The RELEVANT Podcast

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'!

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...

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!

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!'

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...

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!

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!<...

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'!

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...

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...

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!

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...

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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...

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...

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...

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"!

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!"

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...

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...

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<...

Today we're joined by worship leader Jenn Johnson! We talk about all the new stuff she's working on this year (like her first solo album), as well what it looks like to incorporate worship into all aspects of our lives. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from Denzel Washington's inspiring speech to the Colorado football team, to South Korea's unexpected approach to solving low birth rates, to Jonathan Roumie's very unexpected past acting gig. And at the end of the show we celebrate March Madness by picking our bracket based solely on the actual team mascots!

Today we're joined by Blessing Offor! You might know him from The Voice or from his hit songs like “Brighter Days” and “Believe,” but beyond the music, Blessing has a mission and we talk to him about it. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from Detroit Pistons star Jaden Ivey, to a new study that figured out how long it takes your brain to break its phone addiction, to Christopher Nolan's new epic. And at the end of the show we have Ask the Cast Part Deux!

Our guest today is author and therapist John Eldredge! He’s written iconic books like Wild at Heart, and we talk to him about his latest, Experience Jesus. Really. You don't want to miss this conversation. Plus, if you like the intersection of faith and culture, this is the episode for you. We have deep dives on The Weeknd's surprising turn, Mumford & Son's worship era and Marvin Sapp's iconic Tiny Desk moment. Plus at the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast!

Today we're joined by the man behind the new Amazon series "House of David" and a lot of the non-cheesy Christian movies that have come out over the last few years—Jon Erwin. We talk about his new project and his vision for the future of Christian content. Plus, the crew brings the week's Slices, ranging from the unsurprising fact no one watched the Oscar-nominated films, to the surprising faith story of the top college basketball team, to Gen Z's financial outlook (spoiler alert: it's stressful). And at the end of the show, we put the cast's fringe Florida kn...

Today we're joined by new Christian artist Joseph O’Brien, who made his mark on 'America's Got Talent' and has released some great music leading up to his label debut album this year. We talk to him about his journey, his new music and his top 5 Christian pop punk bands of all time. Plus, well, it's a weird one. If you like deep dives on napping culture, haunted mattresses, space camp, ducks running radio stations and ironic beaver names, this is the episode for you. 

Today we're joined by worship artist Amanda Cook, who just released her new project 'SURVEY: Part 2'! We get into her heart and purpose behind the live series. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering Ariana Grande's challenge to the music industry to prioritize artists' mental health (and Derek and Marty's hot takes on that), some eye-popping stats about betting on the recent Super Bowl and what they might mean, and some big news for 'The Chosen.' And at the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast, which gets fully off the rails. 

Today we're joined by pastor and author Jonathan Pokluda for a fascinating conversation about spiritual warfare! And speaking of fascinating conversations — don't miss the science and space talk in Slices. And yes, we also cover trivial stuff like Emily's 4th grade field trip gone wrong and Cameron's FOMO. At the end of the show, we have your hilarious feedback about iconic movies. 

Today we're joined by one of the biggest producers in music history — Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. We talk about his career, his new Christian hip-hop label and more. Plus, after our Valentine's Day banter, we have this week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a surprising survey of Christians' attitudes toward refugees to Tim Robinson's new movie that we're pretty excited about. At the end of the show, don't miss our Valentine's game — Is It a Love Song or Worship Song? (Marty doesn't do well.)

It's episode 1234 (it happens like once a millennium), and we're joined by pastor Judah Smith! We have an unexpected conversation about faith and mental health you don't want to miss. Plus, we deal with Jesse's tech issues (and tech avoidance) and bring the week's Slices: The Church of England's big stance against gluten-free communion (Jesse has a very thoughtful take that unfortunately gets undercut at the last minute), as well as a new AI that will help you do even less in this remote work era (no, we're not advocating for it). At the end of the show, we...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Brown of Elevation Worship to discuss their latest acoustic project, the formation of a new worship supergroup, and the journey of being known (by us) as “the good Chris Brown.” In RELEVANT Buzz, we dive into Doechii’s surprising Grammy speech about faith and sobriety, Patrick Mahomes’ bold Super Bowl faith statement and Lauren Daigle’s big Super Bowl moment. Plus at the end, the crew crowns the ultimate Super Bowl snack with a hotly contested bracket showdown.

Today we're joined by Portland pastor and head of 24-7 Prayer USA, Tyler Staton! He has a new book out about the Holy Spirit, and our convo is a must-listen for any believer. Plus, the cast talks about the spontaneous journey Drew Holcomb's recent podcast interview sent Cameron on, and we have the week's Slices — from a secretive deep sea base project, to Gen Z ghosting job offers, to last year's most-binged show being revealed (we're disappointed in you, America). And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about your "favorite" weird, real laws!

We're joined by Christian hip-hop icon Andy Mineo, who's taken a few years away from the spotlight and is now coming back with a new focus that he tells us all about. Plus, we take minute to highlight the amazing new stuff our very own cast is putting out lately — you won't want to miss that — and we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, from the new Jelly Roll Brandon Lake collab, to boygenius' Lucy Dacus' love for Rich Mullins, to our thoughts on the upcoming final season of 'The Righteous Gemstones.' At the end of the show we have...

Today we're joined by author and psychotherapist Ian Morgan Cron. You know him as the "Enneagram guy," but today we talk about a very different topic: addiction and recovery. He opens up about his own journey with it, and makes a pretty compelling case that it's something we all deal with at some level. Plus, after the cast does a deep-dive into the Moment lip-reading is having, we have the week's Slices — Jesse makes a compelling case for a new national anthem, Emily brings up some weird driving laws, and Derek takes things completely sideways with some new AI ad...

Today we're joined by one of our favorite duos, Johnnyswim, who are FINALLY releasing a new album! We talk to them about the vulnerability of the project, how they overcame some big physical and emotional challenges over the last few years, and some great advice they have for the rest of us. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering the major Jesus aspect of the college football championship, the Grammy-winning artist who's suing Travis Scott for stealing her Christian song, and more. And at the end of the show, we have "Hot Mic Hot Takes"—don't miss it!

Today we're joined by '19 Kids and Counting' alum, Jinger Duggar Vuolo! She's taken a very different path since the show, and we talk to her about the trap of people pleasing so many of us find ourselves in. Plus, the cast comes up with ideas for making the best of this time of year, we have the week's Slices — from an interesting clue about the new Greta Gerwin 'Narnia' movie, to the president of Bumble's prediction about the future of online dating. And at the end of the show, we have your feedback about the best relationship advice yo...