Best Sacred Playgrounds Podcasts (2025)

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201. Sacred Playgrounds | With Ben Rudolph 1:17:51

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7d ago1:17:51

1:17:51

John and Martin are joined by the new director of Lake Ann Camp, Pastor Ben Rudolph. Ben brings over 25 years of ministry to the conversation, as a youth pastor, church planter and in counseling. In this conversation, he shares some of his changed life story and how it intersects with the power of camps and retreats in getting people out of normal …

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Behind the Scenes of the #OMCGG & Why Cross-Denominational Camp Partnerships Matter 47:03

8d ago47:03

47:03

If you've ever planned an event, fundraiser, conference, or other significant gathering, you know that there is so, so much that goes on behind the scenes to make that happen. On this episode, Jake and Jared are joined by the Co-Directors of the Outdoor Ministries Connection Great Gathering, Cat Holbert and Joanne Kovac-Roberts. These dynamic leade…

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session6: It’s turtles, all the way down 1:41:10

1h ago1:41:10

1:41:10

It’s turtles, all the way downIn a world on the back of a giant turtle, we’re all heretics.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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202. Martyred For The Faith | Charlie Kirk 1:14:08

2h ago1:14:08

1:14:08

John and Adam are joined by Braydon and Gabby Cromwell to respond to the Charlie Kirk assassination. They break down who Kirk was, his faith, his massive influence on Gen Z, and the impact of his brutal death. They also talk about the response of Christians worldwide, and how Kirk's murder should inspire us to proclaim God's Truth fearlessly, boldl…

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Apple Pie Playground, September 21, 2025 1:00:12

2d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Title: Understanding our human experience during times of shifting consciousness. How able are we to embrace our human evolution as we experience shifts in the energies of change that evolves our human experience? Let's talk about it, together.By [email protected] (Author)

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Ep 436: Pink fairies and glowing tubes 16:09

5d ago16:09

16:09

Pink fairies and glowing tubesDid you know a flower helped to prove the existence of atoms?Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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Apple Pie Playground, September 14, 2025 59:21

9d ago59:21

59:21

Sovereign spirits with 'free will minds', Therapeutic gameplay, cursive writing populates unique neural pathwaysBy [email protected] (Author)

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Session5: A visit to the library, and many a fat baby 1:57:56

13d ago1:57:56

1:57:56

A visit to the library, and many a fat babyOur heroes look up a bit of this and that, do a little shopping, and get ready for space!Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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200. Living In Your True Identity | With Kelly Findley 1:00:50

14d ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Our guest is Kelly Findley, ex-professional soccer player, now head coach at Liberty University who also leads Coaches on Mission. Kelly is a husband, father, and brilliant leader who is committed to Christ. He discusses with John living in your true identity in Christ rather than a false identity based on the enemy's lies. His insights have applic…

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Apple Pie Playground, September 7, 2025 59:31

20d ago59:31

59:31

Apple Pie Playground with LoValerie Mullins Discernment HurdlesBy [email protected] (Author)

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199. Alaska | The Final Frontier 1:10:05

21d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

John sits down again with Adam Ray and Adam Sharp to hear about their recent ministry scouting mission to Alaska. They share about the challenges that pastors and churches in Alaska are facing and how the Tabernacle can come alongside them, Adam Sharp shares his first impressions of the raw beauty and wildlife of our largest state, and Adam Ray lay…

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Season 5 Kickoff & Camp Leader Pulse Check Insights 46:38

23d ago46:38

46:38

We're back! Welcome to season 5 of the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast! On this episode, we've got some words of welcome, a quick summer in review from our Sacred Playgrounds team, and what to expect from this season. Then, we dive right into some impactful insights from our Post-Summer Camp Leader Pulse Check survey, where we asked camp leaders some si…

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Session4: The Curse of the Wincle

28d ago

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The Curse of the WincleA little bit of sweet, a tiny bit of larceny, and one lost cat.Extra shout out to Nataboo and snow.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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198. Nephilim & the Book of Enoch 1:20:02

28d ago1:20:02

1:20:02

John and Martin dive into these hot topics that are flooding social media feeds, YouTube and streaming documentaries. They provide Christians that are serious about following Jesus and trusting their Bible a Gospel-centered, biblical response to these fringe discussions and conspiracy theories. This podcast will help any believer "always be prepare…

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Apple Pie Playground, August 24, 2025 58:12

1M ago58:12

58:12

The Bodies Energy Flow, how it's connected to everything around us, what that has to do with being intentional human beingsBy [email protected] (Author)

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Ep435: Early experimental evidence of atoms 18:09

1M ago18:09

18:09

Early experimental evidence of atomsMore than a thousand years after the Greeks thought about them, some actual experiments gave evidence of Atoms.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!Here’s a video on John Dalton, and how he came up with his atomic theory.How John Dalton's meteorological studies led to the discovery …

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197. Dependent | With Brayden & Gabby Cromwell Part 2 1:29:48

1M ago1:29:48

1:29:48

John sits down again with Braydon & Gabby to hear part two of their inspiring story. They talk about the injuries that ended both of their athletic careers, the birth of their daughter Harper while in college and learning that she is blind in one eye, and they share deep lessons learned about depending on Jesus and how God has proved that He is fai…

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Apple Pie Playground, August 17, 2025 1:07:42

1M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Apple Pie Playground with LoValerie Mullins Topic: Self-reflection, How do we separate one day from another, embracing our fuller, energetic, spiritual selves and identifying sourceBy [email protected] (Author)

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Session3: I thought elves were good at this 46:45

1M ago46:45

46:45

I thought elves were good at thisFlying arrows and gathering the spoils.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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196. Take Action - Don't Walk In Darkness Alone 59:20

1M ago59:20

59:20

Born from grief and driven by purpose, this podcast supports those battling suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, and the loved ones who walk beside them. Inspired by the Ruck March a journey of remembrance, resilience, and hope we explore the stories behind every mile. Because every step matters. And no one should walk alone. Register for S…

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Apple Pie Playground, August 10, 2025 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Topic: New research about the Heart-Brain Connections and how it applies to what we think about as Spirit Energy. Therapeutic gameplay with Self-Reflection about subjects we like to talk about. Healing for the Heart on Sunday afternoonsBy [email protected] (Author)

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Ep434: Ancient Greece and their atomic theory 17:46

2M ago17:46

17:46

Ancient Greece and their atomic theoryHow did we ever learn about atoms? We’ll start with the Greeks, and their thoughts.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!I talk of something I ran across in a game I’ve been playing. Here’s a link to the source from which the game quoted.Diogenes the Oinoandian and friend of Athens…

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Apple Pie Playground, August 3, 2025 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Topic: The body's energy flow and how it's connected to every single thing around us, and what all of that has to do with being intentional human beings Calling our Inner child out to play. Therapeutic game play, self-reflection, useful ideas to take with us. Healing for the Heart on Sunday afternoons…

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Session2: Colors and statues 1:58:06

2M ago1:58:06

1:58:06

Colors and statuesYellow and red, the quick and the dead.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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Apple Pie Playground, July 27, 2025 56:49

2M ago56:49

56:49

Spiritual Energies in Human Bodies. The restoration of our essential selves. Instinctive Unity with Source.By [email protected] (Author)

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Session0: Bridging the gap 17:12

2M ago17:12

17:12

Bridging the gapWhile we figure out technical details, we cover the gap from the end of session negative one to the beginning of session one.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!By Brad Barton

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Apple Pie Playground, July 20, 2025 59:40

2M ago59:40

59:40

Therapeutic Adult Game PlayBy [email protected] (Author)

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session-3: The unfortunate affair of the sacred chicken 6:06

2M ago6:06

6:06

The unfortunate affair of the sacred chickenWe get some backstory to the backstory of Twibble and Fidget.Join us on patreon.com/thelabwithbrad for extra special extra stuff!This is a rerelease of an old episode. Here’s a link to the original.Ep 396: The unfortunate affair of the sacred chickenBy Brad Barton

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BONUS EPISODE for Summer Camp Staff 24:21

3M ago24:21

24:21

Bonus episode of the Sacred Playgrounds podcast! Summer camp staff, this one's specifically for you! It's mid-summer for many camps, or will be soon, so we're taking a few minutes to offer 3 things specifically for summer camp staff to encourage, equip, and embolden them for the rest of their summer of ministry. Camp leaders, be encouraged to carve…

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195. Gossiping the Gospel | With Gary Gilmore 1:36:15

3M ago1:36:15

1:36:15

John and Adam are joined by Gary Gilmore to talk about the importance of ordinary, unnamed, and uncelebrated believers sharing the Gospel in everyday life. Gary served at the 2024 Lausanne Congress on evangelism and shares lessons learned while providing security for the Chinese house church delegation. You can learn more about the Lausanne movemen…

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194. Calling | With Brayden & Gabby Cromwell Part 1 1:08:21

3M ago1:08:21

1:08:21

John is joined by Brayden and Gabby Cromwell as they share their changed life stories. Originally from a farm in Montana, Brayden joined the Tabernacle staff to work with youth and young adults. He and Gabby talk about their athletic careers through high school and college, how Christ changed their lives, and what they learned about God when athlet…

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193. Follow | With Jim & Jeanette Vermilya 1:50:18

4M ago1:50:18

1:50:18

John is joined by his parents to talk about their 60-year ministry journey of following Jesus to the mission fields of Jamaica and Haiti, pastoring local churches, hospitality and beyond. These ministry legends share some of the adventure and lessons learned from being all-in for Jesus, and trusting the One "who giveth more grace." To learn more ab…

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192. Unplanned Pregnancies | With Avery McCutcheon 1:21:05

4M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

John and Martin are joined by Avery McCutcheon, Executive Director of Thrive Medical Clinic. She shares how the Thrive ministry serves people who are vulnerable to abortion with love, support, and resources. Learn more about Thrive at thrivemedicalclinic.org, and to support them financially at friendsoftmc.org To learn more about the Tabernacle vis…

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191. Sounds Like Him | With Lori Krueger 1:29:08

4M ago1:29:08

1:29:08

John is joined by Lori Krueger, a pro soccer chaplain and executive coach, who shares her changed life story. Originally from a small town in Canada, Lori traces how a lifetime of saying "yes" to Jesus gave her ministry platforms in the church, pro soccer, and eventually the USA women's national team. You can connect with Lori at www.linkedin.com/i…

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190. There's Something Different Here | With Rachel Ray & Rachel Vore 1:21:23

4M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Rachels Vore and Ray to unpack why not all retreats are created equal. From hilariously awkward invitations to eye-opening conversations about rest, renewal, and relationships, we explore what really happens when women get outside of the routine and why that should matter to men. This episode goes fa…

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189. Anchorpoint | With Josh & Laura Boulis 1:24:00

4M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

John is joined by Josh and Laura Boulis as they share their changed life stories. They talk about pain and disappointment in previous ministry experiences, how God brought them to the Tabernacle staff and how staying grounded with Christ as their foundation allowed them to keep saying 'yes' to God.To learn more about the Tabernacle visit us online …

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Season 4 Finale: 2 Truths & An Untruth 33:50

5M ago33:50

33:50

It's the season 4 finale! So, we decided it's a good episode to play a classic camp game, with a sacred playgrounds twist. On this episode we're playing 2 Truths and An Untruth, often used as a get-to-know-you game at camp, in four rounds from the perspective of key camp audiences: campers, parents, directors, and summer staff. In each round, we'll…

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188. Revolution | Acts Series Overview 1:10:11

5M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

John is joined by Adam Ray and Kris Johns to talk about our next sermon series which covers the Book of Acts. The discussion ranges from the book's author, to our favorite stories and passages, the dramatic spread of the Gospel, and how it all applies to our lives today. To join the uprising, or learn more about the Tabernacle, visit us online at: …

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187. This Light & Momentary Darkness | Todd Heminger 1:46:37

5M ago1:46:37

1:46:37

John interviews Todd Heminger about God's faithfulness in the midst of unimaginable loss. Todd's life with his wife and two sons was proceeding according to plan when tragedy struck twice. Todd shares his powerful and inspiring perspective on trusting God in life's darkest moments. To learn more about the Tabernacle visit us online at: thetabchurch…

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More or Less? 7 Up & Down Insights from the 2024-2025 OMC Director Survey 45:31

5M ago45:31

45:31

Some things are up, some things are down, some are holding steady, and it all has meaning and impact for how we can make informed decisions and tell impactful stories for this summer and in the months ahead. We've pulled out seven key insights from the 2024-2025 OMC Director Survey findings, and sharing the up, down, and steady movement we've seen …

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186. He's Alive | Proof Of Jesus' Resurrection 1:32:21

5M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

John is joined by Adam Ray and Martin Rizzi to talk about the actual evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They address common arguments from skeptics and how the overwhelming body of evidence from the Bible, eyewitnesses, history, and archeology all point to the bodily resurrection of Jesus. To learn more about the Tabernacle visit us onl…

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185. Forgiveness | With Tim, Adam & John 1:18:32

5M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

John is joined by Tim Burgess and Adam Ray to talk about Biblical forgiveness. The pastors talk about what the Bible says about believing God's forgiveness and God's command to forgive others. The discussion touches on why we must forgive, practical steps we can take towards forgiveness, and how forgiving sets us free. To learn more about the Taber…

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Trending, Bending, or Ending: Camp Trends Over the Past 25 Years 43:00

5M ago43:00

43:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same? The only constant is change? If you’re not riding the wave of change, you’ll find yourself underneath it? Whatever your cliché du jour, the truth is, things aren't the same as they were a quarter century ago, and outdoor ministry is not immune to the shifts. On this episode, Jake and Jared welcom…

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184. Help My Marriage Part 3 | With Adam & Rachel Ray 1:57:32

6M ago1:57:32

1:57:32

John is joined by Adam and Rachel Ray as the podcast series on marriage continues. The Rays share stories and lessons learned from their own marriage and a helpful tool called the marriage wheel which gives practical steps directly from the Bible.

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183. A Child Will Lead Them | With Haley Kroupa 1:07:05

6M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

John sits down with our Cadillac TABkids Director to hear her changed life story. Haley is an OG product of the Tabernacle who first attended church alone as a kid which eventually led to her whole family also coming to faith. Haley talks about seeing ministry impact over the long term and the importance of serving to find community. To learn more …

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Camp as a Sacred Playground: Research in Faith-Based Camps - with Dr. Jake Sorenson - The Pudding #17 47:05

6M ago47:05

47:05

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/camp-as-a-sacred-playground Creating Safe Spaces to Explore Faith & Identity In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandy Baker and Travis Allison speak with Jake Sorenson, founder and director of Sacred Playgrounds, to explore the significant impact of Christian summer camps. Jak…

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The Key to Fostering Faithfulness in Summer Staff 45:18

6M ago45:18

45:18

Where will they find spiritual grounding, these summer staff members of ours? These emerging adults that truly make ministry happen at our camps; what does it take to equip and encourage practicing faithfulness in their lives while they are at camp, and foundational habits that last beyond our time with them? On this episode we'll talk about the ke…

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182. How Do I Change? l With Jonathon Sherwin 59:36

6M ago59:36

59:36

John is joined by our Man Up retreat speaker, PastorJonathan, to talk about next steps after coming down from a spiritual Mountaintop. They talk about responding to God’s prompting and practical things we can do to make it stick. The tools shared are useful for anyone who wants to see God change their life. To learn more about the Tabernacle visit …

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10 Tips for Pre-Camp Prep That Impacts Experience & Outcomes 41:53

6M ago41:53

41:53

Good news! Camps are, in general, keeping parents satisfied with the level of communication and preparation prior to camp. We learn that much in this week's #StatOfTheWeek. And, there's an opportunity to go beyond satisfactory amounts of information, to a noticeable shift into mission and faith formation, even during this often-underutilized phase …

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181. Missions In Real Life | With LeRoy Miller 1:19:03

7M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Leroy Miller walks us through life, marriage and missions in Alaska. From his early life, marriage and raising a family of six, LeRoy tells us how God led and provided for the call placed on his life as a child. His wife, Sarah is the clear hero throughout the story. To follow their story check out the links below. Voice for Christ Ministry http://…