Rooted and Real With Hooks

Engage Your Faith Audience with Oakley's Question Box—Rooted and Real to foster community and spiritual growth. Key topics: 5-10 bullets Introduction of Oakley, the mascot of Rooted and Real The concept of Oakley's question box for listener engagement Topics listeners can ask about: faith, prayer, Bible, relationships, anxiety, peer pressure Examples of meaningful questions: trusting God during ha...

<|OPENING|>This episode of Rooted and Real explores how trusting in God can ease the pressure of figuring out life's next steps. Perfect for youth and young adults who feel uncertain about the future, Matthew shares biblical insights and practical encouragement to rely on faith rather than on full understanding. KEY TOPICS The importance of trusting God's plan today instead of stressing abou...

Discover why staying connected to God is essential for spiritual growth and how the concept of abiding can transform your faith journey. Matthew breaks down the meaning of abiding, its importance, and practical ways to stay close to Jesus amid life's distractions.

In this eye-opening episode of Rooted and Real , Matthew reveals how comparison distorts your perspective and sabotages your joy — and why gratitude is the antidote you've been missing. You'll learn how social media often hides the struggles behind the victories and why wishing for someone else’s life overlooks the powerful purpose God designed for yours. We break down practical ways to run your o...

In this episode of Rooted and Real , I explore the subtle process of drifting away from God and offer practical steps to reconnect, emphasizing that returning to faith doesn't require perfection. Main Topics The gradual nature of spiritual drifting and common distractions How to recognize when you're drifting away Practical steps to reconnect with God, even after a long period The importance of ho...

In this episode of Rooted and Real , I uncover how prayer is less about timing and more about connection. Discover why prayer isn't reserved for emergencies—it's a daily relationship that can bring calm to chaos. You’ll learn that God already knows what you're going through, even before you speak it, and that honest, heartfelt prayers can change you more than your circumstances.

In this episode of Rooted and Real , I explore the common experience of feeling empty despite external success or distraction. I discuss the spiritual roots of emptiness and offer practical steps to reconnect with God for lasting peace and fulfillment.

If you've ever felt turned off by someone claiming to follow Jesus but behaving unkindly, you're not alone. But what if the way Christians speak about truth could actually foster love instead of grief? In this episode of Rooted and Real, I uncover why the gap between truth and love often causes church hurt—and how we can bridge that divide within reach. Perfect for believers craving authenticity o...

How My Words Shape My Life—and Why They Matter More Than I Think What if just one sentence could lift someone—or tear them down for good? The words I speak daily hold incredible power, yet I often underestimate their true impact. Whether I'm seeking to reflect my faith in every interaction or want healthier relationships, mastering the art of mindful communication is a game-changer. In this compel...

In this episode of Rooted and Real , I walk through what it means to navigate seasons when God feels distant or your prayers seem unanswered. I share why silence doesn't mean absence, why staying rooted in faith matters most during the wait, and how to keep trusting even when your emotions say otherwise.

Are you exhausted trying to keep everyone happy? In this episode of Rooted and Real, I explore why seeking people's approval keeps you stuck in a cycle — and how understanding your identity in God is the only confidence that truly lasts.

Most teenagers underestimate how much their friend group shapes their faith—until a serious conversation changes everything. Emery Dishman shares how choosing the right friends helps us stay connected to Christ and why our inner circle can shape our spiritual journey. In this honest conversation, Emery reveals the surprising ways friends influence your decisions, faith, and happiness. You'll disco...

In this episode of *Rooted and Real*, discover why kindness is essential for Christians and how Jesus set the ultimate example. You'll learn practical ways to show kindness in everyday life, even when it's hardest—whether dealing with difficult people or navigating the dangers of online interactions. Matthew shares compelling insights on how a single act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, dee...

In this episode, some of my close buddies and I talk about how small acts of kindness affect others' days. We also talk about how Christians are called to be honest and kind to everyone. Let's welcome Cash from Golfing with Cash and Reid Gosnell

In this episode of Rooted & Real, I talk about what it looks like to keep your faith strong while playing sports. It’s easy to get caught up in performance, pressure, and competition, but our identity isn’t in how we play—it’s in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

In this episode, I am going to talk about what happens when we are going through a tough time and think there is no meaning in life or that God is nowhere to be found when bad things happen. Well, you are not alone, and this episode talks about what to think when those thoughts cloud your mind.

Hi everyone. In this episode, we are going to discuss one reason Christianity is different from other religions. We are not what is called a "works-based religion." "This means that we don't have to be perfect. In fact, God calls us to come as we are. That means we can come as imperfect as we are. This episode talks about how it is OK to be imperfect because that's how we were born. Enjoy this epi...

Hi everyone. This episode is about how Jesus called us Christians to be the leaders who lead others toward HIM. This episode talks about this topic and some examples of how we can be the leaders in this broken world.

In the last episode, we talked about how we were made imperfect. In this episode, we will continue the discussion. When we make a mistake, what do we do? We can either hide our mistakes from God or bring them to him. Confessing our sins is the best way to feel relief. I hope this episode brings some clarity on this topic.

This is the last episode in our 3-part series, "What We ____ Matters." This episode is for kids or teens who find that what is on their social media feeds isn't what they want on their minds or in their hearts.

Hi everybody. If you think what you're watching is against God's will or just bad, this episode is for you. Then this episode is an excellent episode for you.

Hi everyone. This episode is for everyone who finds themselves caught in a cycle of listening to music that is dimming them down or just doesn't sound the best.

This episode is about how kids can find a place to go if they are experiencing peer pressure.

Hi everyone. This episode is about what to do when we feel far from God and how that doesn't mean we are always bound to be separated from him.

This episode is for kids who want to know more about what kinds of friendships they should have. This episode explores the importance of having an inner circle of Christian friends who will guide you in the right direction.