The RELEVANT Podcast

Worship leader and Passion artist Kristian Stanfill joins us to talk about the long road from addiction to five years of sobriety, the moment everything changed and how his new album 'Come to Jesus' was born from real healing and real joy.Cameron, Jesse, Derek and Emily also bring RELEVANT Buzz, our weekly breakdown of the latest at the intersection of faith and culture — and of course, we close the show with Slices, where the crew dives into the funniest, weirdest and most unexpected stories the internet has to offer.Show Highlights01:25 — Denver altitude, sinus infections & Cameron’s Chap Stick disaster04:36 — The Colorado horse-ride saga and Derek’s conspiracy theories08:55 — RELEVANT Buzz 09:00 — Daniel Caesar’s faith-filled album hits the charts11:00 — The wild bike-prank video Jesse found on his cursed algorithm12:05 — Vine is officially coming back… sort of16:20 — Jenna Jameson gets baptized and shares her story18:15 — Guest: Kristian Stanfill joins the show18:45 — Why he made a solo album (Come to Jesus)21:00 — “I needed a revelation of Jesus” — Kristian on what actually changed him26:15 — What year four to year five of sobriety taught him27:20 — The power of community, vulnerability and refusing isolation28:15 — Advice for pastors, leaders and anyone afraid to ask for help31:20 — Does he get tired of talking about his darkest season?33:55 — Slices: A horse falls into a family’s backyard pool39:20 — An AI song hits No. 1 on the country charts45:55 — Congress quietly bans Delta-8 and similar THC products48:20 — The dark side of unregulated synthetic drugsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the RELEVANT Podcast Impact Conversation Series, we sit down with two leaders who have shaped the faith lives of billions.First, adventurer and global TV icon Bear Grylls opens up about how the wilderness taught him about spiritual survival. It’s one of Bear’s most personal and honest conversations ever — covering doubt, faith, courage and why he believes Jesus’ life is the greatest adventure of all.Then, YouVersion founder Bobby Gruenewald joins us fresh off a historic milestone: one billion downloads of the Bible App. He shares the wild origin story of YouVersion, how God exceeded every expectation, how to steward faith in a tech-driven world and why Gen Z is turning to Scripture like never before.This episode is part of our special Impact Series sponsored by World Vision, whose community-focused work is changing lives around the globe. Learn more and get involved at WorldVision.org/RELEVANT.CHAPTERS00:00 — Introduction from Cameron Strang02:19 — Emily Brown sits down with Bear Grylls02:30 — Writing Jesus’ story as a thriller (and why no one had done it)05:13 — How his new book began in the middle of the jungle07:33 — Physical survival and spiritual survival: where they intersect09:22 — Faith, doubt, fear and the courage to keep going11:19 — What surprised Bear most after rereading the Bible three times13:23 — Working with The Chosen and making “Chosen in the Wild”16:07 — Why faith is breaking through in entertainment right now18:20 — The first time Bear spoke publicly about faith (yes, including Obama)20:07 — Cameron wraps Bear’s segment and introduces Bobby Gruenewald of YouVersion21:49 — How a security line in Chicago sparked the Bible App23:57 — Launching on Day 1 of the App Store… with zero Apple contacts27:59 — What surprised him about global Bible engagement30:48 — Balancing ministry and data while staying donor-supported33:20 — From serial entrepreneur to lifelong ministry calling37:26 — Where faith and technology are headed next41:52 — AI, ethics and why YouVersion refuses to rush a chatbot44:09 — What Bobby hopes YouVersion’s legacy will be 50 years from now49:22 — Gen Z’s surprising hunger for ScriptureAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Kings Kaleidoscope’s Chad Gardner joins us to talk about the band’s new album, “Asaph's Arrows II,” a return to their roots reimagining classic hymns. He opens up about creative integrity, the lessons of Mars Hill, and how the band’s journey has reshaped his view of worship and art. Plus, the cast tackles haircut horror stories, the SNAP funding freeze, Mike Todd’s viral Breakfast Club interview and this year’s weirdest scientific discoveries.Highlights:1:00 – Intros10:45 – The Great Hair Debate: Who has the courage to stop a bad haircut in progress?11:00 – RELEVANT Buzz: This week’s headlines at the intersection of faith and culture11:15 – SNAP Funding Freeze: 42 million Americans face a food crisis — what Christians can actually do to help12:15 – Church vs. State: Who’s really responsible for feeding the hungry?17:30 – Mike Todd on The Breakfast Club: Why he went viral (again)25:20 – Special Guest: Kings Kaleidoscope’s Chad Gardner joins to talk about the band’s new album, “Asaph’s Arrows II”26:00 – Back to the Beginning: Why Kings is remaking hymns after a decade of experimentation30:10 – “The rose that grew from concrete”: How Mars Hill shaped Kings Kaleidoscope’s DNA36:15 – The Future of Kings Kaleidoscope: How Kings might return to leading church worship42:00 – SLICES:• Jesse’s “Ig Nobel Awards” — scientists prove drunk bats fly worse and cows painted like zebras get fewer fly bites• Marty’s Vintage Gaming Corner — a Russian Sims 2 love story gone terribly wrong52:46 — Marty tells us about his exciting new projectAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Christian researcher, sociologist and Hamilton actress Ashley LaLonde joins The RELEVANT Podcast to unpack new data revealing why more Gen Z women are walking away from church. She explains how purity culture, politics and the lack of space for single or career-focused women are reshaping faith for a generation. It's a must-listen conversation! Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz and Slices1:00 – The Crew Debates Big Napkin: Jesse exposes the “decorative napkin industrial complex.”6:30 – The Dollar Tree Uprising: The cast demands rebranding to “$1.25 Tree.”8:00 – Smooth Pivot Attempt: Cameron tries to move from napkins to faith and culture.9:00 – RELEVANT Buzz: This week’s headlines at the intersection of faith and culture9:15 – Frankie Muniz Finds God: The Malcolm in the Middle star’s surprising faith story12:00 – Christian Music Chart Update: Josiah Queen, Phil Wickham, and the rise of worship on Billboard’s Hot 10015:45 – Hip-Hop’s Chart Collapse: No rap songs in the Top 40 for the first time in 35 years16:00 – Derek’s Deep Dive: Why hip-hop lost its cultural soul — from gatekeepers to gentrification25:00 – Special Guest: Ashley LaLonde (Barna Group / Hamilton) joins to talk about the new Barna study on Gen Z women and faith26:45 – Why Gen Z Women Are Leaving the Church: Ashley explains the data — 38% now religiously unaffiliated27:30 – The Purity Culture Fallout: How sexual shame and rigid gender roles alienated a generation28:10 – Politics and the Pulpit: How Christian nationalism and partisanship push women away29:20 – The Marriage Idol: Are churches overvaluing family and under-serving single women?30:45 – Solidarity and Inclusion: Why many young women leave in support of LGBTQ friends31:50 – Social Capital Shift: Why church is still “advantageous” for men but costly for women socially32:40 – A New Kind of Spiritual Hunger: How disengaged women are still deeply curious about faith34:10 – The Marriage Question: How this trend could reshape Christian dating and marriage rates35:00 – Ashley’s Challenge to the Church: How to re-engage single women and rethink discipleship36:10 – The Urban Divide: Are cities different from suburbs? Ashley offers insight38:00 – The Fallout of Scandal: How church abuse crises have eroded trust among women39:15 – Reckoning with Failure: Ashley calls the Church to repent for how it’s treated women40:00 – Ashley’s Story: From Harvard to Hamilton to Barna Group — how faith shaped her calling42:45 – Perseverance and Purpose: Six years of rejection before booking Hamilton43:40 – From Broadway to Research: How she now combines creativity, sociology and ministry44:30 – The cast reacts — “That was the most insightful segment we’ve ever done.”45:00 – SLICES: • Jesse’s “Aggressive Research Monkeys on the Loose” story • Derek’s real-life 'Suits' case — the fake lawyer who won 26 casesWatch the full video episode on RELEVANT's YouTube channel!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of our IMPACT Conversation Series, entrepreneur David Meltzer shares how losing everything led him to redefine success through faith, gratitude and purpose. Then, pastor and author Mark Batterson unpacks the message behind his new bookGradually Then Suddenly — why breakthroughs happen slowly, then all at once. Hosted by Cameron Strang and presented by World Vision, these conversations explore what it really means to make an impact through business, ministry and everyday faith.CHAPTERS:00:00 — Introduction with Cameron Strang01:18 — World Vision partnership + mission spotlight02:30 — David Meltzer joins the conversation04:00 — Losing everything and redefining success07:10 — Rebuilding faith, gratitude, and purpose10:45 — How business can be a tool for impact14:20 — The balance between ambition and surrender18:05 — Closing thoughts from Cameron21:25 — Introduction to Mark Batterson21:40 — “Gradually Then Suddenly”: the meaning behind the title23:00 — The myth of overnight success24:20 — Why faith often moves at the speed of a seed25:55 — Persistence: the bridge between failure and breakthrough28:30 — Discerning when to persist and when to pivot30:50 — How to stay faithful in the “gradually” seasons32:45 — Encouragement for those still waiting for their “suddenly”35:40 — Final reflections from Mark Batterson36:54 — Cameron Strang outro + next episode teaseAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week the crew breaks down the NBA’s shocking gambling scandal, Daniel Caesar’s unexpected faith journey, and what actually happens after we die. Plus, Jelly Roll launches a free rehab center, Emily questions if Florida makes the cut for the New Earth and Jesse warns us about smart beds gone rogue.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro 01:15 The NBA Gambling Scandal → Chauncey Billups, the mafia & a Walter White theory15:00 RELEVANT Buzz: Daniel Caesar’s Faith Journey & New Album22:00 Jelly Roll’s Free Rehab Center24:00 Faith Charting Again on Prime Video + Hollywood vs. Christian Storytelling27:00 “What Happens When We Die?” — Cameron Breaks Down Heaven, The Good Place & the Bible’s Timeline35:00 Afterlife Debate → New Earth, Time & Purpose in Eternity45:00 SLICES: Smart Beds Gone Wild & The Robot UprisingNew video episodes of The RELEVANT Podcast drop every Tuesday on the RELEVANT Podcast Youtube channel!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After reflecting on their recent conversation with viral creator Jimmy Darts, the crew dives into what living out real faith actually looks like — not just believing the right things, but showing compassion and generosity in everyday life. Then they tackle the big October question: should Christians celebrate Halloween, or skip the costumes altogether?In RELEVANT Buzz, they unpack Mel Gibson’s questionable new Resurrection of the Christ casting, AI’s takeover of the internet, and Miley Cyrus’ surprising thoughts on sobriety. Plus, in Slices, wild stories about speeding tickets, Switzerland’s $100K fines, and self-driving cars gone rogue.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Cameron’s New Setup05:44 A Serious Discussion About Facial Hair10:23 Reflecting on Our ‘Impact Series’ Conversation With Jimmy Darts16:28 Showing Compassion in Everyday Life18:32 Shaming for Generosity: A New Approach18:56 RELEVANT Buzz19:07 Mel Gibson Recast Jesus24:28 The Internet Is Now 50% AI-Generated Content32:06 Why Miley Cyrus Got Sober35:26 SLICES35:38 Don’t Get a Ticket in Switzerland41:57 But Can You Ticket a Robot?45:31 Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?59:10 ASK THE CAST01:00:10 What Would Your 16-Year-Old Self Think of You Now?01:02:16 What Cringey Christian Thing Do You Secretly Still Love?01:06:29 What’s an Unexpected Hill You’ll Die On?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We believe every follower of Jesus is called to make a difference — and in this special bonus series, we’re sitting down with creators, leaders and dreamers who are doing just that.In this episode, we kick things off with Jimmy Darts — GoFundMe’s top creator, known for surprising strangers with life-changing generosity. His videos have reached hundreds of millions, but behind it all is a simple mission: to show the world what God’s love looks like in action.The RELEVANT Podcast IMPACT Series is presented by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization serving children and communities around the globe. Learn more at worldvision.org/RELEVANT.New episodes drop here throughout the fall. Make sure to watch on YouTube!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pastor Chris Durso joins us to talk about the shifting landscape of modern Christianity — why flashy churches are losing their influence, how Gen Z is reshaping faith communities, and what authenticity really looks like in a post-celebrity-pastor era.Plus, the crew breaks down the biggest stories at the intersection of faith and culture, including Chandler Moore’s lawsuit against Maverick City Music's CEO, Project Pat's stunning salvation moment at a Memphis concert, the Taco Bell Ultra Marathon and the viral “Jericho dating strategy” at ORU. (FYI, it's glorious.)Chapters:05:00 – RELEVANT BUZZ Returns: The Maverick City Music lawsuit explained12:20 – Project Pat leads a prayer of repentance in Memphis15:15 – SLICES: The Taco Bell Ultra Marathon (why would anyone do this?)22:30 – ORU freshmen attempt a “Jericho dating” stunt27:00 – GUEST: Pastor Chris Durso joins the show28:00 – Launching Good Company Church in NYC32:00 – Why the showmanship era of church is over35:30 – How COVID changed what people want from faith38:40 – The danger of “celebrity Christianity”41:00 – Building an honest, mature church culture44:00 – Navigating politics and social issues from the pulpit46:00 – Faith and the NBA: behind the scenes with team chaplains⸻🎧 Listen & Subscribe:Find The RELEVANT Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.📺 Watch full video episodes every Tuesday on YouTube.Follow us on Instagram → @RELEVANTpodcast and @RELEVANTmagazineAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s only our second-ever video episode, and things already get weird. (What's new?) The crew dives into the wildest stories this week — unpacking whether Instagram is really “not listening,” the lady who will name your baby for the low, low price of $30,000, and Emily uncovers the faith-filled backstory of SNL’s James Austin Johnson (spoiler: he started in Christian movies). Plus, we relive the legendary Fabio goose incident, cringe youth group names and a lot more!Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Video Podcast Transition03:04 Audience Reactions and Expectations05:58 Fabio's Roller Coaster Incident08:59 Randy Johnson's Bird Incident11:34 Celebrity Comparisons and Humor14:40 Local Legends and Mount Trashmore15:54 The Golden Era of Morning Radio19:54 SLICES24:48 The Business of Naming Babies31:27 A New Mom Is a Gaming Superhero33:13 Instagram's Controversial Listening Claims34:33 Exploring Social Media Manipulation39:15 An SNL Cast Member's Christian Movie Past44:19 ASK THE CASTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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