The RELEVANT Podcast

Michael Cochren, Columbia House Finally Dies & the New Church Abuse Database — Ep. 1315

This week we're joined by Michael Cochren, the soul-and-blues frontman of Cochren & Co. He talks about the eight years he spent waiting on an answer from God and why he refuses to say God is good just because things finally worked out. We spotlight the band's new album, 'Runs in the Blood.' In RELEVANT Buzz, Cory Asbury posted and deleted a shirtless workout photo, apologized for it and then got roasted by every friend he has in Christian music. Also, survivors launched the first national database of Protestant leaders accused of abuse, years after the SBC voted to build one and then let it die. And The Promised Land, the Moses workplace mockumentary that started as a YouTube pilot, just signed Lionsgate and got a second season. In Slices, Columbia House is finally shutting down, which mostly raises the question of how it was still open, and one of us confesses to running a stack of accounts under slightly different names to get free CDs as a teenager. And a woman in New Zealand went into cardiac arrest in a supermarket parking lot, got revived by a stranger and then got a parking ticket for it. Also in here: a follow-up on the resting heart rate situation, a public service announcement about energy drinks, and the actual reason last week's episode showed up five days late. One Has to Go closes it out. And we're still taking answers to last week's question: What's something you wish you'd known going into your freshman year of college? Drop it in the comments or @ us. We're running your answers in a piece this week. Highlights: 01:21 — Marty's new house and the California no-AC problem 04:07 — Is the house haunted 06:15 — The resting heart rate follow-up and a Celsius warning 07:48 — C4, Sour Patch Kids flavor and two hours of pins and needles 11:35 — David Blaine, stunt magic and the four kinds of magician 19:15 — Emily is podcasting from what appears to be a TJ Maxx dressing room 21:04 — Kohl's cash 22:13 — RELEVANT Buzz: Cory Asbury takes down the shirtless photo and apologizes 28:08 — Survivors launch the first national database of accused Protestant abusers 30:09 — The Promised Land gets a second season and Lionsgate 31:33 — Michael Cochren of Cochren & Co. 39:12 — Slices: Columbia House is shutting down after 71 years 43:34 — She died in a parking lot and still got a ticket 48:34 — Why last week's episode was late 50:05 — One Has to Go Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1314: Montell Jordan, Ryan Ellis and 40,000 Pope Hats

This week, "This Is How We Do It" singer Montell Jordan joins us. He and his wife, Kristin, went from platinum records and world tours to planting a church, and they talk about what was missing in the middle of all that success. Also on the show, Ryan Ellis, who spent a decade writing worship music and now shows us what else he’s got. We spotlight his new album, ‘No Halo.’ In RELEVANT Buzz, Saints quarterback Drew Brees went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and built his speech around the day Christ changed his life. In other sports news, the Chicago White Sox handed out a record-breaking number of Pope hats. A new Harvard study suggests the loneliness epidemic may not be for the reasons we assume. And Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin opens up about his faith journey. In Slices, the FAA solved its air traffic controller shortage by advertising the job to gamers, and a guy in San Francisco bought a billboard for an AI chatbot that turns out to be him. One Has to Go closes it out, and we tell you about four open positions we’ve posted at relevantmediagroup.com. Editorial Question of the Week: What's something you wish you knew before starting your freshman year? Drop it in the comments or on our socials. We'll read the best ones on next week's show and turn them into an article at relevantmagazine.com. Highlights: 01:53 — Derek on teenage boys 04:15 — New York smells and we fix it 08:36 — Cameron's resting heart rate becomes a group intervention 17:20 — RELEVANT Buzz: Drew Brees' Hall of Fame speech 19:03 — The time Oprah tried to wipe off Drew Brees' birthmark on live TV 23:11 — The White Sox gave away 40,000 Pope hats 26:02 — Harvard says loneliness tracks with income, not gender 31:05 — Caleb McLaughlin on the faith he found on his own 34:41 — Montell and Kristin Jordan 40:30 — Ryan Ellis 47:34 — Slices: The FAA recruited gamers to run air traffic control 51:26 — The San Francisco AI chatbot that is one guy typing 59:10 — Editorial Question of the Week 59:45 — One Has to Go Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1313: Lily Hooten of Housefires, Mike Posner Gets Baptized & the Rise of Solo Maxxing

This week we're joined by Lily Hooten of Housefires, the Atlanta worship collective, to talk about their new album House Church Vol. 001. She talks with Emily about how the record came together and where the collective is going from here. In RELEVANT Buzz, “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” singer Mike Posner is going public about finding faith, his baptism and laying out what he thinks being a Christian actually requires of him. We also get into a Gen Z trend that gives singleness a rebrand, plus the A-list artists selling mystery concert tickets for a low price to combat rising concert prices. In Slices, The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers says he's thinking about quitting music and points at his dad as the reason, and Cameron brings a story about maybe the real reason people are stealing those Flock surveillance cameras. Somewhere in there Jesse invents the meeting poncho, which he is convinced is a great idea. And Emily has a can’t-miss announcement at the end of the show. Editorial Question of the Week: What's a worship song lyric you can't unhear once you notice it? Drop your answer in the comments or @ us. We're reading them on next week's episode. Highlights: 02:52 — Jesse's home alone and after 10 hours the house is already destroyed 11:22 — The meeting shirt, and the case for a back flap 16:07 — SkyMall is somehow still online 18:19 — Sharper Image vs. Brookstone, peak capitalism 22:27 — RELEVANT Buzz: Mike Posner gets baptized 28:06 — Gen Z, dating apps and solo maxxing 33:24 — Mystery concert tickets, with one catch 36:15 — Lily Hooten of Housefires 43:36 — Slices: Brandon Flowers on quitting music 47:35 — Google's AI said Flock cameras are full of gold 52:50 — Editorial Question of the Week 53:43 — Emily has an announcement Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1312: Bear Grylls Takes Jesus Into the Wild, Spider-Man Breaks Every Record and Our Lolla Recap

This week, adventurer Bear Grylls joins us to tell us about The Chosen in the Wild, his new Prime Video series debuting Sunday. He takes the cast into Utah canyons and the Great Basin Desert, and tells us what Jonathan Roumie is actually like off camera. We also have Emily’s recap of a memorable Lollapalooza this past weekend, Spider-Man: Brand New Day making U.S. box office history, and movie theaters having a record-setting comeback. We also get into the professor who found a way to catch students using AI on exams, and Arizona State announcing a new degree that’s getting a lot of ridicule, but Jesse thinks is a great idea. And we tell the tale of Katy Perry getting stuck in a human-sized inflatable water bottle at a recent concert. This week’s question of the week: what's a random habit you picked up that's genuinely improved your life? Drop your answer in the comments or @ us. We're reading them on next week's episode. Highlights: 01:25 — A father-sons weekend in New York 03:22 — The Devil Wears Prada 2, reviewed from the runway 05:44 — Lollapalooza recap: Grant Park is enormous 07:15 — The case for wheels on your feet 11:47 — Lorde, Olivia Dean and a very wet weekend 14:54 — The rain delay, a canceled set and The Neighbourhood's missing instruments 18:34 — Lolla fashion: vintage NBA jerseys and brat crop tops 20:29 — Charli xcx, "Rock Music" and what artists owe their fans 25:20 — Marty moves on up 27:26 — Sitcom shared universes 30:12 — RELEVANT Buzz: Spider-Man breaks the all-time box office record 36:05 — The professor who caught 32 students using AI 38:12 — Bear Grylls on The Chosen in the Wild 42:02 — Slices: Arizona State's influencer degree 46:49 — Slices: Katy Perry vs. a giant water bottle 50:56 — Question of the Week Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1311: Tim Tebow and Kirk Cousins on Human Trafficking, Plus Grace Runkle and Dr. Phil's UFO Thoughts

This week we're joined by Tim Tebow and Kirk Cousins, two of the most recognizable quarterbacks in the game who have both spent years on the same fight. We talk about World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is this week — Tebow on what opened his eyes to the scale of it, Cousins on how his faith turned into two decades of advocacy. In RELEVANT Buzz, new research from the Billy Graham Center Research Institute found that 48% of Gen Z adults say Christians' support of Trump has made them less likely to go to church. In RELEVANT Recommends we spotlight Grace Runkle, who is about as inspired by Elevation Worship as she is by Japanese House. In Slices, the White House asked Dr. Phil to review the UFO files and gauge how the public would take the news, and he came away infuriated. And a woman in New York is suing McDonald's over fries that were too hot, which is either a legitimate grievance or the end of hot food as we know it. Then it's your worst Christian breakup lines. Brother in Christ. Personal Eve. Unequal yokes. Then a quick round of "One Has to Go" gets into golden retrievers, communion bread and Sunday naps. Then it's this week’s Question of the Week: what's your go-to struggle meal? Drop your answer in the comments or @ us, we're reading them on next week's episode. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / episode rundown 02:40 — Black people love hibachi and Jesse's ban from the Mongolian barbecue buffet 08:46 — RELEVANT Buzz: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with Tim Tebow 11:50 — Kirk Cousins on faith and advocacy 14:05 — Cameras off, FaceTime etiquette and the unk defense 17:48 — Cookout has the worst menu in fast food 21:21 — RELEVANT Buzz: 48% of Gen Z avoids church because of Christian support for Trump 24:50 — RELEVANT Recommends: Grace Runkle 26:57 — Slices: Dr. Phil, the UFO files and soft disclosure 38:33 — The McDonald's hot fries lawsuit 41:45 — Your Feedback: Worst Christian breakup lines 45:50 — "One Has to Go" 49:34 — Question of the Week: What’s your go-to struggle meal? 52:55 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1310: Elevation Rhythm, Plus Baker Mayfield's Faith & Sylvester Stallone on Skipping Church

This week, we're joined by Davide Mutendji of Elevation Rhythm, whose new album WASHED just dropped. He tells us about the heart behind the project and how Drake became a surprising inspiration for the worship group. In RELEVANT Buzz, the trailer for ‘I Play Rocky’ arrived, and it sent us down a rabbit hole into Sylvester Stallone's faith journey — including a conversation where he calls out Christians who think they can skip church. (Rocky would never!) We also dig into a new study finding only one in three young adults are dating even though nearly all of them want to get married (the reasons are bleak). And with the new season of ‘Quarterback’ out on Netflix, we look at Baker Mayfield's road from college wild child to a real-deal faith story. In Slices, a school district in New York is putting a humanoid robot named in classrooms, and Jesse loves it. And Derek shows us the clip of the grandpa getting flipped by a bison this week. Plus we settle once and for all whether Medusa is in ‘The Odyssey.’ Then in feedback we have your rent-free reality TV moments, and we ask this week’s Question of the Week: what's the worst Christian breakup line of all time? Drop your answer in the comments — we're reading our favorites next week. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / Emily reviews The Odyssey 07:41 — RELEVANT Buzz: ‘I Play Rocky’ & Stallone's church call-out 26:14 — Why two-thirds of young adults aren't dating 33:32 — ‘Quarterback’ & Baker Mayfield's faith journey 41:25 — Davide Mutendji of Elevation Rhythm 50:04 — Slices: The robot teacher coming to New York classrooms 53:08 — Grandpa vs. bison 58:08 — Your feedback: Reality TV moments living rent-free Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1309: KB, Emma Myers and the First Christian Song to Top a Billion Streams

This week, we're joined by rapper, apparel label owner and pastor KB, whose new album 'This Cannot Be Sold' is out this week. He talks about why he refuses to package Jesus for marketability and what staying loyal to Christ over politics and tribalism actually costs. In RELEVANT Buzz, ‘Wednesday’ star Emma Myers opens up about turning to God in the hardest season of her life, Lecrae admits he spent years treating John Piper's words like Scripture, and the crew unpacks what the Reformed era of Christian hip-hop got right and wrong. Plus, the first Christian song to top a billion streams on Spotify: you will not guess it in a million years. In Slices, Jesse investigates the disappearance of Pickles, a diaper-wearing mascot beloved by a Miami pickleball community. And Derek has news about the fresh ingredients Taco Bell is pulling off the menu, for a reason involving explosive diaherrea. Then your feedback closes it out: Monopoly trash talk, a three-minute breath hold, Team Canada horseshoes confidence and more. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro and Can Christopher Nolan be trusted with The Odyssey? 22:48 — RELEVANT Buzz: Emma Myers opens up about finding God 31:25 — Lecrae says he made John Piper an idol. Derek was there for that era 39:32 — The first Christian song to a billion Spotify streams (you won't guess it) 46:04 — RELEVANT Conversation: KB on why Jesus isn't for sale 54:11 — Slices: Jesse on Pickles, the missing pickleball mascot 59:27 — Derek's bad news for Taco Bell fans 1:02:54 — Your feedback: competitions you're convinced you'd win 1:05:41 — Next week's question: reality TV moments living rent-free in your head Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 1308: Tori Kelly, Messi's Blessed Boots and Gen Z's Church Problem

This week, three-time Grammy winner Tori Kelly joins us to talk about her new album 'God Must Really Love Me,' written just weeks after she became a first-time mom. She tells us how it’s changed her approach to songwriting and her view of God. In RELEVANT Buzz, new research finds while Gen Z is the most church-engaged generation, it’s also the least likely to pray. What? We also take a lap around the World Cup's faith stories, and Forrest Frank now has the largest arena tour in the country. In Slices, Jesse tells us about a man who stole Smokey Bear signs and got arrested in the most humiliating way possible, and Derek has a Maryland guy who might have accidentally redefined Double Jeopardy. Plus, a report from 11 days of adventure in Alaska, a geography fact-off that spirals into pyramid conspiracies, and your feedback on childhood things that were secretly insane. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro: Thriving for 11 days in Alaska (unlike the Into the Wild guy) 22:11 — The great Alaska fact-off: rainforests vs. secret pyramids 24:18 — RELEVANT Buzz: Faith all over the World Cup — including Messi's blessed boots 34:28 — Gen Z is in church, so why aren't they praying? 39:45 — Forrest Frank has a top 5 tour in America 41:00 — Tori Kelly on new motherhood and 'God Must Really Love Me' 50:02 — Slices: The Smokey Bear sign heist 57:16 — The worst possible time to call the police 59:52 — Your feedback: Childhood things that were secretly insane 1:02:32 — This week's question: What could you win a competition in? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1307: Elevation Worship's Tiffany Hudson, Plus Rapper Parris Chariz

This is the perfect episode for summer vacation season. First, Tiffany Hudson from Elevation Worship joins us to tell us about her new solo album ‘When You're in the Room,’ and the importance of “vertical” lyrics in worship music. Then rapper Parris Chariz joins us for the second half of the show. We talk about his new album ‘The World Is Watching,’ basketball and his unusual path to seminary. In Slices, Jesse gives us a look at his vision for the future of politics in America (it looks a lot like jury duty), and Derek takes us to the frontlines of a DoorDash robot crashing a SWAT standoff and refusing to leave. Then One Has to Go closes it out: croissants on trial, mashed potatoes with no defenders, and an unprovoked shot at the Eiffel Tower. Highlights: 03:01 — Slices: the Long Island town that elected a mayor who didn't want the job 17:52 — Slices: a DoorDash robot crashes a SWAT standoff and refuses to leave 23:00 — RELEVANT Conversation: Tiffany Hudson on her solo album When You're in the Room 30:15 — RELEVANT Conversation: Parris Chariz on The World Is Watching, basketball and seminary 42:38 — One Has to Go: Paris things, Detroit things, comfort foods and more 51:35 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Sondae and Jesus Image’s Jessica Koulianos

This week — after the crew discusses summer vacations, cruise classes and the Jersey Shore — we talk to Jessica Koulianos, co-founder of Jesus Image, about what it actually looks like to go deeper with God instead of just consuming more church content. In RELEVANT Buzz, Team USA has turned the World Cup into a faith story, and we get into Steven Spielberg's new film ‘Disclosure Day’ and the surprising amount of room it gives to faith. In RELEVANT Recommends, we talk to Christian R&B artist Sondae, whose new album is a must-listen. In Slices, scientists are trying to find Noah’s Ark, and a pastor preached for 96 hours straight to chase a Guinness World Record. Then your feedback closes it out with the things everyone loves that you just don't get: matcha that tastes like grass, smash burgers, Hey Dudes and yes, we get distracted by your unusual usernames. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro: Alaska cruises, classes and Jesse's classy Jersey Shore vacation 14:03 — RELEVANT Buzz: Team USA's faith goes viral at the World Cup 21:55 — ‘Disclosure Day’ and what aliens would do to Christian belief 30:31 — RELEVANT Recommends: Sondae on his vulnerable new album 'Boy' 36:23 — RELEVANT Conversation: Jessica Koulianos on real intimacy with Jesus 50:33 — Slices: Drilling for Noah's Ark near Mount Ararat 55:29 — The pastor who preached for 96 hours 59:02 — Your Feedback: Things everyone loves that you just don't get 1:07:14 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1305: Andy Mineo & Wordsplayed on Magic and Bird 2, How CHH Has Changed and Derek’s Net Worth

Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed are back as Magic and Bird, and tell us all about the sequel to their 2017 cult classic album. We also get into the state of Christian hip-hop, why nobody is vetted anymore, and spend a genuinely uncomfortable amount of time guessing Derek Minor's net worth to his face. In RELEVANT Buzz, the SBC voted to ban women from the pulpit and it wasn't close. Victory Boyd forgave Travis Scott and ended up in the studio with him. And Pharrell started his Christian rap era with a Voices of Fire song called "The One." In Slices, someone claimed a religious exemption from using AI at work, and Derek has decided it might be the greatest finesse in history. We also stop to mark World Refugee Day with an eye-opening conversation from the frontlines of Sudan about the world’s largest humanitarian crisis happening there. Then One Has to Go closes it out: a suspiciously cheap dollar slice, Rambo in 2026, and the case against Shaq. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / Derek’s frustrating tech updates 10:42 — RELEVANT Buzz: Victory Boyd & Travis Scott go from lawsuit to collaborating 14:08 — The SBC votes to ban women in the pulpit 17:23 — Pharrell's "The One" with Voices of Fire 20:38 — World Refugee Day: the crisis in Sudan with World Vision’s Grace Mavhezha 25:13 — Slices: A religious exemption to not use AI at work? 29:36 — RELEVANT Conversation: Andy Mineo & Wordsplayed on Magic and Bird 2 36:24 — The state of Christian hip-hop 40:16 — Putting Derek Minor's net worth on blast 51:51 — The five-week album rollout and why nothing breaks through anymore 56:24 — One Has to Go 1:07:40 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Philip Anthony Mitchell on the Gospel's Urgency, Plus Derek Breaks Christian Hip-Hop — Ep. 1304

This week 2819 Church pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell joins us, the Atlanta preacher whose sermon clips have taken over your feed. He tells us why he buried his old church after losing everything during COVID and why he believes the church is running out of time to wake up. Before that convo, the guys recap a week off the grid in Montana that turned into a grown-man sleepover built around 80s action movies. We also get into how one offhand comment on Derek's "You Can't Say That in Church" podcast set off a week-long Christian hip-hop firestorm, and the unbelievable fake commercial made in response. In Slices, dozens of mystery people keep climbing out of New York City manholes and nobody knows why. And a cop ticketed a woman for texting on her phone, even though she had a very convincing reason why she wasn’t guilty. Then your feedback about hills you’re willing to die on closes it out! Highlights: 00:00 — Intro and Montana recap: the trip turns into a grown-man sleepover 03:10 — 80s action movies and their 45-minute dialogue-free montages 14:50 — How Derek broke Christian hip-hop 23:33 — Derek's petty clout commercial 29:52 — Slices: NYC manhole mystery people 38:00 — The cop who ticketed a woman with no right hand 47:44 — RELEVANT Conversation: Philip Anthony Mitchell of 2819 Church 57:44 — Your Feedback: Hills you'll die on Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1303: Johnnyswim, Plus Scottie Scheffler's Faith & Some Mel Gibson ‘Resurrection’ News

This week, Johnnyswim joins us to give an exclusive look at three major projects they’re about to release. The duo has had a very busy couple of years, and surprisingly it’s not been all about music. In RELEVANT Buzz, we bring the recent update on Mel Gibson's The Resurrection of the Christ and get some inspiration from PGA great Scottie Scheffler. In Slices, a Cybertruck owner tests his freedom by driving straight down a boat ramp into a lake because Elon said it could float, and Joey Chestnut got into some legal trouble after a recent eating contest win. Jesse has the latest. Then we have your feedback on movies you saw way too young, and this week’s Question of the Week: What's a hill you'll absolutely die on that most people think is ridiculous? Drop your answer in the comments on YouTube or answer on our stories! Highlights: 00:00 — Intro and Emily's flu game show 05:21 — Montana trip prep and the case for a basketball hoop 07:30 — Pool basketball is just rugby in the water 10:50 — Cameron's diving board vs. the insurance inspector 13:08 — When America was a proper country: wood-paneled wagons 14:44 — The factory-installed van bar (and mandatory roof ladder) 17:24 — Emily wants to mod her Nissan Rogue 19:43 — Pre-Slices slice: A Cybertruck goes for a swim 28:53 — RELEVANT Buzz: Mel Gibson's ‘Resurrection’ movie announces a delay 33:39 — Scottie Scheffler’s faith 38:25 — Johnnyswim's year of musicals, movies and a surprise worship album 48:45 — Slices: Joey Chestnut's bologna arrest 51:00 — Question of the Week: movies that scarred you / the new question 57:51 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1302: Brooke Ligertwood, the Two Kinds of Churches Actually Growing & What Drake Says About the State of Music

This week, we talk to Brooke Ligertwood about her new album ‘Eat,’ which is unlike anything she's put out before. In RELEVANT Buzz, we break down new data that highlights where the Church has actually been growing over the last decade — and where it hasn’t. We also tell the story of the e.l.f. Cosmetics co-founder who gave away his fortune and is becoming a priest. Plus we have a look at the new Moses limited series on Prime Video starring Sir Ben Kingsley. (It’s impressive.) In Slices, Jesse has some thoughts about kamikaze dolphins, and the cast of course opens the show with thoughts on the new Drake albums, which leads to a fascinating conversation about what’s been wrong with the music industry and our thoughts on where things are going. This week’s Question of the Week is based on the ‘Thief In the Night’ post we had this week: What's a movie or show you watched way too young that you now realize was completely inappropriate (and your parents probably had no idea)? Drop your answer in the comments on YouTube or reply on our Stories on social — we're reading our favorites on next week's episode. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / Drake drops three albums and burns down his Universal deal 20:43 — RELEVANT Buzz: Elf Cosmetics founder becomes a Catholic priest 24:11 — RELEVANT Buzz: The only churches actually growing (Pew data) 34:02 — RELEVANT Buzz: Moses limited series on Prime Video 37:43 — RELEVANT Recommends: Brooke Ligertwood, Eat 45:00 — Slices: Kamikaze dolphins and the beluga whale that defected 47:45 — Editorial Question of the Week 50:55 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1301: Comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes + Christian UFO Expert Timothy Alberino

Comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes joins the show to talk about her new special "Ugly Baby" and how a joke-writing class at her church kicked off her stand-up career. Then Christian UFO researcher Timothy Alberino comes on to make sense of the Pentagon's newly declassified UFO files. The cast walks through why aliens, demons and military tech are three different conversations most people are lumping into one, where the Nephilim theory in Genesis 6 fits in and why none of this should rattle anyone's theology. Alberino's book "Birthright" is worth a read if this rabbit hole calls to you. In RELEVANT Buzz, we also break down the American Idol finale, where all three finalists this season (Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper and Keyla Richardson) are outspoken Christians. Plus comedian Jay Pharoah's conversation with Tamron Hall about the insane experience he had while committing to read through the Bible last year. In Slices, Derek tells us about a black bear in Gatlinburg that clawed its way into a bakery for some cinnamon rolls, and Jesse tells us about a CPR instructor that went into cardiac arrest and was saved by the students he was teaching CPR to. "One Has to Go" closes things out with 2000s R&B, sequels better than the original, phone-era nostalgia, all-time athletes. Then it's the debut of the Editorial Question of the Week: Is it OK to turn down a friend's wedding party invitation just because you know it's going to be expensive? Drop your answer in the comments or @ us — we'll read our favorites on next week's episode. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1300: Hulu’s Christian College Dating Show, Sophie Cunningham’s Baptism and Lots of Frisbee Golf

It’s episode 1300! In RELEVANT Buzz, we talk about Hulu’s new Christian college dating series that you need to hear to believe. We also talk about WNBA star Sophie Cunningham's recent faith declaration, Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu’s faithful pregame ritual and a new Bible movie about Daniel that’s releasing this fall. In Slices, a Wisconsin solid waste facility has an unusual speed limit, a Harvard scientist helps build China’s AI supercomputer, and the crew finds a Guinness World Record worth actually pursuing. The show ends with One Has to Go, and be warned there’s a lot of frisbee golf and male ponytail talk. Highlights: 00:00 — Frisbee golf and ponytail culture 14:23 — RELEVANT Buzz: Hulu's "Ring by Spring Break" Christian college dating show 26:28 — Sophie Cunningham gets baptized 28:17 — Ayo Dosunmu’s pregame Bible routine 28:56 — "Daniel: The Fiery Furnace" is releasing on 9/11 31:54 — Slices: An odd speed limit at a Wisconsin recycling facility 40:45 — A Harvard scientist defects to China after prison 43:28 — A new world record for solving a Rubik's Cube in free fall 47:21 — One Has to Go: Old Testament epics / 90s sitcoms / Wes Anderson / boy bands / NFL fan bases / late-night snacks Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1299: Hulvey on Turning Down Kanye, Theo Von's Surprising Vulnerability & Mr. T + Ice-T's Album

This week we're joined by Hulvey, who just dropped his final album on Reach Records. He tells us why he turned down a Kanye West collab and the reason behind his new season. In RELEVANT Buzz, Theo Von gets surprisingly vulnerable on his podcast about being stuck in destructive cycles. A new study finds that 60% of Gen Z has gone no contact with friends or family. We get into why. There's NBA playoff rivalries, unexpected gifts, insane 80s movies, insurance fraud, bees escaping. It's a packed, crazy episode! Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / Magic vs Pistons and the Angel Reese love triangle 03:50 — Jesse pitches Over the Top as the greatest sports drama ever made 12:30 — Sudden Death: Van Damme plays goalie in the Stanley Cup finals 15:20 — The Taco Bell hat and the Pistons shorts gift exchange 19:14 — RELEVANT Buzz: Theo Von's vulnerable moment 28:55 — 60% of Gen Z is going no contact 32:55 — Mr. T and Ice-T's 1984 Ten Commandments 36:30 — RELEVANT Recommends: Hulvey on his final Reach album and turning down Kanye 43:00 — Slices: Operation Bear Claw 46:35 — A million bees escape on a Knoxville highway 48:30 — Would You Rather Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 1298: Comedian Derrick Stroup, Charlie Puth's Gospel Moment & RAYE's Faith Turn

The week, we’re joined by one of the funniest comedians going right now — Derrick Stroup, who has a fantastic new special on Netflix. He tells us how he got his start in comedy and why keeping things clean is an intentional choice. In RELEVANT Buzz, we dive into a new Gallup study that reveals 50% more young men say religion is very important to them than did just a few years ago. There’s a lot to unpack — including why young women are going the opposite direction. We then share a clip that went viral this week of Charlie Puth breaking down his favorite gospel song and why he “loves everything Church.” Then we check out RAYE’s incredible new single “Joy,” and her faith-filled album, ‘This Music May Contain Hope.’ In Slices, a guy in California got caught running a nationwide LEGO scam that you won’t believe. And a 91-year-old Ohio grandma ignored her wellness checks because … she was locked in on a video game. Then Would You Rather closes it out: Horse-sized ducks, finger guns, a raccoon with a grudge. Highlights: 04:38 — RELEVANT Buzz: 42% of young men say their faith is very important 09:03 — Charlie Puth's gospel moment on the Terrell Show 17:51 — RAYE's new album and her faith story 29:59 — RELEVANT Recommends: Derrick Stroup on his Netflix special "Nostalgic" 38:05 — Slices: The Lego pasta heist 42:44 — Slices: 91-year-old grandma blows off her wellness check to keep gaming 45:05 — Would You Rather Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Episode 1297: Aodhan King & Benjamin William Hastings Made a Worship Album in 10 Days, Plus Lecrae and M.I.A.

This week, we sit down with former Hillsong-ers Aodhan King and Benjamin William Hastings, who just announced a joint worship album dropping next month. They tell us about it — and also tell the unhinged story of how they met 15 years ago. (Lesson: Need pants? You might meet a new friend.) In RELEVANT Buzz, this week Lecrae became the first Christian rapper on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts (apologies to Marla) and we tell you about M.I.A.'s new faith-rooted album inspired by the Book of Revelation and the Ark of the Covenant. (Yes, we play *that* Indiana Jones scene.) In Slices, the heroic Artemis crew had a very relatable problem during the mission, and a chimp clan in Uganda is apparently in a full civil war. "One Has to Go" hits youth group bands, cereals, comedy movies, Disney Channel shows, sports movies, reality TV and worship era anthems. Jesse was sweating at one point. Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / Magic game recap, documentary tangents 16:27 — RELEVANT Buzz: Lecrae's Tiny Desk debut 21:37 — M.I.A. announces MI7 31:42 — Benjamin William Hastings & Aodhan King 39:45 — Slices: Artemis & Microsoft Outlook in space 43:25 — Chimp clan civil war 47:00 — One Has to Go: Youth group icons / Cereals / Comedy movies / Disney Channel shows / Sports movies / Christian music / Worship anthems / Bible figures Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 1296: Madison Ryann Ward, American Idol Goes Full Worship & DC3's Historic Win

This week, Cameron, Derek, Emily and Marty cover a ton: American Idol's Songs of Faith Night, which was way more Jesus-heavy this year than last, British Christian rapper DC3 making MOBO Awards history, and the story of Forrest Frank's new indie band having to ditch their name days before releasing their debut album. In RELEVANT Recommends, we talk to Madison Ryann Ward — an amazing, soulful singer (and former D1 volleyball player) who walked away from Rick Rubin's label after rededicating her life to Christ, and is now showing up everywhere and absolutely thriving. In Slices, we cover a guy who’s selling a compass that only points to the Olive Garden in Times Square, and the story of 12 tons of stolen Kit Kat bars giving some pretty great April Fool's fodder. At the end of the episode, we have a great edition of One Has to Go! Highlights: 00:00 — Intro / Derek Minor's new single "Up" 07:35 — RELEVANT Buzz: American Idol Songs of Faith Night 15:00 — RELEVANT Buzz: DC3 wins two MOBO Awards 17:30 — RELEVANT Buzz: Forrest Frank's new band 24:50 — RELEVANT Recommends: Madison Ryann Ward 33:00 — Slices: Compass pointing to the Olive Garden in Times Square 35:15 — Slices: Someone stole 12 tons of Kit Kat bars 38:30 — One Has to Go: Holidays / Florida animals / Blockbuster night / MTV cartoons / Sports video games 49:00 — Outro Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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