The RELEVANT Podcast (Subscriber Edition)

It’s only our second-ever video episode, and things already get weird. (What's new?) The crew dives into the wildest stories this week — unpacking whether Instagram is really “not listening,” the lady who will name your baby for the low, low price of $30,000, and Emily uncovers the faith-filled backstory of SNL’s James Austin Johnson (spoiler: he started in Christian movies). Plus, we relive the legendary Fabio goose incident, cringe youth group names and a lot more!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Video Podcast Transition
03:04 Audience Reactions and Expectations
05:58 Fabio's Roller Coaster Incident
08:59 Randy Johnson's Bird Incident
11:34 Celebrity Comparisons and Humor
14:40 Local Legends and Mount Trashmore
15:54 The Golden Era of Morning Radio
19:54 SLICES
24:48 The Business of Naming Babies
31:27 A New Mom Is a Gaming Superhero
33:13 Instagram's Controversial Listening Claims
34:33 Exploring Social Media Manipulation
39:15 An SNL Cast Member's Christian Movie Past
44:19 ASK THE CAST

It’s our first video podcast! This week, we try a bunch of new things that may (or may not) live on, but we want you to check it out and tell us what you think about the possible new format. We have some big announcements about the new era of the show at the beginning, and then Slices is back! Jesse brings some vital squirrel news, Derek brings the dystopian future of drone surveillance, and Emily brings a heart check about sharing our faith that spurs an unexpected conversation. At the end of the show, we have Ask the Cast, and definitely connect with us on Instagram @RELEVANTpodcast or YouTube to tell us what you think about the new format! 

Today we're joined by actor Matthew McConaughey for a fascinating conversation about faith, prayer and cynicism. Plus, this week Slices is back! Jesse brings the Aquatic Conspiracy and Crimes beat, and Emily brings some surprising vintage media news. And at the end of the show, we have a hilarious round of 'One Has to Go'!

Today we're joined by Christian hip-hop icon Lecrae. He just released his 10th album, Reconstruction, and we talk about legacy, impact and the future of Christian hip-hop. Plus, Derek tells us all about his new album that's releasing next week — and took 6 years to make. In RELEVANT Buzz, we dive into the crazy 1st concert being hosted at the Vatican, a surprising study about which generation attends church the most, the tough job market facing twentysomethings, and Carrie Underwood leading worship at her local church. And at the end the show, we have a hilarious edition of 'One Has to Go!'

Today, instead of a guest interview, we give you the first look at the new digital issue of RELEVANT! It features a stacked line-up, and we can't wait for you to hear about it. Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering the bold faith of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' star Gavin Casalegno, a new job that will pay you for scrolling social media all day, and the movie theater that had a Catholic bishop blessing people with holy water before they watched the new 'Conjuring' horror film. Plus, we have 'One Has to Go' and a lot more!

Today we're joined by reality TV star and CEO of Duck Commander, Willie Robertson! Plus, in Slices we tackle everything from the impact of TikTok on our brains to the ethically questionable thing the Chinese are now doing with robots. The guys of course discuss this week's big engagement news, we learn more about the important work of Sole Hope, and at the end of the show we have 'One Has to Go!'

Today we're joined by Allison Eide, an indie artist that's exploding right now. We talk about her viral hit, "IDK," how mental health has shaped her faith journey and a lot more. Plus, we have RELEVANT Buzz, covering SNL star Ego Nwodim opening up about how she labels her faith now, news that Americans are historically sober, and Jets QB Justin Fields' surprising addiction. The cast discusses travel weariness, "MacGruber" and Nate Bargatze's new tour, and at the end of the show we have One Has to Go, including Jesse's Tom Cruise observation that will forever change how you see his movies. 

Today we're joined by actor, artist and viral sensation Nathan Davis Jr! We talk about his surprising shift to Christian music, his viral breakout, creativity and a lot more! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz we cover the seemingly weekly Forrest Frank news, AI Jesus chatbots and the Jonas Brothers bringing out Switchfoot for a huge stadium show. At the end of the show we have One Has to Go, and don't miss our conversations about authenticity in Christian music and a lot more!

Today we're joined by actor Tony Hale! You know him from Veep, Arrested Development and a million other iconic roles—but now, he’s taking on something a little different. He stars in Sketch, a new film that dives into the power of creativity, healing and facing your fears. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, including Forrest Frank's crazy last two weeks, and a deep dive conversation about the Maverick City Music controversy that's been filling up social media the last couple of weeks. And of course, at the end of the show we have One Has to Go!

Our guests today are Strings & Heart, a Christian indie rock group that's exploding right now. Plus, we have the week's RELEVANT Buzz, including new analysis on the state of modern worship (specifically who's writing all the songs), some news out of Washington about the role of faith in federal workplaces, and boxer Manny Pacquiao's surprising plans for his fight weeks. We also have our RELEVANT Recommends pick of the week, and at the end of the show it's 'One Has to Go'!