Gird Up! Podcast

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Pastor Johnny Lehmann to discuss the challenges young men face in finding their identity through a Christian lens. They explore the concept of Christian masculinity, the influence of the Manosphere, and the importance of community and accountability in the journey of faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for y...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Pastor Greg Lyon of Wisconsin Lutheran College about the challenges young Christians face regarding sexuality and identity. They explore the role of pastoral care, the impact of purity culture, and the importance of healing and forgiveness in Christ. The discussion emphasizes the need for hone...

Summary Elise Gross of Academia Cristo is on the podcast this week. In this conversation, Elise discusses her journey in urban education and ministry, reflecting on the limited options she perceived for women in service roles. She emphasizes the need for more diverse opportunities in ministry that go beyond traditional roles, encouraging women to explore their unique gifts and serve in various cap...

Summary In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Gird Up Podcast, the guys dive into the history, traditions, and cultural quirks of the holiday. From Goose’s passionate defense of turkey to Connor’s hilarious Thanksgiving horror stories, they explore how the celebration has evolved, why food matters, and how gratitude builds real connection. They also dig into presidential traditions, draft th...

Summary In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz shares his transformative journey into Lutheranism, detailing his initial hesitations and the profound discoveries he made during his catechesis. He reflects on the alignment between Lutheran teachings and biblical scripture, emphasizing how this realization deepened his faith and understanding of Christianity. He discusses the significance of und...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Matt Doebler, a missionary in Australia, to discuss the pressing issue of spiritual apathy among Christians. They explore the biblical story of Gideon as a metaphor for the journey from feeling like a 'nobody' to recognizing one's identity in Christ. The conversation delves into the importance of repentance, the...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Andrew Marotta, a veteran educator and leadership coach. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong Christian faith in education, the journey from considering the priesthood to becoming a school leader, and the significance of family and community support. Andrew shares insights on leadership, self-control,...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Paul Wendland, a Lutheran theologian, about the pressing issues surrounding gender and sexuality in today's culture. They explore the cultural shifts that have led to a redefinition of gender identity, the church's role in addressing these issues, and the importance of compassion and empat...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Jacob Klug to discuss the significance of Martin Franzmann's hymnody and the value of beautiful words in articulating Christian faith. They explore the role of art and poetry in the church, the importance of men in leadership roles, and the concept of the church militant. The conversation emphasizes the need for...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Grace Ungemach about her journey as a pastor's wife in Cincinnati, the importance of church marketing, and the unique challenges and opportunities in urban ministry. They discuss setting boundaries in ministry life, the role of personal branding, and how women can find meaningful roles in church beyond teaching. Grac...

In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Dan Van Voorhis — teacher, historian, and host of the Christian History Almanac . Together they explore the importance of church history, the role of the Lutheran church today, and the future of Christianity in a changing world. Dan shares why hope matters, how diverse church traditions can enrich our understanding of the...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Dr. Johnston, a professor and parish pastor, discussing his journey in ministry, the balance between academic life and parish duties, and the importance of curiosity in pastoral care. They explore the challenges faced by modern Christianity, the identity of the Lutheran Church, and the need for accessible resources on...

Summary In this episode of the Grid Up Podcast, Charlie Ungemach and Connor Herter reflect on their journey towards ministry, discussing the sentimental nature of their upcoming vicar year, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of maintaining relationships while pursuing their calling. They explore the significance of relatability in ministry, the spiritual needs of different com...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Chad Bird, who shares his profound journey of faith, including his upbringing in the church, struggles with pride and lust, and the path to redemption. Chad discusses the importance of sharing one's story, the role of spiritual advisors, and the significance of community in healing. He also offers insights on building...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Bill Kahle, a passionate coach and evangelist. They discuss the importance of mentorship in coaching, the struggles with addiction, and the connection between high achievers and substance abuse. Bill shares his journey of balancing faith, family, and coaching, emphasizing the need for open conversations in parenting a...

Join host Charlie Ungemach for this conversation with Pastor and Professor Michael Berg as they delve into the profound concepts of vocation, purpose, and the intersection of faith and daily life. In this episode, they explore how understanding one's calling can lead to a fulfilling life, the importance of serving others, and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. 00:00 - Introduction:...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Jon Bilitz to discuss the unique aspects of campus ministry at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel. They explore the challenges and joys of serving students, the importance of building connections, and the spiritual needs of young adults. The conversation highlights the role of community, engagement through events, and the...

Summary Dean Otto joins the show to talk about the importance of church history in shaping Lutheran identity, especially within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference. He explains how understanding our past gives clarity to our doctrine, strengthens our confessions, and helps preserve the unique voice of confessional Lutheranism in the modern...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Jacob Kieselhorst, a recent seminary graduate and new pastor. They delve into the complex topic of toxic masculinity, exploring its definitions, societal implications, and the biblical perspective on masculinity. Jacob shares insights from his thesis on the subject, discussing the historical evolution of gender roles...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Ashley Fritz, a landscape architect and worship coordinator, about her journey of faith, experiences in a secular university, and the importance of community and genuine friendships. They discuss the challenges women face in the church, the significance of making faith personal, and the dynamics of dating in a Christi...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Jon, a missionary in Ecuador, about his journey from teaching in the Midwest to working in global missions. They discuss the challenges and rewards of living in a different culture, the importance of family and faith, and the role of technology in outreach efforts. Jon shares insights on raising a bilingual child, na...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Quinten Petersen, a dedicated music educator at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. They discuss the importance of early music education, the value of persistence in practice, and the joy that music can bring to students. Quinten shares insights about his innovative Viking Steel program, which has significantly increased...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Chris Gorr, who discusses his thesis on moral injury, particularly in the context of law enforcement and military personnel. They explore the differences between moral injury and PTSD, the spiritual implications of these experiences, and how Christian communities can better support those affected. Chris shares his per...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, Charlie Ungemach and Jacob Klug explore themes of manhood through the lens of poetry, particularly focusing on Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If.' They discuss the challenges of criticism, the nature of risk and resilience, and the philosophical implications of triumph and disaster. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, humility, an...

Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews JonAlden Pedersen about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in ministry and society. They discuss the definition of AI, its principles of use, and how it can serve as a tool for enhancing church work. The conversation also addresses concerns about AI replacing jobs, the fears surrounding its impact, and t...