Pod Strangely Warmed

What does faithful leadership look like when you are still becoming who God is calling you to be? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we are joined by Laureen Kuizon and Rachel Risko, seminary students at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and members of the Young Adult Council of the Horizon Texas Conference, for a hopeful and honest conversation about shaping the ch...

After welcoming more than 54 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studios in 2025, we couldn't let their stories live in just one episode. Each week, we ask our guests to share their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry, and once again, the stories were too good to leave on the cutting room floor. This second installment continues the celebration of the heart, humor and very human...

This year, we welcomed over 54 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studio. After recording each episode, we love to ask our guests to share a story about their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry. We heard so many fantastic stories from some truly wonderful people that we had to divide them into two parts. This episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Metho...

This episode touches on some behind the scenes aspects of being Mrs. Claus that may not be suitable for younger ears. If you have little ones around we recommend listening later or with headphones. Thanks for understanding, Merry Christmas! Creativity, imagination, and joy are essential parts of forming faith, especially in the lives of children. In this Christmas-week episode of POD Strangely War...

Advent does not always arrive gently, but even in its weight, it carries the promise of light, hope, and renewed joy. For many, this season holds exhaustion, grief, and unanswered questions, yet it also invites us to slow down and notice where God is already at work. On this episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Sarah Garza and Rev. Lee Trigg for a thoughtful conv...

The holiday season brings joy and tradition — but it can also carry pressure, loneliness, and grief. In this episode, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Dr. Velda Turnley , Pastor of Spiritual Growth and Discipleship at St. Luke Community UMC, and Pamela Mickens , a longtime leader in St. Luke's Mental Health Ministry, for an honest conversation about staying mentally and spiritually well thr...

"There are more things that unite us than divide us." — Bishop Erik Gronberg On this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Bishop Erik Gronberg of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Rev. Kenny Dickson , a United Methodist pastor serving at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas. Together they explore the story and lived experience of Full Communi...

This week on POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Jarrod Johnston and Rev. Scott Gilliland for a playful and competitive Thanksgiving Essentials Draft . A six-round showdown to build the ultimate Thanksgiving experience. Each round tests their strategy as they select must-have foods, family traditions, lifesavers for chaotic conversations, and unexpected wild-card picks. There'...

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Rob Spencer and Rev. Tim Bruster from Cultiv8 Community for a conversation about transformation, restoration, and the surprising impact of small beginnings. Together they explore how a single monarch butterfly helped spark a movement that now shapes communities, reconnects people to the land, and invites children, chur...

On this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Dean Bryan P. Stone of SMU Perkins School of Theology to talk about the future of theological education in the United Methodist Church and what formation looks like in a changing world. They explore the role congregations play in shaping disciples, why the classroom still matters, and how theological education can p...

The work of reaching our neighbors isn't about programs or perfect plans — it's about moments of courage, curiosity, and hope. On this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun as she shares stories from the recent Reaching Our Neighbors Masterclasses about how churches across the conference are finding new and creative ways to connect with th...

Can people of faith really enjoy Halloween? In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Matt Ybanez and producer Dustin Kaps to talk about what happens when good faithful Christians admit they actually love Halloween. From childhood costume mishaps to neighborhood haunted houses, their stories move from funny to meaningful as they reflect on how moments...

What if healing your body is also a way of healing your faith? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Nicole Melrose of Conventional Wisdom to explore how embodiment, breath, and spiritual awareness help us reconnect with God and one another. Nicole shares how slowing down, tuning in, and understanding our own nervous systems can open the door to peace, presenc...

How can churches and schools work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of kids? In this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Tabitha Branum, District Superintendent of Richardson ISD, and Robert  Grinsfelder , co-leader of the Children First ministry at First UMC Richardson. Together, they share how intentional partnerships between churches and s...

What does it mean to live out your faith in one of the most competitive industries in the world? In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, we sit down with Greg Lyons, a film producer and member of First UMC Richardson, to talk about vocation, creativity, and how following Jesus shapes a career in Hollywood. Greg also shares the story behind Light of the World, a new 2D animated feature film based...

Immigration isn't just about policy — it's about people, families, and faith. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Amy Spaur and Rev. Faiana Prescott Funaki to share stories that highlight the lived realities of immigration within the church. Together they reflect on how communities of faith live with courage and resilience, and how the church is called...

A year ago, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez of City Point UMC joined Rev. Daniel Hawkins to share what they were excited about and how they were stepping into leadership in their first weeks at new churches. Now they're back — 13 months later — to reflect on the wins, the struggles, the surprises, and what they've learned along the way. From building trust and belon...

When a pastor is appointed to a new church, the whole family feels the shift. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan and Rev. David Lessner as they share how they've stepped into new ministry contexts while keeping their families rooted in familiar communities. They reflect on what it means to show up fully in both church and home life—and h...

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Kissa Vaughn of St. Barnabas UMC in Arlington for a conversation about what it means to be deeply intentional with the community around them. From midweek worship and preschool partnerships to third-grade reading mentors and Thursday lunches for 400 high school students, St. Barnabas is building...

This week on POD   Strangely Warmed, we continue our series alongside the Multiplication Masterclasses with Hospitality that Multiplies . Host Rev.   Daniel   Hawkins is joined by Rev.   Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Dr.   Keith   Somerville , Senior Pastor at The Village in DeSoto, to explore how intentional language, self-kindness, and authentic community create spaces where people feel seen, known,...

This episode kicks off a new series tied to the Horizon Texas Conference's Multiplication Masterclass, From Visit to Belonging. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Stacey Piyakhun and Rev. Armando Alvarado from the conference's Multiplication Team for a conversation about what really helps guests become part of a church community. With real stories and practical ideas, they explore how buil...

Recorded live at the inaugural Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this episode features a powerful conversation with keynote speaker Tod Bolsinger. Known for his work on adaptive leadership and church resilience, Tod goes beyond his keynote address to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing today's church leaders. From the tension between nostalgia and mission to t...

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed , host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and Bishop Delores Williamston, Bishop of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recorded during the first Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, this conversation explores what it means to lead with resilience through life's challenges and the ongoing work...

This week marked our very first Annual Conference . In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins brings you conversations from across the connection: youth delegates, newly ordained clergy, and conference leaders—including Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.—all reflect on the spirit and significance of this historic moment. From stories of transformation at church camp to the deep joy...

Welcome back to POD Strangely Warmed ! In this special episode, we're helping you get ready for the first-ever Annual Conference of the Horizon Texas Conference, hosted at McFarlin Memorial Auditorium on the campus of SMU. We're taking you behind the scenes to meet some of the pastors and churches helping host this year's gathering. Rev. Camille May, Director of Pastoral Care at Highland Park UMC,...