The Midtown Podcast

In this powerful new episode, Austin sits down with Haley, Sarah, and Jay to unpack what real community actually looks like — not the surface-level kind, but the kind that changes you. They dive into what it means to  see people through the heart of Christ , how to handle conflict in friendship, and what happens when we bring our struggles into the light. If you’ve ever felt unseen, isolated, or d...

When life hits hard and the mask comes off, what do you do next? In this powerful conversation, Josh and Bree open up about  life after football, identity loss, mental warfare, and the freedom they found in Jesus.  From the pressures of college athletics to the struggle of social media and finding peace in God’s presence — this one goes deep. Jay and Austin unpack what it means to live free, fight...

Politics today can feel chaotic, divisive, and overwhelming — so how should followers of Jesus respond? In this powerful episode of  Midtown Podcast , we sit down with  Shawn , with over 20 years of experience in politics, to have a raw conversation about how believers can engage without losing their identity in Christ. We discuss how politics has shifted in recent decades, why younger generations...

This week on the Midtown Podcast, we sit down with our dear friend  Debbie , a spiritual mother to many in our community. She shares her powerful story of surrendering to Jesus in her minivan, encountering the Good Shepherd, and learning to walk by faith every single day. Debbie opens up about miraculous moments—like praying for a mother whose baby was diagnosed with no hope, only to see God bring...

In this episode of  Midtown Podcast , Austin sits down with worship leader and creative T.C. Chambers for a powerful conversation about freedom, healing, and creativity. T.C. shares his personal journey — from wrestling with anger, depression, and ADHD to experiencing a breakthrough moment where Jesus shattered the “glass box” he felt trapped in. He opens up about the role of mentors, the power of...

In this episode of  Midtown Podcast , Austin and Jay dive deep into what revival truly means—not just as a cultural buzzword, but as a biblical reality. They talk about seasons of uncertainty, finding God’s timing “right on time,” and the importance of surrender over striving. Together, they explore: How revival begins personally, not corporately Why revival isn’t just hype, but death to life Retu...

Jake Mass joins Midtown to talk about living simply before God, loving like little children, and choosing unity over rivalry. From a WWII trip that sparked “resolve,” to the church tradition about John’s final words—“love each other like little children… because it is enough”—this episode calls us back to trust, presence, and obedience in everyday moments. If you’ve felt pressure to perform or the...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with worship leaders, songwriters, and father-daughter duo Chuck & Lily Hooten. From Lily’s first terrifying worship set to becoming a full-time musician, to Chuck’s wisdom on parenting, worship, and surrender, this conversation is packed with encouragement, laughter, and truth. We talk about overcoming fear, living a lifestyle of worship, why surrender i...

This week on Midtown, we sit down with our friend Stew to talk about the beauty, tension, and trust in the creative process. From writing worship songs in the Dominican Republic to receiving songs in dreams, Stu shares the heart behind his new release  “Don’t Worry” —a song born out of patience, presence, and surrender. We explore how to steward creative ideas, hear God in moments of silence, and...

What do you do when you pray for healing and it doesn’t happen the way you expected? In this heartfelt episode, Jay, Austin and Genevieve open up about loss, waiting, and what it means to stay tender before God. From real stories of pain to surprising encounters with healing and forgiveness, this one will meet you in the middle of your mess.

In this episode of the Midtown Podcast, Austin sits down with Jay and Sean for a raw, unfiltered conversation on evangelism. From awkward street moments to deep personal encounters, they explore what it really means to share Jesus—without a script, a playbook, or performance pressure. Whether you're passionate about telling people about your faith or terrified to start, this episode will chall...

In this episode, we sit down with our friend Sarah to unpack one of the most relatable topics we’ve received— how to find a sense of home in the middle of change.  From unexpected breakups to post-grad loneliness, to losing friendships or purpose, we talk about what it looks like to navigate the unknown without losing your footing. We dive into the idea that  home isn’t always a place or a person—...

What if obedience to that tiny nudge from God changed the trajectory of your life? In this episode, we walk through moments that shaped a deeper intimacy with Jesus — from unexpected encounters in Knoxville to listening for the Holy Spirit’s whisper. We talk about humility, desperation, and choosing obedience over ego. This conversation is a reminder that God can use even the simplest ‘yes’ to rew...

Brennan, a student-athlete at the University of Tennessee, joins us to share his powerful journey—from leading spontaneous worship nights as a zealous new believer to discovering the depth of true intimacy with Jesus. In this episode, we talk about spiritual hunger, learning through failure, vertical worship, and the quiet power of living a life fully surrendered to God. Whether you’re in a dry se...

In this special Father’s Day episode, I talk with my dad about the lessons that shaped his life — from parenting and marriage to perseverance in business and faith. If you need encouragement for your own journey, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Cole Palmer joins us for a powerful conversation on what it means to long for Jesus’ return. We explore the cry of “Maranatha,” the tension of living in the “meanwhile,” and how God is softening hearts around us. From redemption stories on the streets of Knoxville to finding oil in the Garden of Gethsemane, this one will stir something deep.

What if your greatest act of worship didn’t sound like music—but looked like surrender? We’re diving into Genesis 22, the first time the word “worship” is used in Scripture, and discovering what it really means to lay everything before the Lord—even when it costs you everything.

What if the peace you're craving isn’t found in solving your problems, but in  sitting still  with God? In this episode, Austin and J share real stories—from runaway goats to moments of deep spiritual clarity—as they reflect on Psalm 131 and what it means to “calm and quiet your soul.” This is a vulnerable, hope-filled convo about trusting God, silencing the noise, and learning to hear His voi...

Chuck and Emily Hooten join Austin fresh off a powerful trip to the Dominican Republic with a team of creatives. From wild worship moments and Holy Spirit-led songwriting to redefining leadership and purpose, this episode is a deep dive into what happens when artists stop striving for platform and start living on mission. Whether you're a creative, a dreamer, or just burnt out—this one will hi...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nick—a missionary turned mobilizer—who spent 13 years in the Middle East and is now on the frontlines of a gospel movement on the University of Tennessee campus. We talk about the hunger rising in this generation, the fall of religious gatekeeping, the rise of humility, and why it’s time to stop waiting and  go for it . If you’ve ever felt the tension bet...

What if real strength looked like being interruptible? In this episode, we explore the way Jesus moved—never rushed, always present, fully available. From pausing for children to noticing the overlooked, Jesus showed us that slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Tune in for a deep dive on how to live with margin, walk in purpose, and reflect God’s pace in a world that never stops.

What happens when a man running from God gets stopped by a knock on the door… and a storm that takes everything? In this raw and powerful episode, Andrew shares his incredible story—from chasing women and alcohol in New Orleans to leading one of the most impactful grassroots ministries in Knoxville. Hear how a hurricane, a knock from a neighbor, and a confrontation with God radically transformed h...

Why do things feel heavy even when everything seems “fine”? In this vulnerable and deeply honest conversation, Austin and Jay unpack the hidden weight that comes from leadership, expectations, isolation, and performance. From ministry burnout and emotional numbness to the healing power of confession, brotherhood, and rediscovering intimacy with God — this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt crus...

Big decisions can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to follow God through them. In this episode, Austin, Jay and Jay dive into a raw, heartfelt conversation about what it looks like to make decisions  with  God, not just  for Him. From fears of making the wrong choice to the beauty of surrender and obedience, they unpack real-life stories, scripture (Psalm 37, Proverbs 3), and powe...

In this powerful episode of the Midtown Podcast, Jay and I sit down with Ella and Natalie—two students from the University of Tennessee—who are witnessing and living in the middle of a revival sweeping across college campuses. From 7 a.m. prayer gatherings with 400+ students to spontaneous worship runs through the streets of Knoxville, God is clearly moving in a generation hungry for truth, purpos...