Jared and Karston sit down with Blarg to talk about all thing's student involvement — from getting teens on stage to behind the scenes in worship and production. Whether you’re trying to build a team, develop leaders, or just get students to show up on time, this episode is full of practical tips and honest stories to help you create a culture of serving in your ministry. 

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Erick (yes, Karston’s dad) and Josh Griffin! In this episode, we talk about what it takes to stay faithful, healthy, and effective in youth ministry over the long haul. Whether you’re just getting started or feeling burnt out, this one’s packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a few good laughs.

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest game-changers for youth pastors: smart resourcing. Guests Erick and Josh Griffin bring decades of experience, sharing their wisdom on how to leverage tools and people to avoid burnout and keep ministry sustainable. From juggling endless programming to balancing your time effectively, they unpack why letting go of doing it all yourself can actually strengthen your ministry. Packed with practical tips and real stories, this episode challenges you to work smarter so you can focus on what matters most—building real relationships with your students. 

In this episode we tackle a question every youth pastor wrestles with: How do we grow wide without growing shallow? Depth and growth aren’t rivals—they’re partners. We explore how to cultivate spiritual depth in ourselves and our students while also leading ministries that thrive and expand. With real talk, practical tips, and some hard-earned wisdom, this episode challenges us to build ministries rooted in Christ, not just driven by numbers. 

In this episode, we sit down with youth ministry legend Erick, a seasoned vet with 32 years of frontline ministry experience, to crack the code on one of the most crucial aspects of ministry: volunteers. From building a team that lasts, to inspiring buy-in and creating a culture where leaders thrive, Erick shares practical wisdom, hilarious stories, and hard-earned lessons. If you’ve ever struggled to recruit or retain volunteers, this one’s for you. 

This week we sat down with Colton Tucker, a youth ministry veteran who’s mastered the art of “being there”—from the football sidelines to the lunch line, Colton shares practical wisdom and wild stories about how simply showing up on school campuses can change everything. Whether he’s coaching teams, hanging out in the cafeteria, or praying with students before practice, Colton’s presence brings the gospel to life. If you’ve ever wondered how to gain access to schools, build trust with coaches, and truly be present in students’ everyday lives, this episode is a can’t-miss.

The real victory isn’t on the scoreboard. Join us as we talk with Josh Philips. Former NFL player, Youth pastor, and CrossFit instructor. You name it; he’s done it as an athlete. We talk about everything from family to youth ministry, to the NFL.

Mental health matters, for leaders and students alike. Jared and Karston tackle this important topic, discussing ways to support mental health, create a safe space for honest conversations, and show compassion for students going through tough times.

In ministry, preparation is everything. Jared and Karston talk about why planning sermons ahead can make all the difference, helping you share messages that flow naturally, stay focused, and reach the students who need them most.

Jared and Karston welcome female leaders who bring a unique and valuable perspective to youth ministry. It’s a thoughtful conversation that sheds light on the joys, challenges, and insights women bring to the ministry world.