knows the tension between leading with confidence and leading with humility. Great leadership isn’t just about guiding discussions or sharing biblical truths, it’s about creating a space where people feel known, valued, and challenged to grow. In this episode, we explore the heart of group leadership, from the natural tende…

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316. Deep Discipleship: How to Build a Bible-Centered Strategy for Small Groups and Church Leaders with JT English 34:38

25d ago34:38

34:38

What does it really take to grow people into mature disciples of Jesus? Too often, churches unintentionally settle for surface-level engagement, leaving believers under-equipped for the mission God has called them to. In this episode, Pastor JT English challenges that norm by unpacking the principles of deep discipleship—a vision for shaping believ…

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#38 - Mr Ben: (Mr) Ben or Nothing [Mystery Box #1] 1:38:10

28d ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Mr Ben, a creator with many hats, joins the show to talk about his online store, travel-games.co.uk and the different sides of the hobby travel-games is entering by way of design, publication, localization, mystery boxes that expose people to a variety of games coming out of the Tokyo Game Market, and much more. Instead of blathering on, I’ll leave…

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315. Rethinking Discipleship with Andrea Lennon 31:19

1M ago31:19

31:19

Welcome back to another great episode of Group Answers Podcast with Brian Daniel. In this episode, Brian sits down with Andrea Lennon, director of Lifeway Women, to unpack what nearly a year of leading a national discipleship movement has taught her - about people, purpose, and leadership. Reflecting on the challenges of leading remotely, Andrea sh…

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Vodcast 6 - Early Access? — Intertextual Experience: A Board Game Podcast 51:35

1M ago51:35

51:35

You'll need to listen to the full episode for more details, but there's a giveaway for a new copy of Power Vacuum. I purchased two copies because I'm a weirdo (the particulars of that weirdness are also explained in the episode). This particular prize is for the continental US, but send me an email responding to the questions posed in the episode i…

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314. From Conversion to Commission with Dr. Scott Hildreth 32:15

1M ago32:15

32:15

What does it take to live a life fully surrendered to the mission of God? In a culture that often prioritizes comfort, control, and convenience, many believers wrestle with the tension between knowing the gospel and sharing it boldly. In this compelling episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Dr. Scott Hildreth to explore that very tension—inviti…

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313. Discipleship, Culture, and the Church in the Digital Age with Collin Hansen 39:14

2M ago39:14

39:14

In an age of constant digital noise and fleeting attention spans, what role does deep thinking and cultural engagement play in discipleship? In this episode of Group Answers, host Brian Daniel and guest Colin Hansen invite listeners into a rich conversation exploring the intersection of literature, culture, and faith. Colin draws from his extensive…

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312. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship in a Hurried World with Drew Hyun 38:41

2M ago38:41

38:41

In the fast-paced world of ministry - especially in places like New York City - it can be easy to drift into doing rather than being, managing rather than ministering. As small group leaders and disciple-makers, we’re reminded that deep, lasting transformation often begins not with strategy, but with slowing down, embracing vulnerability, and learn…

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#37 - Josh Wood: Let's Go? To Wisconsin 1:13:58

2M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Josh Wood, designer and developer at AEG, joins the show as I lead him on a tour of my great home state, Wisconsin. Despite my chaotic whims as a tour guide, Josh had some say in the destination choices, “drafting” between one of two locations for our third through sixth stops—with those selections discarding a different set of prepared questions. …

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311. Empowering Discipleship for a Broken World with Josh Spink 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian mission, yet the brokenness of our world - and often our own hearts - can make the call feel daunting. We need practical tools and a clear vision to help others grow and multiply in their faith. In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Josh Spinks, a seasoned ministry leader with deep experienc…

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310. Revitalizing the Church for a New Generation with Sarah Jackson 39:14

3M ago39:14

39:14

In a time when many churches are facing decline, especially among younger generations, discipleship leaders are being called to think differently, lead intentionally, and rely fully on the power of the Holy Spirit. Church revitalization isn’t about returning to old models—it’s about making space for God to move in new and powerful ways through tran…

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309. Building a Thriving Groups Ministry: Systems, Leadership, and Multiplication with Rick Howerton 33:32

3M ago33:32

33:32

Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident—it grows through intentional systems, equipped leaders, and a church culture that values transformation over attendance. As small group and discipleship leaders, we carry the weight of cultivating environments where spiritual growth is possible, but the path toward healthy group ministry can often feel unclea…

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308: Discipleship in a College Town: Contextual Leadership with Pastor Rob Tims 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

In a rapidly changing culture, especially in dynamic environments like college towns, discipleship requires more than just a good curriculum, it demands discernment, intentionality, and a deep understanding of the people we serve. As small group leaders and disciple-makers, we must be attuned to our unique ministry contexts and ready to engage with…

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#36 - Chad Elkins: 25th Century Games in the 21¼st Century 1:13:36

3M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Chad Elkins, Founder and Lead Developer at 25th Century Games, joins the show for its 25th 36th episode. This episode is so piping hot that you’ll need your best stoneware mug to keep it contained. Through a ton of insightful commentary on general development, localization, and reprinting games, and the fun stories surrounding all of these processe…

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307. Character-Driven Discipleship and Leadership with Barnabas Piper 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

In a culture that often prioritizes charisma and credentials, it’s easy to forget that biblical leadership is first and foremost a matter of the heart. As leaders, we’re not just forming good volunteers or skilled communicators, we’re shaping men and women into the image of Christ. What does it look like to lead from character, build relationships …

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#35 - Kaleb Wentzel-Fisher: Power Vacuum or (The Death of The Brave Little Toaster: A Space Odyssey) 1:49:56

4M ago1:49:56

1:49:56

In the show’s 35th episode, we are super electrified to have designer Kaleb Wentzel-Fisher join us and to talk about Power Vacuum and so much more. The stories here might shock you! The puns I force Kaleb to make might make your hair stand on end! That’s all a part of the guarantee that you are in for a more fun time than a stroll down the aisle of…

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Vodcast 5 - Show Noteception 41:35

4M ago41:35

41:35

An episode about show notes with my shortest show note section yet. This episodes talks about the state of the show (all good and more good to come [sorry about any pause 😔], how I obsess over show notes (a bit too much), and genre and how different games have differing ease in returning to them. To keep up the bit about the short notes here, there…

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306. Biblical Masculinity in a Confused Culture: A Conversation with Casey B. Hough 33:36

5M ago33:36

33:36

In today’s culture, the conversation around masculinity is often marked by confusion, polarization, and deep emotional complexity. As leaders and disciplers of men—whether in small groups, homes, or churches—we’re faced with the challenge of helping the next generation navigate manhood in a way that reflects both strength and humility, courage and …

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305. Discipleship in a Noisy World with Ruth Chou Simons 35:21

5M ago35:21

35:21

In a world overflowing with noise and opinions, how can we, as disciples and leaders, cultivate wisdom, grace, and meaningful conversations? Discipleship doesn’t just happen in classrooms or sermons—it happens in the daily rhythms of our lives, in the words we speak, the beauty we notice, and the way we lead others in truth and love. In this episod…

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304. Combating Cultural Christianity: Leadership Insights from Matt Vairetta 35:47

5M ago35:47

35:47

Discipleship can be both rewarding and challenging, especially in today’s ever-changing church landscape. As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating cultural shifts, combating spiritual apathy, and seeking new ways to foster genuine community. In multi-site churches, these challenges can be even more pronounced, requiring intentional strategies…

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303. How to Measure True Discipleship: Insights with Dr. Richard Blackaby 42:05

5M ago42:05

42:05

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian journey, but how do we truly measure its impact? In this episode Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Dr. Richard Blackaby to discuss the critical importance of making disciples as the final command of Jesus. They explore the challenges of gauging discipleship effectiveness and emphasize that gen…

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302. Cultivating Deep Discipleship in a Digital Age with John Eldredge 33:54

6M ago33:54

33:54

In a world consumed by screens and distractions, how do we cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus? In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with author and counselor John Eldredge to explore the impact of technology on our spiritual lives and what it truly means to follow Christ in today’s culture. John unpacks the essence of discip…

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#34 - Carl Robinson—Kelp: Fun vs. Fun 2:13:53

6M ago2:13:53

2:13:53

In this interview, fun isn’t actually competing, but different types of fun and the way they interact with each other are being examined. As a little thought experiment, which games pop into your head when you think about the thrill of danger? Carl Robinson, designer of the hit game Kelp: Shark vs. Octopus, joins the show to discuss something that …

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301. Understanding the Great De-Churching with Jim Davis 37:36

6M ago37:36

37:36

Why are so many people leaving the church—and what can we do about it? In this episode of The Group Answers Podcast, hosts Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Jim Davis, teaching pastor and co-author of The Great De-Churching, to explore one of the most significant movements happening in the church today. Together, they unpack the growing p…

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300. Presencing Jesus: A Transformative Approach to Discipleship with Dr. Leonard Sweet 34:15

6M ago34:15

34:15

Discipleship isn’t just about teaching others about Jesus—it’s about living in His presence and helping others do the same. In this episode, Dr. Leonard Sweet joins the conversation to explore the deeper dimensions of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of presencing Jesus rather than merely presenting Him. He unpacks how understanding our hum…

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299. Discipleship in Action with Elizabeth Woodson 30:52

6M ago30:52

30:52

Discipleship isn’t just about what we teach—it’s about how we live. In this episode of Group Answers Podcast, Brian Daniel welcomes Bible teacher and author Elizabeth Woodson to discuss the vital role of modeling discipleship in the church and the balance between instruction and action in discipleship. Drawing from her recent study on Galatians, El…

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298. The Future of Women’s Discipleship: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities with Alicia Wong 35:31

7M ago35:31

35:31

Discipleship is a calling that extends to every believer, and the way we equip and support others in their spiritual journey continues to evolve. In this episode hosts Brian Daniel and Haley Malone welcome Alicia Wong, Women’s Ministry Specialist at Lifeway, to discuss the shifting landscape of women’s discipleship. They explore the growing hunger …

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#33 - Candice Harris: Musical Board Game Layers with a Percussively Inclined Player 1:40:03

7M ago1:40:03

1:40:03

A close second place option for the episode title was “Meeplekeeper’s Palace.” Also, there’s a little bit of a note in the episodes after the credits (kind of as an epilogue). In the past, I’ve done a couple prologue/pre-show notes; if necessary, I’d do them again. This particular note makes more sense at the end, so make sure you’re tuned in until…

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297. Deep Discipleship: Cultivating a Life in Christ, Community, and Mission with Kyle Worley 39:16

7M ago39:16

39:16

Discipleship is more than a program—it’s a way of life. In this episode, Brian Daniel welcomes Pastor Kyle Worley to discuss how discipleship has evolved at Mosaic Church and why a clear, intentional model is essential for growth. They explore the importance of cultivating a discipleship culture rooted in biblical literacy, community, and mission. …

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296. Reigniting Community in the Church with Ben Mandrell 36:45

7M ago36:45

36:45

Many church leaders today are facing a growing challenge—apathy among congregants. People are attending services, but are they truly engaged? Are they building authentic relationships, or simply going through the motions? These are questions worth asking as we consider the state of community within the church. This episode of Group Answers dives in…

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295. Who is the Real Jesus? Uncovering Truth with Shane Pruitt 35:18

7M ago35:18

35:18

Who is Jesus—really? In a world filled with personal interpretations and cultural distortions, it’s easy to lose sight of the true Christ revealed in Scripture. In this episode of The Group Answers Show, Brian Daniel and Joel Polk sit down with Shane Pruitt to uncover common misconceptions about Jesus and explore how discipleship can help believers…

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#32 - Marceline Leiman: A High Tide of Indie Designs 1:45:53

7M ago1:45:53

1:45:53

Designer Marceline Leiman joins the show for an episode that ebbs and flows in such an engaging way, much like the tides and other marvels in nature. Amongst many other games, Marceline recently designed High Tide, which was an extreme success at the Indie Games Night Market and serves as an anchor for much of this conversation. The game was handcr…

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#31 - Cole Wehrle: "The Cole Visitation" 1:36:04

8M ago1:36:04

1:36:04

Intertextual Cardboard Experience is excited to start the new year in atypical fashion, and it couldn’t be more exciting. Cole Wehrle, Creative Director at Leder Games and Co-Founder of Wehrlegig Games, joins the show, and I had the bright idea of having us not talk about board games… In all seriousness, we do talk directly about board games a hand…

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#30 - Daniel Newman: An Indie Games Night Market Special 1:06:54

8M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Part of me wanted to jokingly name this episode, “The Official Podcast of Indie Games Night Market,” but it would have probably been more confusing than funny. Anyway, this one is a special episode for so many reasons! First off, it’s the first time the show has had a repeat guest. It’s also the first time there have been guest episodes released in…

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#29 - Matthew Dunstan - Relationships: A Collabstraction Prequel 1:11:22

9M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Prolific designer Matthew Dunstan joins the show in a unique opportunity to link to the last episode as well as Intertextual Cardboard Experience’s famous Collabstraction Trilogy. There are many unique topics discussed here, and, to me, the ethos of most everything we talked about boiled down to the idea of community and the relationships Matthew h…

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294. Mission-Driven Leadership with Ron Edmondson 38:03

9M ago38:03

38:03

In this insightful episode, Brian Daniel and Ron Edmondson unpack essential leadership principles tailored for church environments, while also bridging the gap between faith-based and secular leadership. Together, they dive into practical strategies and share personal experiences, offering valuable takeaways for small group leaders who aim to make …

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#28 - Rory Muldoon: Print and Pod 53:46

10M ago53:46

53:46

Rory Muldoon, designer and one-half of Postmark Games, joins the show to discuss the exciting spaces available in the print and play format. With an upcoming project to show off these ideas in 52 Realms: Adventures, it was a really fun conversation charting Rory’s adventures in the board gaming profession and ways he enjoys designing. We also talk …

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293. Leading Small Groups Through the Seasons with Haley Malone 30:46

10M ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of the Group Answers Podcast, host Brian Daniel is joined by Haley Malone, Director of Groups at First Orlando, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, growth, and adaptability in ministry. Haley shares valuable insights into the rhythm of leadership, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and fostering connection among gr…

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Vodcast 4 - A Late Solo-ween Celebration: Fear and Procrastination in Southeast Wisconsin 53:51

10M ago53:51

53:51

Enter for a chance to win a surprise giveaway (cool, I promise). Ending mid-December (probably the 16th). No crazy episode notes today. I chat about some things to look forward to with the show and beyond (a game I'm making and some videos). There's a quick thought about "fear" in board games, and then I talk about the following games a little bit.…

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292. Holistic Discipleship with Allen Yeh 35:25

10M ago35:25

35:25

How can we as leaders cultivate a discipleship experience that truly values perspectives from across cultures? Are we prepared to address the unique questions different generations bring to faith—and how can the Holy Spirit guide us in navigating these conversations? In this episode, Dr. Alan Yeh joins us to explore the rich distinctions between th…

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291. Creating A Healthy Discipleship Culture with Larry Osbourne 35:39

10M ago35:39

35:39

What if our efforts to pursue knowledge in discipleship unintentionally create barriers to faith? How can we, as leaders, foster a church culture that emphasizes not just understanding Scripture, but living it out authentically in community? In this impactful episode, Brian Daniel interviews Larry Osborne, teaching pastor at North Coast Church, who…

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290. Creating A Gospel Centered Culture with Trevin Wax 34:39

11M ago34:39

34:39

What does it mean to live out a faith that’s rooted in the true essence of the gospel, especially in a world where personal fulfillment often overshadows deeper convictions? How can church leaders foster a culture that balances relevance with timeless truth, or guide conversations around politics without compromising unity? In this thought-provokin…

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289. The Importance of Intentional Discipleship with Coleman Ford 36:16

11M ago36:16

36:16

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the depth and intentionality needed for true discipleship. In today's episode, Brian Daniel and Joel Polk engage with Dr. Coleman Ford, author of Formed in His Image, to discuss the significance of spiritual formation within the church. Dr. Ford emphasizes the need for accessible resources and inte…

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#27 - Jon Barron: Halloween Trick-Tacular 1:03:17

11M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Jon Barron, designer of Tricky Time Crisis, Best Candy on the Block, and a few more extremely exciting games in an upcoming Kickstarter (let’s just pause to link the Kickstarter <<< it’s right there!), joins the show to discuss [redacted], injecting theme and flavor into card games, [redacted], [redacted], proxy decks, and a whole bunch of trick-ta…

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288. Creating Safe Spaces in Group Life with Nicole Zasowski 37:15

11M ago37:15

37:15

In this episode, Brian Daniel and Haley Malone are joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Nicole Zasowski for a powerful conversation on the intersection of counseling and group life. Together, they unpack the importance of creating safe spaces within small groups, especially as anxiety continues to rise in today’s culture. Nicole shares …

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287. The Process of Creating an Effective Bible Study with Amber Vaden and Joel Polk 38:11

11M ago38:11

38:11

Happy Wednesday friends! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the art and intricacies of creating effective Bible study materials that truly engage and transform lives. We explore the delicate balance between theological depth and practical application, ensuring that Bible studies not only teach Scripture but also foster real-life discipleship…

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286. The Relationship Between Worship and Discipleship with Socrates Perez 32:19

11M ago32:19

32:19

What if worship wasn’t just about music, but a key to deeper discipleship? In today’s episode, Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Horizon West Church Worship Pastor, Socrates Perez, to explore how worship can transform the hearts of small group members and draw them closer to Jesus. From cultivating gratitude and trust they discuss how wor…

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#26 - Jonathan Cox: JonGetsCleaning 1:20:27

12M ago1:20:27

1:20:27

Dust off your headphones and get ready for an amazing talk with Jonathan Cox of JonGetsGames. As a voice that I started listening to early in my time in “the hobby,” being able to talk about Jon’s experiences with board games and how that’s led to this culmination of different work and creation within the space was a real treat. And he designed Spr…