The RELEVANT Podcast

This week, we try a bunch of new things that may (or may not) live on, but we want you to check it out and tell us what you think about the new format. We have some big announcements about the new video era of the show at the beginning, and then Slices is back! Jesse brings some vital squirrel news, Derek brings the dystopian future of drone surveillance, and Emily brings a heart check about sharing our faith that spurs an unexpected conversation. At the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast, and definitely connect with us on Instagram @RELEVANTpodcast or YouTube to tell us what you think about the new format! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by actor Matthew McConaughey for a fascinating conversation about faith, prayer and cynicism. Plus, this week Slices is back! Jesse brings the Aquatic Conspiracy and Crimes beat, and Emily brings some surprising vintage media news. And at the end of the show, we have a hilarious round of 'One Has to Go'!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Christian hip-hop icon Lecrae. He just released his 10th album, Reconstruction, and we talk about legacy, impact and the future of Christian hip-hop. Plus, Derek tells us all about his new album that's releasing next week — and took 6 years to make. In RELEVANT Buzz, we dive into the crazy 1st concert being hosted at the Vatican, a surprising study about which generation attends church the most, the tough job market facing twentysomethings, and Carrie Underwood leading worship at her local church. And at the end the show, we have a hilarious edition of 'One Has to Go!'Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, instead of a guest interview, we give you the first look at the new digital issue of RELEVANT! It features a stacked line-up, and we can't wait for you to hear about it. Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering the bold faith of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' star Gavin Casalegno, a new job that will pay you for scrolling social media all day, and the movie theater that had a Catholic bishop blessing people with holy water before they watched the new 'Conjuring' horror film. Plus, we have 'One Has to Go' and a lot more!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we're joined by reality TV star and CEO of Duck Commander, Willie Robertson! Plus, in Slices we tackle everything from the impact of TikTok on our brains to the ethically questionable thing the Chinese are now doing with robots. The guys of course discuss this week's big engagement news, we learn more about the important work of Sole Hope, and at the end of the show we have 'One Has to Go!'Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Allison Eide, an indie artist that's exploding right now. We talk about her viral hit, "IDK," how mental health has shaped her faith journey and a lot more. Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering SNL star Ego Nwodim opening up about how she labels her faith now, news that Americans are historically sober, and Jets QB Justin Fields' surprising addiction. The cast discusses travel weariness, "MacGruber" and Nate Bargatze's new tour, and at the end of the show we have One Has to Go, including Jesse's Tom Cruise observation that will forever change how you see his movies. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by actor, artist and viral sensation Nathan Davis Jr! We talk about his surprising shift to Christian music, his viral breakout, creativity and a lot more! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz we cover the seemingly weekly Forrest Frank news, AI Jesus chatbots and the Jonas Brothers bringing out Switchfoot for a huge stadium show. At the end of the show we have One Has to Go, and don't miss our conversations about authenticity in Christian music and a lot more!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by actor Tony Hale! You know him from Veep, Arrested Development and a million other iconic roles—but now, he’s taking on something a little different. He stars in Sketch, a new film that dives into the power of creativity, healing and facing your fears. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, including Forrest Frank's crazy last two weeks, and a deep dive conversation about the Maverick City Music controversy that's been filling up social media the last couple of weeks. And of course, at the end of the show we have One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guests today are Strings & Heart, a Christian indie rock group that's exploding right now. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, including new analysis on the state of modern worship (specifically who's writing all the songs), some news out of Washington about the role of faith in federal workplaces, and boxer Manny Pacquiao's surprising plans for his fight weeks. We also have our RELEVANT Recommends pick of the week, and at the end of the show it's 'One Has to Go'!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guests today are Lindy Cofer and Eniola Abioye from Circuit Rider Music, the worship movement based in Huntington Beach, California. We talk about how Gen Z's hunger for God is shaping their mission and ministry. Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz we cover Brandon Lake's response to the criticism he's been receiving (from Christians) about collaborating with mainstream artists, streamer Ninja sharing a devotional that's been challenging his faith (in a good way), and the notable cast coming together for Fox's upcoming miniseries on the women of Genesis. Plus, we do a deep dive on the new season of the 'Shiny Happy People' docuseries exploring the Teen Mania story, and at the end of the show it's 'One Has to Go'!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Pat Barrett and Chris Brown from the new worship supergroup Sons of Sunday! They tell us how the unexpected project came together (and how Pat thought it was going to be a metal group). Plus, Emily is back from her Cowboy Carter trip and brings the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering everything from the divided Superman reactions, to Kat Von D's next step in her spiritual journey, to a new study that reveals Gen Z is being a lot more selective in dating. And at the end of the show, we have the hardest edition of 'One Has to Go' yet!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Jon Keith, who just released an innovative, vulnerable new album, GROW WINGS. He opens up about it and everything that's been going on in his life this past year—it's a can't-miss conversation. Plus, we mix things up this week and have Slices, from Brandon Lake's bold grooming decisions to a surprising Hollywood blockbuster that just got announced. The guys also unpack summer travel, theme parks, movie IP and a lot more. And at the end of the show, we have a hilarious edition of One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by exciting new artist Bodie, who you probably remember from season 22 of 'The Voice.' We talk about his calling, crazy journey and more. Plus, after a deep dive into Jesse's Common Sense Party platform and a debate about the most cringe 'Office' episodes, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from NFL superstar Saquon Barkley becoming a Christian, to science's surprising findings about night owls, to a really interesting new Amazon show debuting later this month. And at the end of the show, we have an unmissable edition of our annual July 4th game, "Rock Band or Firework?" Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by one of our favorite rappers — NPR Tiny Desk Fan Favorite nobigdyl! He just released an amazing EP with Kato on the Track, and we get the story of how it all came together. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, with big news for Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, less great news for Newsboys, a study about the positive life impact of attending church, and an internet betting trend you might want to avoid. And speaking of avoid, at the end of the show we have One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we're joined by 'The Chosen' show runner and director Dallas Jenkins! We talk about the global phenomenon, season 5 (which debuted on Prime this week) and what project he's working on next. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering everything from Rodney Jerkins on 'The Breakfast Club' calling out the music industry for ignoring Christian artists, to a new warning about the rapidly shifting life/work balance, to a gospel legend's remarkable cover of a Frank Ocean song. And at the end of the show, we have 'One Has to Go' and a big announcement from Marty!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guest today is Christian R&B duo Jay Manwell! The brothers from Abilene, Texas, are creating some incredible music and absolutely are a group to watch as they explode. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, which covers everything from GloRilla's unexpected gospel BET award win, to Michael Tait speaking out this week about the scandal surrounding him, to the surprising tactic the NY Jets are using to bring the team together this offseason. And at the end of the show, we of course of a Father's Day edition of One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by Josh Holiday from Elevation Rhythm! We talk about the big tour they just did and hear more about the band’s brand-new album, Victory Lap. Plus we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — from Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton's newfound faith, to the surprising way AI is changing mental health, to some big news from The Chosen. And of course, at the end of the show we have a summer edition of One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by worship artist and author Tauren Wells! This week he released his debut book talking about joy — a topic that gets largely overlooked (or misunderstood) in the Church. Plus, for those of you who've asked us to bring Slices back — you're in luck! And at the end of the show, it's a Memorial Day edition of One Has to Go!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we’re joined by genre-defying artist Cautious Clay, who tells us about the process behind his new album, The Hours: Morning! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz, two Christian hits have broken into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in over a decade, and we talk about why Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank are redefining industry momentum. Plus we have the notable news from all the TV up-fronts happening this week, and some surprising legislation that got filed this week. Plus, the crew reflects on the podcast’s 20th anniversary, the one-sided "rivalry" we had with Joel Osteen in the early years, and Jesse still being bitter about Osteen standing us up at the Nik Wallenda high wire stunt. And at the end of the show, the crew plays another round of One Has to Go—play along!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're joined by author Mike Foster! We talk about his fascinating work around the 7 primal questions — it's an eye-opening conversation you can't miss. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, covering everything from a record-setting baptism event, to The Chosen's box office impact, to scientists that figured exactly when you become an adult (it's later than you think) and nobigdyl's big NPR Tiny Desk news. And yes, in the midst of all that Jesse and Marty come up with some fresh suggestions to pump up the Sunday morning church experience. At the end of the show, we have another edition of One Has to Go! And Derek might or might not be on a life-changing trip this week. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy