NCMU Podcast

In this season finale of the Nerd Culture Ministry Underground podcast, Bubba Stallcup and Mark Lutz are joined by special guest Zach Miller — also known as St. Bear — to recap this year’s NCMS and look ahead to what’s coming for nerd culture ministry in 2027. Together, they reflect on the heart behind the Onward theme, the value of bold obedience, the behind-the-scenes work of building the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit, and the importance of not waiting for permission to pursue the ministry God has placed in front of you. They also share stories from NCMS, highlight meaningful moments with speakers and attendees, and talk about the future of the Nerd Culture Ministry Collective, Kite String, networks, and next year’s gathering in Orlando. 

Mark Lutz sits down with Doug Parks, founder of Intentional Churches, for a practical conversation about helping believers move from spectatorship to personal ownership of the Great Commission. Together, they unpack how churches, digital ministries, streamers, creators, and online communities can avoid reinforcing consumeristic faith and instead build communities where people are equipped to reach “their one.” Doug shares the heart behind Intentional Churches, the importance of radical alignment, the danger of institutional thinking, and how tools like the “one,” core motivators, and discovery frameworks can help ministry leaders design with clarity, purpose, and mission. This episode is especially helpful for anyone serving in nerd culture ministry, digital church, livestreaming, Discord communities, or creative evangelism spaces. 

 In this episode of the Nerd Culture Ministry Underground Podcast, host Bubba Stallcup sits down with FlatCapDapperPastor to talk about his journey from traditional pastoral ministry into digital ministry, Twitch streaming, online discipleship, and equipping missionaries for digital spaces. Flat shares how God used drama ministry, church tech needs, livestreaming, sermon prep streams, Bible reading on Twitch, and community-building platforms like Discord and WhatsApp to shape his calling. The conversation also explores the work of The Church Digital, including digital missionary training, global ministry partnerships, Control Alt Redeem, digital pastoral care, and why churches need to think beyond simply posting online if they want to build real digital community. 

Mark talks with professional voice actor Brian Stivale about his journey from Broadway to working in voiceover for animation, video games, and biblical projects. Brian shares how God redirected his career from on-camera performance to voice acting, where he has voiced characters like Venom and Batman, as well as the Prophet Samuel in Angel Studios’ David.

In this conversation, they discuss discernment in the entertainment industry, pursuing excellence in creative work, and trusting God’s leading even when the path looks unconventional. It’s an encouraging episode for anyone navigating calling, creativity, and faith in professional spaces.

Hosted by Mark Lutz
Guest: Brian Stivale

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, Bubba Stallcup talks with David Byron Hicks about discovering the power of local game store ministry through simple, faithful presence. Rather than relying on programs or gimmicks, David shares how regularly showing up, building genuine friendships, praying for people, and serving them in practical ways became a meaningful expression of Christ’s love.

Their conversation highlights how ministry in nerd spaces can help bridge the gap between church culture and gaming culture, creating places of trust, belonging, and authentic connection around the table.

Host: Bubba Stallcup
Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Bubba sits down with David Gustafson to talk about turning nerd culture into ministry. From discovering NCMS through Storyland Studios to a pivotal summit in Marble Falls, David shares how he launched “Nerd Nights,” built a five-person team, and led mission trips to PAX Unplugged. Now a leader in the Nerd Culture Ministry Collective, he encourages others to use their passions to fulfill the Great Commission.

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Boots (BootStrapBoots) shares his journey from solo League of Legends streaming to co-founding Campfires and Dragons, a Dungeons & Dragons ministry channel. He explains how the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit helped him realize he was called to do ministry collaboratively, prompting a shift from competitive gaming content to D&D play that builds welcoming community for tabletop gamers. Boots also discusses the importance of knowing yourself spiritually before going live and how his team uses D&D as a tool to reach people who may be isolated or searching for belonging.

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

In this episode of the NCMU Podcast, host Mark welcomes Dr. Level Up (Steven Kelso) for a thoughtful conversation on the evolution of nerd culture ministry and the vital role of behind-the-scenes contributors. They discuss the impact of the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit (NCMS), the challenges of working within Christian content spaces, and the importance of investing in quality creation.

Dr. Level Up also shares the inspiration behind The Guiding Lantern, a fantasy-driven project designed to teach leadership and discipleship principles, as well as his journey through content creation and community building. This episode is a meaningful listen for anyone passionate about faith, fandom, and ministry done well.

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Bubba talks with Dylan — better known as DeadlyDill — a pastor-turned-streamer leading one of the largest and fastest-growing faith-based gaming communities online. Dylan shares how a simple desire for friendship turned into the DeadlyDill Fam: a thriving Discord space where thousands of gamers find genuine connection, accountability, and the love of Jesus.

Together, Bubba and Dylan explore the realities of digital ministry, sustainable online discipleship, and why gaming can be one of the most powerful mission fields of our time.

DeadlyDill:

• discord.gg/deadlyfam
• twitch.tv/deadlydillgaming

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/

Bubba sits down with creative professional Jason H. Tucker — author, illustrator, and founder of Group Lore — to talk about how faith, creativity, and entrepreneurship intertwine. Jason shares his journey from architecture to storytelling, his vision for Group Lore and The Way of Yahweh, and his passion for helping artists unite creativity with business wisdom to sustain their calling.

Together, Bubba and Jason explore what it means to “color outside the lines” as Christian creators, living out faith authentically in every space.

Check it out: https://grouplore.com/

Hosted by Bubba.
Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/ncmu/