Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…
Youth Pastor Theologian believes that youth ministry is theological ministry. That’s why each episode features a conversation at the intersection of youth ministry and theological reflection. We want to help youth workers make disciples who endure and offer practical advice about what that type of ministry looks like. Cohosted by Mike McGarry and John Gardner, each episode is filled with decades of youth ministry experience and plenty of laugher. Visit youthpastortheologian.com to learn more ...
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A podcast by youth pastor Aaron Salvato, focusing on tackling real questions submitted by real students! Aaron answers questions, and is often joined by fellow youth pastors.
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Joel Brown and Blake Scheidt are friends with over 20 years of combined youth ministry experience in urban contexts across the eastern US. With a little help from their friend Vic King, they're sharing what they've learned about urban youth ministry.
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Being a youth pastor’s wife is tough, isn’t it? You’re trying to balance ministry and family. You’re feeling the pressure to be perfect. You’re dealing with teenagers all the time. You’re trying to lead a small group. You’re struggling to find time to rest. You’re feeling overwhelmed, overlooked, and over-committed. Like I said, it’s a tough job. And on top of that, it can also feel lonely because being a youth pastor’s wife has a unique set of challenges compared to what other ministry wive ...
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Two youth pastors talking about all things youth ministry
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The podcast where we pull apart and deconstruct the habits, routines and tactics of the great men and women of faith.
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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner tackle two significant listener questions. The first question revolves around cell phone usage in youth ministry, particularly during retreats and camps. The second question addresses the benefits and challenges of partnering with other youth ministries in y…
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Ever had one of those days where you're like, "I love Jesus... but I cannot talk to one more person"? Same. In fact, that was me yesterday. So if you're like me and you're introverted, in ministry, and completely peopled out, this episode is for you. Today I’m talking about what to do when your social battery is dead, but ministry keeps moving. I’m…
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My first year of being a youth pastor's wife wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. I came in with a lot of expectations, some pressure I put on myself, and a few assumptions that didn’t hold up in real life. In this episode, I’m sharing five mistakes I made early on—some funny, some painful, all very real—because I know how lonely and confusing those firs…
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Ever led a small group where one person treats the discussion like their personal podcast? You ask a question, and suddenly you’re five tangents deep in their life story while the rest of the group mentally checks out. Yeah... we’re going there today. In this episode, we’re diving into how to lovingly, graciously (and strategically) manage dominato…
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Ever feel like your house is one rogue sock away from total chaos? Same. Ministry weeks can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual full-time job… and somehow the laundry still wants to be washed and the people still want to eat. In this quick, real-life episode, I’m sharing 7 simple habits that help me keep my home from totally unraveling …
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You want godly friends. You want to feel known, supported, and invited in. But if we’re being honest… making friends as an adult (especially in ministry) can feel awkward, frustrating, and just plain hard. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would invite me to coffee…” or “I’m tired of feeling left out,” this episode is for you. We’re talking a…
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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the concept of being created in the image of God and its implications for youth ministry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as image bearers of God and how this shapes the way we disciple youth into Christian maturity…
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Between youth group chaos, church events, and that one person who always needs “just five minutes” after service, being married in ministry can start to feel like a never-ending game of tag — and you're always “it.” If you've been craving more connection with your husband but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is for you. I’m sharing 8 simple…
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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the how and when to use curriculum in youth ministry. They share what to look for, how to support your volunteers who are teaching curriculum, and then move on to answer a listener-question about how to focus on youth ministry while fulfilling "other dutie…
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Let’s talk boundaries — the kind that keep you sane when your phone won’t stop buzzing, people keep asking for “just one more thing,” and social media makes you feel like you’re somehow not doing enough. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 boundaries I’m learning to set without feeling guilty (okay… trying not to feel guilty). We’re talking about not…
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In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss essential advice for first-time youth workers, each focusing on five key things to avoid in youth ministry. The conversation provides practical insights and encouragement for new youth leaders navigating their roles. Send your question to Mike and John for the podcast here, and make sure to tel…
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Ever had one of those weeks where everything goes wrong right before a big youth event? Or maybe you’ve felt unusually disconnected from your husband, discouraged in your role, or just weighed down by something you can’t explain? Yeah… that might not be “just life.” In this episode, we’re diving into the very real (but often overlooked) reality of …
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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the significance of catechesis in youth ministry, emphasizing its relational nature and the importance of intentional discipleship. They discuss the need for a structured approach to teaching that considers the different stages of spiritual maturity among …
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In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the importance of asking good questions that engage students in meaningful conversations. Discussing good and bad questions leads into a conversation about whether or not youth workers should use ChatGPT. The discussion also highlight…
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When You Feel Lonely In Ministry - Encouragement For The Youth Pastor's Wife Who Feels Unseen And Alone
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Have you ever sat in a room full of people and still felt completely alone? Like you’re showing up week after week, supporting your husband, loving on students… but deep down, you feel invisible? Maybe you’ve cried in secret and thought, “I don’t even know who I can talk to about this.” If that’s you — I’ve been there too. And this episode is for y…
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If you want to lead a small group for students—and you even feel like God’s nudging you to do it—but you have no idea where to start (and honestly, you're a little freaked out), this is the episode for you! I’m breaking down the exact format I use for our student small groups (yep—copy and paste it if you want to). I’ll walk you through setting gro…
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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian Podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the concept of student leadership within youth ministry. They discuss whether all students should be considered leaders, the importance of defining leadership, and how personality traits influence leadership roles. The conversation also touches on em…
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When your husband’s in ministry and his schedule is all over the place (what even is a weekend?), creating a routine can feel...laughable. Late nights, weekend events, last-minute texts that somehow turn into counseling sessions… yeah, it’s a whole thing. So how in the world are you supposed to build a routine when your life feels like a never-endi…
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In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the role of missions trips. They discuss the theological implications of these trips, critiques of short-term missions, and share personal experiences—both positive and negative while emphasizing the importance of gospel-centered miss…
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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner introduce the new format of the show, focusing on their journeys into youth ministry. They discuss their unexpected paths into youth ministry, the importance of theological depth, why they each pursues a D.Min., and how they integrate their spouses into thei…
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Have you ever walked away from a youth night thinking, “Did that even matter?” Maybe you’ve shown up, served, supported your husband, stayed up late, cleaned up the mess—and still felt like no one noticed. If you’ve ever wondered if any of it is actually making a difference, this episode is for you. I know what it’s like to feel tired, discouraged,…
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Let’s be real—youth camp is one of the most powerful, exhausting, overwhelming, and amazing things we get to be part of as youth pastors' wives. But if you’re already feeling stressed just thinking about packing, schedules, and the nonstop chaos, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to just survive camp—you can actually thrive in it. In …
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When I first stepped into the role of a youth pastor’s wife, I was eager to be involved—but I kept hearing older pastors' wives say, “I’m not in ministry—he is.” And honestly? That really messed with me. It made me question what I felt like God was calling me to do. In today’s episode, we’re talking about that tension—how to navigate the desire to …
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100: Revisiting "What is a Youth Pastor Theologian" (Engle, Hartman, Tufano)
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1:04:38In this celebratory 100th episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, host Mike McGarry and guests Nick Hartman, Jason Engle, and Alex Tufano reflect on their experiences in youth ministry, the importance of theological depth, and memorable podcast episodes. They discuss the significance of the Youth Pastor Theologian identity, the need for pra…
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Ministry is all about people… but what happens when one of those people just gets under your skin? Maybe you’ve tried to shake it off, stay polite, or even pray it away—but the tension is still there. If you’ve ever wondered, “What do I do when I don’t get along with someone on the team?”—this episode is for you. We’re having a heart-to-heart about…
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Ever poured your heart into a student—showed up to their games, grabbed coffee with them, prayed for them like crazy—only to feel like...nothing’s changing? 🙃 It’s honestly one of the most discouraging parts of student ministry. You want to be intentional. You want to make a difference. But how do you know if you’re investing in the right student? …
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In this conversation, Mike talks with Rich Griffith about the importance of guiding our youth to live with wisdom and discernment, and encouraging them to live with godly courage. Conversation includes: How can we help our youth grow in biblical wisdom and to live with courage to live accordingly. Why is that so important to you as you raise your o…
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Ever feel like your life revolves around keeping everyone else happy—even at the expense of your own peace? Trust me, I’ve been there. People-pleasing can feel good in the moment, but it’s exhausting, overwhelming, and honestly, it’s not what God calls us to do. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact mindset shift that's helping me break free from …
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Teenagers are full of questions. The big question, is who are they discussing those questions with?! It can be a challenge to cultivate a ministry culture where students feel the freedom to ask their questions without being afraid of getting belittled or receiving cheap answers. In this conversation, Valerie O'Brien discusses her approach to inviti…
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Have you ever felt stuck watching your husband navigate a tough ministry situation — especially when it involves a difficult lead pastor? It’s hard to know what to do or say when he’s discouraged or frustrated, and honestly, it can feel pretty overwhelming. In this episode, we’re having a heart-to-heart about how to support your husband when minist…
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Can Jesus really make a positive difference in your life? What about when being a Christian puts you at odds with the values of your friends and with society in general? Is following Jesus worth it? This episode is a conversation with Chris Morphew about his new book, "Worth It: Following Jesus When Life Feels Complicated", which highlights the tru…
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If you want to change the way you approach conversations with your students, your husband, your church members, or really anyone in your life, then you're going to LOVE this episode! Today, I’m sharing a game-changing concept my counselor taught me called 3-way listening. It’s all about listening to the person in front of you, tuning into the Holy …
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It can be tempting to stick to the New Testament when teaching the Bible to youth. But doing so will only short-change teenagers and limit their understanding of the good news of Jesus Christ. Some parts of the Old Testament can feel foreign or intimidating, and therefore easy to avoid. Today's conversation with Chelsea Erickson will highlight the …
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Duffy Robbins shares insights on effective preaching and teaching in youth ministry, including a discussion about how long to teach for. Robbins emphasizes that youth will listen for as long as they're engaged, but they'll check out once they're bored. So, how do we teach with biblical and theological depth that engages them with the gospel? What i…
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Do you ever feel like your quiet time has to be long, deep, and perfectly structured to “count”? In this episode, we’re letting go of that pressure and embracing the true purpose of spending time with God—connection, not perfection. I’ll share practical ways to simplify your quiet time, make it sustainable in any season, and remove the guilt that o…
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Ministry never slows down, which means if we’re going to rest, we have to be intentional about it. But how do you prioritize rest when there’s always another student to check in on, another event to plan, or another late-night text to respond to? In this episode, we’re diving into what it really looks like to rest when ministry feels like it never …
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The Asbury Outpouring gripped religious news and social media two years ago. People had a wide range of opinions about it then, but it's been long enough that we can look with greater clarity about what was and was not happening. In this episode, Mike talks with Zach Meerkreebs, the preacher whose sermon God used to spark the outpouring. Listen in …
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Does it feel like you and your husband are just passing each other in the chaos of ministry and everyday life? Between church events, family responsibilities, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel disconnected. But what if a simple 20-minute check-in each week could bring you closer, help you communicate better, and strengthen your marriage?…
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Youth Group isn’t always a place where artsy youth feel a sense of belonging. And yet, the Church, historically, has been a haven for the arts. How can youth workers develop a biblical appreciation for art and serve our students who are artistically-minded? Discussion Includes: Historically, there’s been a rich relationship between the church and t…
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I had a very different plan for the episode I was going to release today, but I'm switching it up because this is something we need to talk about. Life is just hard sometimes. Ministry can feel overwhelming, your marriage can feel stretched thin, and on top of it all, you still have regular life things to deal with—health struggles, financial stres…
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What's happening in the youth ministry world today and how did we get here? This is an important question that we need to ask from time to time, and who's better to ask than Dr. Walt Mueller? Walt Mueller has been ministering to young people for over 45 years and is the founder/director of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. He’s also the au…
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Leading a small group is one of the most rewarding things you can do in ministry, but let’s be real—it can also be a little intimidating. Maybe you’re wondering how to get students to actually talk (instead of just staring at you in silence), or you’re trying to figure out how to balance fun with real discipleship. I get it—leading a small group ca…
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Talking about the church and youth sports is a sure way to spur strong opinions. Many pastors feel like parents are choosing sports over faith, while parents and kids feel like the church doesn't respect sports or team culture. How can faithful Christian parents and church leaders navigate this tense issue in a way that is distinctively Christian, …
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When your husband is interviewing for a youth pastor position, it can feel like everything is up in the air. You want to be helpful, but you’re not always sure how. Should you help him prepare? How do you encourage him without adding pressure? And what do you do with all the emotions that come with waiting for an answer? I’ve been there. When my hu…
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At some point, every youth pastor faces the question, "Should I stay or should I go?" Sometimes God's wisdom leads us to stay and endure through seasons of tension and conflict, but sometimes the Lord provides freedom to move into a new ministry (or an entirely new vocation!). Discussion Includes: You’re still in your first year as a senior pastor……
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Does it ever feel like being vulnerable is just too risky—like everyone’s expecting you to have it all together so you can’t let your guard down? Same, girl. Same. But here’s the thing: I've learned firsthand that vulnerability is the key to deeper relationships, a stronger ministry, and real spiritual growth. In this episode, we’re talking about w…
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Food and “the table” show up throughout Scripture in significant ways. And yet, it’s easily overlooked. How does “theology of meals and eating together” shape Christian fellowship and ministry to youth? Could you explain what you mean by “theology of meals and eating together”? When I hear this, I immediately think about the Lord’s Supper. That’s a…
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There’s so much that can be said about how to teach the Bible with depth and clarity, it’s almost as if we could build an entire podcast around it! That’s why we’ve invited Kyle Hoffsmith from “The Word in Youth Ministry” to share some of the best preaching and teaching advice that he’s heard. When you were new to youth ministry, could you tell us …
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Let’s be real—ministry life is busy, and sometimes it feels like every conversation with your husband revolves around church stuff. But your marriage is about more than just serving together; it’s about actually enjoying life together. So how do you make sure your relationship stays strong beyond Sunday mornings and church events? In this episode, …
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Have you ever wondered what your purpose really is as a youth pastor’s wife? Maybe you feel like you’re just there to support your husband, but deep down, you’re asking, "Does Jesus have something specific for me too?" In this episode, we’re diving into what it truly means to walk in the calling Jesus has for you as a youth pastor's wife. I’ll shar…
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