Are you tired of faith conversations that feel more like a battle than a dialogue? What if defending what you believe could open doors instead of building walls? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Dr. Sean McDowell, author, professor, and leading Christian apologist, joins Jonathan Youssef to tackle the most challenging questions facing believers today, from the mental health crisis and the deconstruction movement to the rise of AI and digital misinformation.

You’ll hear why the “us vs. them” mentality is holding us back, how to engage skeptics with curiosity instead of combativeness, and practical ways to help the next generation wrestle with doubt without losing faith. Discover why women are reshaping apologetics, how to avoid echo chambers online, and what timeless questions will always matter, no matter how the culture shifts.

This episode is for you if you want to move beyond talking points. Watch and learn how to have honest, winsome conversations about faith in a rapidly changing world. Subscribe now and join the dialogue that's equipping Christians to love well, think deeply, and stand out for all the right reasons.

About This Week's Guest:

Dr. Sean McDowell is a professor of apologetics at Biola University, the cohost of the Think Biblically podcast, and a best-selling author. His latest book, Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture, helps Christians address today’s toughest questions with clarity and compassion.

Connect with Sean:

Website: seanmcdowell.org

YouTube: Sean McDowell

Instagram: @sean_mcdowell

Follow Candid Conversations on social media:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

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Why are Bible sales experiencing a surprising 22% surge? Is Western culture becoming spiritually curious again? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Dr. Sean McDowell—author, speaker, and Biola University professor—to unpack this unexpected trend.

Sean shares insights from his years of engaging the next generation on matters of faith, culture, and apologetics. Together, they explore:

• Why a sharp rise in Bible sales should give us pause—and cautious hope
• How cultural voices like Jordan Peterson and Jonathan Rauch are contributing to renewed interest in Christianity
• Why secularism may be losing momentum among young adults
• How Christians can better engage a spiritually curious culture today—not with confrontation, but with conversation

Drawing on historical shifts, current research, and his experiences equipping students and churches, Sean encourages believers to rethink how we present the gospel in this pivotal moment. Instead of arguing like it's still the era of the "new atheists," it’s time to listen, ask better questions, and meet people in their spiritual hunger.

Guest Bio

Dr. Sean McDowell is a professor of apologetics at Biola University, the cohost of the Think Biblically podcast, and a best-selling author. His latest book, Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture, helps Christians address today’s toughest questions with clarity and compassion.

Connect with Sean:

Website: seanmcdowell.org

YouTube: Sean McDowell

Instagram: @sean_mcdowell

Easter Sunday may be over, but the Resurrection story is just beginning. In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef reflects on John 21 and what Jesus’ post-Resurrection moments reveal about how we are meant to live today. If you’ve ever felt spiritually stuck, disqualified from ministry, or unsure of what to do now that the Easter celebration has faded, this message is for you.

Jesus didn’t leave us without direction. He gave three clear calls that still shape every believer’s life today:

🔹 Listen to Me – Even in the waiting, Jesus speaks. Are you listening?
🔹 Follow Me – Failure doesn’t disqualify you. His call still stands.
🔹 Focus on Me – Don’t compare your journey to others. Keep your eyes on Christ.

This episode powerfully reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we press forward in our calling and purpose daily.

Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more at LTW.org/Candid.
🎧 Subscribe & Share the show with someone who needs post-Easter encouragement.
📖 Read John 21 this week and reflect on Jesus' personal call to you.

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Do you struggle as a parent to help your children grasp the profound significance of Easter while swimming against a tide of pastel eggs and jelly bean overload? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef talks with John Greco, whose new children's book, The Easter Lamb, was born from his parenting challenge to explain to his three young sons how God's rescue plan connects Passover to the Cross. Whether you have toddlers fascinated by colorful illustrations or older kids asking tough theological questions, this conversation offers practical wisdom for families seeking to plant Biblical Truth that will root deeply in children's hearts.

John Greco is a writer, editor, and self-described Bible geek with an impressive background in Biblical scholarship. He has served as the editor of the He Reads Truth Bible and as the New Testament theological editor for the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.

Highlights:

• The story of an aspiring pastor who became a writer and how he "stumbled into" writing
• The inspiration behind creating a children's book that connects the Passover story to Jesus's sacrifice
• How Biblical theology helps children (and adults) see the complete narrative of Scripture rather than disconnected moral stories
• The importance of teaching children the profound connections between Old and New Testament stories
• John's approach to handling difficult Biblical concepts like sacrifice and death in a child-appropriate way
• The collaborative process with London-based illustrator Sian James to create engaging, accurate, and inviting visuals
• Family traditions for making Easter meaningful beyond bunnies and chocolate eggs

About the Book: The Easter Lamb: Jesus, Passover, and God's Amazing Plan to Rescue Us weaves together the stories of Passover and Easter, helping young readers understand the connection between these significant biblical events and see how God's plan for salvation has been consistent throughout history.

Connect with John Greco: Find more information about John and his books on his website.

Follow Candid Conversations on social media:

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Twitter: @thecandidpod

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What happens when our desire to be liked becomes a barrier to real community? In part two, Jonathan Youssef continues his conversation with Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo, delving deeper into the profound struggles behind people-pleasing and how God’s Truth sets us free.

Jinger shares powerful stories of real-life moments that challenged her desire to appear “put together,” and how letting others into her mess brought healing, deeper friendships, and lasting joy. Jeremy offers honest reflections on walking with Jinger through this transformation, encouraging others to think critically about their motives and the long-term consequences of seeking approval.

Together, they explore the danger of trading meaningful relationships for short-term reputation and how choosing vulnerability can lead to the community we truly crave.

This conversation is honest, relatable, and freeing for anyone wrestling with fear, performance, or the pressure to please.

About the Guests

Jeremy Vuolo is a former professional goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls who is now pursuing his doctorate at Master's Seminary.

Jinger Vuolo grew up on TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On" as part of the Duggar family. She is now an author of multiple books, including the New York Times bestseller "Becoming Free Indeed" and her newest release "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations."

Together, Jeremy and Jinger are raising their two daughters and new son in the Los Angeles area while sharing their faith through various platforms, including their podcast and social media.

Resources Mentioned

• "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations" by Jinger Vuolo
• "Becoming Free Indeed" by Jinger Vuolo (New York Times bestseller)

Follow the Vuolos on social media:

Instagram: @jingervuolo @jeremy_vuolo

Follow Candid Conversations on social media:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

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What happens when you realize much of your life has been shaped by the need to meet others' expectations? In this enlightening episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo back to the program as they dive into the suffocating world of people-pleasing. 

Jinger, known from TLC's "Nineteen Kids and Counting," reveals how she discovered a prison of other's expectations beneath her desire to maintain peace. With remarkable vulnerability, she shares how the fear-based theology she was raised in magnified these tendencies and how her marriage to Jeremy was the catalyst for transformation. 

This conversation isn't just for people-pleasers—it's for anyone who's ever wondered if their relationships, decisions, and actions are motivated by genuine love or a need for approval.

About the Guests

Jeremy Vuolo is a former professional goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls who is now pursuing his doctorate at Master's Seminary.

Jinger Vuolo grew up on TLC's "Nineteen Kids and Counting" and "Counting On" as part of the Duggar family. She is now an author of multiple books including the New York Times bestseller "Becoming Free Indeed" and her newest release "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations."

Together, Jeremy and Jinger are raising their two daughters and soon-to-be son in the Los Angeles area while sharing their faith through various platforms, including their podcast and social media.

Resources Mentioned

• "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations" by Jinger Vuolo
• "Becoming Free Indeed" by Jinger Vuolo (New York Times bestseller)

Follow the Vuolos on social media:

Instagram: @jingervuolo @jeremy_vuolo

Follow Candid Conversations on social media:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

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In a culture  that is increasingly more comfortable with phrases like "my truth" and "your truth," Jonathan Youssef explores the concept of objective truth and why it matters in our everyday lives. This episode examines the logical problems with a "post-truth" mentality and presents compelling evidence for why Christianity's truth claims deserve thoughtful consideration, even from skeptics.

Key Topics Discussed

• The contradiction between subjective perspectives and objective reality
• Why the "coexist" mentality creates logical problems in practice
• The fear of discovering truth and how truth might lead to freedom
• Evidence to support Christianity's Truth claims

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Twitter: @thecandidpod

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Is the church asleep while the world crumbles? What if Jesus' ancient warnings to the church are more relevant now than ever? 

Jonathan Youssef sits down with his father, renowned Bible teacher Dr. Michael Youssef, for an unfiltered conversation about spiritual complacency in critical times. As they explore the insights from Dr. Youssef's new book, God's Final Call, they reveal how Christ's messages to the seven churches of Revelation contain the exact blueprint modern believers need to navigate our increasingly hostile cultural landscape. Drawing from over five decades of Biblical scholarship, Dr. Youssef decodes these prophetic warnings with an urgency that will challenge everything you thought you knew about faith in chaotic times.

Join father and son to explore how these ancient letters serve as spiritual road maps for navigating our increasingly challenging cultural landscape. Dr. Youssef shares compelling insights on recognizing modern church warnings, avoiding complacency, standing firm amid cultural chaos, and reclaiming the joy of anticipating Christ's return.

Whether struggling with doubt in a hostile culture or seeking to deepen your faith journey, this conversation offers comfort and conviction for believers committed to unwavering faith.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Youssef

Pre-order your copy of God's Final Call 

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Twitter: @thecandidpod

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In this powerful conclusion of our conversation with Dru Hammer, she openly shares about walking through public trials, finding healing after a public divorce, and how God turned her pain into purpose through the Hammered Heart Foundation.

Episode Highlights:

• Dru's candid discussion about navigating the controversy surrounding her son, Armie Hammer
• The journey through divorce and the power of true forgiveness
• How journaling for ten years became the foundation for her book "Hammered"
• A transformative moment in Israel that birthed the Hammered Heart Foundation
• The importance of addressing childhood trauma and healing within marriages
• How ministering to others at the L.A. Dream Center helped her own healing
• The story behind the hammered heart symbol and its impact on hurting women

About the Guest:

Dru Hammer is the founder and CEO of Hammered Heart Foundation and the author of the book Hammered. Her story bridges the worlds of faith, business, and humanitarian work, demonstrating how God can use anyone, anywhere, to share His message.

Listen here if you missed part 1 of this compelling conversation. 

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In this powerful first installment, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Dru Hammer to discuss her remarkable faith journey, from her roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to becoming part of one of America's most prominent families.

Episode Highlights:

• Dru shares the story of her parents' conversion to Christianity when she was five years old and how it transformed their family
• Her father's unexpected call to healing ministry after witnessing a miraculous healing
• A pivotal moment in Dru's senior year of high school when she witnessed her first supernatural healing
• The story of meeting her future husband, Michael Hammer, on a flight and their whirlwind romance
• Her transition into the world of the Hammer family dynasty and learning to navigate high society while maintaining her faith
• Stories of ministry work ranging from Beverly Hills socialites to the L.A. Dream Center
• The gradual process of sharing faith with her father-in-law, Dr. Armand Hammer, and his eventual acceptance of Christ

Key Quotes:

"God, I want to do what you want me to do. I want to be who you want me to be. And I want to go where you want me to go. Send me. I'm here. I'm ready." - Dru Hammer

About the Guest:

Dru Hammer is the founder and CEO of Hammered Heart Foundation and the author of the book Hammered. Her story bridges the worlds of faith, business, and humanitarian work, demonstrating how God can use anyone, anywhere, to share His message.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this compelling conversation, where Dru discusses overcoming personal trials and founding the Hammered Heart Foundation.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

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