Pastors Unfiltered

This Pastors Unfiltered episode features hosts Brandon Beals and Tony Mattar in their usual mix of humor, candid conversation, and ministry insights, with special guest Justin Farley, Campus Pastor for Venture Spokane. The discussion blends lighthearted banter about cologne, weddings, sports, and pop culture with a deeply personal segment about Justin’s ministry journey, personal trials, and redemption.

00:00 – Intro
03:10 – Brandon’s surprising celebrity encounter
05:45 – Listener feedback & funny text threads
09:15 – Tony’s deep dive into betrayal in ministry
12:30 – When trust is broken: personal stories
15:40 – How leaders process pain without isolating
18:20 – The healing role of prayer & worship
21:50 – PB’s recent prayer retreat experience
25:10 – The importance of spiritual friendships
28:45 – Encouraging people to open up in small groups
31:30 – Balancing transparency and wisdom in leadership
35:00 – Stories of unexpected encouragement from church family
38:20 – Dealing with “ministry fatigue” and burnout
42:15 – Practical rhythms for staying spiritually healthy
45:40 – Tony’s top 3 ways to guard against bitterness
49:00 – How to pray for your pastors and leaders
52:20 – Listener Q&A: “What’s the hardest season you’ve been through?”
56:00 – Encouragement for those feeling alone in faith
59:15 – Wrap-up & what’s coming in the next episode

In Episode 114 of Pastors Unfiltered, Tony Mattar and Brandon Beals host Ivars Uckun, a former Muslim from Turkey who shares his powerful testimony of encountering Jesus after a life marked by cultural alienation, drug use, and disillusionment with religion. İvars describes a supernatural moment of meeting Jesus (“Yeshua”) in a Messianic synagogue that changed his life. Now a leader with the Al-Ma'idah Initiative, he helps Christians build meaningful relationships with Muslims through conversation, education, and community events. The episode mixes humor, cultural commentary, and spiritual depth—covering prophetic misfires, movie debates, and the radical love of Jesus that relentlessly pursues people from all backgrounds.

00:00 – Opening Banter & Staff Humor  
05:00 – Movie Talk: Fantastic Four, Superman, Happy Gilmore 2  
10:00 – Adam Sandler, Movie Contracts, and Holy Retribution Story  
15:00 – Travel Chaos, "Prophetic Word," and the Black Crow Incident  
20:00 – Debriefing the 'False Prophecy' and Funny Church Stories  
25:00 – Intro to Guest Ivars Uckun + Background  
30:00 – Growing Up Muslim in New Jersey  
35:00 – Alienation, Rebellion, and Turning to Drugs  
40:00 – Jail Cell Moment, Seeking God, Studying Religions  
45:00 – Meeting a Christian Woman & First Church Visit  
50:00 – Encountering Jesus in a Messianic Synagogue  
55:00 – Starting Discipleship, Following Jesus for 15 Years  
60:00 – Ivars' Ministry at Al-Ma'idah Initiative + Cultural Reflections  
65:00 – Fun Wrap-Up: Music, Marvel Rankings, In-N-Out vs Dick’s Debate

Check out Al-Ma'idah Initiative:
https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PL5QksT3IlLDrYUMJoQHR1z0akJvHZkPXR&si=bi2CG4fZ_RY5596G

In Episode 113 of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Tony, David, and John sit down to talk about the weight of leadership, family rhythms, and the beauty of staying grounded in your calling. From processing personal growth to handling criticism, this episode gets honest about what it looks like to lead well—without losing your soul in the process.

00:00 – Opening Banter: Towels, Showers, and David's Clarifications  
05:00 – Brandon’s Montana Trip + Horse Photos and Allergies  
10:00 – Palouse Campus Trip Recap: Alaska Airlines Fails  
15:00 – Getting Stranded in Pullman + College Cabs Chaos  
20:00 – Hotel Room Drama, Travel Vouchers, and The Mysterious Bench  
25:00 – Leadership & Hidden Sin: Coldplay Concert Affair Controversy  
30:00 – Leadership Reflections: Accountability, Church Culture, and Wisdom  
35:00 – Who Holds You Accountable? Personal Examples and Guardrails  
40:00 – Humility, Wisdom, and Living Above Reproach  
45:00 – Phones, Secrets, Vulnerability, and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Brandon and Tony open up about the real stuff pastors face—messing up on stage, navigating pressure, and raising up the next generation. From funny stories about preaching gone sideways to deep thoughts on teen discipleship and staying grounded in your calling, this episode hits both real talk and relatable laughs.

00:00 – Introduction: Pastor Tony & Dr. Brandon return
00:22 – Superman movie review & animated film chat
01:55 – Crypto the Superdog, Green Lantern, and casting nostalgia
04:23 – Epstein files & JD Vance discussion
06:00 – Cal Raleigh's Home Run Derby story
07:00 – Brandon’s grandchild name ideas
07:55 – Listener feedback and episode stats
10:35 – Welcoming Johnathan & Kailani Aleman
12:30 – The Alemans share their story, family & ministry journey
20:55 – Interview mishap turns into divine appointment
23:40 – Passion for junior high ministry & identity formation
27:44 – Kids ministry calling through personal tragedy
30:30 – New building announcement: kids & youth expansion
34:20 – The Alemans’ goals & dreams for the ministry
36:00 – What they’re reading, listening to & doing for fun
38:20 – Survivor fan talk & favorite podcasts
39:47 – Final encouragement & fundraising reflections
40:35 – Outro & contact info

We're back with a brand-new episode of Pastors Unfiltered, and this week, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon are catching up, cracking jokes, and diving into everything from international travel and lawn care... to apologetics, calling, and identity in ministry. Pastor Brandon shares stories from his recent Convoy of Hope trip, the struggles of house hunting in Seattle, and the heart behind Venture’s new sermon series: “God Problems.”

00:00 – Intro, Norway trip & gardening love
02:58 – PB’s yard obsession and seasonal planting
06:05 – Convoy of Hope trip stories & poker night
09:40 – The infamous Norway troll gift for Tony
12:00 – Tony's Seattle house-hunting woes
16:00 – Housing market frustrations & political commentary
20:10 – Affordability, condos, and Tony’s life plans
23:00 – Reflecting on old housing prices
26:00 – Why Tony might just live in a van
28:00 – Recap: From Ephesus series + naming changes
30:55 – New series: “God Problems” intro & format
35:15 – Series questions: purpose, evil, forgiveness, religions
38:30 – Topical vs. expository preaching styles
43:15 – Upcoming Ephesians & possible marriage series
46:20 – Sermon planning insights & topical concerns
48:50 – Pastoral identity and long-term calling
52:05 – Dealing with pastoral comparison & pride
57:10 – Reflections on young church planters & comparison culture
59:50 – Fillmore’s rising influence and pastor humility
01:03:00 – Best recent movie: *F1* (and sobbing during it)
01:06:00 – Brad Pitt at 61, Vin Diesel’s Fast & Furious hype
01:08:45 – Marty Solomon responds to criticism
01:12:30 – More troll jokes from Norway
01:13:45 – Final notes on Diddy & Epstein conspiracy theories
01:17:30 – Church scandals: Jimmy Swaggart legacy reflections
01:21:45 – Redemption vs. judgment in ministry failings
01:25:00 – Wrapping up: pastoral grace and pod outro
01:27:15 – PB’s intense facial expressions & listener feedback
01:29:00 – Tony confirms Judah is still single
01:30:00 – Final humor segment: Glenn Berteau impression & shoutouts
01:32:00 – Closing encouragements & subscribe reminder

In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony Mattar sits down with pastor, podcaster, and theology nerd Austin Molt—host of Sexy Theology—for a wide-ranging, deep, and fun conversation about all things theology, church culture, and faith. From why theology matters to the truth about saints, eschatology, and church tradition, this episode is both thought-provoking and hilarious. You’ll hear about:

00:00 – Intro: Tony solos this week + shoutout to Austin Molt
01:40 – Meet Austin Molt: Pastor, podcaster, dad of “non-Christian” toddlers
04:30 – Austin’s ministry journey: From youth to associate pastor
06:40 – 13 years in youth ministry: The power of staying rooted
09:25 – Austin’s unexpected start in theology via Watchman Nee
13:00 – What is theology? A simple and deep explanation
15:15 – Why average Christians feel hesitant about theology
18:40 – Critical minds, not critical hearts – avoiding “heresy hunters”
21:50 – The value of learning in community and asking better questions
24:35 – Theology vs. preaching – why pastoring is harder
26:20 – When pastors teach questionable theology – how to respond with humility
30:00 – “Permission-based pastoring” and healthy correction in church
33:20 – Rapid Fire Q1: “If God has an elect, why try?”
36:50 – Rapid Fire Q2: Has Revelation already happened?
41:15 – Revelation’s triple genre: Epistle, apocalyptic, prophetic
44:25 – Austin’s criteria for second coming references
47:10 – Why we obsess over the end times & blood moons
49:00 – Dispensationalism explained in plain language
51:50 – How to know when theology has “strayed”
55:00 – Is scripture infallible? And how is it different from creeds?
57:00 – Why Gen Z is drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy
01:01:45 – Romanticism vs. theology: Don’t just fall for narratives
01:04:50 – Liturgical reverence meets Spirit empowerment – both can coexist
01:07:15 – Why Protestants don’t venerate saints
01:10:00 – Final Q: Why do most Protestant churches not display crosses?
01:13:30 – Austin critiques “hyper-spiritualism” – the importance of physical symbols
01:15:20 – Final segment: Sexy Theology podcast intro + origin story
01:17:45 – Wrap-up: Austin’s church building, podcast studio, and what’s next
01:19:20 – Tony’s outro + birthday roast for Morgan

• Why average Christians can and should explore theology
• How ADHD actually helped Austin love theological study
• A fresh breakdown of dispensationalism, Revelation, and Catholic/Orthodox traditions
• What it means to hold truth and tension in spiritual maturity
• Why Protestant churches don’t use crosses like they used to
• And yes... the theology of Sasquatch makes an appearance 👀

Whether you’re a theology buff or just curious what it all means—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share! 📍 Guest: @AustinMolt
🎙️ Podcast: Sexy Theology – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

In this special episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Dr. Joseph Castleberry—author, theologian, and former president of Northwest University—joins Pastors Brandon Beals and Tony Mattar for a wide-ranging and powerful conversation about revival, awakening, and the future of the Church. Dr. Castleberry shares key insights from his book The Sixth Great Awakening, unpacking the difference between revival and awakening, and why the next 20 years could be the most spiritually significant in history.

00:00 – Intro and Seattle Weather Banter
02:00 – Weekend Recap with Brett Allen
05:15 – Summer Plans: Boats, Pickleball, and Vacations
08:00 – Disneyland and Club 33 Anniversary
10:20 – Introduction of Dr. Joseph Castleberry
12:15 – Seinfeld References and Light Banter
13:30 – Can Pastor Brandon Get an Honorary Doctorate?
16:10 – What Honorary Doctorates Really Mean
18:00 – Dr. Castleberry's Reflections on Coaching Doctoral Students
20:00 – Introducing “The Sixth Great Awakening” Book
22:30 – Revival vs Awakening: What’s the Difference?
27:45 – Current Spiritual State of America
30:40 – Revival Trends on the West Coast and Spirit-Filled Churches
33:00 – Signs of Revival and Sociological Trends
35:15 – European Revival and Gen Z Church Growth
38:10 – Rise of Men in Church Attendance
40:45 – Catholic and Orthodox Growth Among Gen Z
45:20 – Transubstantiation and Catholic Renewal
48:30 – Book Insights: The Next 20 Years of Church and Culture
53:40 – AI, Economic Disruption, and Opportunity
57:15 – The Importance of Praying for Revival
01:00:10 – Jesus Movement Memories and Hopes for the Future
01:03:45 – Why the Next Awakening Isn't Guaranteed for the Church
01:07:10 – Why Christian Higher Education Still Matters
01:12:20 – Northwest University’s Legacy and Impact
01:17:15 – Dr. Castleberry’s Next Chapter: Washington D.C. and Ministry to Leaders
01:22:40 – Georgetown Research, New Book Plans, and Latin American Influence
01:27:30 – Final Reflections and Farewell to Seattle
01:29:00 – Rapid Fire: What Are You Listening to, Reading, and Watching?
01:32:00 – Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Here is a link to Dr. Castleberry's book
https://www.amazon.com/Sixth-Great-Awakening-Renewal-American/dp/B0DB2RXPRX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JDNVI4PW5E9R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.We-uUEpKfVFekIKuyKT0t0XszZSEPwD8UUa75rWCghOCfBLR3Sccxod5n_oVJ91h5pezM8EbPFglL0Pf4FdxORZrVa6e-TlFZo9zNy-5gjSDQCzadWLtLHW_vGGmo1AxqVouzksGuqQbz-05GBRzqXIM3BJ_UiopU2lrt3dhVJA-UHpI3DksdJQ_n9ya6eveuicFsdG8dHD3DzmCNOahtbNxguhebU4CajkX8mBrtzY.miY4CmHHe3n_bFObg9CNB6YCeq5ZZmV0Id4d_0mMc6s&dib_tag=se&keywords=6th+great+awakening&qid=1750991180&sprefix=6th+great+%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

In this deeply honest episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastors Brandon Beals and Tony Mattar sit down with Sean King and Connor Takata to talk about the realities of bi-vocational ministry—the highs, the heartbreaks, and the holy tension between calling and career. Together, they explore: Why many pastors step away from full-time ministry, the emotional weight of transitioning to the secular workforce, what it means to be called—and how that calling evolves. How to balance work, family, finances, and faith why the church needs to rethink how we define ministry success from funny stories to raw reflection, this episode is for anyone in ministry, anyone called, and anyone wondering if they’re “doing enough” for God.

00:00 – Intro banter: episode number confusion & salty podcast hosts
02:40 – Meet Tim Cruickshank: former Navy SEAL and founder of Bonefrog Coffee
05:30 – Tim’s military journey: SEAL teams, injuries, and retirement
09:15 – Launching Bonefrog Coffee as a mission and business
12:00 – Why entrepreneurship is spiritual warfare
14:40 – The tension between faith and failure in business
17:30 – Purpose-driven businesses and the story behind the Bonefrog name
21:10 – Training in combat vs. life after the military
25:15 – Leading with conviction: “We will not compromise”
28:30 – The role of prayer and obedience in daily leadership
31:00 – God’s guidance in business and what success really looks like
34:00 – Raising kids to carry faith with integrity
36:45 – Learning to listen to God’s voice as a man
39:30 – Marriage, mission, and navigating hard seasons
43:00 – Spiritual battles in entrepreneurial and political spheres
46:00 – Tim’s view on America’s current spiritual condition
48:20 – Tim’s hope for revival among men and fathers
51:00 – What legacy looks like in war, family, and faith
54:10 – Rapid fire: coffee origin, favorite SEAL memory, best advice
57:00 – Final words from Tim & encouragement to listeners
59:30 – Outro: how to support Bonefrog Coffee and closing remarks

🔔 Subscribe and don’t miss a single unfiltered moment. 📲 Full episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

This episode of Pastors Unfiltered features returning guest Marty Solomon, author, theologian, and host of the BEMA Podcast, and covers theology, cultural commentary, and some Vegas vacation advice — all in classic PU style.

00:00 – Intro & Co-host Banter
03:30 – Listener Feedback & Lecrae Episode Stats
06:15 – Rant on Christian Music & Conversion Charts
11:20 – Movie Review: "If" with John Krasinski & Natalie Portman
15:50 – Guest Intro: Marty Solomon is back
17:45 – Reflections on Marty's Sermon & Popularity of His Last Episode
20:00 – Podcast Growth, Influence, and Being a Scholar
23:00 – Lecrae Podcast vs. Pastors Unfiltered (fun comparisons)
26:00 – Vegas Recommendations (Restaurants, Shows, Stadiums)
31:20 – Theology Chat: Torah, Compassion, & Biblical Worldview
35:00 – Genesis 1, Chiasm, and Creation Misconceptions
38:15 – Immigration, Refugees, and the Christian Response
42:40 – Navigating Cultural Melting Pots & Church Diversity
45:15 – Samaritan Reversal: When the Outsider Saves You
48:00 – Wokeness, Labels & Being Misunderstood in Ministry
51:10 – Rebooting the BEMA Podcast: Why & What’s New
56:00 – Marty’s Thoughts on the American Church
59:30 – Pastoral Advice: How to Handle Political Pressure in Church
1:03:00 – Christlike Character vs. Gifts of the Spirit
1:05:30 – Fruit as the Result of Abiding in Jesus
1:08:00 – Gen Z, Authenticity, and Church Leadership
1:11:15 – Pastoring in Tension: Palestinian Friends & Bridge-Building
1:13:00 – What’s Next for BEMA Podcast & Team Culture
1:16:00 – Marty’s Reading, Watching, and Listening (Hint: Nickelback)
1:19:30 – Farewell, Thank You & How to Support the Podcast

For more on BEMA podcast:
https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/

On this week’s episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Pastor Tony and Pastor Brandon welcome longtime friends Pastors Troy and Jana Jones from New Life Church in Renton, WA. Together, they dive into everything from viral moments in the Seattle church scene, to the incredible unity and growth happening across the region, to what it really looks like to build a strong, lasting marriage in ministry. Troy and Jana unpack the heart behind their new book, The Mosaic Marriage: How Two Imperfect People Become One Masterpiece, sharing stories from their 36 years of marriage—including hard conversations, personality differences, raising kids, and leading side-by-side in church.

00:00 – Intro: PB’s fresh Lecrae obsession
02:30 – Lecrae’s backstory & recent influence
05:15 – Why Lecrae’s words hit different now
07:40 – The spiritual deconstruction conversation
10:10 – Lecrae’s evolution: from rapper to prophet
13:00 – When churches become culture clubs
15:30 – Lecrae’s journey through criticism & canceling
18:15 – How to tell when you're idolizing a system, not Jesus
21:00 – Cultural Christianity vs. gospel-centered faith
23:30 – PB shares the “nothing changes if nothing changes” sermon moment
26:20 – The risk of making church comfortable instead of compelling
29:00 – Jesus didn’t come to entertain – He came to transform
31:15 – Tensions: love for the Church vs. critique of its culture
33:30 – Tony’s thoughts on Lecrae as a theologian
36:10 – Why Gen Z and Millennials are walking away
38:40 – Christian celebrity vs. authentic witness
42:00 – Discipleship: shaping hearts, not managing behavior
44:30 – The Lecrae interview that sparked this episode
47:00 – Tony’s closing: When the gospel feels more like a mirror than a badge
49:00 – Outro: shoutout to Lecrae & future guests

The Mosaic Marriage Book Here:
https://www.amazon.com/Mosaic-Marriage-Imperfect-People-Masterpiece/dp/1964508320/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KVS5ON3K1VI9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5r1GcUem-obV-MvHOjpjYmZCymC7BVYVt4_LhmrC8QTGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.HnL7Cjs69dcij22wOdPV5A5SqlvKcfDkk-Gf3-91hSM&dib_tag=se&keywords=mosaic+marriage+troy+jones&qid=1749165534&sprefix=Mosaic+mar%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1