Welcome back to The Almost Amazing Podcast! We are kicking off a brand-new year with some much-needed reflections on growth, digital habits, and the power of honesty. In this episode, Jennifer Dennis, Ashley Miksch, and Justin Kellough dive into their New Year's resolutions for the show—including a new bi-weekly schedule to keep things steady and sustainable. We also have a candid conversation about the "why" behind getting off TikTok, the growing challenges of AI-generated content, and why real accountability is more than just a church buzzword. Plus, Justin shares some behind-the-scenes stories (and a few spelling mishaps) from our church's latest print project. In this episode, we discuss: Setting personal and podcast boundaries for the new year. The struggle with "AI trickery" on social media. The history and impact of "Wesleyan Bands" and partner accountability. Lessons in pastoral care from the latest Knives Out movie.

Welcome to another episode of The Almost Amazing Podcast! 🎙️

This week, Jennifer and Justin dive into the chaos of the holiday season, starting with a hilarious look at their Spotify Wrapped results. From Jennifer's obsession with "Brown Noise" and "Space Music" to Justin's surprising status as a top 1% Beyoncé fan (and his K-Pop secrets), we explore what our listening habits really say about us.

But it's not all laughs and sloths—we also get real about spiritual growth. We discuss how to move past awkward small talk to have deeper, more meaningful conversations about faith. We talk about the "Crazy Tony" method of asking people what God is teaching them, and why it's more important to hear someone's life story before their theology.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Sloth Phobia: Why Zootopia triggers some awkward memories.

Spotify Wrapped Confessions: Listening ages, hipster vibes, and still being on an old church's family plan.

Seminary Lessons: Why it's more about the questions than the answers.

Meaningful Connections: How to ask "What is God teaching you?" without being aggressive.

Spiritual Transformation: A heartfelt moment reflecting on how God is working through this podcast.

Welcome to The Almost Amazing Podcast! 🎉

We're the podcast that was "supposed to be focused on parenting," but honestly, we've kind of lost the plot along the way. Hosted by Jennifer Dennis and produced by Justin Kellough, our hope is to provide encouragement and fun alongside incredible people who love Jesus.

In this chaotic and fun Episode 178, we finally address the question everyone's been asking: Where is Barnacle Bart?

What's in this (almost amazing) episode:

The Legend of Barnacle Bart: We reminisce about our highly-successful (and perhaps slightly "under the influence" looking) pirate puppet show during the pandemic. Hear how Bart, voiced by Justin using his best Mr. Krabs impression, gave deep theological answers to "kids" (who we definitely didn't make up).

Friendsgiving Chaos: We recap the recent student ministry potluck, discussing the glorious mess of parent-contributed food—from gourmet cranberry-turkey balls to the unexpected appearance of 100 Taco Bell tacos.

The Amazing Cake Delivery: Jennifer shares a heartwarming and hilarious story from her teaching days about a third-grader who brought a full birthday cake to school via public bus.

Deep Thoughts: We talk about avoiding the daily routine rut and doing things actively for God that are uncomfortable , the power of simply noticing and acknowledging people , and what we're looking forward to exploring in eternity.

If our lack of clear direction bothers you, we apologize... but no one is making you listen to this podcast!

In this episode of The Almost Amazing Podcast, Jennifer, Justin, and Ashley dive into the latest cultural headlines and their own wild week! Ashley shares the chaotic story of her friend's apartment flooding in the middle of the night, detailing the four-hour ordeal of scooping out dirty water. Then, the hosts tackle a viral topic: Is it embarrassing for an independent woman to have a boyfriend? They debate the changing expectations in modern relationships, the impact of absent fathers, and the low perceived value-add men seem to bring in the secular dating world. The discussion pivots to the spiritual realm, where they talk about the breakdown of the family and how they've had to navigate the struggle between a child's happiness and their spiritual character. Jennifer also recounts a bizarre experience buying a car for her daughter, Olivia, from a mysterious, vacant warehouse-style dealership.

Welcome to The Almost Amazing Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jennifer Dennis and Justin Kellough check in with special guest Kaylie Simpson who shares her incredible and dramatic testimony of leaving a life of addiction and partying to become fully devoted to Christ. Kaylie recounts the moment her life changed forever on Halloween night, and how a relationship-focused sermon gave her the strength to break a toxic relationship and dedicate her life to full-time ministry. This powerful story is a beautiful reminder that God can use any moment to call us to Him. Plus, the crew dives into the funny, chaotic world of viral social media, the most niche ASMR content, and the true meaning of your algorithm!

Episode 175 of The Almost Amazing Podcast is here! Join Jennifer Dennis, Justin Kellough, and Ashley Miksch as they dive into the hilarious and often awkward reality of being "public figures" at church and getting spotted out "in the wild". In this episode: Public Life vs. Private Life: What's the most awkward place to run into a church member? From Marshall's to the gym, the hosts share cringe-worthy encounters. The "Bossy" Problem: We clear the air on a Bluetooth mishap that made Justin sound like a huge jerk to his wife—and why Jennifer thinks she's the one who's actually bossy to everyone on the team. Marriage and Chores: Who's doing all the work? We talk about using a butcher knife to cut butter, why one host is "fired" from grocery shopping, and the importance of a well-organized spice cabinet. Fostering Community: A powerful discussion on how every church member can help newcomers connect by adopting the mindset of a senior pastor. The Almost Amazing Podcast is brought to you by the City Rise Network. We don't know what this podcast is about, but we talk to incredible people who love Jesus! Subscribe for more encouragement and fun!

What starts with a debate about Lifesavers candy—and the safety feature of the hole in the middle—quickly devolves into a hilarious ramble that proves why The Almost Amazing Podcast has "lost the plot!" 🤷‍♀️ In this episode, Jennifer, Ashley, and Justin dive into everything from disturbing gym experiences (like that fire alarm at minute 29 and a devastating "fitness age" revelation) to terrifying break-in stories with surprisingly funny (and ill-advised) escape plans! 🏃‍♀️💨 Plus, we share the chaotic-but-thoughtful details of planning a farewell lunch, including a long line at a Mediterranean restaurant, a beautiful-but-ignored gift of flowers, and a card-signing frenzy. Join us for this week's "spiritual rambling" as we check in with Jennifer Dennis, Ashley Miksch, and producer Justin Kellough. It's an encouraging and fun time—even if we don't know what the podcast is about!

This week, the Almost Amazing Podcast crew is all over the place! Join Jennifer, Justin, and Ashley as they unpack:

• Why the camera has a personal vendetta against their teeth.

• The surprise Kebab Shop run-in that proves the podcast is a total flop (just kidding!).

• The controversial yet "incredible" movie that's got Justin driving to seminary with the soundtrack on repeat.

• Ashley's very specific Starbucks order and how it led to a conversation about loving Jesus.

• A hilarious deep-dive into the wild world of supplement trends, from magnesium to ashwagandha.

Tune in for a much-needed dose of fun, faith, and a whole lot of random banter!

Join hosts Jennifer Dennis and Justin Kellough on "The Almost Amazing Podcast" as they navigate the chaotic but hilarious world of ministry, seminary, and life's big questions. In this episode, they dive into their new podcast format (which might still be a work in progress 😉) and welcome back their favorite guest, Ashley Miksch. From getting dressed for a Bible study to facing down a "sloth" at the checkout counter, they explore the anxieties that creep into our lives and how to handle them. Then, the conversation takes a wild turn to seminary life, Greek class bullies, and the unexpected humility of learning ancient languages. Plus, Ashley drops a bombshell about her secret past. Stick around as they share stories of second weddings, dancing at receptions, and why you should never let a friend take your wedding photos. It's spiritual rambling, honest conversation, and a whole lot of fun.

Elizabeth Smith is a member of our church family who has joined our effort to disciple and mentor those younger in the faith through our Lift Groups. She shares about how she got involved and what God has taught her by leading others. If you are in Houston and are interested in mentoring others in the faith or being mentored yourself, visit https://cityrise.org/liftedlife and fill out a Lift Group interest form.