Mature Me w/ Rich Wilkerson Jr.

What if the pressure you’re trying to escape is the very thing God is using to grow you?

This week on Mature Me, @dakotaduron and I sit down with one of my dearest friends @lukebarry. Luke has been part of VOUS since the very beginning and today we’re celebrating the release of his first book, "The Story of Your Soul."

We talk about taking steps of faith, staying committed when things get difficult and learning to embrace the tension that comes with life.

So...

What if the moments that seem small today are actually part of something God has been writing for years?

This week on Mature Me, I sit down with @mattycrocker, worship leader and songwriter with Hillsong UNITED, who helped write songs like “Oceans” that have impacted people around the world.

Matt takes us back to the early days of songwriting, the people God placed in his life, and how losing his sister shaped his perspective on what really matters.

I love the reminder that God is in the details. The relationships, the transitions, even the...

What happens when what you do for God becomes more important than being with Him?This week on Mature Me, I sat down with someone I admire, ‪@TiffanyHudsonMusic‬ a wife, mom, worship leader and songwriter, for a conversation we recorded all the way from Bondi Beach, Australia!One thing that really stayed with me was hearing Tiffany say, “I don’t feel called to lead worship. I feel called to His presence.”I love that. Because sometimes we get so caught up in what we're doing for God that we forget to simply be with Him.We talk about the power...

It’s one thing to sing about surrender. It’s another thing to have to live it.

This week on Mature Me, I sat down with one of my friends and heroes @joelhouston . We had such an honest conversation about stepping away from the platform, wrestling with disappointment and finding God in the middle of unanswered questions.

Joel has helped so many of us put words to our worship through Hillsong UNITED. He shares how he felt closer to God alone than in some of his most intimate moments on s...

How do you know if it’s God speaking or just what you want to hear?

This week on Mature Me, I’m joined by Dr. Allen Tennison and Dakota Duron to talk about hearing God’s voice and learning to trust His direction.

I think so many of us can relate to wanting a clear answer. We want to know which decision to make, which door to walk through, what comes next. But becoming familiar with God’s voice starts with getting to know His character.

Even when we don’t find an immedia...

This week on Mature Me, I’m sitting down with my dear friend @jabinchavez, whose new book, “What to Do in the Valley,” released TODAY! 

I’ve known Jabin for decades and I loved this conversation about how we grow through the seasons we wouldn’t choose.

Even in the promised land, there are still hills and valleys. Being where God called you doesn’t mean you won’t face difficult days. There are things about His character we only learn in the valley.

Could the very area you feel most insecure be the place you l...

Is the Holy Spirit welcome or is He needed in your life?

This week on Mature Me, I sit down with my friend Russell Johnson lead pastor of The Pursuit NW, for a conversation about bold faith and what it means to stay dependent on God.

We go after the things we want in life, but when it comes to our faith, we can settle for being open. Open to a miracle. Open to God moving. But are we pursuing Him? Are we praying with expectation and taking steps that require us to trust Him?<...

You can believe what God says about everyone else and still struggle to believe it about yourself.

This week on Mature Me, I’m sitting down with @hellomanouchka and @dakotaduron to reflect on 11 years of VOUS Church and our recent “Confessions” collection at @vouschurch. We talk about the early days, the friendships that have sustained us and the beliefs we’ve had to confront along the way.

“I’m not enough.” “I’m too much.” “I’m not smart enough.”

So much of maturity is learning to recognize t...

Your calling can be clear while your development is still incomplete.


This week, I’m sharing a message from last week’s staff meeting about growing with what God is doing around you. A growing church needs growing people, and a growing staff needs growing leaders.


Growth requires humility. Stay curious. Keep asking questions. No matter how experienced you become, remain teachable.


Don’t rush God’s timing or defend your gaps. Let Him develop the character and capacity you need to carry what He has called you to carry.


If you’re called to...

Men, when you look in the mirror, do you see the man God has called you to be?

This week, I’m sharing a commissioning charge from our Man Alive Prayer Breakfast: Stand firm in the faith. Be strong. Act like men.

To be a man is to be meek, accountable and needed. To know you are a loved son, fight for your character, and carry the burdens of others. Real strength isn’t about flexing. It’s about guarding your integrity and holding the line.

T...

What if the thing you keep excusing is the very thing destroying you?


This week on Mature Me, I’m sharing a message I preached at @motiongen called “Don’t Live With It.”


The enemy doesn’t start by destroying you overnight. He starts with compromise. One small excuse. One hidden habit. One line crossed so many times that conviction becomes easier to ignore.


Jesus warned us that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We cannot afford to make peace with what is slowly taking us captive.


Train yourself in the Word or you...

You don’t notice balance until you lose it.

Right before night one of VOUSCon, I shared a message titled “Get Your Balance Back”

In a world of extremes, spiritual maturity is learning how to hold the tension. Grace and truth. Conviction and compassion. Awareness without obsession.

Because if you can’t balance, you can’t stand. If you can’t stand, you can’t walk. And if you can’t walk, you certainly can’t fight.

And we are in a fight. Our wrestle is not against flesh and blood. We need the discer...

There’s a difference between leading from your calling and leading from your cracks.

This week I’m sharing a message from a staff meeting titled “Insecurity Is Not Your Identity”

We look at Peter’s story, from boldly declaring who Jesus is, to denying Him, to being restored and reminded that his failure never canceled his calling.

God already knew Peter would deny Him, and He still chose him. The same is true for you. Insecurity is not your identity. You are seen, called, an...

When something isn’t growing, don’t be so quick to blame the seed.


On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my new friend @lukelezon . I found a clip of him preaching the gospel using The Lion King and knew I had to get him on Mature Me 🔥

Luke is a husband, father, and pastor of @quaychurch. We dive into all things leadership, culture, communication, trust, and forgiveness. Whether you’re building a church, a team, a family, or your own life, healthy things don’t grow by accident. They grow in...

Everyone wants the platform. Few embrace the preparation.

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my friend @mannyarango

Manny is a husband, father, pastor of @thegardenchurchhtx, and one of the most joyful leaders I know. I've wanted to have this conversation for a long time, and it was worth the wait.

We talk about his salvation story, preaching for the first time at just eleven years old, planting a church, and why God often develops us in private long before He...

What you can withstand? THAT’S what leadership is

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my dear friends @earlmcclellan, @jabinchavez, and @johntermini for a conversation about vision, leadership and the cost of following God’s call.


Sometimes vision is not a full picture. It is simply enough light for the next step. We talk about how vision gives pain purpose, why your burden may be connected to your assignment, and what it takes to keep leading through growing pains.


We also go deeper into marriage, lust, sexual i...

We don’t get filled just to stay full. We get filled so we can be poured out.

Sat down with one of my friends @chelseaplankk for this week’s episode of Mature Me

Chelsea is a wife, artist, singer, songwriter, and Worship Director at SEU. Her music has blessed so many people, including one of our favorite worship songs, “What A God”

On this episode of Mature Me, we talk about following the peace of God, preparing for His presence, songwriting, ministry, the student-led revival at SEU, and why His grace, not our gift...

Peace is YOURS. Jesus left it for YOU.

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my dear friend @upsetthegram . Husband, father, pastor, communicator, podcaster — someone who has spent years helping people find language for faith, healing, and freedom.

This conversation goes a lot of places, but at the center of it is a deep invitation into peace. We talk about change, calling, controversy, therapy, trauma, rest, lust, and the kind of peace Jesus actually left us.

Not a temporary peace. Not a...

Imagine a bunch of Pastor’s Kids in a room recording a podcast… that’s exactly what we did for the Mature Me 100th episode

I sat down with @grahamfurtick @charliehughez @dakotaduron on a special episode diving into all things being a pastor’s kid, Gen Z, and ministry. We talk about the story behind @thelivingroom.clt - a young adult Bible that became a movement

We get into next gen leadership, growing up in the spotlight, the pressure of influence, surrendering dreams, preaching with purpose, and why maturity is not a...

What would change if we recognized that the Holy Spirit isn't optional... he’s essential!  

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with a dear friend @alexseeley. She shares the journey from a young woman praying for purpose to helping build The Belonging Co, while unpacking the message behind her new book, The Divine Counselor.

We dive into the topics like why prayer language is an evidence, not the evidence,  trusting God's timing when your calling feels delayed, and the difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual maturity

<...

Did you wake up sober this morning? How about zealous for good works?

This week I get to share a conversation that I’m still thinking about. I got to sit down with my friend @triplee a rapper, teacher, worshipper, song writer, husband and father.

From being in the christian hip-hop scene for nearly two decades to recently launching his new collection Brag Worship — Trip has a heart to bring theology to melody. We dived into the heart of worship and what that looks like as a Pastor, rapper, chur...

We don’t talk about the God of suffering enough…

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my friend @samueljames.kelly, a husband and father of three, and the youth pastor of @fellowshipchurch. His life has been shaped by a deep conviction and valleys with God on top of a calling to lead the next generation.

We talk about the spiritual openness we’re seeing right now. A generation reaching the end of itself earlier than most, realizing what the world offers isn’t enough and looking...

Today’s Mature Me episode is a reminder that maturity has nothing to do with age and everything to do with surrender

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my  friends @Malikbrookins and @emymoorebrookins. They are pastors, teachers, podcasters, influencers, newlyweds, and two people who have inspired me from afar with their hunger for the Lord.

Emy and Malik share their story, how they met, the role of social media in their journey, and what God taught them before and after stepping into marriage.

<...

Are we good neighbors?

It’s a simple question, but it reaches deeper the longer you sit with it.

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with @jedidiahthurner. Through Love Has No Limits and Good Neighbor Day America, Jedidiah is helping mobilize people across the country to believe that kindness can change a day, a life, and a community.

We talk about kindness, discipleship, generosity, forgiveness, community, and what it means to love your neighbor in a world that feels more isolated th...

Maturity is learning how to steward your mind, your body, your habits and your soul.

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with Dr. Amen, a leading voice in brain health who has spent his life helping people understand the connection between the brain, the mind, the body, and the spirit.

We talk about why mental health is not just a mental issue, but a brain health issue. Dr. Amen breaks down why getting your brain healthy helps your mind follow, and how so many of the struggles we label...

I love conversations that sharpen how we lead.


This week we’re releasing a panel from The Assembly 2026. I sat down with friends and leaders I deeply respect, Manouchka Charles, Mark Pettus, Bobby Chandler, and Sheldon Andrus, and we talk on culture, leadership, and building what lasts.


Culture doesn’t happen by default, it happens by design. We talk about raising leaders, solving problems, and why healthy teams grow when leaders stop trying to do everything themselves.


We also talk about authenticity, discipline, remembering what the Lord has done, and staying rooted in the story...

This week I’m excited to share a message straight from The Assembly ’26

The Assembly is a space where we get pastors and leaders together in one room to equip the saints. The year I shared a message titled “Now & Later.”

Jesus says, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” He lived with the cross in His sight, showing us that real love finishes what it starts.

So much of leadership lives in that tension. The uncertainty of now, whil...

This week on Mature Me, I sit down with @davidnasser — an author, pastor, and friend whose story and conversation holds both weight and wonder.

David grew up in Iran during political unrest, watching his father be taken at gunpoint and learning at a young age what fear, loss, and displacement feel like. Over his life the battle has shifted — from physical survival to emotional survival. Bullying, insecurity, and the pressure of trying to belong.

But everything changed when he encountered Jesus.

We talk about the...

I love conversations that challenge the way we think about leadership and who we’re becoming.

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my friend @ryanleak, a husband and father of two, New York Times best selling author and speaker.

We talk about the moments that shape you- from his surprise wedding that gained national attention to his connection to Kobe and practicing with the NBA. We talk what it looks like to actually process loss and how stillness before God becomes essential in seasons of pressure.

Ryan shares the sh...

This week I sat down with one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. @scottharrsion is the founder and CEO of @charitywater, a nonprofit organization that has

funded over $1 Billion for clean and safe drinking water projects for over 20 million people

around the world

From being a top nightclub promoter to becoming the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2024 Scott is one of the most influential social entrepreneurs of our time

We talk about how calling often finds you when yo...

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with a longtime friend in the faith @markpettus

Mark preached his first sermon just one month after getting saved and now serves as lead pastor of one of the biggest churches in America @churchofthehighlands. His life has been marked by faith, obedience, and a quiet commitment to stay planted when many people would move on.

We talk about 15 years of friendship, the power of staying, and the transition to the role of lead pastor.

Sometimes...

On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my friend @annagoldenmusic, worship leader, artist, wife, and someone who has chosen obedience again and again.

At a young age she stepped into the entertainment industry working with Disney alongside her family. As she stepped in to be a light she learned that influence means nothing if you don’t first know how to be still in the presence of God.

We talk about worship culture, the local church, kingdom success versus worldly success, and how God’s mercy pull...

I love conversations with friends who have walked through fire.On this episode of Mature Me, I sit down with my good friend Levi LuskoFrom serving as a youth pastor and planting a church at 22 to losing his daughter and Dad - Levi’s life has been marked by bold faith and big transitions.We also talk about what happened at 38. The midlife crisis. The anxiety attacks. An 18 month season that felt messy and disorienting. A detangling of identity, pace, and pressure.We talk about manhood and suffering. About grief and how to handle death. Growing your no. Changing yo...

This episode is unique and timely.

Shah Ahmadi was born and raised in Iran in a devout Muslim family, under a system where Islam functions as state law, not just personal faith.

He grew up memorizing the Quran for hours at a time. Believing his good deeds had to outweigh his bad. Never hearing the word grace.

As he began questioning and searching for truth, anxiety followed him. Fear of punishment. Spiritual resistance when he stepped toward church.

Then...

Love, marriage, sex, dating… you all had QUESTIONS😅 I brought my favorite person, my best friend, my wife of almost 20 years @dawnchere on for a special Valentines episode of Mature Me ❤️

We answered your questions honestly, laughed a lot, and I even pulled out the list I wrote on our 15th anniversary: 15 Things to Do to Keep Your Marriage on Fire🔥

This one’s for the married, the dating, the hopeful, and the healing.

Tune into the premiere at 7:30PM on the Rich Wilkerson Jr. YouTube Channel

This week on Mature Me, I sit down with one of the funniest and anointed people I know - @natediaz

We talk about nearness, faith as intimacy and not performance, and staying rooted.

We get into worship, songwriting, and why theology matters when you’re leading people. We also talk about touring, pruning seasons, and what it looks like to stay close to the cross through it all.

This is a conversation about maturity, devotion, and letting the Father’s love keep your heart aliv...

Imagine having your best friend and one of his best friend’s on your podcast… that’s exactly what I did with @thejasonkennedy @mattcutshall

From E! News & Vine to being married in your 40s- both Jason and Matt have never stopped evolving. We talk about friendships, the early days of content creation, burnout, pressure, and pivoting as media keeps changing. We also talk strategy, longevity, and trusting God when the path isn’t clear.

This is a real conversation about life, work, and growth.

If you w...

Stay tuned to all of Rich’s latest content: https://www.richwilkersonjr.com

Listen to this episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5irnf5xVweBzylMB7L12lM?si=c1fa4ecc659e420e&nd=1&dlsi=9ee25cfb9b234d11

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mature-me-w-rich-wilkerson-jr/id1727468541

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Talk about a rollercoaster of a podcast 😂 This week I sat down with my friend @AndyMineo

We laugh, we cry, we get real, and if you stay tuned in long enough you’ll witness something that has never happened before on this podcast. @snl you have to hire this guy

An artist shaped by conviction, honesty, and intention. From his early days in NYC to navigating hip hop, faith, creativity, and the weight of being misunderstood, we talk about what it really means to live with a deeper why.

...

Starting the year strong with my friend Ashton Hall on Mature Me 💪

Ashton’s story is marked by consistency. Putting God first, staying patient, and choosing alignment over momentum. From football, to failure, to rebuilding with intention, he’s learned that clarity comes through obedience, not rushing, and that rejection is often God’s redirection.

We talk about habits, discipline, waiting well, and building a life that’s rooted before it’s visible

🧊🍌👟