The Official Average Boy Podcast

Bob takes piano lessons ... make that lesson. But he keeps practicing, because that’s the only way he’ll become a famous musician. Bob’s parents and neighbors are so moved by his musical abilities that they move the piano to the barn – right next to his drums. In the end, Bob discovers having people who encourage developing your talents is super important. He also finds out that Jesse knows a lot...

Jesse thinks Bob has forgotten his birthday, which leads to a discussion of their favorite holidays. As fun as they are, they also create certain stresses. Whether it's Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Boxing Day or Jesse's birthday, it's always good to show love and be patient with each other. The truth is, the best part of any holiday is being together with family and friends to celebrate the tr...

Bob and Jesse begin the podcast talking about heaven – there's nothing more positive than that! Then they look at the different elements of positive communication. It's more than just words. Communication includes tone of voice, body language and a bunch of other stuff. As we communicate with people in our lives, it's good to remember Proverbs 16:24, "Kind words are ... sweet to the spirit and bri...

A rest isn't something just used in music. Baseball players need it. Actually, we all need it. Bob and Jesse talk about slowing down, taking time to rest and getting enough sleep. When we rest, we rejuvenate our minds and bodies. A podcast listener calls in with a question about purpose, leading to a discussion about our ultimate purpose being found in knowing, loving and serving Jesus. Click here...

Being isolated isn't healthy. God created us for community. When we connect with people and have real conversations, we build real connections. In this podcast, Bob connects with Mason and Mr. Gribble, the school janitor, in a wild adventure that includes being locked in the school gymnasium. Bob and Jesse also discuss ways to deal with worries. Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain ac...

A podcast listener asks if Bob has ever been bullied. This leads Bob to talk about several bullies at his school. Sometimes the bullies even bully other bullies. Bob tries to make a difference by showing God's love. Dealing with bullies must be done directly and with the help of trusted adults. By not being fearful and showing sound judgment (2 Timothy 1:7), Bob provides a good example of how bull...

Have you "herd" the joke about the zebra? You'll hear plenty of them in this podcast, which also includes some tips for following through on commitments. A good tip can be to make a plan and follow it. Bob shows exactly that kind of intentionality when he watches his neighbors' house. Everything goes perfectly ... except for the flood, the exploding egg and the hungry cat. Click here to visit the...

Bob's grades are lagging because his homework skills are lacking. His mom gets him a homework planner, but it's getting filled with doodles – not assignment due dates. After looking at several Bible verses, including Colossians 3:23, Bob commits to being more responsible with his homework. He also talks about the consequences of sin and solves the math equation of 168 divided by 12. Parents, if yo...

Bob shocks everyone by asking to hear a Jesse joke. After sharing a glorious guffaw, they talk about the different definitions of grace. The most life-changing one being: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God showed us amazing grace by sending His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). Bob and Jesse also discuss why it's so important to show each other grace. Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to...

Bob tries a new sport where 20 kids run around trying to hit each other with sticks. Using his unique athletic abilities, he surprises the other team with some heads-up play. Bob and Jesse also try to help a listener who has difficulty making friends. Hint: Trying new things and being yourself can help! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions t...

Bob doesn't make any apologies for being so good at apologetics. He displays his ability to make a well-reasoned defense of the Christian faith when he talks to a big kid at the rodeo. By asking questions and sharing what he believes, Bob helps this kid to start thinking about God in a new way. As it turns out, defending our faith is like cheesy potatoes – we shouldn't make up our minds that we do...

Jesse admits that he's so inflexible that he can't even touch his toes. Bob suggests bending at the knees. Then this duo realizes that the best kind of flexibility is showing perseverance when our plans don't turn out as we'd hope. Instead of remaining rigid and giving up, we need to come up with new ideas to succeed. This proves to be especially true for Bob, who has just started lifting weights....

What do oxygen, obedience, and getting stuck in a tube all have in common? Listeners find out when Bob's dad takes him and his best friend, Billy, to Henry Hippo's Pizza and Prizes. Bob discovers that God and his dad look at obedience the same way: When we obey, it shows our love for them. Bob and Jesse also answer the question, "Did Jesus disobey His parents when He stayed at the temple instead o...

Bob buys and plants "potato seeds" in hopes of growing something good for his family. He quickly learns that waiting is the hardest part of gardening, not to mention the hoeing, watering, planting and tending. What sprouts up is quite a surprise – so is the fact that Jesse tells a funny joke! In the end, Bob realizes that he reaps what he sows, and he helps a listener to always trust in God's plan...

Having boundaries in our lives keeps us safe and lets others know what we believe in. If Bob had better boundaries, he probably wouldn’t have gotten stuck in a tree trying to rescue what he thought was a cat. Bob also tells an embarrassing story about what happened when he ignored a boundary that his parents set up about playing video games.   Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain acce...

Knowing what to do and when to do it takes common sense. Bob learns that lesson during family movie night. As a normally verbose movie viewer, Bob keeps his mouth shut during an actual bug attack and the results get messy. Bob and Jesse also discuss how Bob’s goal of trying something new every month is going. Bonus: Listeners are encouraged to call in with the best advice they’ve received from the...

Bob’s family has been spending more time at home, so they’ve gotten creative with their family activities. By combining different board games, they’ve created new challenges. Like by mixing “Sorry!” and Jenga, they made “I’m sorry your wooden tower fell over!” But they’ve also been creatively reaching out to their neighbors who have been struggling. All in all, the Smileys’ have learned a lot abou...

Bob’s brother, Brian, has a problem with listening. He never does what Bob says! On the other hand, with Bob’s big ears, he’s a great listener . . . or is he? This podcast digs into the difference between hearing and listening, and provides some great listening tips, such as: stay focused when someone talks, avoid distractions and never try to have a conversation with a goat.   Click here to visit...

Bob crashes his friend’s Segway, but that’s not what he’s afraid about. He actually messed up at church and is afraid that he wasn’t a good example of being a follower of Christ. Fortunately, Sarah is there to encourage Bob and save the day. Jesse also finally finishes telling a joke that he started six podcasts ago. Now that’s something to be afraid about!   Click here to visit the Average Boy St...

From parents to pastors to police officers, the list of people who help our lives is pretty long. And don’t forget teachers and doctors and nurses! Bob tells how he tried to thank his youth pastor for helping him, but ended up flattening a gigantic stuffed hippo instead. As a bonus, podcast listeners share their favorite Bible verses. Hint: Sharing encouraging verses and praying for the people who...

Bob and his brother, Brian, get in a football throwing battle. Instead of getting angry and escalating the situation, Bob’s Mom reminds her boys that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Bob and Jesse discuss how loving others in the way God loves us can help keep the peace and build relationships.   Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to...

Bob and his parents develop a chore chart. As his dad always says, “It may be summer, but there’s no break from chores.” For some reason, eating ice cream on Wednesdays doesn’t make the list. Bob and Jesse also talk about when they prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior in response to questions from two listeners.   Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, s...

Bob is the best at being humble. Just ask him, he’ll tell you all about it! But seriously, Bob learns an important lesson about humility at his family’s “Showdown at the Better-Than-OK Dessert Corral” that develops after his mom bakes a delicious cherry pie. In the end, the Bible is proven right, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).   Click here t...

Bob and his best friend, Billy, host the Billy-Bob Olympics in Bob’s backyard. This highly competitive neighborhood competition features a bowling ball toss, long jump and melt-athon. Who wins, and what are those events? Listen to find out. Also, discover what it means to run the race that God has prepared for each of us. Spoiler alert: Endurance plays a big part.   Click here to visit the Average...

Doctors have patients, but everyone should all show patience. Waiting for what we want isn’t easy. Bob discovers life is no cake walk. Plus, listeners receive fantastic pointers from the Bible and Bob’s grandma about the importance of patience. Patience certainly helps the situation when “someone” packs a trumpet to practice playing during a family road trip.   Click here to visit the Average Boy...