Pod Strangely Warmed

Welcome to Episode 101—truly a masterclass in clergy mental health. In this conversation, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow and Anna Lee for a deeply insightful and practical discussion about the mental health challenges facing pastors and church leaders today. Drawing from their work with the Clergy Health Initiative and theological education at Perkins School of The...

It's our 100th episode! We're celebrating this milestone with gratitude for the journey and excitement for what's ahead. As we continue our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof's "5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025", we turn our attention to how the Horizon Texas Conference is embracing change with courage, creativity, and faith. While some see disruption as decline, we see opportunity. H...

In this third episode of our series on Carey Nieuwhof's 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we explore The Rise of the Non-Derivative Church, a movement toward fresh, innovative expressions of faith that break away from traditional models. One powerful example of this shift is Union Coffee, a Dallas-based café that blends faith, social impact, and hospitality into a ministry beyond the...

In the second episode of our series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof's 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025, we dive into the dynamic and often paradoxical relationship Gen Z has with faith and the church. Are they in revival or retreat? And how can the United Methodist Church respond? Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Chelsea Peddecord and Loni Fancher to explore how Gen Z is resha...

Is evangelism really on life support, or is it evolving into something new? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we kick off a new series inspired by Carey Nieuwhof's 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2025. Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by church planters Rev. Joshua Manning and Rev. Billy Echols-Richter to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of evangelism in today's world....

In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen, Senior Pastor at Saint Paul UMC in downtown Dallas and the newly appointed District Superintendent of the Metro East District (starting in July). Dr. Facen shares powerful stories of Saint Paul's "Body and Soul" ministry to the unhoused, the transformative impact of authentic community partner...

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Danielle Kim, Rev. John Han, Rev. Levy Laguardia and Rev. Faiana Funaki to reflect on the third annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Celebration worship service. Hosted at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, this vibrant gathering uplifted the diverse cultures, stories and faith expressions of AAP...

This weekend, Rev. Daniel Hawkins was the guest speaker at Glen Lake Camp's Winter Camp 2. So, we decided to go around and ask some campers and staff what they liked most about being at Glen Lake. From frozen fountains to warm hearts, this episode captures the joy, faith and community that make camp a transformative place. You'll hear from students experiencing camp for the first time, seasoned ca...

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed , we take a deep dive into the ways United Methodist communities in the Horizon Texas Conference are embracing connectional ministry. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Benji Van Fleet and Rev. Todd Salzwedel to discuss the power of storytelling, fostering discipleship and the intersection of the five strategic priorities with local church leadership. Fr...

In this special edition episode of POD Strangely Warmed, we bring you a compilation of behind-the-scenes conversations that happened after the podcast was over, but the cameras kept rolling. Listen in as our guests discusses their experiences, thoughts on ministry, reflections on personal growth and the use of AI in sermon preparation. We hope these conversations inspire even more exciting convers...

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed , host Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Kristin Warthen and Rev. Betsy Godbold to a conversation about cultivating peace amid life's chaos. Following last week's discussion on "Finding Sacred Calm," this episode explores the spiritual practices and intentional boundaries that help us stay centered in a world filled with anxiety and distraction. Through pers...

Recorded at the Horizon Texas Conference's first-ever Clergy Covenant Day, Rev. Daniel Hawkins visits with Hesha Abrams, Esq., an internationally acclaimed mediator, negotiator and author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. Hesha brings decades of experience working with diverse groups including faith communities to resolve conflicts and build stronger relat...

In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed , Rev. Daniel Hawkins explores how churches can expand their impact beyond traditional Sunday services with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun, Associate Director of Multiplication, and Rev. Matt Temple, Learning Coordinator for the Center of Multiplication. Together, they discuss the importance of embracing an abundance mindset, cultivating meaningful relationships, and...

In our first in-person episode of the new year, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Ashley Anne Sipe and Rev. Phil  Dieke to explore the intersection of faith and public life. Together, they discuss how our spiritual beliefs inform political engagement and justice work beyond the walls of the church. The conversation dives into the work of Texas Impact, an interfaith advocacy organization, and h...

In this second installment of 2024's Best, Worst and Weirdest, we bring you even more heartwarming, hysterical and inspiring tales from across the Horizon Texas Conference. From hilarious pranks and touching stories to some of the weirdest experiences in ministry, this episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist community. Tune in for a mix of laughter, inspiration and...

This year, we welcomed over 65 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. Without further ado, here's part one of this year's Best, Worst or Weirde...

It's Christmas Eve, and POD Strangely Warmed is in full festive swing! Join Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Rev. Jenna Johnson and Trey West as they draft their ultimate Christmas Eve Essentials—from cherished traditions and tasty bites to that perfect holiday ambiance. But wait—Santa himself makes a guest appearance, bringing the magic of the season (and some unexpected picks) straight from his sleigh! Get...

As we get closer to Christmas, POD Strangely Warmed slides into the holiday spirit with special guests Santa George Campbell and Dustin Kaps. George tells the story of his unexpected encounter at Costco, leading to his becoming a professional Santa Claus. He shares with us the joys and challenges of embodying Santa, from managing numerous gigs to giving proper attention to people of differing abil...

This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Anna Hagler of First UMC Dallas join host, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in the church. They explore the gifts and grinches of integrating AI into church communications, sermon prep and administrative tasks. They also delve into ethical considerations and practical applications,...

This week Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. DeDe Jones to discuss her new book and single by the same name, "Blame It On Jesus."   As they dive into the chapters of the book, DeDe shares her personal story, insights on embracing outsiders and misfits and the transformational impact of Wesleyan theology in modern worship music. They also talk about the challenges and fulfillment of serving diverse...

***Disclaimer*** Suicide is a topic of conversation in this episode, which can be distressing. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or a mental health crisis, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following resources: Suicide Hotline - call or text 988  Resources and other hotlines can be found on the National Alliance in Mental Illness (NAMI) website:   https://nami....

As the season of Advent approaches, it's important to remember that for some, this time of year brings to the surface broken relationships, mental wellness struggles and painful experiences of grief and loss. This week, Rev. Daniel Hawkins speaks with Rev. Madison Boboltz from First United Methodist Church of Arlington about how her church has been addressing grief and loss in their community thro...

Join us on this episode of POD Strangely Warm , where we talk about the rich traditions and impactful experiences at Bridgeport's Midwinter Camp . Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by CJ Rice , Hailey and Leo, who share personal stories of how their faith has grow n at Bridgeport Camp. From the transformative worship at the hilltop cross to the fun and unique camp activities, this episode delves...

Today is Election Day, and whether you're on your way to vote or waiting on the results, tune in to hear Rev. Daniel Hawkins sit down with Rev. Joe Stobaugh from University Park United Methodist Church and Rev. Marilyn Jones from First United Methodist in Stephenville. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining respectful discourse and the profound impact of small, intentional acts...

This week, we wrap up our series of getting to know the leadership of the new Horizon Texas Conference. Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Christine Peirce, the Director of Children and Youth Empowerment, and Rev. Emma Williams from University Park UMC to discuss how the Horizon Texas Conference aims to Champion Children and Youth. Christine is putting together a team across the conference and re-...