What do Listerine strips, backyard barbecues, and cartoon characters have to do with kids meeting Jesus? More than you might think.

In this lively and insightful episode of Candid Conversations, host Jonathan Youssef welcomes back Zack Carden—pastor, storyteller, and creator of Grey Bobby Ministries—to explore the incredible opportunity churches have with Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Zack shares how his passion for the Gospel and kids collided unexpectedly, leading to years of creative VBS leadership that blends humor, theology, and deep discipleship. Together, they unpack why VBS still works, how it transforms both kids and teen volunteers, and what churches can do to make the most of this high-impact week.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why the 3–13 age window is spiritually critical
• What unchurched families really think about sending kids to VBS
• How to follow up meaningfully after the last water balloon pops
• The simple tool Zack uses to draw kids (and their families) back to church
• How parents can disciple kids without feeling overwhelmed
• Learn how to use your church's VBS to reach your community and keep them coming back.

Whether planning this year’s VBS or wondering if it’s still worth doing, this episode will reignite your vision for reaching the next generation with the Gospel.

More from Zack Carden:

Find Zack Carden's Biblical storytelling content for kids: Visit Greybobby Ministries

Jonathan learns more about Greybobby from Zack: Listen here

Remember, it's not too late to register for VBS, invite a friend, or start planning for next year. Schedule it, defend it, and watch God move.

Are you searching for something solid to hold onto when life feels uncertain?

In a world where finances fluctuate, relationships disappoint, and the future seems unpredictable, we all crave a sense of security. But what if the things we cling to can’t truly keep us safe?

In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef explores the universal longing for security through the lens of one of Scripture’s most moving stories, the journey of Ruth. Drawing wisdom from Ruth chapter 2, Jonathan invites you to consider:

• Where are you placing your trust?
• What do you run to when life feels shaky?
• Could there be a deeper, unshakeable refuge you’re missing?

You’ll hear how Ruth, a foreigner with nothing left to lose, risked everything to care for her mother-in-law, and how her faith led her straight into God’s providence. Discover how God’s invisible hand works even in your hardest seasons, providing protection, provision, and hope in unexpected ways.

Whether you feel bitter and empty like Naomi, vulnerable and courageous like Ruth, or in a position to bless like Boaz, this episode will encourage you to find your true security, not in what you can build or protect, but under the loving wing of the God who sees you.

Listen now and rediscover the only place of lasting security.

Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more at LTW.org/Candid.
🎧 Subscribe & Share the show with someone who will be strengthened by the message.

Stay Connected with Candid:
Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter |

If God is good and all-powerful, why does evil persist? In this thought-provoking episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Collin Hansen to tackle one of the most challenging questions people of faith will wrestle with.

Drawing from his new book Where Is God In a World with So Much Evil?, Collin explores the age-old struggle with suffering through the lens of Scripture, history, and personal reflection. From the cries of Job to the silence of Jesus at the cross, from the horrors of the Holocaust to the hidden pain many carry today, this conversation invites listeners to wrestle honestly with doubt while discovering the surprising hope God offers—not always through answers, but through His presence.

Whether you're walking through hardship or beside someone who is, this episode will equip you with Biblical wisdom, historical perspective, and deep compassion. Don’t miss this honest dialogue on justice, suffering, and the power of resilient faith in a broken world.

About This Week's Guest:

Dr. Collin Hansen is an author, editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, and executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics,

Connect with Collin:

Facebook: @hansen.collin

X: @collinhansen

Follow Candid Conversations on social media:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.

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

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
 

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.

Stay Connected with Candid:
Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter |

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:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
 

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

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.

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

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.

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

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: @candidpod

Instagram: @candidpod

Twitter: @thecandidpod

Subscribe & Share:
If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.