The RELEVANT Podcast

Today we're joined by worship artist Benjamin William Hastings! You probably know him from his years with Hillsong United, but now he's releasing some amazing solo music. We talk to him about his new project — and what he means when he says he's a "recovering Deconstructionist." Plus, it's an all-boys episode (we're sorry) and things go predictably off the rails. We have the week's Slices, and at the end of the show we have another edition of Ask the Cast!

In this episode we're joined by author Malcolm Gladwell, who talks to us about pro-social contagion and how small groups can drive significant societal change. The cast also announces the podcast's shift to one show a week, and Jesse reveals his harrowing Speed-esque car troubles. The conversation then shifts to Slices — including the impact of social media on mental health and concluding with a discussion on the ethical implications of AI-generated worship music, questioning the authenticity and spiritual impact of AI-generated content. And at the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast! A lot happens.

In this episode, we're joined by David Funk from Bethel Music! Plus, Cameron apologizes for us missing the last episode — a hurricane prevented it unfortunately — and you hear his inspiring tale of surviving on Brioche bread. Derek joins late because of Emily, and then we have Slices — covering Netflix's new live talk show, Tesla's innovations in robotics, which may or may not delve into a discussion of WALL-E's predictions for humanity, and the implications of dream communication technology. At the end of the show, we have a new game called Guilty Confessions, revealing the quirks and guilty pleasures of the hosts.

00:00

Introduction and Apologies

03:07

Hurricane Milton Experience and Aftermath

09:46

Time Zone Confusion and Late Arrivals

12:11

Home Renovations and Life Updates

18:00

The Unexpected Impact of Contractors on Home Life

22:06

Discussion on Sitcoms and Remakes

27:01

Netflix's New Live John Mulaney Talk Show

34:10

Tesla and Robotics Innovations

38:58

The Illusion of Automation

43:27

WALL-E and the Future of Comfort

45:52

Dream Communication: A Sci-Fi Reality?

47:29

David Funk: Worship and Community at Bethel Music

52:57

The Heart of Worship: Responding to God's Presence

56:23

The Unique Experience of Worship Nights

01:00:07

Guilty Confessions

This episode, we're joined by Dr. Francis Collins, a prominent scientist and Christian leader. We talk about the intersection of science and faith, exploring whether they can coexist and complement each other. He discusses the societal division regarding truth, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for Christians to take action in bridging divides and restoring trust in science and faith communities. We also have the week's Slices, which gets way too into birds and travel magic, and a very dumb stunt taken against a fake Taylor Swift guitar. And at the end we play "Would You Rather: Fall Edition"!

In this episode, host Cameron Strang, Derek, Emily and Marty discuss everything from home renovations to the impact of recent hurricanes to the challenges faced by communities in disaster relief. The conversation shifts to the music industry, particularly the issue of plagiarism in Christian music, before diving into an interview with Chris Llewellyn from Rend Collective about their new music and the exploration of worship. The episode concludes with Table Topics that go very, very sideways.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Derek's Home Renovations

02:56 Hurricane Helene Impact 

06:08 Disaster Relief and Community Support

08:53 Christian Music and Plagiarism 

18:20 Rend Collective's New Music and Worship Exploration

35:05 Table Topics

Today we’re joined by churchome pastors Judah and Chelsea Smith! We have a fascinating conversation about change and innovation — something they’re pretty known for. Plus, Cameron records during a hurricane, Jesse realizes he’s fantastic at bowling, and the cast debates the merits of pickleball versus racquetball. For RELEVANT Buzz, there’s a new study showing how young women are getting more liberal and young men more conservative, and movie theater owners are doing some crazy things to attract people again. And at the end of the show, we have a big announcement! 

Today we're joined by author Lysa TerKeurst, who gives us a first look at her upcoming book about healing from a toxic relationship. Plus, the cast brings the week's Slices, we do a deep-dive into the impact of 2000s VH-1, and at the end of the show we have Pumpkin Spice Hot Takes!

Today we're joined by author and pastor Max Lucado for a fascinating conversation about the End Times. Don't miss it! Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering everything from Nate Bargatze's unexpected role in SNL's 50th season, to Caitlin Clarke's social media backlash, to "big news" about the 'Passion of the Christ' sequel. At the end, we have your hilarious reality show ideas, and prepare yourself, the cast talks a lot about their hair. Or lack thereof. 

Today we're joined by Carlos Whittaker, who has a new book tackling the benefits of unplugging from our phones because of some unexpected experiences he recently embraced. We talk to him about it all. Plus, the cast tackles the current state of the music industry and award shows (thanks, VMAs), as well as Kendrick Lamar name-dropping some Christian rappers in his new track, spy whales, and the role of AI in unemployment benefits. At the end of the show, because the Emmys were Sunday, they have a session of a TV-themed "Unpopular Opinions Roundtable," and somehow ended up in a deep dive of an obscure Ben Stiller film. Of course.

Today we're joined by Drew Holcomb (sans neighbors) to talk about his new album that happens to drop today! Plus, the cast dives deep into the new Mormon housewives show (sorry), a little mention of the debate (nothing partisan, we promise), and the week's RELEVANT Buzz — covering the big Nate Bargatze news, the reason why so many millennials are not having kids, and a true testament to getting back up after you get knocked down: the return of FireFest. At the end of the show, we have your feedback about '90s movies that still hold up!