The RELEVANT Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: RELEVANT Magazine

Since 2005, the weekly show from RELEVANT magazine covering faith, culture and everything in-between! Each week, Cameron Strang, Jesse Carey, Derek Minor, Emily Brown and Marty bring buzzworthy news and amazing guests for thought-provoking and hilarious conversations!

Impact Conversation Series: Madi Prewett Trout and Ben Higgins
Today at 10:30 AM

Two former Bachelor stars. Two very different, but impactful, post-show paths. One episode about what it really looks like to use your platform well.

In this new installment of The RELEVANT Podcast: Impact Conversations, Emily Brown and Cameron Strang sit down with Madi Prewett Trout and Ben Higgins to talk about life after reality TV, spiritual growth, calling, purpose, and how to steward influence in a way that actually matters.  

First, Emily talks with Madi Prewett Trout, who has spent the last five years immersed in ministry—preaching, writing, podcasting, discipling young women, and building a life roo...


Episode 1278: Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn
Last Tuesday at 10:40 AM

Chris Llewellyn from Irish folk worship band Rend Collective joins us to talk about the band’s new album 'Christmas in Belfast,' the surprising Irish traditions behind it and what it’s like navigating life between Ireland and Nashville.

We also break down the biggest stories in faith and culture, including NF’s record-setting Billboard debut, the wild rise of AI-generated music, and Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson’s faith-forward breakout. Plus, the crew swaps celebrity-encounter stories and brings Chris into a special holiday round of “One Has to Go.”

CHAPTERS:

02:00 – Jesse spots an SNL cast me...


Impact Conversation Series: Tara-Leigh Cobble and Art Rainer
Last Monday at 5:50 AM

On this episode of our Impact Conversations series, we sit down with Tara-Leigh Cobble, creator of The Bible Recap — one of the most influential Bible-reading podcasts in the world. Tara-Leigh shares how The Bible Recap started, how she built a global Bible-reading community and what she’s learned about Scripture, calling and obedience along the way. If you’re trying to understand the Bible or want to stay consistent in your Bible reading plan, this conversation is for you.

We also feature a bonus interview with Christian financial expert Art Rainer, who breaks down how to approach money, gener...


Episode 1277: Can We Trust Anything Online Anymore? A Christian Look at AI, Social Media and All Those Rigged Charts
11/25/2025

This week on The RELEVANT Podcast, we dive into the strange new digital reality Christians are wrestling with — from AI artists topping the Christian charts to foreign troll farms shaping what we see online, even in faith spaces. Throughout the show, we keep asking one big question: can we trust anything online anymore?

Plus, we talk Kristen Bell’s surprise appearance on a Fox News Bible podcast (and her feelings about that), Nate Bargatze’s real-life theme park, weird holiday debates, outlawed pickleball, Thanksgiving pizza and a lot more. It’s a holiday-week hangout episode with Cameron, Jesse an...


Episode 1276: Passion's Kristian Stanfill on Sobriety, Freedom and His Most Honest Album Yet
11/18/2025

Worship leader and Passion artist Kristian Stanfill joins us to talk about the long road from addiction to five years of sobriety, the moment everything changed and how his new album 'Come to Jesus' was born from real healing and real joy.

Cameron, Jesse, Derek and Emily also bring RELEVANT Buzz, our weekly breakdown of the latest at the intersection of faith and culture — and of course, we close the show with Slices, where the crew dives into the funniest, weirdest and most unexpected stories the internet has to offer.

Show Highlights


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Impact Conversation Series: Bear Grylls and Bobby Gruenewald
11/14/2025

In this episode of the RELEVANT Podcast Impact Conversation Series, we sit down with two leaders who have shaped the faith lives of billions.

First, adventurer and global TV icon Bear Grylls opens up about how the wilderness taught him about spiritual survival. It’s one of Bear’s most personal and honest conversations ever — covering doubt, faith, courage and why he believes Jesus’ life is the greatest adventure of all.

Then, YouVersion founder Bobby Gruenewald joins us fresh off a historic milestone: one billion downloads of the Bible App. He shares the wild origin story of...


Episode 1275: Kings Kaleidoscope's Chad Gardner Joins the Show!
11/11/2025

This week, Kings Kaleidoscope’s Chad Gardner joins us to talk about the band’s new album, “Asaph's Arrows II,” a return to their roots reimagining classic hymns. He opens up about creative integrity, the lessons of Mars Hill, and how the band’s journey has reshaped his view of worship and art. Plus, the cast tackles haircut horror stories, the SNAP funding freeze, Mike Todd’s viral Breakfast Club interview and this year’s weirdest scientific discoveries.

Highlights:

1:00 – Intros

10:45 – The Great Hair Debate: Who has the courage to stop a bad haircut in progress?


Episode 1274: Why Gen Z Women Are Leaving the Church: Sociologist Ashley LaLonde Explains
11/04/2025

Christian researcher, sociologist and Hamilton actress Ashley LaLonde joins The RELEVANT Podcast to unpack new data revealing why more Gen Z women are walking away from church. She explains how purity culture, politics and the lack of space for single or career-focused women are reshaping faith for a generation. It's a must-listen conversation! Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz and Slices


1:00 – The Crew Debates Big Napkin: Jesse exposes the “decorative napkin industrial complex.”

6:30 – The Dollar Tree Uprising: The cast demands rebranding to “$1.25 Tree.”

8:00 – Smooth Pivot Attempt: Cameron tries to move from napkins to fai...


IMPACT Conversation Series — David Meltzer & Mark Batterson
10/31/2025

In this episode of our IMPACT Conversation Series, entrepreneur David Meltzer shares how losing everything led him to redefine success through faith, gratitude and purpose. Then, pastor and author Mark Batterson unpacks the message behind his new bookGradually Then Suddenly — why breakthroughs happen slowly, then all at once. Hosted by Cameron Strang and presented by World Vision, these conversations explore what it really means to make an impact through business, ministry and everyday faith.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 — Introduction with Cameron Strang

01:18 — World Vision partnership + mission spotlight

02:30 — David Meltzer joins the conversation

04:00 — Losing ever...


Episode 1272: The NBA Gambling Scandal, Daniel Caesar’s Faith Journey & What Happens After We Die
10/28/2025

This week the crew breaks down the NBA’s shocking gambling scandal, Daniel Caesar’s unexpected faith journey, and what actually happens after we die. Plus, Jelly Roll launches a free rehab center, Emily questions if Florida makes the cut for the New Earth and Jesse warns us about smart beds gone rogue.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro 

01:15 The NBA Gambling Scandal → Chauncey Billups, the mafia & a Walter White theory

15:00 RELEVANT Buzz: Daniel Caesar’s Faith Journey & New Album

22:00 Jelly Roll’s Free Rehab Center

24:00 Faith Charting Again on Prime Video + Hollywoo...


Episode 1271: What Real Faith Looks Like (and Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?)
10/21/2025

After reflecting on their recent conversation with viral creator Jimmy Darts, the crew dives into what living out real faith actually looks like — not just believing the right things, but showing compassion and generosity in everyday life. Then they tackle the big October question: should Christians celebrate Halloween, or skip the costumes altogether?

In RELEVANT Buzz, they unpack Mel Gibson’s questionable new Resurrection of the Christ casting, AI’s takeover of the internet, and Miley Cyrus’ surprising thoughts on sobriety. Plus, in Slices, wild stories about speeding tickets, Switzerland’s $100K fines, and self-driving cars gone rogue.


IMPACT Conversation Series: Jimmy Darts
10/16/2025

We believe every follower of Jesus is called to make a difference — and in this special bonus series, we’re sitting down with creators, leaders and dreamers who are doing just that.

In this episode, we kick things off with Jimmy Darts — GoFundMe’s top creator, known for surprising strangers with life-changing generosity. His videos have reached hundreds of millions, but behind it all is a simple mission: to show the world what God’s love looks like in action.

The RELEVANT Podcast IMPACT Series is presented by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization serving children a...


Episode 1270: Pastor Chris Durso on the State of the Church — ‘People Don’t Want Hype—They Want Jesus’
10/14/2025

Pastor Chris Durso joins us to talk about the shifting landscape of modern Christianity — why flashy churches are losing their influence, how Gen Z is reshaping faith communities, and what authenticity really looks like in a post-celebrity-pastor era.

Plus, the crew breaks down the biggest stories at the intersection of faith and culture, including Chandler Moore’s lawsuit against Maverick City Music's CEO, Project Pat's stunning salvation moment at a Memphis concert, the Taco Bell Ultra Marathon and the viral “Jericho dating strategy” at ORU. (FYI, it's glorious.)

Chapters:

05:00 – RELEVANT BUZZ Returns: The Maverick C...


Episode 1269: Fabio Meets a Goose, SNL Meets Christian Movies, and Bad Youth Group Names!
10/07/2025

It’s only our second-ever video episode, and things already get weird. (What's new?) The crew dives into the wildest stories this week — unpacking whether Instagram is really “not listening,” the lady who will name your baby for the low, low price of $30,000, and Emily uncovers the faith-filled backstory of SNL’s James Austin Johnson (spoiler: he started in Christian movies). Plus, we relive the legendary Fabio goose incident, cringe youth group names and a lot more!


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Video Podcast Transition

03:04 Audience Reactions and Expectations

05:58 Fabio's Roller Coa...


Episode 1268: It's Our First Video Podcast!
09/30/2025

This week, we try a bunch of new things that may (or may not) live on, but we want you to check it out and tell us what you think about the new format. We have some big announcements about the new video era of the show at the beginning, and then Slices is back! Jesse brings some vital squirrel news, Derek brings the dystopian future of drone surveillance, and Emily brings a heart check about sharing our faith that spurs an unexpected conversation. At the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast, and definitely connect with...


Episode 1267: Matthew McConaughey
09/19/2025

Today we're joined by actor Matthew McConaughey for a fascinating conversation about faith, prayer and cynicism. Plus, this week Slices is back! Jesse brings the Aquatic Conspiracy and Crimes beat, and Emily brings some surprising vintage media news. And at the end of the show, we have a hilarious round of 'One Has to Go'!



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Episode 1266: Lecrae
09/12/2025

Today we're joined by Christian hip-hop icon Lecrae. He just released his 10th album, Reconstruction, and we talk about legacy, impact and the future of Christian hip-hop. Plus, Derek tells us all about his new album that's releasing next week — and took 6 years to make. In RELEVANT Buzz, we dive into the crazy 1st concert being hosted at the Vatican, a surprising study about which generation attends church the most, the tough job market facing twentysomethings, and Carrie Underwood leading worship at her local church. And at the end the show, we have a hilarious edition of 'One Has to...


Episode 1265: Issue 117 Revealed
09/06/2025

Today, instead of a guest interview, we give you the first look at the new digital issue of RELEVANT! It features a stacked line-up, and we can't wait for you to hear about it. Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering the bold faith of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' star Gavin Casalegno, a new job that will pay you for scrolling social media all day, and the movie theater that had a Catholic bishop blessing people with holy water before they watched the new 'Conjuring' horror film. Plus, we have 'One Has to Go' and a lot more!

<...


Episode 1264: Willie Robertson
08/29/2025

This week we're joined by reality TV star and CEO of Duck Commander, Willie Robertson! Plus, in Slices we tackle everything from the impact of TikTok on our brains to the ethically questionable thing the Chinese are now doing with robots. The guys of course discuss this week's big engagement news, we learn more about the important work of Sole Hope, and at the end of the show we have 'One Has to Go!'



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Episode 1263: Allison Eide
08/22/2025

Today we're joined by Allison Eide, an indie artist that's exploding right now. We talk about her viral hit, "IDK," how mental health has shaped her faith journey and a lot more. Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering SNL star Ego Nwodim opening up about how she labels her faith now, news that Americans are historically sober, and Jets QB Justin Fields' surprising addiction. The cast discusses travel weariness, "MacGruber" and Nate Bargatze's new tour, and at the end of the show we have One Has to Go, including Jesse's Tom Cruise observation that will forever change how you...


Episode 1262: Nathan Davis Jr.
08/15/2025

Today we're joined by actor, artist and viral sensation Nathan Davis Jr! We talk about his surprising shift to Christian music, his viral breakout, creativity and a lot more! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz we cover the seemingly weekly Forrest Frank news, AI Jesus chatbots and the Jonas Brothers bringing out Switchfoot for a huge stadium show. At the end of the show we have One Has to Go, and don't miss our conversations about authenticity in Christian music and a lot more!



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Episode 1261: Tony Hale
08/08/2025

Today we're joined by actor Tony Hale! You know him from Veep, Arrested Development and a million other iconic roles—but now, he’s taking on something a little different. He stars in Sketch, a new film that dives into the power of creativity, healing and facing your fears. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, including Forrest Frank's crazy last two weeks, and a deep dive conversation about the Maverick City Music controversy that's been filling up social media the last couple of weeks. And of course, at the end of the show we have One Has to Go!<...


Episode 1260: Strings and Heart
08/01/2025

Our guests today are Strings & Heart, a Christian indie rock group that's exploding right now. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, including new analysis on the state of modern worship (specifically who's writing all the songs), some news out of Washington about the role of faith in federal workplaces, and boxer Manny Pacquiao's surprising plans for his fight weeks. We also have our RELEVANT Recommends pick of the week, and at the end of the show it's 'One Has to Go'!



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Episode 1259: Circuit Rider Music
07/25/2025

Our guests today are Lindy Cofer and Eniola Abioye from Circuit Rider Music, the worship movement based in Huntington Beach, California. We talk about how Gen Z's hunger for God is shaping their mission and ministry. Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz we cover Brandon Lake's response to the criticism he's been receiving (from Christians) about collaborating with mainstream artists, streamer Ninja sharing a devotional that's been challenging his faith (in a good way), and the notable cast coming together for Fox's upcoming miniseries on the women of Genesis. Plus, we do a deep dive on the new season of the...


Episode 1258: Sons of Sunday
07/18/2025

Today we're joined by Pat Barrett and Chris Brown from the new worship supergroup Sons of Sunday! They tell us how the unexpected project came together (and how Pat thought it was going to be a metal group). Plus, Emily is back from her Cowboy Carter trip and brings the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering everything from the divided Superman reactions, to Kat Von D's next step in her spiritual journey, to a new study that reveals Gen Z is being a lot more selective in dating. And at the end of the show, we have the hardest edition of 'O...


Episode 1257: Jon Keith
07/11/2025

Today we're joined by Jon Keith, who just released an innovative, vulnerable new album, GROW WINGS. He opens up about it and everything that's been going on in his life this past year—it's a can't-miss conversation. Plus, we mix things up this week and have Slices, from Brandon Lake's bold grooming decisions to a surprising Hollywood blockbuster that just got announced. The guys also unpack summer travel, theme parks, movie IP and a lot more. And at the end of the show, we have a hilarious edition of One Has to Go!



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Episode 1256: Bodie
07/04/2025

Today we're joined by exciting new artist Bodie, who you probably remember from season 22 of 'The Voice.' We talk about his calling, crazy journey and more. Plus, after a deep dive into Jesse's Common Sense Party platform and a debate about the most cringe 'Office' episodes, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from NFL superstar Saquon Barkley becoming a Christian, to science's surprising findings about night owls, to a really interesting new Amazon show debuting later this month. And at the end of the show, we have an unmissable edition of our annual July 4th game, "Rock Band...


Episode 1255: nobigdyl.
06/27/2025

Today we're joined by one of our favorite rappers — NPR Tiny Desk Fan Favorite nobigdyl! He just released an amazing EP with Kato on the Track, and we get the story of how it all came together. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, with big news for Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, less great news for Newsboys, a study about the positive life impact of attending church, and an internet betting trend you might want to avoid. And speaking of avoid, at the end of the show we have One Has to Go!



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Episode 1254: Dallas Jenkins
06/20/2025

This week we're joined by 'The Chosen' show runner and director Dallas Jenkins! We talk about the global phenomenon, season 5 (which debuted on Prime this week) and what project he's working on next. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering everything from Rodney Jerkins on 'The Breakfast Club' calling out the music industry for ignoring Christian artists, to a new warning about the rapidly shifting life/work balance, to a gospel legend's remarkable cover of a Frank Ocean song. And at the end of the show, we have 'One Has to Go' and a big announcement from Marty!

...


Episode 1253: Jay Manwell
06/13/2025

Our guest today is Christian R&B duo Jay Manwell! The brothers from Abilene, Texas, are creating some incredible music and absolutely are a group to watch as they explode. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, which covers everything from GloRilla's unexpected gospel BET award win, to Michael Tait speaking out this week about the scandal surrounding him, to the surprising tactic the NY Jets are using to bring the team together this offseason. And at the end of the show, we of course of a Father's Day edition of One Has to Go!



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Episode 1252: Elevation Rhythm
06/06/2025

Today we're joined by Josh Holiday from Elevation Rhythm! We talk about the big tour they just did and hear more about the band’s brand-new album, Victory Lap. Plus we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton's newfound faith, to the surprising way AI is changing mental health, to some big news from The Chosen. And of course, at the end of the show we have a summer edition of One Has to Go!



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Episode 1251: Tauren Wells
05/23/2025

Today we're joined by worship artist and author Tauren Wells! This week he released his debut book talking about joy — a topic that gets largely overlooked (or misunderstood) in the Church. Plus, for those of you who've asked us to bring Slices back — you're in luck! And at the end of the show, it's a Memorial Day edition of One Has to Go!



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Episode 1250: Cautious Clay
05/16/2025

Today we’re joined by genre-defying artist Cautious Clay, who tells us about the process behind his new album, The Hours: Morning! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz, two Christian hits have broken into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in over a decade, and we talk about why Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank are redefining industry momentum. Plus we have the notable news from all the TV up-fronts happening this week, and some surprising legislation that got filed this week. Plus, the crew reflects on the podcast’s 20th anniversary, the one-sided "rivalry" we had with Joel Osteen in the...


Episode 1249: Mike Foster
05/09/2025

Today we're joined by author Mike Foster! We talk about his fascinating work around the 7 primal questions — it's an eye-opening conversation you can't miss. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a record-setting baptism event, to The Chosen's box office impact, to scientists that figured exactly when you become an adult (it's later than you think) and nobigdyl's big NPR Tiny Desk news. And yes, in the midst of all that Jesse and Marty come up with some fresh suggestions to pump up the Sunday morning church experience. At the end of the show, we have an...


Episode 1248: Gracie Binion
05/02/2025

Today we're joined by indie worship artist Gracie Binion! We talk about her fight to create a pure, authentic worship space and how she’s carving out her own path in the Christian music scene. Plus, well, if you're not interested in the whole "can one gorilla beat 100 men" debate, just fast-forward to Gracie's interview, because that's half the show. (Not really. But kinda. And Cameron does have an unreal gorilla story.) In RELEVANT Buzz, we talk about the big recent moments from Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, nobigdyl is making waves again with his NPR Tiny Desk contest su...


Episode 1247: One Voice Worship
04/25/2025

Today we're joined by one of our favorite worship collectives, One Voice! Co-founder Gospel Chidi joins us to talk about the band’s new album and how the group keeps the essential things essential. Plus, Jesse's back and Emily's out, so it's an all boy's episode — you've been warned. We cover everything from police Chick-fil-A deliveries to aliens being real to coverups of technology that could destroy the world. And at the end of the show, it's another edition of "One Has to Go"!



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Episode 1246: TAYA
04/18/2025

Today we're joined by worship artist TAYA, who just released her highly anticipated sophomore solo album. It came out of a chaotic, restless season of her life, from becoming a new mom to facing a cancer diagnosis, and she tells us all about it. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from what's really happening when you're rewatching your comfort shows, to some positive news about Bible engagement in our generation, to the news a new social network might be on the way. Plus, at the end of the show we have another round of "One Has to Go!"

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Episode 1245: Jonathan Roumie
04/11/2025

Today we're joined by none other than Jonathan Roumie, who you know as Jesus in 'The Chosen'! We talk about the highly anticipated season 5, and the challenges of bringing the humanity of Jesus to the big screen. Plus, after discussing Internet trolls we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from an unexpected moment of healthy boundaries on a hit dating show, to a new study showing a lot more people have decided to follow Jesus in the last 5 years than many realized, to the contestant on 'American Idol' that is taking everyone to CHURCH. And at the end...


Episode 1244: John Mark McMillan
04/04/2025

Today we're joined by John Mark McMillan! He's dropping his new album, Cosmic Supreme, and we talk about his decision to step away from worship music for a decade while navigating a faith crisis, and his decision to step back into it as he’s reconstructing his faith. It’s a fascinating and vulnerable conversation. Plus, it's Jesse's birthday! We celebrate by playing a new game, "WWJD (What Would Jesse Do?)". Plus, we of course talk about the viral Marvin Sapp offering video and have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from some big Jesus box office news, to a new...


Episode 1243: Aloe Blacc
03/28/2025

Today we're joined by R&B legend Aloe Blacc! He has a new project out that not only has great music, but also makes a big impact. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, featuring everything from Chris Pratt explaining fasting to Stephen Colbert, to some surprisingly vulnerable talk about faith and emotional health in the women's Sweet 16, to the deeply Christian origins of basketball (God's favorite sport?). And lastly, NEW THEME SONG, WHO DIS? The evolution of the show continues, and we want to hear what you think! Hit us up on our new podcast IG account: @RELEVANTpodcast<...