Pass the Mic

It's time. We need to move different.

We started the Pass The Mic podcast late in 2013, now, more than a decade later, the podcast as you’ve known it is coming to a close. This is not so much an ending, but an evolution. We still have several more episodes airing every other week, and after the final episode, Tyler will continue on with the podcast under a new name and with a new exciting focus and Jemar will make occasional appearances.  

This episode is the announcement but not the ending. We’re planning a live, online finale episode later this year that you will all be invited to. 

So stay subscribed and stay tuned. 

Let’s address the natural question: WHY?!? 

First, Jemar, Tyler, and Beau are all good. 

There was no fallout, blowup, or disagreement that led to this decision. 

We are glad to say that closing out Pass The Mic did not come as a result of interpersonal drama or conflict. 

We have been engaged in this conversation for nearly a year. We reasoned together and concluded that this season of Pass The Mic has come to an end. 

Then we gave each other the time and space to process both the bitter and the sweet that comes with such a significant transition.

You’ll hear it on this week’s podcast episode, our genuine love and affection for one another has never been stronger. 

Our deepest thanks for the labor, the wisdom, and the friendship of the whole team both seen and unseen who have made this show possible.

So the shift is not about drama, it is about adapting. 

This decision did not arise from a place of fear or scarcity but of health and growth.

We’ve been saying for several episodes now that we have to move differently. 

The culture is changing. Our political situation is in crisis. The church is being called to witness in a new way. 

Tyler is doing life-shifting work as a pastor, and he has so many more ideas for other projects that he is now free to pursue.

Beau is doing the vital work of storytelling employing imagination to spark conversation and joy. Check out his upcoming show at MidnightHTX.com.

Ryan has a new day job, and is faithfully serving his church community.

Jemar has been sensing the Holy Spirit moving him to do more online teaching and acting as a bridge between academic study and the church practice. Be sure to follow his next project  “The Justice Journey: A Biblical Guide to Making Wrong Things Right.” 

We will, of course, miss Pass The Mic. 

This has been part of our lives for more than ten years. We have had so many laughs, memories, and bonding moments. 

Most importantly, you, our listeners and viewers, have been with us for the journey. 

What we will miss most is the community we’ve formed around the show and the ways you all have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us throughout this show. 

In times when the broader evangelical and Reformed community rejected us for our commitment to Christ and the blackness he gifted us with, you have been our steady and supportive siblings in the faith. 

Remember to keep listening. We still have more episodes coming, a live finale episode, and a new show by Tyler launching on the same podcast feed. 

With gratitude for what lies behind and expectation for what lies ahead, we say: 

See you soon on the next…?

But Why Tho?We Have to Move DifferentlyThanks to Our Community

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Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled.

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Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled.

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Look we talk about a lot of heavy topics on this podcast. This week we wanted to a break for some self-care but focusing on the three Gs: Gratitude, Gratefulness, and Giving Flowers. This one might be for us, but we hope you enjoy!

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Absolution or Accountability? Navigating Racial Justice in Christian Spaces... yeah, it's a very Pass The Mic type of episode this week. In this thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive deep into the complicated dynamics of Black Christians being expected to offer absolution to white Christians in the face of racism.

They explore how some Black Christian leaders have been pressured — or at times have chosen — to position themselves as brokers of racial reconciliation, often using the role to build platforms rather than pursuing genuine, hard truths about justice.

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Are popular movements with explosive growth healthy in the life of a Believer? In this thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns take a deep dive into the rise of popular Christian movements, including the Young, Restless, and Reformed crowd, and examine the growing influence of celebrity pastors like Mike Todd. What does it mean when ministry becomes a platform and growth outpaces accountability? The hosts unpack the spiritual, cultural, and communal implications of rapid church expansion, the allure of influence, and the challenges of navigating faith in the age of viral sermons and curated theology. Whether you're leading a church or scrolling through Christian content online, this episode invites you to reflect on what true discipleship and sustainable growth really look like.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the evolving landscape of "Digital Discipleship"—what works, what doesn’t, and what it all means for the Church in 2025. Does technology reshape how we connect and grow in faith? What is the strengths of online ministry & digital community-building? What are the pitfalls of virtual discipleship & where does it falls short? And is the local church still the center of spiritual formation? All of these questions and more will be discussed on this week's Pass The Mic.

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In this episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the rich history of Black institutions and their ongoing significance in today’s world. From historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Black churches, businesses, and media, these institutions have been pillars of strength, resilience, and progress for generations.

Dr. Tisby and Pastor Burns explore why these institutions were created, the challenges they have faced, and why they remain vital for Black communities today. They also discuss the threats to these institutions—both external and internal—and what must be done to protect and sustain them for future generations.

Key Topics Covered:

• The historical necessity of Black institutions in the face of systemic exclusion.

• The role of HBCUs, Black churches, and Black-owned businesses in community development.

• The cultural and spiritual significance of Black institutions.

• Modern threats to Black institutions, including economic pressures and political challenges.

• How Black communities can invest in, support, and preserve these vital spaces.

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First is was Cultural Marxism, then Social Darwinism, Social Justice Warriors aka SJWs, then Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter.... Tesla Lives Matter?... then CRT... Y'all remember CuRT!? And let's not forget about Woke... but today all problems and everything wrong with everything comes down to 3 letters: DEI

On a very special episode of Pass The Mic, Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the effects of the federal governments sweeping actions against DEI initiatives, how we must protect our Black institutions, Black boycotts, and where do we go from here.

You can support this podcast at patreon.com/PassTheMic

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