The RELEVANT Podcast

Episode 879: Singer/songwriter extraordinaire Matt Kearney debuts some of his upcoming album ‘January Flower,’ and tells us why it’s his most personal project yet. Then, for our Quarterlife conversation (presented by UHSM) we talk to counselor and author Mike Foster about some of the obstacles twentysomethings face on the road to mental wellness. Then cast brings Slices, we have RELEVANT News and...

This week, MARTY from Social Club Misfits is in the hot seat playing our RELEVANT Culture Quiz: TV Edition, author John Elredge joins us for our Quarterlife conversation (presented by UHSM) talking about the importance of soul care, especially post-pandemic, and of course we talk about the issue gripping America this week—the Chauvin verdict—and what it means moving forward. Plus, we have Slices,...

Episode 877: This week, Joel and Luke from For King & Country join us to talk about live music, collaboration and their new live concert film, which just released. We’re also joined by relationship expert Debra Fileta to talk about dating in your 20s, part of our new Quarterlife series presented by UHSM. (Yes we talk about all the apps, and how to become the sort of person you’d want to date.)...

Episode 876: This week, one of our favorite authors and pastors, Francis Chan, joins us to talk about the importance of unity in the Church (man, we could use some of that!). We also debut our new content series, 'Quarterlife,' which focuses on making the most of your 20s, this week talking to mental health advocate Brittney Moses. Then, just warning you — Jamie's out sick, so the Boys...

Episode 875: The Giving Keys is a popular purpose-driven jewelry brand based in LA, and founder Caitlin Crosby joins us to talk about pursuing faith and entrepreneurship. Other than that, it’s Jesse’s birthday and things get off the rails. We talk about the news about declining church membership, and somehow that turns into … well, you just need to hear it. We also have the latest on the governmen...

Episode 874: Dante Bowe joins us to talk about his new album, and why he believes music can help bring clarity to spiritually complex topics. Plus Kristen Howerton joins for the whole episode, and is subjected to Jesse and Cameron's excitement about ORU's unexpected March Madness run. Slices covers everything from Maine's Viking funerals to how much weight Americans have gained during...

Episode 873: Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo joins us to talk about the challenge of playing Aretha Franklin in the new NatGeo miniseries debuting this weekend, then big news—Derek won a Grammy, Cameron's allergies from last week were cured (by Jesse's air fryer solution?), Tyler brings some encouraging Oscar news you might have missed, plus the crew brings Slices — the bizarre Space J...

Episode 872: Today kicks off a new era of the show! Comedian Nate Bargatze (one of the funniest guys in the game) joins us to talk about comedy in the COVID era and his brand new Netflix special. Plus, this is clearly Cameron's "Jordan Flu Game"—you'll get it when you hear it—and Jesse has an unexpected cure for seasonal allergies. Then the crew breaks down NFTs, we debut our RELEV...

Today we're joined by one of our spiritual heroes — theologian, mentor, teacher and best-selling author Tim Keller. His new book about the resurrection, Hope in Times of Fear , comes out today. We talk about that, plus he opens up about his ongoing cancer battle and more. Also, the crew talks about the troubling Tom Cruise deep fake, the encouraging trend of more church leaders denouncing Chri...

Today we're joined by Eric Johnson, lead singer of folk-rock band Fruit Bats. We talk about their new album, The Pet Parade, which releases today, as well as why their music seems to be connecting now more than ever and even ways to be creative even when you're not feeling all that creative. Plus, Derek Minor is back—and he has a new grill (you won't believe the reaction he got). Plus,...

Today we're joined by one of the most iconic voices in worship, Hillsong United's TAYA. We talk about the band's brand new live concert film that just released, what it's been like doing church so differently this past year and a lot more. TAYA's actually featured in the brand new issue of RELEVANT, which we reveal to you on the show. This issue is packed with amazing conversat...

Today we're joined by artist, entrepreneur and activist Lecrae. We talk to him about recently getting "canceled" in some church circles, his work and ministry with inmates, the future of Black entrepreneurship, all those Grammy nominations, and yes, his highly anticipated upcoming album. Don't miss it! Then RELEVANT News highlights the shift some major evangelical groups are taking...

Rachael Denhollander is a lawyer, author, former gymnast and advocate for victims of sexual abuse. In 2016, she found herself in the spotlight for being the first woman to speak out against the USA Gymnastics' team doctor at the time. Because of her, hundreds of women came forward to speak out as well. She joins us for a very important conversation about the abuses uncovered in the Ravi Zachar...

Today we're joined by the filmmaker behind one of the most buzzworthy films of the year, 'Minari.' It's already been nominated for Golden Globes and is sure to be an Oscar darling, and our conversation with director Lee Isaac Chung is absolutely fascinating. Plus, we hear from Jamie about what's been happening in Texas this week (it's not good), and RELEVANT News talks abou...

Today we're joined by Semler, the artist who created waves last week when her EP 'Preacher's Kid' debuted at the top of the iTunes Christian charts — with an explicit label. It's a very interesting story. Plus, the crew — Derek Minor, Jamie Ivey, Jesse Carey and Cameron Strang — brings Slices and your feedback! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make...

Good news, Derek and Jamie are back! We're also joined by Daniel Kaluuya, star of 'Get Out,' 'Black Panther' and the new 'Judas and the Black Messiah.' The film, which debuts today, tells the true story of Fred Hampton (played by Kaluuya), the electrifying 21-year-old civil rights activist and Black Panther Party leader. It's actually one of the strangest and most t...

Today we're joined by bestselling author Sarah Bessey, who tells us about her new book (which is out today!), how her idea of prayer has evolved over the years and what it means to "hold space" for others while talking to God. Plus, we have singer/songwriter Trent Dabbs sitting for the whole episode! We put him in the hot seat (of course) with awkward icebreaker questions you don't...

This week we're joined by worship leader Mack Brock, who tells us about his new album and the unique challenge of being creative during a pandemic. And we're also joined for the whole show by rapper and producer Andy Mineo! We of course put him on the hot seat with a bunch of awkward table topics questions, which you don't want to miss. Plus we have RELEVANT News, RELEVANT Recommends a...

To kick off Black History Month, we have a special roundtable conversation with artist/activist Propaganda, as well as our very own Derek Minor. It's something everyone needs to hear. Plus, we have slices, 10 minutes about dogs and your feedback. (This episode description doesn't do it justice.) Don't miss it! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast...

Today we're joined by one of our favorite duos, Johnnyswim. Not only do Abner and Amanda Ramirez make incredible music, now they're going to be TV stars too, with two new shows on the upcoming Magnolia Network. They tell us about the shows and what it was like to film them, why they’re so desperate to reclaim Christianity from its cultural trappings and how to stay creative, productive and...

Today, we have singer and songwriter Thad Cockrell, who is playing on Jimmy Fallon's 'Tonight Show' tonight following an absolutely wild discovery experience — you won’t want to miss the story that happened to the Leagues frontman. Plus, Derek accidentally breaks a stress ball (seriously, how is that possible?), the crew brings Slices and your hilarious feedback.  --- This episode is s...

There was a big change in American politics this week, so to help us sort it all out, we have author, preacher and the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Dr. Russell Moore. We discuss how the Church can rise above divisiveness and a lot more. Plus we have our new Friday segments — RELEVANT News, our RELEVANT Recommends pick, and, of course, What’s Jesse Thinking? Don't m...

Talk about a timely episode — pastor Derwin Gray brings an encouraging but challenging word for the important moment we're in with politics, faith and conflict. We also have Slices, a conversation about mental health in these crazy news cycles, your feedback and some funny stuff happens — but for real, the Derwin Gray conversation is worth the price of admission.  --- This episode is sponsored...

Today we're joined by one of the most influential filmmakers in Hollywood, Paul Greengrass. He's behind countless huge movies (like the Bourne films), and talks to us about his latest release, the Tom Hanks hit News of the World . We also have RELEVANT News, which tackles the troubling recent surge in federal executions, this week's RELEVANT Recommends, and on a lighter note, the secon...

It's a wild time right now — the perfect time for a completely political drama-free episode! Youth pastor-turned-comedian Dustin Nickerson joins us to talk about his new Amazon special and more. Plus, author Kristen Howerton joins us once again for the whole episode, and we have Slices covering the David Hasselhoff auction, a big TV cancellation and the Hilaria Baldwin controversy. And don&#39...